skip to main content

Cleaning Tips Polls

Chemical or organic cleaning products?

6 years ago

There are many ways to clean a house. But some Houzzers take more elbow grease than others. And it also depends on how much you care about exposure to chemical cleaning agents.

Are you on the side of all-organic, going organic where you can, or just finding what does the job best?

Stainless Steel Drawers and Roll-Out Shelves from Dura Supreme · More Info

Organic only

Organic where it's available

Whatever gets the job done

Featured Answer

PRO

Wild Bear & Co Hervey Bay

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

With disabilities and physical limitations affecting my ability to use 'significant elbow grease', get on hands and knees and scrub or bend/lift/twist with my back, I use a combination of organic and chemical cleaning solutions that best suit our family and our situation. I try to do the right thing by the environment as much as I physically can, other times, I rely on chemicals to do the 'harder jobs' if I have been unable to find an organic solution. Or.... on my worst days, I employ the services of a cleaner to help alleviate the feelings of failure I have when I can't clean house like a normal wife and mummy - our cleaner's contribution to our family is not just the benefit of a clean house, it works wonders on broken hearted, physically crippled and overworked members of our family. And I have told how her much she means to us. :) Words never come close to expressing my gratitude and appreciation to her x

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (25)

k__m
6 years ago
gunner43, I too have been using microfibre cloths for years, but now it seems like they are also bad for the environment as they are synthetic and release microscopic particles (microfibres) when used and washed. Can't seem to win.
Related Discussions
Get ready to enjoy outdoor areas - pavers need cleaning
Q
Comments (0)
In Australia everyone is in preparation for summer and holiday time at home. Fun in the sun, lazing by the pool you will need to have your entertainment and pool areas cleaned and ready for family and friends. This is where the professional stone services of The Marble Man will assist. Outdoor pavers around pools, in courtyards and on driveways, made from sandstone, limestone, travertine, terrazzo, flagstone and granite are quite resistant to weather however they are susceptible to staining and discolouration from outdoor pollution, soil, pool chemicals, leaves, oils and bird droppings. View The Marble Man website - www.themarbleman.com.au for outdoor stone cleaning information. Sealing will protect these stones to a degree however regular cleaning is recommended to avoid long term damage and the need for resurfacing. The Marble Man is experienced at successfully removing discolouration from green moss, mould, leaves and other organic stains using special cleaning products and systems. Our technicians will revive your outdoor stone pavers so that the appeal of your pool or entertaining area is restored to be enjoyed. Before cleaning - over time the natural elements have discoloured the stone. The Marble Man cleaning process maintains the stones integrity. After The Marble Man cleaning processes - restored to it's natural glory! We respect stone and it's quality in your home. The Marble Man - specialist cleaning service - 1300 627 626 - for our free proposal - www.themarbleman.com.au
...See More
Marble Floor Basic Cleaning Tips
Q
Comments (0)
Does your marble floor give you headaches? Today as a cleaning company we will give you practical advice, simple care that following them constantly will prevent you from having bad times and unnecessary expenses on the floor surface of your spaces. The marble floor is formed by a natural and strong limestone rock from different mountains worldwide. Marble is very popular in Australia. Post in trend: How to save flooded wooden floors If you are in Melbourne and you find yourself involved in some domestic trouble regarding the cleaning of these surfaces, you can count on our team of cleaning professionals. However, our aim is to help you and advise you on the care of the marble floor, in order to ensure that its useful life is satisfactory for you. Marble floors provide elegance, aesthetic design, light, and shine to any space in which it is installed. It is highly recommended to coat walls and floors in bathroom and kitchen areas that are constantly in contact with moisture. Although the marble floor is a resistant material, it is necessary to comply with certain basic care when cleaning it and we will describe them below. Prevents agglomeration of liquids on a marble floor Marble is ‌resistant to liquids, but like any other surface, it has its limits‌. In the event of spills, marble is porous and will absorb spilled liquids if left unattended. If you let things sit too long, they will become discolored or stained. We recommend using a microfiber cloth to dry up any spills on the marble floor. Marble Floor: Easy Cleaning Tricks Always remove dirt and dust with a cloth dampened in warm water. Wash it regularly with a neutral formula soap. Rinse with a dry cloth after letting it work for a few minutes. To make it shine, you can use a