The Lowdown on Green Cleaners

This year, instead of spring cleaning with conventional cleaners, consider using all natural green cleaners instead. They’re better for your health, they’re better for the environment and they are often less expensive.

What Are Green Cleaners?

Green cleaners are simply cleaners that use all natural elements. This means they don’t pollute the water supply. Their fumes don’t contaminate the air you breathe. And there are fewer topical reactions.

Have you ever gotten a rash or a stinging sensation from a household cleaner? What about stinging, watering eyes? Have you ever succumbed to a coughing fit while using a bathroom cleaner? These are common reactions. Your body is having an adverse reaction to the chemicals in the cleaner.

While natural cleaners can still pose a risk if you’re allergic to an element, they don’t contain the same harmful toxins. They break down naturally. And quite often natural cleaners are packaged in recycled or compostable materials. They’re good for your health and they’re good for the planet.

What to Look Out For

When buying cleaning products skip products that have:

•    Phosphates
•    Bleach
•    Petroleum
•    Surfactants
•    Ammonia
•    Lye
•    Hydrochloric acid
•    Sulfuric acid
•    Phenols

These chemicals don’t break down naturally in the soil or your water supply. They kill plant and animal life. They harm and disrupt the environment. Additionally, the manufacturing process for many of these chemicals involves petroleum. The off gasses produce green house emissions and contribute to global warming.


Instead, look for products that contain:

•    Essential oils
•    Citrus
•    Glycerin
•    Lauramine
•    Sulfates
•    Water
•    And other natural and recognizable elements

Green cleaning supplies are becoming so popular you can find many brands at your local big box store or supermarket. The cost for green cleaning products is coming down and is often less expensive than conventional products.

Making Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Many products you have around the home can be used to make your own cleaning supplies. The most common ingredients are:

•    Distilled white vinegar – commonly used to cut grease and sanitize.
•    Lemon – the acids are great for grease cutting, breaking down stains and of course the lemony scent makes everything smell clean.
•    Baking soda – a good abrasive that works for scrubbing countertops, bath tubs and sinks.

You’d be surprised what you can make yourself. You just need a recipe, a bucket or mixing container and a spray bottle for storage.

If you find that standard cleaning products affect your health or you simply want to embrace a greener lifestyle then consider switching to green cleaning products. Many green companies offer free samples. Check them out. You’ll see they work just as well, if not better. They also don’t have the same harmful side effects.

Choosing The Right Vacuum Cleaner

For more than 150 years, the vacuum cleaner has
been improved upon greatly. From doing your weekly
vacuuming of your home, doing a spring cleaning, 
or simply leaving the vacuuming up to the robot, 
there is a vacuum out there suited to your needs.
With upright, canister, HEPA filtered, bagged and
bagless, there is always a vacuum cleaner for your
needs on the market.

There are actually 2 ways in which a vacuum cleaner
cleans. The first, and the way we rate a vacuum
on most is how debris and dirt is picked up off
of a carpet and the floor. When you are searching
for a vacuum, keep in mind the power of the 
suction motor, as this is very important for getting
good performance.

The second reason, one that isn't often thought 
about, is how well the vacuum filters the air and
puts it back into the home. Those with allergy 
problems will find a HEPA vacuum to be the best
choice. There are some models of HEPA vacuums
that can filter out 99% of pollens, dust, and
other common household allergens.

There is also the choice of canister or upright
vacuum, as this is more or less based on personal
preference. Both vacuum types have their pros and
cons. The heads of canister vacuums are able to 
reach under your furniture, also making it easier
to vacuum the stairs as well. 

Canister vacuums on the other hand have a retractable
electric cord, which is much more convenient than
wrapping the cord back around the neck of the
vacuum. It is often times easier to push the light
weight canister vacuum head as opposed to pushing 
a canister style vacuum. 

When you choose your vacuum cleaner, keep in mind
what you plan to vacuum. There are several designs
and types intended for different uses. If you have
hardwood floors, you obviously wouldn't want to
use a carpet vacuum.

The little things such as this will be a huge factor
in selecting your vacuum cleaner. If you play 
your cards right, you'll have the perfect vacuum
cleaner for your home - and other areas as well.


If you live in the St. Louis, MO area please call Today's Cleaning
Service for your cleaning needs.  314-229-7353 or
visit our web site by Clicking Here. 

Low cost cleaning products you can make

One of the best places to save money is on cleaning products. Here are a few recipes that are extremely economical, yet work fantastically!

