Urban Blog

An HRV, or a heat recovery ventilator, is a home add-on that may be new for many people. When it comes to HVAC systems, most only are familiar with the common options like air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps. However, the benefits of having an HRV in your home can be tremendous. Whether you are concerned with indoor air quality, saving energy or lowering your carbon footprint, an HRV could be exactly what you need.

 

How Does It Work?

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) is designed to accomplish two main functions. The first is to assist with energy recovery and the second is to act as an air exchanger. An HRV can be connected to an existing HVAC system or built as a standalone unit.

 

Many homeowners find that HRVs work very well in spaces such as converted attics and other tight spaces, which may not be properly ventilated. HRVs are thus designed to either be connected directly to a HVAC system or can be installed completely independent from a home’s HVAC system.

 

A cross plate heat exchanger works to recover some of the heat that passes through the device. When combined with the HRV’s overall low energy requirement, there can be significant heating cost savings. The HRV also works to cycle in fresh air while pumping out old potentially polluted air. The one-two punch that HRVs provide help to make it an increasingly interesting device for home owners.

 

HRV and Indoor Air Quality

Buildings are getting tighter and tighter every single year. As regulations require homes to be better insulated and homeowners want to save on energy, homes are becoming increasingly well sealed as a result. Insulation, weather stripping and building codes are all combining to improve home energy efficiency but often at a cost; this is where an HRV can be a valuable home improvement choice.

 

Tighter homes may be more energy efficient, but that efficiency often produces a considerable drop in indoor air quality. Indoor air quality is usually several times worse than outdoor air quality. In the past, the traditional leaky homes, while not as energy efficient as many of today’s homes, may have been drafty but that issue did allow for more natural air flow.

 

One of the key benefits of an HRV is that can help bring fresh air from outdoors into the home and pump out polluted air. Of course, that isn’t the entire picture. HRVs use filters, such as HEPA filters, to clean the outdoor air that is being brought into the house before it is circulated throughout the home. Without this feature, HRVs would essentially just be pulling in outdoor air.

 

The Radon Factor

The fact of the matter is that HRVs can do more than provide cleaner air in tighter homes. As an HRV is venting indoor air, it is also possible for HRVs to help reduce radon levels. Radon is a colorless, odorless noble gas that has been linked to diseases like cancer when exposure lasts for a long duration.

 

Of course, this is not to state that an HRV should always be used as a replacement for a radon remediation system when warranted; however, an HRV can be a valuable tool for helping to reduce radon levels since indoor air is constantly removed from the home and fresh air is pumped in.

Improving indoor air quality can have a range of health benefits. When selecting an HRV it is prudent to look for one that incorporates a HEPA filter.

 

HEPA filters remove more than particulate matter as they also trap bacteria and even viruses. Improving your indoor air quality can lead to fewer colds, flus and potentially other illnesses. Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between Alzheimer’s and poor air quality. Other studies have linked air pollution and lower I.Q.s. If you start to connect the dots it quickly becomes obvious that we should do all that we can to ensure that our families enjoy the best air quality possible.

 

HRV and Energy Savings

 

HRVs can save homeowners a great deal of money, especially in cold climates. If you live in a climate that is cold for a large percentage of the year then an HRV may very well be a device worth considering. Since HRVs recover a considerable percentage of the heat that passes through them those living in cold climates may see a marked drop in heating costs. Additionally, many HRVs are designed to consume very little energy.

 

There are models that use as little operational energy as a 40-watt light bulb. The cost savings an HRV represents when factored over the lifetime of a home can be considerable, especially in colder climates.

 

Additional Benefits and Features

HRVs can also be used to control humidity, thus helping to reduce the chances of developing mold. Many HRV units come with a variety of features such as an air circulation mode that strictly takes advantage of the HRV’s ability to purify air and a high-power mode that increases the amount of air being circulated from outside.

 

Operating an HRV isn’t a “set-it-and-forget-it” situation. Filters have to be changed and cleaned and a moderate degree of annual maintenance is required. It is important to remember that an HRV brings in potentially polluted air and cleans it. For this reason, filters may become dirtier quicker than expected. How long filters last partially depends on the pollution in the home’s area. That stated, HRVs do have great value, especially for homeowners in colder climates and for those living in well insulated homes. Homeowners with converted attics that receive poor air circulation should consider an HRV for the reasons outlined in this article.