mixture of baking soda and a little water. Place it on the marble and let it act for half an hour. Remove the mixture and clean residue with warm water. Dry with a cloth. Another option is to use a little hydrogen peroxide mixed with cold water. Wet a rag and pass it over the entire area. Then dry with a clean cloth. It is important to highlight that you should avoid the use of acidic products on marble floors at all costs! Instead, focus on using neutral pH cleaning products that do not harm marble floors at all. Among the products mostly used for different areas but that you should keep away from your marble floor care vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleaners (such as lemon or orange), and any other general cleaning chemical. Drying For marble flooring, you can't afford to let it dry freely. Because the marble will absorb the water or solution and could stain or discolor. So what you should do is use a soft towel or cloth, preferably a microfiber material, to dry the floor as soon as you finish rinsing it. The process can also be sped up by using a fan. Scratches When you see a scuff or other mark that won't go away with normal washing, remove it with a felt pad. Simply wet the pad with a mixture of water and detergent and stroke the marble along the grain. Don't rub in circular motions because they will damage the marble. Uses rugs Rugs and carpets serve the function of collecting waste, making it easier to sweep with a soft bristle brush or vacuum the most frequented areas. They protect the most traveled areas from scratches. The cleaning company Our aim as a professional cleaning company is to help you with the daily or deep maintenance of your home, school, building, or hospital. Guaranteeing its durability‌. Too easy to perform the task.
...See More
How to clean painted walls?
Q
Comments (0)
How do we clean painted walls? How to Clean Painted Walls: Remove grease traces, stains, dust, and grime from flat, matte, or gloss emulsion-painted walls with these expert tips. Knowing how to clean painted walls is not one of the top priorities of house cleaning. However, painted walls should be cleaned regularly to ensure they continue to look bright and decorative rather than dingy. Walls collect dust and dirt. At worst, they're likely to be stained with greasy fingerprints, bumps, scuffs, and even food. Cleaning of flat-painted walls should be done with caution. The last thing you want to do is remove the finish. How often should you clean your painted walls? “If you're going to clean your walls, maybe you should do it once or twice a year, really hard during spring cleaning. Or, if you're getting ready to paint your walls, that's the other time you want to give them a deep clean. Otherwise, you will focus on the spot cleaning.” “Before doing any kind of wall cleaning, it's a good idea to test what you're using in an inconspicuous area. This is important because some paints do not withstand cleaning and leave a permanent wet mark on the wall. How to professionally clean painted walls Before you begin, make sure the tools you use, from sponges to cloths to mops, won't scratch the paint. What is needed are soft sponges/mops and microfiber cloths. Wipe the dust off the walls Dust off excess dirt before you start cleaning painted walls, otherwise you'll only spread dirt. You can do this with a lint-free cloth for areas you can reach, a soft broom with a rag over the bristles, or better yet, a mop for high areas. If there are no stains on the walls, dusting may suffice. Wash the walls with a mild detergent In most cases, all you need for this is warm soapy water. Prepare a cleaning solution in a bucket with water and your mildest detergent. Use your softest sponge to apply the solution to your walls. Don't soak the sponge too much. If you do, wring it out well before cleaning, as dripping can leave water stains on the walls. Leave it for five to ten minutes. Have a second bowl or bucket of clean water handy so you can rinse the soapy solution for five to ten minutes after applying it. This simple process should be enough to clean most painted walls. You can also use a sponge mop to do this, which will give you a better reach. We recommend getting the mop wet and then squeezing out the excess water, working from left to right with the mop. Next, dry the walls by placing a microfiber cloth on a flat-head mop and working in the same motions. Clean stains from painted walls with vinegar Do you need something stronger? White vinegar, our old cleaning favorite, is up to ‌cleaning any stubborn stains or particularly dirty walls. Just mix a cup of white vinegar with a full bucket of warm water and use a soft sponge to remove stains. No need to rinse afterward. Use a mild degreaser for painted kitchen walls Obviously, painted kitchen walls can be greasy. Besides the above washing techniques, an additional professional cleaning with a mild degreaser should suffice. Just follow the instructions on the product to prevent streaking, and don't forget to avoid harsh chemicals. Our advice? When in doubt, use white vinegar. Clean-painted walls with baking soda and water Do you have a stain that won't go away? Baking soda can come to your rescue. Clean your walls with a mixture of water and