Green cleaning tips to start the new year

Ready to add more green to your clean? Whether it is a New Year's resolution, you're trying to be more environmentally conscious, or maybe you're just trying to save money, these tips can help make going green simple and easy.

The first tip that we are loving right now is swapping out those disposable, single-use floor cleaning pads for something that doesn't drain your pockets. Listen, we are all here for making cleaning easy and fast. Using the floor cleaning wands with the disposable pads makes sweeping/dusting the floor quick and painless. However instead of spending money on the pads that end up in the landfills, try using some old socks! Even better if you can use an odd sock that you can't find the mate for. We used an odd sock in the pictures, but we have also used bandanas or old t-shirts. When you are done cleaning the floor, toss the sock in the wash with your normal laundry load.

The next tip we have is to ditch the paper towels and switch to microfiber cleaning cloths. These little cloths are so incredibly handy! They are perfect for a quick kitchen or bathroom clean-up, cleaning glass, mirrors, and windows.  They are even perfect for keeping in the car to dust off your dashboard and screens. Much like the floor cleaning pad swap, you can just toss these cloths in your regular laundry when you are done with them.

If you are ready to take your green cleaning to the next level, consider making some of your own household cleaners. We've had some success with the following:

• Cleaner for Glass: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with one quart of water in a clean and empty spray bottle. Spray mixture on glass and wipe clean with one of those handy microfiber clothes. You could also use old newspaper if you have any around the house.

• Cleaner for shower and tub: In a clean 16 ounce spray bottle fill with 1/2 cup of Dawn blue liquid soap and fill the remainder of the bottle with white vinegar. Shake gently to mix and then spray all around your tub or shower. For stubborn stains, try spraying and leave the mixture to sit overnight. In the morning, the stains should wash right off when you rinse the shower walls with water.

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle some baking soda directly on to your toilet brush and start scrubbing. You can also soak your toilet brush in bleach and scrub away. This is best for weekly cleaning. Once a month you should try to do a deeper clean. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar. You can also add some tea tree oil as a disinfectant. Mix well and put in a clean spray bottle. Spray mixture all over the inside of the toilet bowl and let sit overnight for maximum results. Give the bowl a light scrub in the morning and it should be sparkling clean.

Hope you found some tips that you can incorporate into your cleaning routine.

Do you have any tips that you can share with us? We'd love to hear about them. Drop us a line here.