 

One argument against HRVs is the price and there is no doubt that a good unit can be pricey. However, for those who put a premium on their indoor air quality or those living in very well insulated homes, an HRV could be seen as a welcome addition to one’s home.

Cleaning is something that most people want to spend as little time as possible doing. Of course, there are some people who truly do enjoy it. But that is certainly not the majority. Regardless of how you feel about it, less time cleaning does, of course, translate into more time spent living life. The bottom line is that with a little planning, you can make cleaning less time consuming. That way you can get out there and do what you want with your free time!

 

Tip #1 for Spending Less Time Cleaning – Hire a Cleaning Service

Hiring a cleaning service is definitely not for everyone. Some people just aren’t comfortable having a stranger or strangers literally digging through their trash.

The cost of hiring a cleaning service is also no small issue. Cleaning services do vary greatly in price, which means that with some research you might be able to find a cleaning service that works for your budget.

Like with most consumer goods and services, it can really pay to do a little price shopping. There are many independent cleaning services that are, in fact, run by individuals or mom and pop operations, which means that there are cleaning services that will be quite flexible regarding what they charge.

There is no way around the fact that if you want to spend less time cleaning then you might just want to hire a professional. If you hate cleaning, then it might just be worth the money to outsource your cleaning duties to someone else.

 

Tip #2 for Spending Less Time Cleaning – The Robot Vacuum Option

Our sci-fi future full of robotic cleaning robots may not be here quite yet, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have some options. Robot vacuums do work, and some models are better than others. The one example most people think of is the Roomba robot vacuum.

Much like hiring a cleaning service, robot vacuums, especially good ones that actually work, are not exactly cheap. However, once you opt for a robotic vacuum, the simple fact is that you will have one less cleaning duty on your list.

Robot vacuum cleaners are definitely not without their flaws and you do have empty them. But they can also be a good fit for people and certain types of homes. People with younger children and pets might want to proceed with caution before jumping on the robot vacuum train, as they may have trouble dealing with tougher, more substantial messes!

 

Tip #3 for Spending Less Time Cleaning – Get Organized, Really Organized

A lot of the cleaning that the average person performs is actually the result of a lack of organization. A classic example of this fact is not properly disposing of worn clothing. Dirty clothing tossed about your house doesn’t just make your home looking messy, but it also creates another cleaning challenge and chore. If you stop and take a good look at what needs to be cleaned around your house, you will probably discover that many of your cleaning chores could be eliminated or at least somewhat reduced by adopting a more proactive organizational strategy.

 

Every room and area of your home can benefit from an increase in organization. Whether it is your kitchen, your home office, your bedroom or your garage there are organizational opportunities. Additionally, the more organized your home is the quicker and easier it is to clean. For example, not having to pick up lots of clothing off the floor makes vacuum, mopping or sweeping a great deal easier, regardless of whether or not you have a fancy robot vacuum cleaner.

 

Tip #4 for Spending Less Time Cleaning- The Team Effort

Whether you have a significant other or live with roommates, splitting cleaning duties can dramatically reduce the time it takes to clean a space. Quite often the dividing of household chores can be a problematic area, as some significant others or roommates are not willing to pull their share; however, this doesn’t mean you should give up and not try to convenience the people you live with to do their respective share of the cleaning. Every situation and relationship is different.

Discovering what will motivate someone you live with to share in the cleaning duties may not be easy but if you can establish a new cleaning system, you will receive dividends for years to come. Leading by example is a great place to begin convincing others to pull their “cleaning weight.”

 

Tip #5 for Spending Less Time Cleaning – Turn Your Dishwasher Into a Super Cleaner

You can’t stick everything in the dishwasher but many difficult to clean items can be placed in the dishwasher for cleaning. This trick must be used on a case-by-case basis, but there is no doubt that everything from brushes to pet food bowls can be cleaned in your dishwasher. As long as the item in question isn’t toxic in nature, your dishwasher might be a true time saving cleaning tool!

Similarly, some toys and unusual items can be placed in your laundry machine. Legos are a perfect example of a toy that can be cleaned in this fast and efficient way.

 

Don’t Overdo the Cleaning

Perhaps, the simplest way to spend less time cleaning is to not overdo the cleaning. One area of the home where many people often over clean is the floor. Bathroom floors do need to be cleaned frequently, but hardwood floors are a different story.

