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Tips for Conserving Water

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Yesterday was Memorial Day, which just happens to be the unofficial start to summer. With the mercury rising, water usage will also be rising. Whether it is used to keep grass lush and green, or just used as a way for the kids to cool down on a hot day, the amount of water used by the average person does increase significantly during the summer months. While some of this increase in water usage may be unavoidable, there are plenty of ways to better conserve your water this summer. Here are several tips from Seventh Generation, on how to cut back on water usage in and outside of your home.

Saving Every Drop in the Bucket: 15 Water Conservation Tips

 

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 30 states started May with conditions ranging from abnormally dry to exceptional drought. California alone has one year of surface supplies left before its reservoirs run dry. Mother Nature, it seems, is getting miserly with her spigot. And that means the rest of us must conserve all we can.

By now, the thirsty denizens of water-starved states know the basic water-saving drill. But shorter showers, brown lawns, and dirty cars aren’t the only tricks in the tank. Here are some water conservations steps you may not have thought about:

Outdoors:

  • Let your grass grow. Taller grass preserves more soil moisture and needs less water. Leave your clippings where they fall to act as mulch.
  • Start saving whatever rainfall you get in a rain barrel connected to your gutters. Use it to water your garden and houseplants, and for outdoor cleaning purposes.
  • Or plant near the house and drain your gutters straight into your garden.
  • Leaky hoses are big water-wasters. So tape your hose connections at the tap and wherever extensions meet.
  • Capture your grey water, the “waste water” from washing clothes, dishes, and the like, for your garden or lawn. (Think big buckets!) If you’re using non-toxic, biodegradable detergents and soaps, it’s fine to use.
  • Wash pets and other dirty things on the lawn where waste water will enjoy a second life.
  • Collect the water emitted by central and window air conditioners. Even in arid areas you’ll get up to five gallons per day.

Indoors:

  • Recycle water. For example, save your cooking water in the fridge and reuse it a few more times or turn it into soup. It can also water plants. So can old water from pet bowls, vase water, water bottles and more.
  • Wash produce in a bowl of water not under the tap. Then recycle that water!
  • Put your tableware in storage leaving out just one glass, mug, bowl, and plate for each family member. This will cut down on unnecessary dishwashing.
  • Stick a pitcher of water in the refrigerator so kids and others can pour a cold glass without running the faucet first.
  • Ration your laundering. Items like towels, pants, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc. don’t need washing after every use.
  • Stash a bucket by your bathtub and save what runs while you wait for hot water.
  • In the shower, turn off the water while you wash your hair or shave.
  • Stick a sealed half-gallon container of water in each toilet tank to displace some of the water inside and flush with less.

These water strategies may seem like a drop in the bucket, but remember: when no drops fall from the sky every drop you save is worth its weight in liquid gold.

Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month

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BLOG-asthmaAs some people may be aware, May is “National Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month”. This is most likely because May is also the peak season for allergy and asthma sufferers. Having suffered from asthma as a child growing up, I am fully aware of what molds and activities may trigger an asthma attack for me, as I’m sure most asthma sufferers are. However, many people may be unaware that the products and methods used to clean their home could also be key contributors to some allergic and/or asthmatic issues they may have.

For example, many people may not be aware that fumes from some cleaning products may induce asthma in otherwise healthy individuals. A large and growing body of evidence links frequent use of many ordinary cleaning supplies at home or on the job with development of asthma and other respiratory problems. It is already known that traditional cleaning product fumes may trigger attacks in people previously diagnosed with asthma.

If you or a family member suffer from allergies or asthma, a good defense is air quality. And, while you may not be able to control the air quality outside of your home, you can certainly do something to improve it inside. The first step to higher air quality may be as simple as switching from a traditional cleaner to a greener alternative. If you happen to use a cleaning service, make sure they use Green Seal certified cleaning products, as Clean Conscience does.

 

Fight Allergies By Cleaning

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BLOG-allergyThis time time of year, many people have their windows open to let in the sweet smells and comfy breezes Spring has to offer. Unfortunately, along with those smells and breezes, a number of allergens seem to make their way into the home as well. Pollen from trees and dust and dirt from freshly cut lawns, overtime can sneak in through window screens and settle on window sills, furniture, and floors; causing allergies for many people. The solution to this problem is a thorough cleaning. However, what you clean isn’t the whole answer, how you clean it can be just as important. Here are a few tips on how to rid your home of allergens this spring.

