A Clean Sweep for the New Year

Spring is traditionally the time for deep cleaning, but with the start of a new year, I have been seized by a compulsion to get my house really clean. I say, if you’re in the mood and have the energy, then do it, regardless of the time of year. It may seem like a lot of work, but there is something so satisfying and relaxing about a freshly cleaned room. It makes my house so much more a joy to be in, and with the colder months still to come, I’m sure we’ll be stuck at home a lot.

Here are my tips for deep cleaning. I divide the job up into rooms and don’t try to accomplish it all in one day. That would be too exhausting. Usually, I start with the rooms that will be the biggest wins: the bathrooms and kitchen. Once those are done, move on to the living areas and bedrooms.

Start at the top and work your way downward. First, use a long dustmop or brush to knock down any cobwebs lurking in the corners of the ceiling. Use a microfiber duster or damp cloth to dust the tops of lights, ceiling fans and other fixtures, picture frames, and window sills.

Next, clear and clean every surface. Why not de-clutter as you go? Pack up for donation or storage anything that you no longer use or like. At the very least, make sure that everything has a place and that everything is in its place.

Here are the types of cleaners I use:

• A solution of 2 parts white vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle. This will clean almost anything. It is particularly useful for wiping down wood furniture and even cleaning wood floors, because it dries quickly, so the water is less likely to damage the wood.
• A solution of orange oil and water. I found orange oil for cleaning at my local co-op or natural foods store. You just need a small amount mixed in a spray bottle with water. This solution is good for cleaning counters, sinks and appliances. It will cut grease, and it also smells very nice.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, for getting rid of stray marks.

If there is anything left after the surface clean, you probably have a tougher problem on your hands, most likely mildew or grease. I suggest a trip to the local hardware store for a targeted cleaner.

Next, remove all area rugs and portable things (trash cans, small pieces of furniture, etc.), and vacuum the floor to get up all the loose dirt. Then, get down on your hands and knees, and use a damp cloth to wipe down all baseboards, corners where dirt accumulates, and even walls if you spy spills or spatters on them. Once that is done, lightly spritz the floor with the vinegar and water solution, and run the mop over all.

If you have area rugs, consider having them cleaned or, if possible, wash in the washing machine. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, this may be a good time to call in the carpet cleaners.

That’s it! The pleasures of a freshly cleaned room can’t be overstated. I have found that since I have deep-cleaned my kitchen, it is much more pleasant to go in there to cook.

Happy new year, everyone!

Green products, I’m not happy with you

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I think of myself as an environmentally aware person. I really believe that we all need to do as much as we can to preserve our environment’s health. So I try to buy green products whenever I can, especially since I think they are probably healthier for my family and me as well.

But if these products don’t do the job they’re supposed to, I’m just throwing my money away. And I don’t like to feel like I’m getting ripped off, even if it is better for the environment.

For instance, lately our dishes haven’t been getting very clean. I thought it was the dishwasher; my husband wanted to try a different soap. We switched back to Cascade, and sure enough, all the dishes were sparkling again. (Did I mention how much I hate it when my husband is right?) I guess that environmentally friendly soap wasn’t very environmentally friendly when you consider how many times I had to rewash the dishes. I’m looking at you, Seventh Generation. (I still like your diapers and wipes, though.)

And no, I don’t think my butt’s too good for toilet paper made from recycled paper. I’m even willing to spend a little more, if it’s good for the environment. But when I take out a new roll and see how little paper is on it, I feel like I’m getting ripped off. How does that advance a green cause?

Toiletries are another area where I can’t seem to find good green products. The mouthwash I bought leaks all over the bathroom counter. The face moisturizer isn’t as effective as my old non-green brand from Target. The very expensive new brands of lotion and shampoo I’ve been trying just aren’t worth the money.

I am a loyal shopper, and when I do find a good brand, I will stick with it. Here are some green brands that I really love:

• Dr. Bronner’s bar soap, liquid soap and lotion (when I can find it)
• Alba shaving lotion and body lotion
• Blue Canoe organic clothing — stylish and high-quality
• Patagonia clothing — more than just outdoors wear, and their clothing lasts
• Larry’s Beans — great coffee in biodegradable packaging

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• How to Make Your Own Toiletries

More Uses for Vinegar

Besides salad dressing, vinegar has many uses around the house. I have taken to buying huge jugs of white and apple cider vinegar. It doesn’t go bad (it already has!) and I always find more ways to use it. Also, I know it’s non-toxic, and it’s cheap!