baking soda on a soft cloth or towel. A half cup of this mixture in a bucket of hot water is enough. Any pencil or pen marks should go straight away with this clever mix. Again, be sure to test in a hidden area before applying to a visible part of the wall. Clean stains with baby wipes Baby wipes, and makeup removers… all of them are good for removing stains from the walls. Choose the ones that are ecological and do not throw them down the toilet to be respectful of the environment. What not to clean painted walls with? If you head to your cleaning closet to find the right products to clean painted walls, stay away from anything that contains alcohol or harsh chemicals. These ingredients can damage painted surfaces and leave walls looking more damaged than they were original. At SCS Group Integrated Services we are experts in cleaning restaurants, gyms, hotels, Industrial premises, etc. Contact us if you need a professional cleaning company in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane Darwin, Perth Adelaide, and Hobart for your requests or professional property service and maintenance needs. With over 15 years of experience.
...See More
Essential Cleaning Tools and Products Every Homeowner Should Have
Q
Comments (0)
Essential Cleaning Tools and Products Every Homeowner Should Have Keeping a clean and organized home is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. However, having the right cleaning tools and products can make all the difference in the effectiveness and efficiency of your cleaning routine. In this article, we will discuss the essential cleaning tools and products every homeowner should have. Vacuum Cleaner A high-quality vacuum cleaner is essential for keeping floors clean and free of dust, dirt, and debris. It is recommended to choose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to ensure that it effectively captures small particles that may cause allergies or respiratory issues. Microfiber Cloths Microfiber cloths are highly effective at capturing and removing dust, dirt, and other particles from surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. They are also reusable and can be washed and used multiple times, making them an eco-friendly cleaning option. Mop and Bucket A mop and bucket are necessary for keeping floors clean and free of dirt and grime. It is recommended to choose a mop with a removable and washable head to ensure that it is hygienic and effective. Scrub Brush A scrub brush is essential for removing tough stains and grime from surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and showers. It is recommended to choose a brush with stiff bristles and a comfortable grip for easy use. Rubber Gloves Rubber gloves are essential for protecting your hands from harsh chemicals and hot water when cleaning. They also provide a better grip when handling wet surfaces. All-Purpose Cleaner An all-purpose cleaner is a versatile cleaning product that can be used to clean various surfaces, including countertops, sinks, toilets, and floors. It is recommended to choose a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaner to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Glass Cleaner A glass cleaner is essential for keeping mirrors and windows clean and streak-free. It is recommended to choose a cleaner with a non-toxic formula and a microfiber cloth for best results. Disinfectant Spray A disinfectant spray is essential for killing germs and bacteria on surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is recommended to choose a spray with a non-toxic formula and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Baking Soda Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean various surfaces and remove tough stains and odors. It is also an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to harsh chemicals. Vinegar Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains, grease, and grime from various surfaces, including floors and countertops. It is also an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to harsh chemicals. In conclusion, having the right cleaning tools and products is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. By investing in high-quality and eco-friendly cleaning products, you can ensure that your cleaning routine is effective and safe for your family and the environment. Invest in a residential cleaning team. We will take care of your residential cleaning needs, and we'll make your customers and staff happy! To schedule yourprofessional cleaning appointment, pleasecontact us online.
...See More
glennies55
6 years ago
I have been concerned about microfibre cloths for some time, also those little white 'sponges' that magically remove marks, not to mention fleecy jumpers etc made from plastic bottles! They all disintegrate in the washing machine or when rinsing, resulting in miniscule bits of plastic entering the environment via the waterways - the unseen pollution by these plastic (includes microbeads ...) is quite insidious.
Keita M
6 years ago
So far in the kitchen we are all organic, I've been making a orange peel and vinegar surface spray for years and love it. A natural loofa and stainless steel scourer for the sink and I buy a very natural dish soap made in Australia.

