We clean and dust our homes and offices everyday, but little do we realize that while we are cleaning dust, grime and germs, we are leaving dangerous toxins on all surfaces.

Toxic odours and strong compounds in many of these cleaning products can cause breathing problems and skin irritation to the users. One of the best solutions to avoid this problem would be to use natural cleaning products to do a ‘green cleaning’. Some of the natural cleaning products that can be used are already available in all our homes; lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and washing soda. Vinegar and baking soda along with warm water are very effective dirt cleaning agents. Baking soda is an effective odour remover and can be used to clean refrigerators and carpets.

These natural cleaning agents are biodegradable, non-toxic and capable of removing germs and bacteria effectively, without causing any adverse effects. Today, green cleaning is being increasingly used in places like hospitals, factories, offices and shopping malls to provide a toxic free atmosphere.

Sparkling clean silverware is indeed a beautiful sight. However, keeping silverware clean and shining is a tough task, as silverware tarnishes quickly. Long exposure to air could result in corrosion and the formation of silver sulphide on its surface, while careless, abrasive washing can easily scratch it.

Here are a few tips on how to clean your precious silver.

The first step is to wash away any dirt or grease with soap and water. It is best to use mild, phosphate-free detergent. Once this is done, put the silverware in an aluminium pot filled with boiling water. Put two tablespoons of baking soda in the water and keep the silver in the solution for about 10 minutes. The baking soda will act on the oxidised surface and remove any remaining tarnish or dirt. If the silver is heavily tarnished, boil the water for a couple of minutes. Use a clean and soft cloth to polish it.

Remember, frequent washing will wear your silver away. A regular wipe with a polishing cloth is the best way to keep silverware clean.

The use of powerful cleaning solutions bought off the shelf is so rampant that people have forgotten about conventional cleaning products that can do the job just as well. These products are much cheaper and definitely better for the environment.

Baking soda, for example, is a great cleaning product and deodoriser. It cleans stainless steel items remarkably well. When made into a paste with lemon juice and vinegar, it becomes a wonderful multipurpose cleaner and stain remover. Sprinkling some baking soda on carpets a few minutes before vacuuming it works amazingly well to remove stains and odours.

Lemon juice is a great stain remover. The mild acid in it acts as a bleaching agent and helps dissolve grease. It removes stains from brass, copper, stainless steel and from fabrics.

White vinegar is another natural cleaner and deodoriser. It is great to clean glass and to remove stains from a whole lot of products like furniture, upholstery, bathroom tiles, and pots and pans among others.

So the next time you feel the need for a cleaning solution, check your kitchen store first.

Most people forget about their cleaning equipments and tools once the cleaning is done. Piling them into cupboards or in a corner somewhere is the usual practice. The result – tools get damaged easily and have to be replaced frequently. Apart from generating unnecessary waste harmful to the environment, it also costs money. However, with proper maintenance and storage you can ensure that they last longer and work better.

Always remember to clean the tools before putting them away. Make sure to dry out mops, sponges, scrubs and wash clothes after use, otherwise they become perfect habitat for mould and bacteria. Brushes and brooms, if not stored right, can lose their bristles or have them bent out of shape. With vacuum cleaners and dehumidifiers, it is important to clean out the filters regularly. Also remove any debris or hair on the bristles before use.

It is always better to repair or replace damaged parts or items immediately lest you forget.