There are silent killers lurking somewhere in your kitchen cabinets, maybe underneath the sink or in some spot designated for storing all those chemical cleaners we routinely use in our homes. “Better living through chemistry”, was the advertising adage that framed consumer thinking for generations, and the result has added greatly to the toxicity of our planet and our personal lives. How unhealthy is it to breathe the vapor of anyone of those random chemical cocktails in a plastic spray bottle?

Enter the notion of green cleaning, effective, safe, and inexpensive. Hilton Head Islander Judith Wine, a professional house cleaner, is committed to green cleaning. “I love what I do, but I didn’t want to compromise my health, so I researched non-toxic approaches and came up with simple alternatives that get the job done really well.”

Wine suggests using baking soda, vinegar and borax as cleaning staples. Baking soda removes dirt and grease without scratching surfaces; it is an abrasive and a disinfectant. A touch of lemon adds a little extra cleaning zest, apply directly and scrub. Vinegar cuts through dirt and grease and discourages mold. Use it straight or dilute it with water in a spray bottle. Borax is useful in the bathroom, it whitens, and disinfects. It’s a mold and mildew remover; throw a handful in your laundry for brighter, cleaner results.

Consider green cleaning as a way to enhance the quality of your life, save you money, and most importantly assist in saving the environment from more toxic chemicals.

Green Clean by Shanti North