The shower is just cleaned down every week or so with a microfibre cloth (no cleaners needed!!). But yes I agree about the micro shedding of plastic fibres from these fabrics. Maybe I'll try my loofa on the shower walls instead of my legs!

A clove oil spray is used for mould and I make a nice essential oil air freshener for the toilet.

Cleaning the Toilet I still use bleach. Any suggestions for alternatives would be great.

I believe having a toxic free home is so important. In this modern world we are exposed to so much crap each day. So it's so refreshing to come home to 'clean' toxic free house!

Lots of studies have linked behavioural problems (autism/ADHD ect) in children to toxic loads in their body. From food and their environment! Fragrance is a huge no-no, having similar affects to the bodies hormones just like plastic does!! With so much disease and cancer in our generation we have no choice but to look around us and illuminate toxic chemicals.
spmm
6 years ago
Certainly care about organic food drink and quite a few other things —- not so much about organic cleaning products although I mostly use bicarbonate of soda and the ‘orange’ spray cleaners for grease cutting. —-That said I will read the product and brand statements carefully looking for fair trade, soil association, waste management, ethical sourcing and other items which are also environmentally and socially important.

— Phenol is an organic compound used in some disinfectants etc and it makes me quite ill if I smell it in any quantity.
Sharon
6 years ago
The question is a bit misleading - all compounds are chemicals (bicarb is sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3) and some organic compounds are worse for your health than mineral compounds as they can interfere with hormones and your body's function.
scottybeez
6 years ago
It's good to use cleaning chemicals that won't harm the environment where you can, but sometimes they just don't work. Cleaning an oven for example is very difficult with the weaker 'natural' products - not to mention very expensive. The harsh oven cleaners makes it so much easier and work well.

Same goes for when you're cleaning things that have been stained with stuff like paint, silicone, glues, dies, etc.
Joany
6 years ago
Check out Koh (Ecoworx).
Kellee Neville
6 years ago
Despite it being an MLM business, i've been using Norwex microfibre for four years. There is argument about the microfibre 'shedding' in the washing machine, but its so minor, in comparison to the massive environmental impact paper towels, chemicals, artificial cleaners, disposable sponges have by comparison. And towels, linen they all shed fibres when washing. I could imagine the number of paper towels or sponges I would have used instead of my cloths Ive been using and washing over 4 years and the difference is significant.
Judy Hassett
6 years ago
I use E cloths for bathrooms kitchen & also window cleaning they’re pretty effective
jandal33
6 years ago
I have been using Vinegar for years for washing windows, cleaning hardwood floors wiping down bench tops, a great fly deterrent, cleaning toilets. The high acidity breaks down fats. Mix with bicarb as an oven cleaner. Use a weak dilution, around 1 cup to half a bucket of hot water for floors, same for windows. Good for smelly drains also.

I use with a sponge cloth. And it's cheap.
pamackenziequilts
6 years ago
I also only use vinegar & bicarb for cleaning with an old cotton or linen tea towel or face cloth. Olive oil & lemon juice for cleaning leather. Bee's wax for furniture, smells wonderful too. I grate velvet soap & dissolve in hot water with some eucalyptus oil for washing, adding a handful of bicarb to the wash & vinegar in the rinse with lavender oil. I add a few drops of clove oil to warm water to kill & prevent mould, keep it in a labelled glass spray bottle.

There are way too many petrochemicals in our homes in the form of benchtops, cupboard linings, synthetic carpet & floor boards, plastic containers, polyester clothing & upholstery, TV cabinets, computers, car interiors, etc, etc, the list is endless. Any wonder our younger generations are suffering so many allergies. The toxins given off by all the man created polymers is poisoning us & the planet. We have become too lazy or ignorant to be bothered even thinking about the consequences of the choices we make.

Banning supermarket bags are a start. Why not go back to a cardboard box like we used to do? Or brown paper bags?? Both re-usable & compostable.

I'll get off my soapbox now. Thank you for considering what you buy & use for all our sake.
Elaine H
6 years ago
I'm with you Joany. KOH works and I also love products from the Australian eucalyptus oil company (available Online)
info867262
6 years ago
Sorry to disillusion
everyone, but “organics” are chemicals too. Vinegar is just
diluted acetic acid, an organic compound with the chemical formula
CH₃COOH. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a chemical compound
with the formula NaHCO₃. Eucalyptus oil is C10H18O, and even a few
millititres of undiluted oil can be fatal.

It’s erroneous to
assume that “organics” are good while “chemicals” are bad.
The trick is to look carefully at the concentration of the active
ingredient of whatever product you’re using to determine its
effectiveness and toxicity.
pamackenziequilts
6 years ago
I am not disillusioned, as you suggest. If you can eat it or drink it it is safe to clean with it.

