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Everyone has their own preferred method for removing stains but many rug cleaning products can harm the environment and your living space as they are packed full of very powerful chemicals and contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
If you look at some of the more popular cleaning product son the market you will be able to see they contain hazardous chemicals including acids, lye and even formaldehyde.

If you want a more eco-friendly way to clean your rug here are 5 alternatives:

1.    Baking Soda and Soap/Washing up Liquid
You can make your own eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning materials if you know what products to use. These are usually stored in most homes so is relatively simple to make. You can add baking soda to to soften water and to increase the soap suds and power of soap. This will also make it smell more fragrant as it will chemically enhance the odour of the soap you use.

Depending on the problem, another method which is not just an old wives tale is to use peanut butter to get gum out of your carpet instead of a chemical alternative.

2.    Organic Shampoo

If you are not comfortable with the science kit and the natural homemade remedies then you can purchase organic shampoo from most retailers.  This shampoo has no chemicals or volatile organic compounds so if both children and pets are safe when you are using it. A lot of people who have children with asthma use organic shampoo due to it being free of volatile organic compounds which normally linger in the air around the vicinity of where normal chemical stain removers was used.

You can also choose an organic shampoo that comes in biodegradable packaging so that you minimize the impact on the earth.

3.    Vinegar and Water Solution

You can continue to recycle products around the home by using a vinegar and water solution to remove stains. This method is suited to removing marks caused by pens, print, or any form of stickiness such as glue or gum. Once you have mixed 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar you should begin to dab the stain, if this process doesn’t remove the stain then up the vinegar content in the solution.

Alternatively, if you are still struggling you could try warming up the vinegar in your microwave and repeating the process.

4.    Cornmeal

If your carpet or rug has picked up some grease from one of the kids bikes or off your some dirty boots then a great way to soak this up is with cornmeal. Yes, that is right, cornmeal works wonders. All you have to do is simply scatter the grease with a li¬ttle cornmeal and allow it to sit for five minutes then remove with a little water and et voila.

5.    Borax

Borax is a great way to freshen up your rug once you have finished cleaning the stain. It can also help remove any small amounts of the stain in the rugs fibres as it is an excellent disinfectant too.

This article was written in association with The Rug House, providers of childrens rugs who are working to generate awareness of recycling. They are committed to increasing the purchase of ethically produced products and sustaining a greener environment.

The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Image By Michael Francis McCarthy

Baking Soda Chemical Makeup

Baking soda comes from a chemical compound known as sodium bicarbonate. While traditionally used for baked goods, this incredible product can be one of the most powerful and versatile tools in your arsenal of products used to keep a clean home. Baking soda can also be used for a variety of other purposes, including deodorizing and personal care uses. This non-toxic product is generally derived from a natural resource, making it preferable to many of the other products used for similar purposes.

One of the main reasons that baking soda is effective is that it works as a natural neutralizer, by regulating the PH levels of the things it comes into contact with. Baking soda is also an abrasive, making it ideal for scrubbing tough surfaces and hard to clean areas. Baking soda is often used for cleaning surfaces that could be damaged by harsh abrasives, such as glossy bathroom tiles and sensitive fiberglass. Many also use baking soda when doing the dishes, as it works as a natural stain fighter and can help remove any offending odors that may have been absorbed by your dishes. If you’re cleaning the kitchen don’t forget to read our article on How to Clean a Microwave the Green Way!

Baking Soda can also be fun for the family! It foams when vinegar is added so you can make instant reactions to teach the kids a little chemistry in the kitchen!

Baking Soda Can Be Fun Too!

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The odor-fighting properties of baking soda are not just limited to your dishwater, however. Many place a box of open baking soda in their refrigerator, as the product soaks up unwanted odors. Other smelly areas around the house, including cramped closets and stinky pet beds, can be deodorized by cleaning with baking soda. Some even use baking soda to deodorize their sneakers and the cat’s litter box!

Some individuals like to use baking soda in their personal hygiene routine. Baking soda can be mixed with a hydrogen peroxide solution to make toothpaste, and can also be used a mouth rinse with water to eliminate bad breath. The gentle abrasive powers of baking soda make it an effective body scrub as well, and some even use it as a natural deodorant. Baking soda can also work as an antacid, by swallowing a small amount of it with water.

From the kitchen to the bathroom, baking soda truly can be used in many different ways. Whether using it to clean your silverware or washing it through your hair to remove built-up residue, baking soda can be an effective answer to many of your household dilemmas. Furthermore, this natural product won’t hurt the environment or your family members, making it a magical solution that easily replaces more harmful products.

Sarah Danielson writes for Home Tutor where a child’s education is the highest priority. Home Tuition Agency understands that the needs of each and every child are unique.

Scotch Brite Scrub Pads

These wonderfully green scrubbing pads can do the work of about 30 rolls of kitchen paper and as it says on the packaging;

“You don’t have to give up cleaning performance to live a greener lifestyle”

These scrub pads have a durable rough side shown above and a smoother wiping side shown below…

The Smoother Side of Green Cleaning

We’ve been using these new biodegradable scrubbing pads on our dishes and for general kitchen cleaning and we can thoroughly recommend them, we won’t be buying regular sponges anymore, we’ve seen the green cleaning future and it is Scotch Brite!

We bought ours at the local grocery store but you can read more about these and other green cleaning products here;

www.scotchbritegreenerclean.com

Simply half fill a cup with water and set the microwave running on high power for approximately 4 – 5 minutes. The idea is to get the water boiling so that the microwave fills with steam. Next simply leave the microwave for 15 minutes and wipe down with a kitchen towel. That’s it!

This cleaning tip means you don’t have to use any harsh chemicals and it cleans both the microwave and the cup which can simply be dried off and put back in the cupboard. This cleaning method also sanitizes the microwave. So happy cleaning and say farewell to those hours of scrubbing your microwave clean.