In a world with growing environmental awareness, we all have to chip in to save the planet. One easy way to do that is to go green with your cleaning by using eco-friendly cleaning products and methods to get your home to look its best. Use the tips below to go green with your home cleaning, and you can feel confident in your efforts to preserve the environment.

Use Indoor Plants to Filter Your Air

Indoor plants are great for increasing oxygen levels in a home, but they can also promote good air quality by naturally filtering the air around you. Plants help to eliminate toxins in the air that can turn into dirt, grime, germs, and bacteria over time. Put a few house plants throughout your home and you'll have a passive cleaning partner working for you.

Keep Your Windows Open

The air in your home is probably more toxic than the air outside. By keeping your windows open, you are allowing a gentle breeze from outside to clean out the germs that hang in the air. Try opening windows opposite to

one another to create maximum airflow.

Choose an Eco Friendly Carpet Cleaner

If you are going to have your carpets professionally cleaned, try to find a local carpet cleaner who uses eco-friendly cleaning products. Some cleaning companies will offer this type of service for an additional fee, while others use only green cleaning products. Supporting a company like this will allow you to help the environment while still getting your carpets to look like new again. It's a win-win situation.

Create a Pleasant, Natural Aroma

You can use natural herbs to make your home smell fresh. This will help you avoid chemical air fresheners that will only put more toxins into your air. Boil a pot of water on the stove, and then add rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, or any other herbs you like the smell of. You can also add in some lemon juice or other citrus fruits to create a wonderful aroma in your home.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Rather than using harsh cleaning products you can buy at the store, try making some on your own. Consider the following ingredients:

• Lemon: Great for killing mould, removing sticky substances, and deodorizing your home.
  
• Vinegar: Great for getting rid of grease and waxy build up.
  
• Baking soda: Great for eating odours in carpets and softening water in other homemade solutions.
  

You can combine these ingredients and others found in your home kitchen to create your own home cleaning products to use on a daily basis. Some of these may not be as strong as commercial cleaners, but they are certainly better for the environment.

Use Steam When Possible

Steam is a fantastic cleaning mechanism that uses nothing but hot water to get rid of stains, remove dirt, and eliminate odours in your home. You can steam clean your carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture without having to use any chemicals at all. Vacuum ahead of time and then put your steam cleaner to work. This will have no adverse effects on the environment.

Follow the tips above, and you will be a green cleaning pro in no time!