Nowadays, people are so much more concerned about the environment than in days gone by. And while there are plenty of big projects that you can get involved in, the place to start is in your own home.

So, if you are concerned about the number of common household chemicals involved in keeping your house spic and span, this is the article for you. Here, we will be talking about some of the ways that you can keep your house gleaming while doing your bit for the environment at the same time.

Glass and Mirrors

Now is the time to ditch your standard ammonia-based cleaning agents! In fact, a solution of lemon juice mixed with water can provide you with everything you need to keep your glass surfaces, windows and mirrors looking at their best. Four tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with half a gallon of water are what you should be using. As for the cloth, why not try a clean, lint-free rag?

Polishing Furniture

Your standard furniture polishes are packed with all sorts of chemicals like petroleum distillates and solvents, so if you can avoid using them whenever you can, you should. Again, lemon juice can come in handy, but this time you should try mixing it with some olive oil. Make sure that you use a nice soft cloth for the polishing, and enjoy the smell as well as the cleanliness of your furniture!

Bare Floors

A solution of vinegar and water works just fine when you are cleaning most types of bare floor in the home including ceramic, vinyl or wood. Your solution should include one cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water – simply mop it over your floor. However, you need to avoid oversaturating your floors. If you think that they look a little dull after you have finished, shine it up using some club soda.

Fireplace

You are likely to have been using your fireplace a lot during the winter months, so get rid of any soot and smoke smudges around the exterior by applying a paste mixture of tartar and water. Start by rubbing the paste into the stains, leave it to dry and scrub it off. If you are more concerned about the inside of your fireplace and chimney, loosen up any soot buildup by throwing in some handfuls of salt the next time you are using it.

Metal

Just like the furniture polishes that we discussed earlier on, metal polishes tend to contain a number of chemicals which can be potentially harmful. Tarnished copper or brass can be shined up simply using a solution of equal parts salt, vinegar and flour. Cover up the entirety of the surface and leave the paste to dry before wiping it off.

As you can see, keeping your home clean can be done in a greener way, so the next time you find yourself reaching for a standard cleaning product, try one of these household solutions instead.