Here are some more uses for vinegar:

• Hair rinse: Mix apple cider vinegar with warm water and pour over your head for a natural conditioner.
• Shower spray: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water and a few drops tea tree oil and spray in your shower to discourage mildew.
• Kitchen counter cleaner: Mix ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda and a few drops of orange essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
• Vegetable spray: Mix half and half white vinegar and water to spray produce before washing; this kills most of the bacteria.
• Dishwasher rinse: Run the dishwasher empty with 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Microwave cleaner: Heat a bowl of vinegar and water in the microwave, then sponge it out. This loosens any cooked-on messes.
• Hardwood floor cleaner: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part warm water and spray on the mop head until it’s lightly damp to safely clean hardwood floors.
• Toilet bowl cleaner: I sprinkle in some baking soda, then splash in some vinegar; let it sit about 30 minutes, then scrub.

Even more:

• 62 Little Known Uses for Vinegar
• Vinegar Remedies for Common Ailments
• Uses and Tips from the Vinegar Institute

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• Really? You can do that with baking soda

Fight Indoor Air Pollution! Air Out Your House

Here’s another thing to add to our list of things to worry about: indoor air pollution. Apparently, all sorts of things emit dangerous fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including paint, cleaners, vinyl shower curtains and materials used in building wood furniture. You can recognize VOCs by their smell — that chemically “new car” smell. Breathing these fumes in is not good for you, as they have been linked to asthma and even cancer. Because our houses and offices are sealed so tight for energy efficiency, these fumes build up, leading to indoor air pollution levels as much as 5 times greater than air pollution outside.

I know that when we first moved into our new office building, which had been upgraded with new paint and carpets and was hermetically sealed to allow in no outdoor air, I developed allergies for the first time in my life. This spring, I haven’t been working in the office and what do you know? No allergies! Not a scientific study, but that’s convincing evidence for me that we are besieged by indoor air pollution.

I have decided to do something about it. The first thing I am doing is never going to the office again, if I can help it. (Just kidding. Not really.) But I am also going to build airing out my house into my daily routine. Even opening the windows for as little as 10 minutes a day can really help circulate the air in the house and reduce the levels of the indoor pollutants. I find the best time to do it is in the morning just before I take my shower, because it’s cooler then, and I usually go through the house in the morning picking up and straightening up. Also, my son gets some fresh air while he naps. I leave the windows open for a little while, until it starts to get too hot (we live in the South).

The other important thing we can do is to eliminate as much as possible VOC-emitting substances from our homes. That means bypassing vinyl shower curtains and wood furniture that emit VOCs. Use low- or no-VOC paint. And most importantly, eliminate cleaners with chemicals, as cleaners constantly re-pollute the air; homemade cleaners can do the job just as effectively, and don’t poison you at the same time.

It’s the simple changes that can make a big difference.

Everything You Do Is Bad for You, Your Kids & the Planet

As I read around the Interwebs, it seems I discover more and more aspects of everyday modern American life that we think is necessary and good for us but actually is unhealthy for us and hurting our environment. It all seems to tie into the disconnect we have created from the simplest and most natural ways of doing things, which often, coincidentally, are the best ways.

We all know about the food issues, thanks to the efforts of writers like Michael Pollan and the Slow Food movement. We don’t know where our food comes from, and this removal leads to practices like inhumane treatment of domestic animals, genetically modified crops and shipping food great distances even if it’s available locally. We accept chemicals in our food like artificial colors and flavors, as well as non-ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, which are making our kids fat and hyperactive.

Thanks to a resurgence of interest in food, this tide at least seems to be turning. More people are sourcing food locally through farmers markets and CSAs, and are buying organic produce and humanely raised meats.