Vacuuming hardwood floors usually is enough to keep them reasonably clean. Mopping hardwood floors is time consuming and often unnecessary. Take the time to really think about what you’re spending your time on and ask around to see what your friends and relatives do. You may find the you have some misconceptions.

By following these tips, you will clean less and enjoy more free time. A combination of robotic tools, organization and a new approach can help you reduce your cleaning time substantially. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find new ways to reduce your cleaning time. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did!

 

 

Laundry is one of those things in life that many of us simply “do” and rarely think much about how to improve. That is part of the reason that this article is an important one for moms who are tackling this never-ending activity.

 

There may not be any escaping laundry, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t tips that can help you improve the results that you see from your laundry duties. If you’re a mom or a dad, then you already know that having children certainly makes the laundry process much more intimidating. Even the smallest items of toddler clothes add up to a lot of extra work.  This is especially true when you consider how fast your kids manage to do something that gets their clothes dirty all over again.

 

The time you invest in making your laundry time more efficient is definitely time well spent. The fifteen tips and tricks outlined in this article are designed to help you improve your laundry results while at the same time infusing a little more life and fun into the laundry process.

 

Thinking that there isn’t much room for improving your old and tired laundry routine? Think again as we have fifteen awesome tips and tricks that will brighten up not just your clothing, but your laundry time as well! This article includes links to a bunch of great sites with interesting ideas as well as numerous tips that can help you transform your average laundry day experience.

 

It’s the start to a New Year, and the perfect time to get excited about laundry!

 

Tip One-Let’s Get Really Organized

 

One of the easiest ways to make laundry time a little more fun and less time consuming is to get organized; after all, do you really want to spend more time doing laundry?

Organizing your laundry room makes everything you do a little easier and a little faster. Instead of lugging huge tubs of liquid fabric softener and detergent store those liquids in smaller, and easier to use, containers.

 

While this tip might not seem like a “big deal” you’ll be surprised how much time this tip saves you. Additionally, this tip will help keep your laundry area neater as you’ll reduce those irritating, and rather sticky, spills.

 

Tip Two-Liven Up Your Laundry with a Cute Laundry Hamper

 

Part of what makes doing laundry often seem like such a chore is that laundry isn’t just smelly, but it can be unpleasant to look at as well. Laundry hampers aren’t exactly known for being pretty, but there are some easy fixes for that.

You could try making a laundry hamper out of your favorite pillowcase for your kid’s room. It’s the perfect decoration to hang on a closet. You’ll save money and can have a fun time personalizing your festive pillow case at the same time.

 

Check out the how-to over at Makezine.

(Photo credit: Makezine)

 

Tip Three-Don’t Let Your Laundry Overflow

 

Laundry scattered about causes a sense of disorganization. Overflowing laundry hampers are an eyesore and just add to the general unpleasantness we often associate with doing laundry.

 

So why not “go big” and have a huge laundry hamper? And you can make one that rarely overflows because it is the perfect size. Here is an interesting DIY laundry hamper project that is easy and inexpensive.

Home Depot has a large laundry hamper project you’ll love. Best of all, this DIY laundry hamper is very inexpensive, meaning you can have several if you like! (Photo credit: Home Depot)

 

Tip Four-Make Your Own Laundry Soap

 

Like laundry itself, laundry soap doesn’t receive too much attention. Unless laundry soap causes a rash or smells weird, most of us never give laundry soap a second thought.

 

However, laundry soap can be packed with harmful chemicals and additives that are bad both for the planet and humans.

There are many easy to make and eco-friendly laundry detergent recipes available on the Internet. One idea is to simply take bar soap, grate it and add washing soda, borax and essential oils.

 

Follow this link at Wellness Mama to find a how-to on making your own easy and cheap laundry soap. You’ll find that making your own laundry soap can be a fun activity that kids love! This tip should be in every mom’s “rainy day activity bucket!”

Photo credit: Wellness Mama

 

Tip Five-Replace Sheets with Eco-Friendly Dryer Balls

While dryer sheets may make your clothing softer, they are a form of unregulated air pollution. In fact, they are bad for the planet, as they often use harmful chemicals. When it comes down to it, dryer sheets are an unnecessary expense.

 

So skip the sheets and instead opt for wool dryer balls. Dryer balls work rather well and will consistently fluff up your laundry! Studies also show that they can reduce your dryer time by up to 25% and, much like using clotheslines, that means you’ll cut down on your electricity usage. Plus dryer balls reduce static electricity and wrinkles as well.