Note: Make sure to label all your homemade cleaning products, and keep them away from pets and children.

WINDOW CLEANER
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
water
a squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface it totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn't work for you it is probably because you didn't use enough baking soda and/or water.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 tsp. washing soda
a dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely

Eco-Friendly Laundry - Who Needs a Big Chunky Bottle of Tide Anyhow?!

Eco-Friendly Laundry - Who Needs a Big Chunky Bottle of Tide Anyhow?!

Wouldn't it be great to be able to do laundry and not have to worry about how the detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets were affecting the environment? Well there alternatives to what's currently sold in local retail stores. You just have to be willing to spend some time, do some research, and wait for the products you order to come to your door.

It has been said that the laundry room is the one of the most toxic rooms in your entire home. This statement is based upon the fact that commercial laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets have high levels of toxic chemicals in them. These chemicals have been known to cause serious health issues including cancer and liver damage. Is it any wonder that people are looking for safe, eco-friendly alternatives to doing their laundry?

There are many products on the local supermarket's shelves that claim to be "environmentally safe." But one has to wonder if they live up to their claim, or if they're just jumping on the latest hot marketing bandwagon.

Products claim to be "non-toxic." Some claim to be either "biodegradable" or "organic." Unlike the labels on food products, laundry products are not regulated. A manufacturer does not have to prove their claim; they don't even have to list the ingredients that are in the products they sell.

When searching for eco-friendly laundry products, try to look for products that have a list of the ingredients, as well as words indicating what's NOT in the cleaner, i.e., "chlorine-free" or "no phosphates."

Here are some ways to have a more eco-friendly laundry room:

One of the easiest ways to make your laundry more "green" is to switch from liquid detergent to a powder. Since liquid detergents already contain large quantities of water, it costs extra for packaging. If you must buy a liquid, choose one that is concentrated.

Another way to lessen laundry's impact on the environment is by allowing it to air dry on a clothes line rather than using your dryer. Sunlight, which is free, is a natural bleaching agent; it also disinfects the clothes. If you must use a dryer, switch to a gas dryer. They are cheaper and have less impact on the environment.

Don't use dryer sheets because many of them contain the same chemicals found in liquid fabric softeners. Besides being hazardous to your health, aren't biodegradable. To help reduce static cling, dry natural fibers and synthetic fibers separately.

Here are some phases to familiarize yourself with when looking at the products on the shelf.

Stay away from any product that has "Danger," "Warning," or "Caution" on the label. Those with "Danger" or "Poison" are the most hazardous. Next avoid those that bear a "Warning." Products that merely have a "Caution" are least hazardous, but still should be used only when there are no other alternatives.

Look for products with specific claims, not generic ones. "No phosphates" or "plant-based" tells you more about a product than saying it is "biodegradable." Choose those products that list their ingredients, and choose those that are made with plant-based instead of petroleum-based ingredients.

While these tips are not exhaustive, they are a few steps that you can take to lessen the environmental impact. They will help lessen the chemicals in your home, and possibly save you money at the same time.

Store Bought Eco-Friendly Products: Are They Truly Eco-Friendly or Is It Just a Fancy Name?

Store Bought Eco-Friendly Products: Are They Truly Eco-Friendly or Is It Just a Fancy Name?

It seems that everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon of the newest craze to hit the country, especially if that craze is profitable. The eco-friendly market is no different. However, some manufacturers may be promoting their products as being good for the environment without their truly being eco-friendly. How can you tell if the products in the store are good for the environment, or if they're just using the phraseology to make you think they are?

There are no standards to verify a product as "green" or earth-friendly. Some products on the market are listed as eco-safe, environmentally friendly, environmentally safe, green, or non-toxic. Any manufacturer can choose to use those labels. But do these "labels" really mean that the products are safe for the environment?

If you can't tell if a product is environmentally safe just by reading the labels, how do you know if it is safe to use or not? Until there is some type of certification to very that a product is "green," the consumer is responsible for evaluating the products they use and whether the products claims are true.

You can use household products like white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to make home recipes that would be very effective in cleaning your home. Be sure to label the homemade cleaners clearly and store them where children cannot reach them. Also, NEVER mix ammonia and chlorine bleach; the results are extremely toxic.

