House Cleaning and Health

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can contain up to ten times more pollution that the air outside due to toxic emissions from airborne mold, viruses, and other pollutants.  Since Americans spend most of their time indoors, especially during the winter months, this can be an unhealthy situation for most of us.

Improved air quality contributes to overall health and can improve productivity.  A very simple way to improve indoor health is by placing plants around your home.  Plants naturally clean the air of toxins and chemicals. 

To reduce toxins, try placing these plants around your home:

Kentia Palm plants reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) levels in the air.  Volatile Organic Compounds are toxins that are released from household items such as toxic household cleaners and paints.

Janet Craig plants take in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and also VOCs. 

A small table-size plant called Peace Lily (Sweet Chico) also reduces VOCs.  Peace lilies grow well in moist, humid environments.  Keeping a peace lily growing in the bathroom can help reduce the amount of mold in the bathroom. 

Plants usually take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  The cycle slows down during the night.  Gerbera daisies release their oxygen at night. For those with sleep apnea or breathing disorders, increasing the amount of oxygen in the room can help them achieve deeper and more restful sleep.

Spider plants remove toxins from the air and keep it cleaner and more breathable. A study done by NASA showed that spider plants are very effective at removing pollutants from the air within a matter of days.

Believe it or not,  English ivy plants reduce the amount of benzene from books and papers. Benzene can interfere with focus, study, and work.  Reducing benzene is a great way to help students keep on top of their schoolwork.

When exposed to dry air, Boston ferns release moisture and act as natural humidifiers. Placing a few Boston ferns in a dry area of the house can help keep it moist. These plants are especially beneficial in winter, when the dry air can cause skin and lips to crack.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Source:

www.NASA.gov

www.epa.gov

www.wolvertonenvironmental.com/air.htm

Spring is here, and so are the ants!  For some of us, ant season may be year round.  Instead of using expensive pesticides that are filled with toxic chemicals, why not go green?

First, clean up any scrap food or garbage that may be lying around.  This way the ants won't have a food source to go to .  

Sprinkle salt, basil, pepper (red or black) or cinnamon along the areas that ants flock to in your home.  Don't forget to sprinkle along doorways and window sills. You can also place bay leaves in cabinets to get rid of ants.  The Bay leaves also help keep cockroaches away.

Ants also do not like mint, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or coffee grounds.  You can sprinkle any of these items along the pathway of the ants.

If you have an area in your home that is difficult to sprinkle the above ingredients around, try using a liquid solution to get rid of the ants instead.  Place equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray wherever you see ants.  Peppermint oil can also be used.  

Wipe down the counters, walls, doorways and floors with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. The strong smell should repel the ants.

Try placing cucumber peels in the areas that you see ants the most.  Cucumber peels are toxic to the types of fungi ants feed on, and are avoided by ants. This is a good deterrent before ants become a problem so use this solution at the beginning of ant season.  Change the cucumber peel often.  

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Turn plastic jugs and paper scraps into recycled flower pots.  Instead of buying a card, make your own mother's day cards.  How about trying to make perfum from a flower?  For the younger ones, make fingerpainted vases, or turn plastic jugs into flower pots.  For the older kids, try making a ring from an old vinyl record, or make a frame or mirror from leftover mosiac tiles.

If you're not the DIY type, you can still give mom a gift that's sentimental and heartfelt; plenty of sellers on Etsy will work with you to make bags, art, and jewelry to your specifications. Send in profiles of you and your siblings and they'll be recreated with exacting detail on classic white backgrounds.

Take black and white shots and put them in colorful wooden frames made of lumber reclaimed from boats and houses.

Look for pieces of jewelry upcycled from glass and pottery.  Mom will love that her gift is eco-friendly too.

Instead of buying a fruit platter, make your own fruit basket or platter will all the fruits mom loves.

Buy gifts online from stores that also raise money for good causes.  Animal resuce places sell beautiful tea pots and jewelry online and some of the proceeds go to feeding animals in shelters.  Add some organic tea bags and freshly baked scones for a tea party mom will love.

Take the kids and work aroung moms house for the day.  Moms could always use help around the house!  If you don't feel like cleaning, hire a environmentally green cleaning company to do the work!