This link at Memo will give you some ideas and inspirations for creating your own dryer balls.

Photo credit: Memo.

Tip Six-Cut Down on Dryer Noise

A noisy dryer is a maddening thing. Every mom knows that there are times you have no choice but to put your shoes or your kid’s shoes in the dryer, which can be rather irritating to listen to. It often sounds like your dryer is about to explode!

 

One easy way around this is to buy a special dryer bag to cut down on the noise. These dryer bags are inexpensive and will serve to protect your other clothing.

Photo credit: Amazon

 

 

 

 

Tip Seven-Opt for an Eco-Friendly Clothesline

It should come as no surprise that we firmly believe that clotheslines are a true winner when it comes to laundry tips.

They lower your carbon footprint, save you tons of money and have numerous other benefits, such as reducing the risk of a house fire. Our site has lots of clothesline ideas, tips and products.

Check out this page for a comprehensive refresher on why we love clotheslines so much.

 

 

Tip Eight-A Drying Shelf

In addition to using a clothesline, consider using a drying shelf. A drying shelf allows you to dry your clothing flat and has many of the benefits of a clothesline.

 

When you are not using your drying shelf, you can simply slide it out of the way if you build it in the right away. Here is a free plan from Sawdust Girl for making your own pull out sweeter drying rack.

Photo credit: Sawdust Girl
Tip Nine-Laundry Pedestals

An organized laundry room is one that feels calming and makes the whole experience of doing laundry a lot more pleasant. Messes anywhere in the house can be a source of stress, but there is something particularly irritating about messy laundry rooms.

 

A laundry pedestal is a nice way to get organized. It stores clothing and raises your machine off the ground. The only big problem with laundry pedestals is that they can be expensive, in fact, they are comically expensive considering what they really are.

 

So why not build your own and literally save hundreds of dollars? Click here for a great DIY pedestal plan.

Photo credit: Just a Girl Blog

Tip Ten-White Chalk and Stains

Every mom knows just what a headache stains can be, and this is especially true for stains on kid’s clothing. Luckily, simply using white chalk can help remove some of the toughest stains. As a mother, we’re sure you have lots of chalk around so start putting it to good use.

 

Simply rub white chalk over grease stains before washing. The chalk absorbs the stain while in the wash, and the stain comes right out. Try this tip, you’ll love it!

 

Tip Eleven-Making Laundry Time Fun Time for Your Kids

 

Many hands can get a job done much quicker, so why not bring your kids into the laundry equation? The trick is to make laundry as fun as possible. Often children love sorting clothing and putting clothing in their rooms.

 

For younger children, this activity makes them feel more grown up. You will be surprised how eager your children are to help out.

 

Tip Twelve-Laundry Baskets in Your Closets

Keeping dirty clothing out of sight is one way to take some of the sting out of laundry. Mom’s know that kids will literally leave dirty clothes almost anywhere and everywhere.

 

Hanging laundry baskets are an easy way to keep dirty clothing both out of sight and organized. If you want to see an example of a hanging laundry basket in action, then head over to this link.

Photo credit: Whorl

 

Tip Thirteen-The Solution for Dryers that Shrink Your Clothing

Dryers will shrink clothing; this is just an unfortunate fact of life. (Of course, this is yet another reason that you should strongly consider clotheslines!) But almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of accidentally drying a much-loved article of clothing, only to find that it ends up way too tight and uncomfortable.

However, there is a way to fix this problem. Try pouring baby shampoo and warm water into the sink, then let the items sit in the sink for a few minutes. The reason this tip works is that it helps the fibers in the clothing relax.

 

Next, squeeze the water out of a single article of clothing and lay that item on a towel. Roll up the towel, put the article of clothing on a dry towel and let it air dry. You’ll find that the clothing will often return to its original size once it has air dried.

 

Tip Fourteen-Dirty Toys in the Washer?

The washer may seem like an odd place for toys, but for some toys it is the perfect solution. Just be sure to use only cold water. Never use hot water as it could damage toys or release chemicals from the toys.

 

Many toys that may seem like they can’t be washed, such as Legos, can be easily washed with the help of a laundry bag. Drop the toys in a laundry bag and add a little soap. Afterwards, allow the now clean toys to air dry.

