‘Green’ cleaning can be easy, too

If you’ve resolved to go green in 2013 – or at least to pay more attention to being Earth friendly – here are some small, but significant changes you can make in your cleaning routine.

VINEGAR

Vinegar has long been regarded as a cheap and natural alternative to harsh chemicals.

Cost: On average, a gallon of white vinegar costs about $1.80. Even with a coupon and a good sale, all-purpose cleaners can cost at least twice as much.

USES

 • Clear dirt off your computer, printer and other office machines. Turn off all equipment and use equal parts vinegar and water to wipe down surfaces. Use a cotton swap for those hard-to-reach places.

 • Cleaning blinds can be easy when you use a gardening glove dipped in vinegar.

 • Freshen lunchboxes and other small places by wiping down with a mix of water and vinegar.

 • For dirty carpets, rub light stains with a mix of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in half cup white vinegar. Let the solution dry, then vacuum.

 • Remove grime from hardwood floors with a solution of a quarter cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water, then mop away the dirt.

LEMONS

Some ideas to try:

 • Use half a lemon and salt to clean discolored brass, copper and chrome faucets.

 • Clean and disinfect cutting boards with lemon juice. Rub the lemon juice onto the board, let stand overnight, then rinse.

 • In the laundry room, remove grease stains on clothes by rubbing lemon juice on the spot, allow to sit overnight, then wash.