Plenty of moms say they don't need anything for Mother's Day, and the fact is, most of them are telling the truth. Finding a way to spend time together on or around the holiday will mean a lot to her.  Cook an organic dinner, take a walk through a local park or beach, get tickets to that art exhibit she's been wanting to see.  It's a perfectly-timed reminder that not all great memories come from consumerism.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Are you stuck on what to give "mom" for Mother's Day this year?  Are you tired of giving her the same old presents?  Why not give mom something that she will love.... a day off from cleaning!

Give mom a day off and let Let Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services do the cleaning for her!

Maid Brigade is the leader in green cleaning for the health of you and your family.  They have developed the nation's first Green Clean Certified cleaning standard, and uses green cleaning solutions, not chemicals to clean your home.  

Make mom feel like a Queen this year and give her something she'll love....for more information, log on to greencleancertified.com, or maidbrigade.com.

 

Did you know that you can clean your carpets by using just a few inexpensive ingredients found right in your own home?  Effective, nontoxic cleaners create a safer environment for your family, especially for pets and children who are in close contact with the floor.

Choose eco-friendly carpet cleaners. Many over-the-counter carpet cleaning products contain pesticides, formaldehyde and other harmful toxins similar to those used in chemical dry cleaning.

These chemicals release fumes called volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, they can cause many short- and long-term health problems, such as headaches, vomiting, asthma attacks, skin allergies, loss of coordination, cancer and damage to the kidneys and liver.

Homemade Carpet Cleaners

Clean carpets with natural ingredients, like vinegar, water, baking soda and plant-based soap.

Deodorize, disinfect and remove light stains by spraying soiled carpet with a mixture of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 1 part water. Let sit for a few minutes then rinse the area with water.

To make a simple, nontoxic carpet shampoo, mix a cup of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil-based soap.  Rub the mixture into the carpet with a brush.  Rinse area thoroughly with clean water.

For tough stains, replace commercial carpet detergents with a thick mixture of baking soda, water and plant-based soap.

Remove fresh red wine stains with full-strength club soda.

Make sure to porvide adequate ventilation when using water and liquid cleaners on carpets to prevent the growth of mold.

Homemade Steam Cleaners

Instead of using commercial steam-cleaning detergents, pour tap water or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in the steam cleaner’s reservoir.

For soiled areas, use more vinegar, just make sure to test the mixture on a small area first to check for discoloration. Use the steam cleaner as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.  Make sure to provide adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth. The vinegar smell will disappear when the carpet dries. 

Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and moisture from the carpet.  

To remove greasy stains, mix 2 cups baking soda and 1/2 cup cornmeal or cornstarch. Sprinkle the mixture across the carpet and let it sit for at least a half an hour.  Vacuum the area.  

For stains with odors, add 1 tablespoon ground cloves and 5 crumbled bay leaves or a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baking soda mixture.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Carpeting can make our homes look warmer and more inviting.  It is soft enough for babies to walk on, it reduces noise levels, and it is more cost-effective than stone, tile, or wood flooring.

Carpet provides the healthful role of filtering the air.  Carpet acts like a trap, keeping dust and allergens out of the air we breathe.  Basically, what falls to the carpet tends to stay trapped in the carpet until it is removed through vacuuming.  

Unlike smooth floor surfaces that allow dust and other allergens to recirculate into the breathing zone, properly maintained carpet actually contributes to improved air quality.

According to the American Lung Association, homeowners spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors.  The Environmental Protection Agency states that indoor air is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air, which shows how important air quality is.

Ventilation and cleanliness go hand-in-hand when improving the air quality in your home.  If you have allergies, be sure that your home is properly ventilated.  Use common sense when opening windows.  Things like paint smells, tobacco smoke, and radon negatively impact air quality.

If you love to have the windows open, but know that you will have trouble during the high-pollen seasons, you may want to invest in a good air purifier.  Istall HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) or other high-quality filters on your ventilation system to help cut down the number of pollen spores in the air and, potentially, in your carpet.

Keeping your carpet clean can help reduce or eliminate any allergic reaction you may be having.  To reduce allergens in your carpeted home:

 Place doormats at each entrance.  

 Invest in a high-quality air purifier.

 Install special vent filters on your ventilation system.

Vacuum twice a week.  This alone can greatly reduce allergens in the air.

Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter or other "allergen containment" system.

Wear a surgical-style dust mask when cleaning to avoid breathing in any dust, dander, or other allergens.