 

Dirty toys don’t necessarily have to stay that way. Use this tip on a case by case basis and your kids’ toys will stay much cleaner.

 

Tip Fifteen-Make Small and Moderate Repairs to Your Laundry Room

 

Are you stuck in a “laundry dungeon?” You are not alone. Around the world moms find themselves stuck in laundry dungeons.

 

Due to the noise and mess, laundry rooms are often tucked away in unfinished, spider web riddled basements and even garages. Of course, this issue only adds to the overall unpleasantness of doing laundry.

 

One solution is to step back and evaluate your laundry room. Look for easy and inexpensive ways to boost the appeal of your laundry room. Filling in cracks, adding a coat of pain or considering a drop ceiling in unfinished basement areas are all excellent examples of how quick and easy upgrades can improve your basement.

 

Transform Your Laundry Experience

Added together, these fifteen tips can truly transform your laundry experience. The idea that laundry has to be a painful experience is not an idea that moms should simply accept.

 

There is no time like the present for improving your laundry experience. Whether it is tackling the noise of laundry or getting your laundry space more organized, there are many ways to improve this part of your life.

 

 

Create Your Own Laundry List

Consider writing down a list of all the things that bother you about doing laundry. Once you have your list in hand, look for ways to reduce the stress and irritation associated with doing laundry.

 

With a little planning, you’ll find that you can definitely transform your laundry experience. In the end, laundry will likely never be the highlight of your day, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make laundry time a little less of a chore. Go ahead and free yourselves from the laundry dungeon and come into the light!

You don’t need harsh chemicals or strange ingredients to keep your home clean. There are literally dozens of great ways to keep your living environment shiny and spotless without using chemicals or ingredients that can harm you, your children, your pets or the environment. The idea that you need chemicals to clean the average home is not only truly outdated, but also it could put your health and the health of your family at risk.

 

Why expose your family to a bunch of chemicals if it’s not even necessary? You’ll find that some common household ingredients not only save you money, but also often clean your home even better!

 

In this article, we are going to explore 25 of the very best ways to keep your home clean. All of these household green cleaning tips are easy to implement, inexpensive and, of course, very effective.

 

Tips for the Kitchen

 

Tip One-Vinegar in the Kitchen

Grandma used vinegar for cleaning her kitchen and for good reason. Vinegar is something of a cleaning superstar, and it definitely works wonders in the kitchen. If you don’t like the vinegary smell, you very well might want to try to make an exception when it comes to cleaning.

 

One good way to use vinegar in the kitchen is to spray vinegar on your stove, let it sit for 10 minutes and then wipe it clean. Another excellent use of vinegar in the kitchen is to remove and prevent hard water deposits in your dishwasher.

 

Tip Two-Salt and Lemon for Your Pots

Salt and citrus isn’t just for margaritas anymore! If you feel that your pots and pans need a little shining up, don’t reach for a potentially toxic chemical, as there is a much easier solution.

 

Dull looking pots and pans can be brought back to life with a sprinkle of salt. After adding a sprinkle of salt to your pot or pan, simply scrub it with a lemon wedge. You’ll be surprised just how well this simple and inexpensive trick works! You will definitely notice and appreciate the difference when you look at the cookware in your kitchen.

 

Tip Three-Say Goodbye to Grease on Stoves

Grease on stoves can be pretty tricky to remove, and can quickly make your kitchen look dirty and unkempt. But there is an easy way to remove grease. Simply mix baking soda with warm water and scrub your stovetop with a cloth. Also, this trick can be used to brighten and liven up stainless steel appliances and even stainless steel countertops.

 

Tip Four-Baking Soda and Your Trashcan

Just as grandma loved vinegar for cleaning, the same can be stated for baking soda. Baking soda has endured the test of time and has been loved as a low-cost and people friendly cleaning product for generations.

 

A dirty trashcan be something of a nightmare, but a little baking soda can clean even the dirtiest trashcan right up! Sprinkle some baking soda into your trashcan, then add water and wipe until dry.

 

Don’t forget baking soda removes and prevents odors, so it really is a perfect ingredient to use. You can add extra baking soda to control future odors.

 

Tip Five-Cleaning Granite Countertops

Granite countertops always look amazing in the kitchen. But what about when they get dirty? If you want to keep your granite looking clean and vibrant, the good news is that you don’t need special cleaners or chemicals.