One product that has been used widely to disinfect modern homes is chlorine bleach. However, chlorine bleach has chemical compounds in it that should not be used in the home, and are extremely toxic. If you need an alternative for chlorine bleach, try hydrogen peroxide bleach, leaving it on the surface to be cleaned for a minimum of ten minutes. Wiping it up any sooner will not kill the germs.

What if you need another cleaner? Throw your support behind companies that list each and every ingredient in their product. Two such companies are Ecover and Seventh Generation. Although they are not required by law to list all of their ingredients, they are proving that the product is safe by doing so.

Choose a product that specifies how long it takes for them to decompose in nature. Being labeled "biodegradable" doesn't necessarily mean that you should choose this product. Use a product that specifies that it will biodegrade completely in XX number of days. You will know that after that time, the product will no longer affect the environment.

Here are some labels that you should avoid: Corrosive, chlorine bleach, ammonia, phosphates, and petroleum products. You will also want to avoid products that have artificial fragrances and those made with animal by-products. All of these labels indicate that the product is harmful, not only to the environment but also to your family.

Finally, if you're not 100% sure about a product, you can always call the toll-free telephone number on the product. Ask them questions about the ingredients. Request as much specific information about it as you can. And, if the manufacturer refuses to answer your questions, you might consider finding another product.

Finding truly economic-friendly products that are safe and effective for cleaning your home is not impossible. It takes a little time reading labels but the time is worth it. The only other option would be to make your own.

Does Your Cleaning Service Use Natural Cleaning?

My husband Ron has been cleaning Saint Louis Homes since the early 1990's. Something that I think makes him so good at this profession is that he's an artist so he pays attention to detail because it has to look like art when he's finished.

Lately Ron has more concerned for the planet, his health and the health of his clients. Today's House Cleaning Service uses earth friendly non-toxic cleaners.

I especially like it when he cleans our home it is such a pleasure to come home after Ron cleaned it. I get a taste of what his clients must experience. I'm super happy to come home to a fresh smelling clean home after a hard day at the office.
It makes my day. The home is really clean. It smells great. Ron used green cleaning products which protect our health, our children health, our pets health and the health of our Earth, what could be better.

My mom started using these great natural cleaners over 30 years ago.

Here is my plug for our Saint Louis Cleaning Service.

Today's Cleaning service was started here in the Saint Louis, MO area on a part time basis in 1994 and full time since 1999. We've had an amazing 10 years so far and we love every minute of it. My husband Ron is really good and cleaning & making his clients happy. I do the marketing and business cards the office stuff while Ron goes to our clients homes and works his magic. I do mean magic because he is really good at what he does. Ron has a great personality to boot and he's easy to work with. Best of all Ron has high ratings on Angie's List and he got an award for service as well.

Our mission involves not only providing exceptional & reasonably priced residential cleaning services to the Saint Louis, MO area, but our clients have a voice! Our clients are heard by us, and this makes us unique in the cleaning service business. We also provided al a carte cleaning for those who cannot afford to have their whole house cleaned. We've been in the full time cleaning business since 1999 & part time since 1994. Are ratings on Angie's List are at the TOP!

Call Today for a Free Estimate 314-229-7353

Click Here to Learn More About Today's Cleaning Service

Hire a Cleaning Service

Okay, so you are ready for a service to clean your home. Good for you! But, in addition to wanting top-notch service at a fair price, you may ask: "How can I trust someone in my home, or better yet, with a key to my house?"

The demand for professional home cleaning services continues to grow. More and more people are realizing that outsourcing these, sometimes less than desirable tasks, can have a great return on investment. Often, the biggest pay off for hiring a home cleaning service is not just the time you are not cleaning, but the total time - and energy- you reclaim formerly spent dreading or avoiding cleaning.

Hiring a service to clean your home is a big decision, with many considerations. Trust is vital since it is, after all, your personal space. All too often customers are not asking the right questions or doing their homework.

Okay, so you are ready for a service to clean your home. Good for you! But, in addition to wanting top-notch service at a fair price, you may ask: "How can I trust someone in my home, or better yet, with a key to my house?"

The demand for professional home cleaning services continues to grow. More and more people are realizing that outsourcing these, sometimes less than desirable tasks, can have a great return on investment. Often, the biggest pay off for hiring a home cleaning service is not just the time you are not cleaning, but the total time - and energy- you reclaim formerly spent dreading or avoiding cleaning.

Hiring a service to clean your home is a big decision, with many considerations. Trust is vital since it is, after all, your personal space. All too often customers are not asking the right questions or doing their homework.