“Dusting”- When it comes to dusting, try to use microfiber cloths instead of cotton cloths. Cotton cloths can actually spread particles on surfaces and send them back into the air. Microfiber cloths do a much better job of trapping the dust and other allergens on hard surfaces.

“Vacuuming”- The best kind of vacuums to use for people who suffer from allergies, are vacuums with a HEPA filter. These filters prevent smaller particles from blowing back out.

“Mold”- Sometimes it’s not the dust or pollen in the air that causes allergies, but the moisture. Moisture can cause bathroom mold to form. Besides just looking gross, bathroom mold can also cause allergies. The best natural solution for this kind of mold is a combination of water and borax.

 

Clean Conscience awarded as a 2014 BBB Gold Star Recipient

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Clean Conscience was recently awarded as a Gold Star Recipient through the Better Business Bureau for consistently over a three year period of no complaints. We are extremely honored to accept this award and it is our goal to continue to be a successful organization, and strive to improve our customer satisfaction levels. If you are looking for an award-winning cleaning company in either the Denver or Boulder areas of Colorado we hope that you will consider Clean Conscience. We are an eco-friendly company using only products that are safe for your family and your pets. We have several service options, so whether you are looking for a one-time cleaning, or you are interested in repeat service, please give Clean Conscience a call today.

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Easy Tips for Green Cleaning

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When it comes to cleaning up the house, many people still reach for whatever chemical cleaner is sitting under their sink and just spray away,sometimes using several different traditional cleaners for very similar jobs, not realizing that there are plenty of safe and natural cleaning supplies already in their home. In fact, with just a few simple ingredients, which can be found in most homes, you can tackle a plethora of cleaning tasks. In this article from BLOGS.NaturalNews, they discuss 14 easy green cleaning tips that will assist you in getting your home clean without the need for any chemical-laden traditional cleaners.

14 Easy, Green Cleaning Tricks

Harsh cleaners are commonly chosen to get house cleaning done. Most people are used to using bleach and other harsh chemicals because they feel that that is the only way to get the job done right. They don’t even realize there are healthier ways to get your house clean that won’t put toxic pollutants in the air while still getting great results. You can easily keep your space clean and sanitary the green way with vinegar, salt, lemon juice, baking soda and a few other ingredients found around your house. Here is a look at 14 easy, green cleaning tricks for the whole house.

Glass and Mirrors

Most window cleaners are made with ammonia but you can actually clean them effectively using a half gallon of water and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed together. Use a lint-free rag, cloth diaper, old cotton t-shirt or a microfiber cloth to get the best results. Avoid using paper towels, regular rags that leave lint or newspapers that will leave a mess. You can also clean mirrors with vinegar and water mixtures.

Furniture Polishing

Polish for wood, metal and other surfaces are made with some of the most poisonous chemicals. Polish is made with petroleum distillates and solvents which are hazardous. Instead, try a mixture of 2 parts olive oil, 1 part lemon juice and apply it to your wooden furniture with a soft cloth. If that’s too oily, Care2 says you should reverse the formula to use more vinegar or lemon juice and less oil. It’ll shine and smell great. Of course, always test a small area first as you would with any of your traditional cleaners.

Bathroom Tips

For the showers in your home, mix baking soda and all-natural dish soap to remove soap scum from shower doors. Clean the tub by letting vinegar or lemon juice and hot tap water soak for a while before scrubbing with a brush. Use a spray bottle filled with white vinegar and water to clean the shower curtain, which will also help deter the growth of mold (turn on fans when showering to suction the steam and moisture out of the air too). Synergy Maids recommends cleaning the toilet and sink with vinegar and baking soda rather than bleach and then mop the floor with vinegar.

Kitchen Tips

For the kitchen, you’ll want to wipe the faucet with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to make it sparkle. If you have granite counter tops, wipe off the grease and debris with a dishcloth dipped in warm water and mild dish soap. To disinfect and shine, take a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half tap water and wipe it clean (Make sure your granite has a good seal) . For sticky messes, use a drop of lemon essential oil with a cotton ball or rub with a lemon rind.

For your pots and pans, cut a lemon in half, spray it with water, sprinkle with salt and then scrub with the lemon. This is a safer and very effective way to clean. If you have grease on the stove, try baking soda which will also work on counter tops. Stainless steel sinks will clean well with baking soda and a damp sponge.