Avoid decorating with soft upholstery, tapestries, thick drapes or long, heavy curtains that are difficult to wash and attract dust. Instead, use shutters, blinds, or light, washable curtains on your windows.  Use furniture with canvas, leather, or some other dense, easily cleaned fabric.

Clean up spills quickly.  Blot with a clean cloth, do not rub or grind into the carpet.

If you move into a new house where the past owners had pets, and you are allergic to pet dander, have the carpet deep-cleaned before moving your furnishings and clothing in. For the first few weeks you live there, vacuum at least twice a week using a powerful vacuum with a HEPA filter. While there will probably still be some small pieces of dander and/or hair in the carpet fibers you will have significantly fewer problems and could potentially eliminate the need for costly new flooring.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv

We usually think of air pollution as something outside, but the truth is, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside.  The air inside your home may be polluted by lead (found in house dust), formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, and even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners.  Some pollutants, like dust mites, mold and pet dander, are tracked into the home by pets, shoes, furniture, and even other people.    

People with asthma, children, and even the elderly can be sensitive to indoor pollutants, and after repeated exposure, other effects on health may appear years later.

Indoor allergens and irritants have become more important in recent decades because we are spending more time indoors.  Since most homes are airtight, these irritants cannot easily escape.

Ways to improve indoor air quality:

1.  Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.  This will reduce concentrations of lead, as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites in your home.

2.  Mop it up.  Using microfiber mops and dust cloths will capture dust. Skip the soaps and cleaners and just use plain water.  Microfiber cloths don't require any cleaning solutions.

3.  Use a mat.  Put a large floor mat at every door.  People track all sorts of things on their shoes.  A door mat will reduce the amouont of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home.

4.  Keep a healthy humidity level.  Dust mites and mold love moisture.  A dehumidifier and/or an air conditioner will help reduce moisture in indoor air and effectively control allergens.  For allergy sufferers, an air conditioner also reduces indoor pollen count.

 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv

Baking soda and washing soda both absorb odors. But unlike baking soda, slightly stronger washing soda cannot be ingested, so wear rubber gloves when handling it.

You can use either baking soda or washing soda to clean the following:

Can opener. Dip a toothbrush in a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and use it to dislodge gunk.

Garage floors/concrete surfaces. Pour washing soda generously on oil and grease spots and sprinkle with water until a paste forms. Let stand overnight. The next day, scrub with a damp brush, hose down, and wipe clean.

Garden tools. Dip a moist stiff-bristled brush in washing soda to scrub trimmers, clippers, and more. Rinse, then place in a sunny area to dry. Avoid using washing soda on aluminum tools.

Grills and barbecue utensils. To combat tough grease stains, dip a moist stiff- bristled brush in washing soda and scrub away.

Stove burner grates. In a dish pan, soak the grates in 1 gallon warm water and ½ cup washing soda for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry.

Stained teacups and coffee mugs. Fill with 1 part baking soda and 2 parts water and soak overnight. Rub with a sponge and rinse.

Upholstered furniture. To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, then vacuum.

Scuffed walls. Erase crayon marks by applying a baking soda paste (equal parts baking soda and water) to white painted walls only. Baking soda may dull colored walls. Let dry before brushing it off with a clean cloth.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv

Did you ever wonder about the ingredients that make up your cleaning products?  Since companies do not have to disclose all the ingredients in cleaning products, how do we, as consumers, know which ones might be harmful to use?

Here is a list of frequently found ingredients that can be toxic to you and the environment:

Ammonia is found in glass cleaners, floor cleaners and bathroom cleaners.  It is poisonous when swallowed.  Ammonia is a big irritant to the skin or when inhaled.

Diethylene Glycol is found in glass and bathroom cleaners.  It is poisonous when swallowed and irritating to the lungs.

Chlorine Bleach is found in a variety of cleaners.  It is very irritating to the eyes and skin and is an environmental hazard.

Triclosan is found in antibacterial cleaners and thought to be contributing to antibiotic resistant bacteria.

DEA and TEA are found in many products and used as preservatives.  When combined with nitrosomes, they can produce carcinogens.

Petroleum based ingredients are found in all kinds of cleaners.  They are very bad for the environment.

Fragrance is found in air fresheners and almost all cleaners.  Fragrance usually contains phthalates used to stabilize synthetic scents.  Fragrance is a known carcinogen and is a frequent cause of allergies.