But that’s just the beginning. Here are some other problem areas I’ve discovered:

• Cleaning — We have been duped into believing that we need a separate cleaner for every cleaning job and that to be clean, the house must smell. So we buy tons of cleaners with lots of dangerous chemicals that build up inside our air-conditioned homes and pollute our water supply. All those anti-bacterial products are creating super-resistant bugs. Little did we know that we can do the job just as well and at a much lower cost using just a few common household items.
• Diapering – Billions of diapers go into the landfills each year, and we accept that children aren’t capable of using the toilet until they’re 2 or 3 years old. Cloth diapers are definitely better, but require a lot of energy and water to keep clean. But some cultures don’t use diapers at all, and their children are pretty much toilet-trained by the age of one. How do they do it? They watch for baby’s cues, similar to feeding or sleep cues, and respond. Here, the resurgence of interest in this technique is called “elimination communication,” because we must have a cutesy name for everything.
• Even shampooing – I’ve just discovered the “no ‘poo” movement (cutesy name alert) that advocates not shampooing at all. Apparently, shampooing strips the natural oils out of your hair, which must be added back in via conditioner. It forms a vicious cycle that puts chemicals on your scalp and in the water. And guess what? Lather doesn’t mean your hair is getting cleaner, just that there are more chemicals in your shampoo.
• Working — The 9-to-5 routine is inefficient, treats adults like children and prevents us from living full and satisfying lives. The ways we work have not significantly changed in over 50 years, even though we have made huge technological advances, so we continue to sit in traffic on long commutes, polluting the air, making ourselves sick in hermetically sealed office buildings and neglecting our children just to make a buck (or get health insurance).
• Just plain living – We’re disconnected from nature. We’re afraid to even let our children go outside, and the mass media gives us new things to be frightened of every day. No wonder so many of us are so depressed.

What do all of these things have in common? It all comes down to money, of course. Every moment we are bombarded with messages to buy, buy, buy and consume, consume, consume. If you are living a simple, contented life, you probably don’t have need to buy a lot of things. And that just won’t do. Our economy depends on us buying a lot of stuff we don’t need or that we use up quickly and then throw away. When you look at it closely, it seems more and more like a house of cards.

I’m not eschewing all aspects of modern life. I’m grateful for medical advances, vaccines and antibiotics that keep us much healthier and living much longer. And modern dentistry is definitely an improvement. Although you have to wonder if statistically, every child actually needs expensive orthodontics. I know that all it did for me was make me dislike and distrust dentists.

I have two knee-jerk reactions to all this. One is to put my hands over my ears and sing tra-la-la because I feel so helpless to change everything and so overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems we are creating for ourselves. And the other is to go to the other extreme, quit my job and go live in a commune where I can grow my own food and make my own soap. But I’m not quite ready to give up my front-loading washing machine yet (another example of a modern-day improvement).

So I guess I have to just keep on doing what I am doing. Try to educate myself, read widely and sort out all of the conflicting messages to figure out what is true for me. Do my part to keep my impact low without driving myself or my family members nuts. Try to connect with other like-minded individuals. And keep the faith that when it comes down to it, our species will pull together and find solutions that work.

De-cluttering My Kitchen

Whew, it is chilly this morning. It feels like a crisp fall day, and it’s May! I almost needed a hat and gloves for my morning walk. Whatever happened to the warming part of global warming? Meanwhile, the Brits are planting olives and almonds and vineyards. Lucky bastards…

After deciding to green my kitchen last week, I also realized that I needed to desperately de-clutter my kitchen. In an ideal world, the kitchen would be the epitome of the Zen workspace: counters and prep areas are bare and clean, but everything you need is close to hand. This ideal is a lot easier to imagine than to achieve.

I started by cleaning off the counters, removing all the bottles of oils and vinegars and spices I had grouped around the stove for easy access (and to remember to use them). When I was finished, I had two work areas — one by the stove and one by the refrigerator — that were completely bare except for cutting boards leaning against the wall for easy access. I also had a space on the other side of the stove with a “permanent” glass cutting board that is a good spot for gathering ingredients before starting a recipe. The only other items left on the counter, besides appliances like the toaster oven and microwave, are salt, pepper and olive oil.

The next step was to make sure needed items were off the workspaces but close to hand. I keep all our dishes in the cabinet beside the stove, and I noticed I was using up all our bowls to hold ingredients during prep. So I moved all the little prep bowls I had collected to that cabinet. It has made a real difference to grab a little bowl for holding that diced onion without having to tramp across the kitchen.

In the other cabinet next to the stove, I put all the spices, sugar bowl, extra salt, oils and vinegars that were gathered on the counter. They are close to hand but out of sight, and I suspect they’ll keep better away from the oven’s heat. The reduced clutter and clean surfaces make a real difference in how I feel when I’m cooking: unhurried, focused, sure that what I need will be in its right place when I need it.

