The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning, 2nd Edition

273 Pages·2009·1.548 MB·English

by  Mary Findley

(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)
(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)
(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)
by Mary Findley
and Linda Formichelli
A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)
(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)
(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)
by Mary Findley
and Linda Formichelli
A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
This book is dedicated to all my customers, especially those in my early cleaning years,
who allowed me to care for their homes. The knowledge I share with you in this book
stems from those earliest roots.
(cid:47)(cid:58)(cid:62)(cid:54)(cid:47)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:61)(cid:61)(cid:57)(cid:65)
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA
Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada
(a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)
Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.)
Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of
Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.)
Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India
Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore, Auckland 1311, New Zealand (a division of
Pearson New Zealand Ltd.)
Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:103)(cid:96)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:150)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:39)(cid:14)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:52)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:103)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:58)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:52)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:91)(cid:87)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:87)
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmit-
ted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written
permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the informa-
tion contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book,
the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability
assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information,
address Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group
(USA) Inc.
ISBN: 1-101-02311-2
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2008935069
Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year
of the book’s printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the
book’s printing. For example, a printing code of 09-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2009.
Note:This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its authors. It is intended to provide help-
ful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the
authors and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader
requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted.
The authors and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, per-
sonal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and applica-
tion of any of the contents of this book.
Publisher:Marie Butler-Knight Senior Production Editor: Janette Lynn Book Designer: Trina Wurst
Editorial Director: Mike Sanders Copy Editor: Megan Wade Indexer:Brad Herriman
Senior Managing Editor: Billy Fields Cartoonist:Chris Sabatino Layout:Chad Dressler
Acquisitions Editor: Michele Wells Proofreader:Laura Caddell
Development Editor: Julie Bess
(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83)
(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:40)(cid:14) (cid:64)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:103)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:14) (cid:31)
1 Prep School: Going Green to Clean 3
Your step-by-step guide to going green,
including quick ways to clear the clutter
and simplify your life.
2 The Hit List 15
The ugly side of cleaners, carpet, flooring,
and furniture, and how to read labels and
MSDS sheets.
3 Tooling Around 31
The products and tools you need to get
your home sparkling.
4 MIY: Make It Yourself 45
The complete rundown on how to make
your own organic cleaners, including the
essentials on essential oils.
5 Schedule It: Cleaning Chores, That Is 59
From daily chores to yearly jobs, you’ll find
out what needs to be cleaned and when.
(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:32)(cid:40)(cid:14) (cid:64)(cid:93)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:27)(cid:80)(cid:103)(cid:27)(cid:64)(cid:93)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:14) (cid:36)(cid:39)
6 Kitchen Duty 71
Quick, easy, green ways to clean every
surface and send the germs packing.
7 Bathroom Blitz 85
From the toilet to the tub, your least
favorite cleaning jobs made green, clean,
simple, and easy.
8 Beautiful Bedrooms 101
Your bed “partners” may be robbing you
of the rest you need. Clean and green
your bedroom for a restful night’s sleep.
9 Lovely Living Rooms 111
Boost your cleaning know-how to limit
toxic congestion in your living room.
(cid:87)(cid:100) (cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:194)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)
(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:33)(cid:40)(cid:14) (cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:48)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:98)(cid:99)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:14) (cid:31)(cid:32)(cid:31)
10 Hit the Floor Running 123
Here you’ll learn all of Mary’s trade
secrets for safely cleaning your floor sur-
faces.
11 Walls, Ceilings, and Windows 131
Walls and ceilings and windows, oh my!
We’ll make short work of the three big-
gest cleaning jobs in the home.
12 The Great Green Outdoors 141
Now that the inside of your home is clean,
don’t forget the outside. We’ll cover it all
from the patio to gutters.
13 Mean Green Driving Machines 153
The new vehicle paints have people
scratching their heads on the right way to
clean vehicles. Learn from Mary’s exper-
tise how to clean them so they have a
better-than-showroom shine.
(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:34)(cid:40)(cid:14) (cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:194)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:60)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:52)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:89)(cid:97)(cid:40)(cid:14)(cid:61)(cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:14) (cid:31)(cid:36)(cid:35)
14 Laundry Room Bliss 167
The task of sorting, washing, and drying
clothes can make you feel like you’ve been
through the spin cycle. We’ll sort that
out, along with the clothes, and make it
simple.
15 Loose Ends 177
Critters, golf clubs, stuffed toys, and
playpens all need TLC, too. This chapter
wraps up all those loose ends.
16 Breathe Easier by Going Green 189
Take the green approach to safely solve
your home pollution problems, such as
fireplaces and air ducts; then heed our
warnings about air fresheners.
(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:79)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:81)(cid:83) (cid:100)
17 Precision Speed Cleaning 199
So you think speed cleaning is fast? Wait
till you put Mary’s Precision Cleaning
methods to work.
(cid:47)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:102)(cid:83)(cid:97)
A Your Complete Stain-Removal Guide 215
B Your Complete Resource Guide 239
Index 245