1,4-dioxane is found in dishwashing and other household cleaners.  It has been found to be a cancer causing ingredient.

Formaldehyde is found in a variety of cleaners.  It is a known carcinogen.

 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Source:  Environmental protection agency

Indoor allergies impact the lives of millions each year and have the potential to cause chronic health problems ranging from allergies, upper respiratory issues and asthma. However, these allergies can easily be managed by reducing the level of airborne allergens in the home. 

Dust consists of microscopic particles found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Typically, house dust allergies are triggered by common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, cockroach waste, pet dander and mold. Symptoms of a house dust allergy include sneezing, runny, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Vacuum Cleaners:

Cleaning the surfaces in the home may not be enough to remove allergens and prevent their recirculation back into the indoor air. An essential tool for household cleaning is a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum. HEPA filters are designed to trap small particles such as allergens and prevent their recirculation.  Traditional vacuums put allergens back into the indoor air triggering house dust allergies. 


Carpeting:

Carpets easily trap airborne particles and allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Reducing trapped allergens and house dust requires:

Regular weekly or twice weekly vacuuming with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

Professional cleaning every six months to a year to remove trapped allergens, mold and other particles able to re-circulate into the air.

Removal of carpeting may be recommended for those with moderate to severe allergies. 

House Dust and Dust Mites:

Bedding, comforters, curtains, towels and other soft surfaces trap dust mites. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, dust mites are the most common trigger of allergies and asthma. Several steps can be taken to reduce the level of dust mites as an allergen trigger in the home.

• Vacuuming soft surfaces to remove dust once or twice weekly.
• Washing bedding, comforters, towels and curtains in hot water reaching at least   130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use of allergen proof covers or hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses. 

Helpful Household Tips:

• Use HEPA filtration air purifiers and systems to remove airborne allergens and reduce symptoms caused by house dust allergies.
• Use a dust mask while cleaning if needed. This will limit the exposure to airborne allergens in the home, and decrease allergy symptoms.
• Clean up after meals. Open food not only attracts bugs and mice, but cockroach waste in particular can trigger a house dust allergy.
• Dry all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen after use, and check for leaks in the plumbing that can result in mold growth.
• Use natural homemade green cleaning solutions to clean your home.
• Basements, vents and crawl spaces can hide and trap allergens and household dust, pushing them into clean areas of the home. These areas should be cleaned on a regular basis because they easily hide areas with high moisture and humidity, promoting mold growth and circulation of spores in the home.

Indoor Allergy Relief is Possible!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Want a greener, more eco-friendly pet?  Here's how:

In the United States, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born every day, most of them without homes.  Since we don't need any more homeless animals than we already have.  Instead of buying a pet from a breeder, why not adopt?  Log on to Petfinder.com to find your perfect match.  Spaying and neutering your pet helps them live longer, healthier lives by eliminating the possibility of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer, and decreasing the incidence of prostate disease. 

The Humane Society of America recommends keeping cats indoors because of the dangers of cars, predators, disease, and other hazards. The estimated average life span of a free-roaming cat is less than three years.  Indoors-only cat gets to live an average of 15 to 18 years.

Most conventional pet-food brands you find at the supermarket consist of reconstituted animal by-products, otherwise known as low-grade wastes from the beef and poultry industries.  Unless the can of pet food explicitly states that it contains FDA-certified, food-grade meat, you should know that its contents are considered unfit for human consumption.  

Natural and organic pet foods use meats that are raised in sustainable, humane ways without added drugs or hormones, minimally processed, and preserved with natural substances, such as vitamins C and E. Certified-organic pet foods must meet strict USDA standards that spell out how ingredients are produced and processed, which means no pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, artificial ingredients or genetically engineered ingredients.

Cat owners should avoid clumping clay litter at all costs. Not only is clay bad for the planet, but the clay sediment is also permeated with carcinogenic silica dust that can coat the cats lungs.  The sodium bentonite that acts as the clumping agent can poison your cat through chronic ingestion.  Because sodium bentonite acts like expanding cement it can swell up to15 to18 times their dry size and clog up your cat's insides. Eco-friendly cat litters can avoid these problems.  

Buy your pets toys made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers (like hemp).  You can also buy organic cotton pet beds and recycled PET bottles.   

Wash your pets with natural pet-care products. 

Use a child/pet-safe de-icer. Rock salt and salt-based ice-melting products, which kids and animals might accidentally ingest, can cause health problems, while contaminating wells and drinking supplies.

