Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips To Save The Planet

Preparing a rental property for the final inspection in Adelaide is a stressful and time-consuming task. The process involves the attention-to-detail end of lease cleaning for a hassle-free retrieval of bond money.

Thus, people use expensive and fancy products to save time and energy when tackling stubborn stains and grime. Unfortunately, conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach and volatile organic compounds that can cause various health hazards. These chemicals can also produce greenhouse gas emissions and pollute the entire ecosystem.

If you are conscious about the planet or want to adopt sustainability, adopt green cleaning practices that are equally result-driven. So here are eco-friendly end of lease cleaning tips to help impress your landlord while saving the planet. The guide includes safe and sound cleaning solutions to tackle dirt and grime like a pro.

1.     Clean Hard Surfaces With Microfiber Cloths

Instead of expensive feather dusters or paper towels, use super-convenient, affordable, eco-friendly microfiber cloths. These cloths are made of small polyester fibres to trap tiny dust particles, pet hair, pollen, and grime in a single swipe.

If you are preparing a rental property in Adelaide, start dusting your rooms from the top. Use a damp cloth and wipe down the dirt-laden walls, shelves, cupboards, table tops, blinds, window sills, glass surfaces, countertops, etc.

The best part is that you do not need to toss them into the dustbin after every use. Instead, wash them and they are ready for the next cleaning session. 

2.   Switch to Natural Sponges for Eco-Friendly Cleaning

There is no denying that sponges are great for absorbing excessive liquids, spills, and splatters. Unfortunately, store-bought sponges are made with synthetic plastic that is not biodegradable. This means they don’t break down easily in the soil and can take hundreds of years to decompose. This can leach hazardous elements into the soil and pollute the air.

So, it is good to use bamboo sponges, which are environmentally friendly and made from bamboo. You can use them to wipe down your oven, BBQ, and countertops or remove excess spills using a natural sponge. 

3.   Tackle Stubborn Stains and Grime with White Vinegar

Store-bought multi-purpose cleaning sprays are laden with VOCs that can irritate your eyes, skin and respiratory systems. These volatile organic compounds can increase pollution in the air and water bodies.

Instead, prepare homemade all-purpose cleaner using vinegar and other safe ingredients to tackle pet stains, coffee stains, built-up grease, caked-on gunk and rust stains from surfaces. Many professionals use vinegar when performing a budget end of lease cleaning in Adelaide. To prepare the DIY vinegar-based cleaning product, you will need:

•          One cup of white vinegar
•         One cup of warm water
•          A few drops of mild dishwashing liquid
•          10-15 drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil

Directions:

•          Mix all ingredients in an empty spray bottle.
•          Shake well. Spray on the affected areas, including carpets, windows, blinds, kitchen appliances, etc.
• Note: Avoid using it on natural stone surfaces like marble, limestone, granite, etc.

4.   Tackle Mould and Mildew with Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another eco-friendly cleaning product you must include in your end of lease cleaning session. It can help you get rid of mould stains from surfaces like bathroom tiles, shower curtains, tile grout lines, walls, etc.

Pour 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle with water and spray over the affected area. Leave it for a few minutes, gently scrub it with an old toothbrush. Rinse and wipe the area. Make sure you tackle the mould on time to prevent costly deductions at the end of lease and save your bond money. 

5.    Clean Your Kitchen Appliances Naturally

Overlooking kitchen appliances like an oven, microwave, or fridge means losing hard-earned bond money. Landlords thoroughly inspect these objects before they pass the rental inspection.

Thus, most people use store-bought oven or microwave cleaning sprays that contain hazardous chemicals. If you want to impress the landlord without polluting the environment, use the following hacks:

•          Coat your oven interiors (except heating coils) with baking soda and water paste. This will help you break down gunk and grime.
•          Prepare white vinegar and warm and soapy water solution to clean your fridge and dishwasher inside and outside.
•         Place a bowl of vinegar, lemon juice, and warm water in your microwave for 2-3 minutes. The steam will help you tackle grime quickly.

6.   Banish Germs and Bacteria using Lemon.

Experts believe that lemons have antibacterial properties. So, you can use them as a natural deodoriser when cleaning your rental property. They can help kill bad odours and germs from sinks, trash cans, cutting boards, and other surfaces.

Combining vinegar and lemon juice can also help you tackle oil stains, grease and grime. 

7.    Freshen Up Your Carpets with Baking Soda

Do not forget your carpets when moving out of your rental property. A vinegar solution can be used to remove stubborn stains and spills using the blotting method.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on lingering smells and germs. Its alkaline property can absorb bad odours and kill germs without leaving toxic fumes behind.

Make sure you vacuum the carpets to eliminate baking soda residue. This will leave your carpets and rugs as sparkling as new.

Wrapping Up

This guide makes it possible to perform an end of lease cleaning with eco-friendly or green products. You can use vinegar, baking soda, and tools like natural sponges, microfiber cloths, and dusters to create a shiny, organised, and inviting property for the final rental inspection.