Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Here is a new blog post from a guest author contributing to
Lang’s Kitchen & Bath’s website. All views expressed are those of the author.

Cleaning your kitchen or bathroom can be challenging and time-consuming, but it doesn't have to harm the environment. In fact, traditional cleaning products often contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health and affect your indoor air quality. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental risks to public health. To reduce your environmental impact and create a healthier home for you and your family, making a few simple eco-friendly changes to your cleaning routine can go a long way.

When it comes to giving your home a thorough clean, considering eco-friendly options for your bathroom and kitchen not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also benefits the environment. Let's explore some specific sustainable cleaning ideas that can help give your home the refresh it deserves, while also being kind to the planet.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Using eco-friendly cleaning products is a great way to reduce environmental impact and keep your Lang's kitchen design or bathroom remodel clean without exposing yourself or your family to harmful chemicals. Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and phosphates, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, exposure to cleaning chemicals can worsen asthma and increase the risk of other respiratory illnesses. 

In contrast, eco-friendly cleaning products are made from natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your skin and respiratory system. These products are also biodegradable, breaking down quickly and not contributing to water pollution. Plus, they are as effective as traditional cleaning products, so you don't have to sacrifice cleanliness for sustainability.

Some sustainable cleaning products, such as castile soap, can also be used for multiple purposes, so it saves you money since you can use it to wash kitchen and bathroom surfaces. In a pinch, it can also be used as a dishwashing liquid, a hand soap, or even as a shampoo or body wash. By switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, you can create a healthier and safer home environment for yourself and your loved ones while doing your part for the planet.

Prevent Mold Growth

To prevent mold growth, promptly addressing any moisture or water damage in your home is essential. Mold can grow in damp areas, and if left unchecked, can cause health issues and damage to your property. To prevent mold growth, fix any leaks or water damage as soon as possible, and regularly inspect your home for any signs of moisture. In addition to promptly addressing water damage, you can use natural DIY cleaning solutions to prevent and eliminate mold growth. 

For example, vinegar and tea tree oil are effective natural cleaners that can help kill mold spores. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in your home and prevent mold growth. If you're dealing with a serious mold issue, consider contacting a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold properly and safely from your home. By taking proactive steps to prevent and eliminate mold growth, you can ensure a healthier and safer living environment for you and your family.

Opt for Non-Toxic Pest Control

Pests like mice and cockroaches can find their way into your kitchen or bathroom. Most people deal with house pests by using pesticides, but traditional pesticides can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. For instance, pesticide exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, neurological problems, and reproductive issues. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the health risks associated with pesticide exposure. 

In addition to the health risks, traditional pesticides can also negatively impact the environment. Pesticides can contaminate soil and water, harming beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. They can also contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, further endangering human and animal health. By using non-toxic pest control solutions, we can minimize these harmful impacts and promote a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Avoid Disposable Cleaning Tools

Another way to make your cleaning routine more eco-friendly is to avoid disposable cleaning products. Disposable cleaning products, such as paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and mop heads, create a lot of unnecessary waste. These products are often used once and then thrown away, contributing to the growing problem of landfill waste. 

Instead of using disposable cleaning products, consider investing in reusable cleaning tools such as microfiber cloths and mop heads. These products are durable, effective, and can be washed and reused often. Microfiber cloths are great for dusting and wiping down surfaces, as they can trap and hold dust and dirt particles. Since these can be washed again and again, this reduces the need to constantly purchase disposable cleaning tools, which can contribute to waste and harm the environment. They are also gentle on surfaces, making them ideal for delicate items such as glassware and electronic screens.

Compost Food Scraps

To deal with food scraps from your kitchen, consider composting instead of throwing them away. Composting is an easy and rewarding way to reduce your household waste and create a sustainable source of fertilizer for your garden. You can purchase a compost bin or create your own to start composting. Many resources are available online to help you start composting, including guides on what materials to include and how to maintain them properly.

By composting your food scraps, you can also reduce the amount of methane gas produced in landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, so reducing the methane produced is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Composting is an environmentally friendly solution that helps reduce waste and provides a valuable resource for your garden.

Using Natural Cleaning Methods

Another eco-friendly change you can make when cleaning your kitchen or bathroom is to use natural or DIY cleaning solutions. This calls for using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda to clean and disinfect your home. DIY cleaning methods are often just as effective as traditional cleaning products, and they're also safer for your health and the environment.

For example, vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces, and baking soda can scrub away stains and grime. To use natural cleaning methods, simply mix your chosen ingredients with water and use them to clean your surfaces. You can also add essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil to add a pleasant scent.

Creating a Green Cleaning Routine

You can create a green cleaning routine to make your kitchen or bathroom as eco-friendly as possible. This routine should incorporate all the eco-friendly changes that have been discussed, such as using natural cleaning products and choosing sustainable materials. When creating your green cleaning routine, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want to choose cleaning products that are safe for them to be around. You can also create a schedule for cleaning your kitchen or bathroom that reduces the amount of water and energy you use. For instance, you can clean your kitchen and bathroom simultaneously to reduce the amount of water you use for cleaning.

Cleaning your kitchen or bathroom doesn't have to harm the environment. Making a few simple changes to your cleaning routine can reduce your environmental impact and create a healthier home for you and your family. Some of the eco-friendly changes you can make include using eco-friendly cleaning products, reducing water waste, reducing plastic waste, preventing mold growth, choosing sustainable materials, and using natural cleaning methods.