Get your pet a hanging tag made out of recycled aluminum or recycled silver.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Source:  http://Petfinder.com

 If you are like me, you take pride in your clean home.  I wash, scrub, vacuum, spray, and polish so that my home stays clean and neat.  But some of these cleaners also can cause pollution, both indoors and outdoors, which is why I will only use natural household cleaners.  How green are your cleaning supplies?  According to the EPA, keep the following in mind:

1.  Laundry detergent:  Your washer sends a lot of dirty water down the drain.  Besides dirt, what is in that water?  Many detergents contain phosphates, chemicals that help get clothes clean.  When phosphates get into waste water, they speed the growth of algae, which can kill fish and plants that live in the water.

     Besides phosphates, some detergents contain concentrated chemicals, like surfactants (which help with cleaning) and bleach (which removes stains).  Surfactants are made from petroleum, the nonrenewable source from which oil and gasoline are made.  Most bleach contains cancer-causing chlorine.

     Some detergents claim to be "biological", meaning that they contain enzymes to help dissolve stains and make the detergent work in cooler water.  Some detergents claim to be "biodegradable", which means that the detergent breaks down and becomes harmless in the waste system.  But this doesn't always happen. 

2.  All -purpose cleaners may contain ammonia, which can be harmful to your lungs, and chlorine, which can form cancer-causing compounds when released into the environment.

3.  Drain Cleaners contain very strong chemicals such as lye and hydrochloric and sulfuric acids.  These can burn your skin and can cause blindness if they get into your eyes.

4.  Flea and tick control products contain ingredients that have never been adequately tested for safety.  While not intended for use on people, they can rub off your pet onto furniture, exposing you to the risk of cancer and other diseases.  

5.  Floor and furniture polishes contain phenol, which causes cancer in laboratory animals.

6.  Metal polishes contain ammonia, phosphoric, and sulfuric acids, which are not healthy to breathe.

7.  Mothballs contain p-dichlorobenzene, which causes cancer.

8.  Oven cleaners contain lye, a powerful chemical that can burn your skin and lungs or cause blindness if splashed in your eyes.

9.  Toilet cleaners contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which can burn your skin and eyes.


   Take a good look at the cleaning products you use to clean your home with and see which ingredients they contain that may be harmful.  Why expose your family to all these toxic chemicals?  Help save the planet and keep your family healthy by green cleaning your home!    
    
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Every year during spring time, before I bring out all of my outdoor furniture, I like to give the deck a good cleaning.  Because I do not like to use harsh chemicals in or outside of my home, I turn to vinegar to help make my deck sparkle.  

Vinegar is a great cleaner, inside and outside the home.  It is even good in the garden.  Combining vinegar with baking soda can boost its cleaning power.

Vinegar is acidic which means it is a good cleaner for water stains and lime deposits. It is also a great rinsing agent because it dissolves soap scum. Spraying it in the shower, tub or even adding some to the laundry rinse cycle does wonders when it comes to getting rid of soap residue.

To clean the deck, pour on some vinegar and let it sit for about one hour in the sunlight.  Rinse with water.  Repeat if necessary. With a little scrubbing, you can clean the deck, remove resistant rust stains, keep ants away and make the soil acidic for other plants. Using a scrub brush can help get rid of those stubborn mold/mildew areas.  

Mix equal parts of water and vinegar together.  Apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar should get the job done.  Add twice as much vinegar for a stronger solution, or mix 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda toa gallon of water.

To sanitize the deck area, spray on hydrogen peroxide after cleaning with vinegar.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Did you know that chemical sprays used for cleaning could actually trigger asthma and allergies in adults?

According to a study of more than 3,000 adults who did not have asthma when the study began, using cleaning sprays more than once a week can trigger asthmatic attacks, and the risk of asthma increased as the use of sprays increased.

Sprays that could lead to asthma and allergies include glass cleaners, furniture cleaners, and air fresheners, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Previous studies have shown that people whose work exposes them daily to cleaning products, especially spray degreasers, bleach solutions, and air fresheners, are more likely to have asthma or the kinds of respiratory systems, such as coughing and wheezing, that people associate with allergies. Women who already have some type of lung infection or illness are at increased risk from spray cleaning products.