Yes everything has a chemical formula. So do we as humans. COMMON SENSE needs to be used. Of course there are natural products that are poisonous to humans so we don't eat them. As per your Eucalyptus oil example, we do not drink it. But it is excellent for cleaning, disinfecting, washing - clothes, etc in small dilute quantities. Vinegar is made the same as wine or cider, by fermenting fruit. So it is safe to use. These are not manufactured petrochemicals that do no one but the giant oil companies any good. Products that are grown organically only use earth friendly fertilisers.
susan_66
6 years ago
Houzz - you can obtain no useful information from this survey since as Sharon and info867262 have pointed out, all you have asked is 'Chemical or chemical products'. Can you please employ someone who was awake in their high school science lessons to edit this material before it goes on line? A Year 11 chemistry student would probably be quite cheap . . .

Many of the things that kill us (viruses, bacteria) are 100% organic, all natural . . .
Tilly
6 years ago
I have always bought every cleaning product know to man.
I was having so much trouble with streaky windows, mirrors, bench tops etc etc.
Started using Enjo for the last 3 months and will never go back to all those expensive chemical products again.
I did buy Enjo products about 10 years ago but I never really used them as intended and then went back to the chemicals.
Now with the internet I can see we’re I’m going wrong, so all good.
atdodgshun
6 years ago
The fascinating thing as others have pointed out is that all cleaners are chemicals. You would think that harsh oven cleaner is the worst thing for the environment, but actually it's just sodium hydroxide. Rinse out your cloth with vinegar and you end up with water and sodium acetate (and heat so do it in the sink).
JE C
6 years ago
This is an interesting thread - whilst I agree that the distinction between "chemical" and "non - chemical" may not be the most useful one (for the reason pointed out above) - maybe a more useful discussion is about harmful and less harmful cleaning substances, whether to the environment or people. I suffer from something called MCS ( multiple chemical sensitivities, it's a diagnosis) and have come to realise that in my case at least it's not chemicals per se that make me sick, but rather certain smells. For example I cannot have the "Earth choice" (a natural") brand floor cleaner used in my house without suffering a few days of sore eyes, nasal congestion, fatigue, foggy brain and sinus headaches - it is truly debilitating, and the cause is the fragrance. If I use the same brand of "Naked" ( no scent) dish cleaner diluted on the floor instead, I am fine. I think everyone with MCS is different but this is working for me.
voutred
6 years ago
Husband is a big chemical fan and now has been won over by Koh! Even my 2.5yr wants to use the spray mop and clean.. can’t complain. Streak free. Safe. Lift stains on clothes. Removes heavy grease. It’s brilliant. #converted
Alisa D
5 years ago
I use Zero Eco Cleaner!
Zero Hazard, Safe for the environment.
Safe for pets, safe for the family. A natural solution with similar results to a chemical cleaner.

https://zeroeco.com.au/shop/household/gecko-universal-household-cleaner-750ml-trigger-spray/
0
Alisa D
5 years ago
Zero eco is powerful and organic because it is an amino acid. So it is natural.
0
ruthjames26
11 months ago
Curious to hear how people's perspectives have shifted over the years. Have you made the switch to organic, stayed loyal to conventional cleaners, or perhaps found a happy middle ground?
0
Diana Coleman
11 months ago
last modified: 11 months ago
Stumbling upon this thread and I'm amazed to see it's been five years since this discussion started! Personally, I've found myself leaning more towards organic options lately, mainly for health reasons and also because of increasing concerns about the environmental impact of chemical-based products. I've found that many natural solutions work just as well as their chemical counterparts and sometimes even better!

For those who are using organic or DIY cleaning solutions, you might find Custom Reclosable Bags from https://www.interplas.com/reclosable-bags/custom-reclosable-bags handy for storing your homemade cleaning agents. These bags are reusable and can be customized to fit your specific needs, making it easier to manage and measure your cleaning supplies.
0
PRO
AracelyFoley
5 months ago
last modified: 5 months ago
Hey there! When it comes to cleaning products, I'm all about finding what works best while also considering health and environmental impacts. Organic options definitely have their appeal, but sometimes you just need the heavy-duty stuff. It's all about balance! By the way, if you're ever in Lund and need Flyttstädning i Lund, it's worth exploring eco-friendly options there too!
0

More Discussions

Extension, or knockdown inevitable

19

Confusing floor plan

40

Sealing shower area

0

Coastal feel ideas

9

TV unit - fixed or adjustable open shelf

0