Of course, a de-cluttering often requires a judicious weeding. The kitchen is a prime spot for collecting all sorts of gadgets and junk that seemed neat or useful when we bought it but in reality were not necessary. I’m a weeder by habit, so I didn’t have a lot of these items in my cabinets; getting the space I needed required some creative rearranging, for the most part. But when I looked through the utensil drawers, that was a different story.

The drawers had gotten so stuffed that they were hard to open and close, and often I would spend several minutes hunting down the utensil I needed. So I weeded out of the drawers every utensil that I couldn’t remember using in the recent past. When that was done, I rearranged the drawers to fit the way I cooked. The most used items went in the drawer by the stove: can opener, garlic press, corkscrew, ice cream scoop, etc. In the other drawer by the stove I put the longer items that I need frequently: wooden spoons, spatulas, whisk. I put little items such as measuring cups and biscuit cutters in a small drawer with trays to keep the items organized. One drawer got knives (in a very handy drawer-shaped wood tray) and another got tongs and Microplane graters. I put those occasionally useful but seldom needed items in the drawer that was farthest away: melon baller, pizza cutter, pie lifter and so on.

I can’t describe the effect this de-cluttering has had on my time spent in the kitchen. My kitchen is now a joy to be in, a place that relieves stress rather than causes it. (I wish I had taken before and after pictures to illustrate the change, but I didn’t think to do the before shots, and I’m not about to re-clutter my kitchen just for a photo shoot.) The challenge now is to keep it clean. As we all know, surfaces attract junk: mail, catalogs, books, magazines, cell phones, sunglasses, pens. And the kitchen is full of surfaces. But through paying attention and nagging my husband, I think I will manage to hold onto my de-cluttered space.

For more tips on how to get rid of clutter, see the blog Unclutterer. I have also found good tips at Zen Habits.

Greening My Kitchen

Over the past month, I read a couple of books by two great women science fiction writers that inspired me to think more deeply about my own life and ways I could actively contribute to saving this sorry excuse for a species (tongue planted firmly in cheek). I came up with a lot of ideas, but a simple one was to get more serious about greening my kitchen.

I’ve been concerned about the environment for quite some time, so I’ve already incorporated some changes. The three easiest and most fulfilling of these were:

1. Compost: We don’t have a very large garden, but we use all the compost we produce, and there is something very satisfying about turning what is essentially garbage into dark black, nutrient-rich stuff for making things grow. Composting has cut our trash in half, and I don’t have to use chemical fertilizers or plant foods anymore either.
2. Recycle: Our town just instituted a very broad recycling program, so now we recycle everything we can, especially paper containers. When I am in the grocery store, I also try to buy food packaged in material that I know I can recycle to reduce garbage. Expanding our recycling efforts has probably reduced our garbage by half again.
3. Compact florescent lightbulbs: I’m putting these in wherever I can. They are long-lasting energy savers.

That’s a good start, but what more could I do? Here are the areas I am going to tackle next:

• Eliminate plastics as much as I can, especially for food storage
• Get rid of harsh, expensive, petroleum-based chemical cleaners and make my own (see the bottom of this post for recipes)
• Make a real effort to get up earlier on Saturday mornings so I can take advantage of local farmers’ markets – or perhaps join a CSA
• Seriously considering replacing the refrigerator — I know I can trade in for a more energy-efficient model, but the anti-waste part of me rebels against getting rid of something that may still have usefulness; still, we hate our current refrigerator, so that is motivating

Any other ideas? I’d love to hear them.

Finally, the conundrum: At the grocery store, do I stop taking plastic bags? They are so evil in so many ways, but we reuse them to pick up after the dogs, so does that make it OK? Or should we buy the biodegradable poop bags and kick the plastic bag habit altogether? Comments are welcome.

Here are some recipes for natural cleaners to replace the chemical ones:

Spray Cleaner

For use on any surface except glass. Combine:

• 1 tsp. borax
• 2 tbsp. white vinegar
• 2 cups hot water
• a few drops essential oil — I like orange or lavender oil; tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties (optional but smells nice)

Toilet Cleaner

Combine:

• 4 tbsp. baking soda
• 4 tbsp. vinegar
• 4 tsp. essential oil, such as orange or lemon oil (optional)
• 4 cups water

I’m looking forward to a world where we don’t have to think about doing this stuff, and it doesn’t seem like a sacrifice — rather, it is natural, habitual behavior. Next step: reducing the use of my car. If only I can convince the office that I don’t really need to drive there and attend all those meetings…