 

Mix alcohol and water together in a spray bottle then spray and wipe for granite countertops and other granite surfaces when you want them to be sparkling clean.

 

Tip Six-Cleaning Your Trash Disposal

People have a tendency to forget about their trash disposal unless it does one of two things: stops working or starts smelling! Neutralizing the sometimes powerful smells that can come from trash disposals can be as easy as squirting a liberal amount of liquid hand soap down the drain.

 

After you’ve squirted the liquid soap down the drain, count to five and turn the disposal on. Let the disposal run for at least fifteen seconds. If this doesn’t neutralize the odors, just move on to pouring vinegar down the drain.

 

Tips for the Laundry Room

 

Tip Seven-Removing Odors

Laundry odors may sometimes be a headache. After washing and drying your clothes, you want them to smell clean and fresh. If you’ve tried to reduce your laundry odors and nothing seems to work, don’t despair.

 

Instead add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. You’ll find that your laundry odors vanish in no time.

 

Tip Eight-Vinegar to the Rescue Again

 

It’s a good idea to periodically clean your laundry machine. Cleaning your laundry machine is as easy as allowing mixing some vinegar into the water of your laundry machine, letting the mixture soak and then rinsing.

 

Tip Nine-Soften Clothing with Vinegar

Believe it or not, vinegar can also soften clothing as well. A little vinegar during the rinse cycle serves to soften virtually any article of clothing; this old trick works very well.

 

Tip Ten-Brighten Your Whites with Baking Soda

 

People often replace their whites just because they can’t figure out how to get them white and bright again. There really is no need to spend the extra money, because you can easily do it yourself on a very, very low budget.

Dull whites are not necessary, especially if you have an inexpensive box of baking soda handy. Special detergents might have harmful chemicals in them and they are not necessary. Instead opt for the time tested, whitening power of baking soda.

 

Tip Eleven-Baking Soda and Stains

 

It may come as little surprise that baking soda, which can brighten whites, can also work to remove stains. If you want to use baking soda to remove stains, just pre-treat your clothing with baking soda and water before washing. Then toss them into the washing machine and you’ll quickly see that your clothes are stain-free. You’ll find that this quick fix can remove some seriously stubborn stains and, of course, it’s far less expensive than buying stain removal formulas from the store.

 

Tips for the Bathroom

 

Tip Twelve-Skip the Pricey Wipes

Many people believe that if there is no place in their home that needs “industrial strength cleaning power,” that it’s the bathroom. That’s why so many people are willing to spend their hard-earned dollars on bathroom cleaning supplies. Yet, the simple fact is that nature has provide us with a range of excellent ways to clean our bathrooms without the use of harmful chemicals.

 

Wipes are a great example of how you can save considerable money with the right approach. But cleaning and disinfecting wipes from the store have a tendency to be rather expensive.

 

But you can make your own equally effective wipes just by adding alcohol to baby wipes, which tend to be much cheaper. (They have to be inexpensive as people go through hundreds of them just taking care of their infants!) The end result is a wipe that does the same job and will disinfect just as well as specialty cleaning wipes. Our baby wipe and alcohol combination will save serious cash.

 

Tip Thirteen-Cotton Balls Soaked in Alcohol Are Your Friend

Cotton balls soaked in alcohol are an easy way to shine metal in your bathroom. Far too often people skip cleaning metal surfaces in the bathroom thinking that they don’t harbor bacteria and virus like other surfaces; this is a mistake. But cotton balls soaked in alcohol will definitely get the job done in a quick and easy manner.

 

Tip Fourteen-White Vinegar for Bathroom Surfaces

 

Another great way to clean your bathroom surfaces is to use white vinegar. The ever-versatile white vinegar can clean almost any bathroom surface. After spraying down a surface with white vinegar, just rinse or wipe the vinegar away with water.

 

Tip Fifteen-The Easiest Way to Clean Bathroom Mirrors

When was the last time you cleaned your bathroom mirror? If you are like most people, then you probably can’t remember the last time that you actually accomplished this feat.

 

Once more vinegar is on our list coming to the rescue! A mixture of vinegar and water will not only clean your bathroom mirrors, but will also leave them streak free.

 

Tip Sixteen-Tackling Soapy, Grimy Shower Curtains

 

Grimy shower curtains can be one of the single scariest things in the average home. Shower curtains can be notoriously hard to clean and many are made from harmful materials that degas. If you’ve ever thought that a new shower curtain smelled you are not alone. What you are selling is a chemical mixture that is harmful.