Cleaning with homemade natural ingredients, like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and washing soda, is a healthier way to keep your home shining!
 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Behind the shine of the bleaches, foams and sprays, are artificial fragrances and toxic chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution, which can be harmful if inhaled or touched, and may be poisonous if ingested.

About 90 percent of all accidental poisonings occur in the home. In fact, some cleaners are among the most toxic products we can buy. Some cleaners even pollute the ground water or contain flammable ingredients and corrosives that can irritate eyes just by opening the containers. Many of them could send us to the hospital or even cause death if swallowed.

The potential dangers of toxic home cleaning products have many people on a "go-green" path. In 2009, sales of natural cleaning products in the United States totaled $150 Million. Some of these cleaners are labeled with big promises and a hefty price tag. However, just because the ingredients in green cleaners are plant-based or "natural" does not necessarily mean they are safe.

Everyday products found in your home can be used to make non-toxic cleaners for many of your cleaning needs. They are safe to keep around the house and children, and they are easier on your bank account.  Here are some recipes to try:


Laundry.  Eliminate the need for chemical fabric softeners by adding 1/4 cup of vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle.

To clean laundry, combine 15 ml castile soap, 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar.  Fill washer with water and add each ingredient one by one in the order given.  Launder as usual.

Furniture Polish.  In a spray bottle, mix the juice of 1 lemon, a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of water.  Shake and apply to the furniture.  Allow the mixture to sit on the furniture for 5 minutes before buffing it with a dry polishing cloth.

Window Cleaner.  In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar.  Shake and spray.  Use a dab of rubbing alcohol and a dry cloth for stubborn fingerprints.

All-Purpose Cleaner.  Combine 2 cups warm water, 1 teaspoon borax, 1 teaspoon liquid soap and a few drops of lemon juice.  Dissolve borax in water, then gently add soap and lemon juice.  Pour through a funnel into a refillable spray bottle.

or

In a spray bottle, combine 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon washing soda, 1/2 teaspoon castile soap, 2 cups of hot water.  Shake and spray!

Disinfectant.  Combine 2 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon borax.  Dissolve borax in water and pour mixture through a funnel into a refillable spray bottle.

Linoleum and Laminate Floor Cleaner.  Combine 2 gallons warm water and 1/4 cup lemon juice or white vinegar.  Mix together in a bucket.  Add 1/4 cup liquid soap for added cleaning power, if desired.  

Carpeted Floors.  To green clean carpeted floors, make sure to buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.  Vacuum at least 2-3 times a week.  Avoid chemical rug cleaners.  Instead use a low-moisture or dry cleaning rug shampoo with hydrogen peroxide or biological/enzymatic cleaners.

Tile Floor Cleaner.  Use a gallon of water with a few teaspoons of tea tree oil.  Add a few squirts of liquid soap.  This can also be used on linoleum floors.

Hardwood Floors.  Dampen a towel using a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water.  Wring all the moisture out of the towel until just barely damp.  Towels are the only safe way to damp mop a hardwood floor.  Excess water from self wringing mops works down between the boards eventually warping the boards at the edges.

Microfiber Cloths and Terry Towels.  Hand-sized terry towels are a bacteria-free alternative to sponges.  Use wet or dry and throw into the wash when dirty.  Microfiber cloths are terrific for dusting and polishing, no cleanser required.

Computer Keyboard and TV Remote.  The TV remote and the computer keyboard are probably two of the germiest things in the home.  Wipe the tv remote down with an alcohol wipe at least twice a week to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.  

To clean your keyboard, gently shake out the crumbs or vacuum it.  Wipe the keys and the mouse with an alcohol wipe or a cotton ball .

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Make your own natural, eco-friendly homemade cleaners using vinegar, lemons, borax and baking soda.  Go to blog.maidbrigade.com for quick and easy cleaning recipes.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

This week, Whole Foods Market plans to announce that 90% of the cleaning products in its stores now meet its Eco-Scale rating criteria, which launched on last year's Earth Day, April 22.

The three-tiered system requires products to disclose all ingredients on their labels, which is something the United States government does not require.  

The system will also not allow chlorine, phosphates or some preservatives.  The top rating goes to products made entirely with plant-based, rather than petroleum-based, ingredients.

According to a Harris Interactive Survey, which was conducted April 2011 for Whole Foods Market, about three out of four Americans assume federal law requires ingredient disclosure on the labels of cleaning products like they do for food.  

