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Those looking for safe, effective cleaners for their Chicago apartment will appreciate these supply tips and recipes that will have the home sparkling without using potentially toxic chemicals in no time.
Staples and Supplies Needed to Get Started
Before moving onto the green cleaning recipes, here are a few supplies you should have on hand. Most of these are likely already in your pantry.
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Castile Soap
- Essential Oils if Desired
Beyond the pantry staples, a few key supplies will also come in handy, including:
Glass Spray Bottles and Jars—Mixing your green cleaners in glass is recommended by the pros, and this is particularly important if you decide to use essential oils in your cleaning solutions.
Scrubbing Tools—Get a few scrub brushes to tackle floors, sinks, showers and one specifically for the toilet. A few old toothbrushes are ideal for handling detail work like grout lines and corner spaces.
Shaker Container—When using the carpet-refreshing recipe below, you will want to have a glass cheese shaker. However, a reused plastic one will suffice if not using essential oils.
Microfiber Cloths—Ditch the paper towels and use these non-abrasive washable cloths that can clean a variety of surfaces effectively.
Quick and Easy Cleaning Solution Recipes
- Carpet Refresher Blend: Combine a cup of baking soda and 10‒12 drops of essential oil of your choosing in your cheese shaker bottle. Sprinkle atop soiled or smelly carpet, and let it sit a few hours before vacuuming.
- Green Floor Cleaner: Add ½ cup distilled white vinegar to about a gallon of warm or hot water in a bucket. Use an eco-friendly mop, and allow the floor to air dry.
- All-Purpose Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a glass spray bottle. Add essential oils if you like, such as lemon or lavender.
- Bathroom Scrubbing Paste: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with a tablespoon of liquid Castile soap. Slowly add white vinegar until creamy paste forms.
- Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour about a cup of borax in the toilet before going to bed. Give it a quick scrub in the morning and enjoy a clean toilet without caustic chemicals.
Looking for Chicago Apartments?
If you are looking for upscale apartments in Chicago, contact our team here at The Montrose to learn more about our community and our available floor plans.
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Do you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle? It is possible to go green when living in an apartment. Here are some amazing tips and tricks for eco-friendly apartment living.
#1 Use Natural Cleaning Products
If you like to keep your apartment clean and tidy, you probably use a variety of cleaning products to eliminate bacteria and kill germs. The problem is that these products contain a lot of harmful ingredients. Most chemical cleaning products have a list of warnings on the side of the label. These warnings alert consumers to the fact that the cleaning products are dangerous to one’s health. So, skip the normal cleaning chemicals and opt for formulas that are all-natural and non-toxic. Some good brands include The Honest Company and Method Cleaning Products.
#2 Use Window Coverings to Control Temperature
Heat loss and gain through windows can drive up your energy bills. Eco-friendly window treatments are kinder to the environment, and they help you save money by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat or cool your apartment.
#3 Ventilate Your Space
Ventilating your apartment can help make it more eco-friendly and healthier. It allows indoor chemicals and toxins to escape from your space. It can also reduce your air conditioner use. Ventilate your windows frequently to circulate fresh air. Even during the winter, open the windows for just for a few minutes.
#4 Get Some Plants
Plants naturally purify the air. They take in carbon dioxide and return oxygen to the air in its place. Plants also soak up heavy metals and absorb toxic chemicals from the air. So, place plants in every room in your apartment. Select plants that are easy to maintain and are indoor-friendly.
#5 Shop Vintage or Thrift Shops
Outfitting your apartment with used furniture helps to reduce waste. It can also give your space a stylish look as vintage is fashionable right now. Plus, you can save money by shopping at thrift stores, vintage shops and flea markets. Another bonus to buying used furniture is that it does not typically release harmful chemicals. New furniture contains chemicals that may release chemicals for years to come.
If you are looking for apartments in Chicago, check out The Montrose. Located in the city’s historic Uptown neighborhood, The Montrose offers floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous views of Chicago. Call us today to learn more!
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