 

Cotton shower curtains and hemp based shower curtains are two good options. Hemp is naturally resistant to mold and mildew for example, but even these shower curtains can get quite grimy.

 

Periodically spray your shower curtain with a mixture of vinegar and water. Let this vinegar-water mixture sit for about fifteen minutes and then rinse. You can use this tip for any surface that has soap scum buildup.

 
Tip Seventeen-Brighten and Clean Your Tub

Soap and dirt build up on your tub can be unsightly and unhealthy. After your next shower or bath, put a little baking soda on a rag and scrub down the wet surfaces; this easy approach will clean, remove soap build up and help prevent future soap build up as well.
Tip Eighteen-Don’t Fight with Clogged Drains

Some drains are so tough that you may need a plumber, but the fact is that in most situations you can unclog drains yourself! Here is a trick you might find very helpful.

 

Try pouring boiling water down the drain and then using a plunger until you begin to see the water flowing more readily. With tougher clogs, you may have to repeat this step a few times, but it is certainly cheaper than a plumber’s bill!

 

Tips for Overall Cleanliness

 

Tip Nineteen-Cleaning Hardwood Floors

If cleaning hardwood floors makes you a little nervous then consider our tip for cleaning hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are finished with a wide array of different products and some are more durable than others.

 

For this reason, it is best to test out any hardwood cleaning approach or product in an out of the way area, such as a closet, before using on all of your hardwood floors. Vinegar and a hot water mixture will work to both help shine your hardwood floors and get them clean. Any dirt or grease should easily be removed with this approach.

 

Tip Twenty-Invest in a Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

 

A good microfiber cleaning cloth, one that can be washed and reused, is a prudent investment. A microfiber cleaning cloth is a great way to clean everything from computer monitors to television screens and more. Since, most microfiber clothes are intended to be washed they can be a very eco-friendly option.

 

Tip Twenty-One-Improve Vacuum Cleaner Performance and Energy Efficiency

There is a simple way to improve both the performance and the energy efficiency of most modern vacuum cleaners. These vacuum cleaners have at least one and sometimes two filters. Periodically cleaning these filters improves their performance by increasing their suction power and by increasing the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.

 

Clean filters require less energy and that lowers your carbon footprint. Plus, cleaner vacuums release cleaner air.
Tip Twenty-Two-Change Your Whole House Filters

 

If you have an HVAC system, it is important to keep your filters clean. HVAC systems have to work much harder to handle air when there is a dirty, clogged or even blocked filter. Checking your filters every month and changing them when they are dirty will help you save energy, save money and lower your carbon footprint.

 

The air that circulates through your home will be far cleaner and healthier than if you infrequently changed your air filters.

 

Tip Twenty-Three-Invest in a Quality Air Purifier and Air Quality Meter

When it comes to cleaning people often overlook cleaning their air. However, indoor air quality is increasingly being linked to a range of diseases and even lower I.Q.s. In fact, poor indoor air quality may play a role in everything from the number of colds and flus you catch to whether or not you get seriously ill in the future.

 

Poor indoor air quality is particularly concerning for children. If you do have an air purifier be sure to change the filters frequently. An air quality meter can help you keep track of how successfully you are cleaning your home’s indoor air.

 

Tip Twenty-Four-Plants, Plants and More Plants

A great, inexpensive and often overlooked way to clean your home’s air is to populate your home with a variety of plants. Plants such as snake plants, ferns and peace lilies have been shown in many studies, including those conducted by NASA, to remove harmful compounds, such as formaldehyde, from the air.

 

Plants clean the air during the day and release oxygen at night making them true friends for your lungs and overall health.

 

Tip Twenty-Five-Keep Vinegar Handy

Vinegar often cleans just as well as chemical cleaners. Most people don’t need powerful disinfecting cleaners. Soap and water and a little vinegar and white vinegar can successful handle most cleaning tasks.

 

These twenty-five tips were carefully selected to help you not just clean effectively, but to clean in a way that is healthier for you, your family and the planet. The cleanliness of your home isn’t just limited to how clean your kitchen, bathroom and floors may be, but also includes how clean your air is and the products that populate your home.

 

Products that degas harmful chemicals, lead paint, exposure to chemical based insulation, hiding areas of mold and mildew, radon and other dangers must also be considered.