The Whole Foods' program is a huge step forward in helping customers pick safe products, which can be very helpful considering the plethora of cleaners coming on the market from existing companies and newcomers alike.

Way to go Whole Foods!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Green products used for cleaning outdoors help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.  They also avoid killing the flowers in your gardens.  Some of these cleaners may be hard to find, and some may not be exactly what their labeling makes them appear to be. Before purchasing any products, log on to http://greenseal.org to find lists of environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

 A pressure washer with plain tap water is more than adequate to remove built-up dirt and discoloration on your home. Heavy jobs may require a bit more cleansing power. If necessary, step up to a phosphate-free detergent to really bring out the clean.

When it comes to cleaning gutters, the leaves and other debris that was laying in the gutter make great compost, particularly if it is a little damp from.   

To clean windows, use a vinegar/water mixture in a spray bottle.  Wipe off windows with newspaper.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

A great deal of cleaning goes on in most homes.  We wash, scrub, vacuum, spray, and polish so that our homes stay clean and neat.  Strange as it may seem, some of these cleaners also can cause pollution, both indoors and outdoors.  How green are your cleaning supplies?

1.  Laundry detergent:  Your washer sends a lot of dirty water down the drain.  Besides dirt, what is in that water?  Many detergents contain phosphates, chemicals that help get clothes clean.  When phosphates get into waste water, they speed the growth of algae, which can kill fish and plants that live in the water.

     Besides phosphates, some detergents contain concentrated chemicals, like surfactants (which help with cleaning) and bleach (which removes stains).  Surfactants are made from petroleum, the nonrenewable source from which oil and gasoline are made.  Most bleach contains cancer-causing chlorine.

     Some detergents claim to be "biological", meaning that they contain enzymes to help dissolve stains and make the detergent work in cooler water.  Some detergents claim to be "biodegradable", which means that the detergent breaks down and becomes harmless in the waste system.  But this doesn't always happen. 

2.  All -purpose cleaners may contain ammonia, which can be harmful to your lungs, and chlorine, which can form cancer-causing compounds when released into the environment.

3.  Drain Cleaners contain very strong chemicals such as lye and hydrochloric and sulfuric acids.  These can burn your skin and can cause blindness if they get into your eyes.

4.  Flea and tick control products contain ingredients that have never been adequately tested for safety.  While not intended for use on people, they can rub off your pet onto furniture, exposing you to the risk of cancer and other diseases.  

5.  Floor and furniture polishes contain phenol, which causes cancer in laboratory animals.

6.  Metal polishes contain ammonia, phosphoric, and sulfuric acids, which are not healthy to breathe.

7.  Mothballs contain p-dichlorobenzene, which causes cancer.

8.  Oven cleaners contain lye, a powerful chemical that can burn your skin and lungs or cause blindness if splashed in your eyes.

9.  Toilet cleaners contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which can burn your skin and eyes.


   Take a good look at the cleaning products you use to clean your home with.  Note which ingredients they contain that may be harmful.  Why expose your family to all these toxic chemicals?  Help save the planet and keep your family healthy br green cleaning your home.    
 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

House dust mites are tiny little creatures that cause allergy and asthma symptoms worldwide.  They are so small that they are not usually seen with the naked eye. 

House dust mites can survive in all types of climate.  They thrive indoors, mostly in bedrooms and kitchens. Dust mites survive well in mattresses, carpets, furniture and bedding.  Even in dry climates, house dust mites survive and reproduce easily in bedding (especially in pillows), which takes up moisture from body contact.

House dust mites reproduce quickly enough that their effect on human health can be significant. As dust mites like warm, fluffy furniture and materials, they are most likely to be found on beds, couches, carpets, rugs, toys, and curtains.

To lessen house dust mites, keep stuffed animals off the bed, or get rid of them altogether.  Wash you sheets and other bed linens in hot water.  This will kill the mites and their eggs.  Drying sheets and linens in a hot dryer for about ten minutes can also help kill dust mites.

Place a mattress cover over the mattress and another one over the box spring.  Purchase pillow covers that zip.  Another option would be to buy an anti-mite mattress.

Reduce moisture levels in your home.  Try to keep a relative humidity level in your home, preferably under fifty percent. 

If possible, get rid of the carpeting in your home.  Carpeting is a safe haven for dust mites and other allergens like dust and dander.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.