(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:97)
(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:40)(cid:14) (cid:64)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:103)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:14) (cid:31)
(cid:14) (cid:31)(cid:14) (cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:94)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:40)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:93)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:14) (cid:33)
Join the Green Revolution............................................4
Small Changes = Huge Benefits...................................4
Put Old Habits to Rest.................................................4
A New Way of Thinking..............................................5
You Reap What You Use...............................................6
Spray It, Breathe It.....................................................7
Wipe On, Wipe Off.....................................................8
Ransack Your Home......................................................9
Garage, Attic, and Shed.............................................10
Closets and Cabinets...................................................10
Proper Disposal...........................................................11
Simplify Your Life.......................................................11
(cid:14) (cid:32)(cid:14) (cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:58)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:14) (cid:31)(cid:35)
When “Green” Is Black..............................................16
The Silent Killers........................................................18
Hidden Danger............................................................19
Cleaners, Soaps, and Detergents.................................20
The Rest of What Ails You.........................................22
Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Hazards........................23
The Ugly Side of Carpet, Vinyl, and Furniture..........24
Lurking in Your Furniture........................................25
Understanding What You Read..................................26
This Thing Called a Label.........................................27
Mysterious MSDS.....................................................28
One Step at a Time...................................................28
(cid:14) (cid:33)(cid:14) (cid:66)(cid:93)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:47)(cid:96)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14) (cid:33)(cid:31)
Good Ain’t Cheap and Cheap Ain’t Good.................32
The High Cost of Penny Pinching..............................32
Quality Means Speed and Dependability.....................33
The Buzz on Vacuums................................................33
Filter It Out..............................................................34
Upright Vacs..............................................................34
(cid:100)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:87) (cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:93)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:98)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:194)(cid:97)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:99)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:14)(cid:53)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:92)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:92)(cid:82)(cid:14)(cid:51)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:98)(cid:87)(cid:93)(cid:92)
Canister Vacs.............................................................35
Backpack Vacs............................................................35
Shopping for a Vacuum..............................................35
Rags, Cloths, Scrubbers, and Sponges.......................36
The Not-So-Wonderful Microfiber.............................36
Good Ole Dependable Cotton......................................37
The Ultimate Dry Sponges........................................37
Scrubbers and Brushes................................................37
Sweep It with a Glance...............................................38
Mops............................................................................39
If It’s Dirty, Don’t Use It...........................................39
Cotton String Mops...................................................39
Sponge Disasters........................................................40
Twist Mops................................................................40
Cotton Pad Mops.......................................................40
Towel Mops................................................................41
Microfiber Mops........................................................41
Predampened Towelette Mops.....................................41
Bottle Attached Mops.................................................41
Soaps and Cleaning Solutions.....................................42
Dusters.........................................................................43
Feather Dusters.........................................................43
Dusting Cloths...........................................................43
(cid:14) (cid:34)(cid:14) (cid:59)(cid:55)(cid:71)(cid:40)(cid:14)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:89)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:55)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:71)(cid:93)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:97)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:84)(cid:14) (cid:34)(cid:35)
The Basics....................................................................46
Essential Oils...............................................................47
Know Your Stuff........................................................48
Oils for Cleaning and Disinfecting.............................49
Recipes for the Kitchen...............................................51
Bathroom Alternatives.................................................54
Healthy Dusting..........................................................55
Laundry Bliss...............................................................56
Naturally Fresh Home................................................56
Ecofriendly Products...................................................57
(cid:14) (cid:35)(cid:14) (cid:65)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:14)(cid:55)(cid:98)(cid:40)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:49)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:96)(cid:83)(cid:97)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:98)(cid:14)(cid:55)(cid:97)(cid:14) (cid:35)(cid:39)
The Scheduling Countdown.......................................60
Handing Out Tasks.....................................................60
Naming Names.........................................................61
Little Green Cleaners: Getting Kids to Help...............61