Floors

For vinyl floors, simply dip your cloth into lemon juice and rub it on stained areas. For carpets, make sure you vacuum thoroughly and then clean the carpets with a steam cleaner. If it’s just spots, spray with a vinegar and water mix, place a damp cloth on it and let a clothes iron sit on it for a few minutes at a time until it comes up. You can also mix salt, borax and white vinegar to place on stained areas before vacuuming.

Metal Work

Metal work that needs attention can be cleaned the green way as well. Most metal polishes for brass, copper, chrome and stainless steel contain ammonia and acid. Clean copper and brass the green way using salt, vinegar and flour. Make a paste with the three ingredients, rub it onto the item with a soft cloth, let it dry out for an hour and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

When you’re ready to clean your home in a healthier way, try these easy green cleaning tips to get the job done effectively without allowing toxic chemicals to get into the air you breathe.

Children’s Water Festival: Learning how to protect and conserve water.

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On Wednesday, May 13, almost 1,300 fifth grade students from public schools throughout Boulder County will participate in the annual Children’s Water Festival at the University Memorial Center (UMC) on the University of Colorado (CU) campus.

This nationally recognized, award-winning water festival will engage local students in hands-on activities to teach them about where Boulder County’s drinking water comes from and how to protect and conserve this essential natural resource. Students will attend a series of interactive presentations about floods, stormwater, water conservation, and the science of water to gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting local watersheds and water quality.

Participating classes complete pre-festival learning activities as part of the “Operation Water Festival” program, a standards-based education series that features a teacher’s packet with lesson guides, student worksheets and trivia questions. Topics include basic water awareness, water conservation, pollution prevention, flood safety and fun facts. A key benefit of the program is a take-home booklet that encourages students to work with their families to complete activities related to local water resources, conservation and protection. Student “Water Agents” receive a certificate upon completion of the program.

Operation Water Festival is a model for community partnerships between government, school district, private and nonprofit organizations. This is the second year that Boulder and Longmont have combined their water festivals into a single children’s Water Festival at CU. This year’s water festival sponsors include the City of Boulder, the City of Longmont, UMC Events Planning & Catering, Northern Water, and the other Keep It Clean Partnership communities, including Boulder County, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville and Superior.

For more information, contact Janice Lopitz at 303-441-1439, or visit

The winner of the Mother’s Day free year of home cleaning service is….

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Clean Conscience held it’s first Mother’s Day promotional giveaway this year, which consisted of a year of free housecleaning to one lucky mom. We had a huge response from this event and we are proud to announce the winner of one year of free housecleaning to Beth B. from Denver, Colorado. We sincerely appreciate the great response we received from this giveaway and we hope that if you are in need of a home cleaning service that you will consider calling Clean Conscience to set-up a free in-home estimate, or perhaps you are needing only a one-time cleaning, we can do that too!

Get Your Patio Ready for BBQ Season

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It is the time of year when many people are finally able to enjoy a nice meal outdoors with their friends and family, it is…..barbecue season! There really is nothing quite like grilling up some steaks or burgers, while enjoying the nice fresh air and warm temperatures this time of year provides. However, before there can be any barbecuing, the patio must be cleaned first. Luckily, this article from the good people at Seventh Generation, has a few tips on how to naturally clean your patio, so you can start grilling and entertaining asap!

DIY All-Natural Concrete Patio Cleaner

It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy and sanitized home environment involves effort and consistency. Occupied with what is going on inside our residence, we often forget that the home exterior also requires certain dedication.
Often, the outdoor patio, in particular, suffers most from the family activity. Because of persistent stains, your patio can require deep cleaning with heavy (and usually toxic) cleaners. Furthermore, some of these compounds are not biodegradable, meaning that they will stay in the soil of your yard for a long time.
For those passionate about green and healthy cleaning, the battle with the stains is not lost. You can still make your patio sparkling clean—without the volatile ingredients—by making your own affordable, efficient, and natural cleaning products. Most of the ingredients for your natural super detergent can be found in your kitchen cabinet.
Vinegar
If you are a “green” enthusiast when it comes to cleaning, you are probably not surprised that vinegar takes a top position in the ingredient cabinet. Its acid qualities hep dissolve even the most rooted dirt. To create a basic concrete patio cleaner, you will need distilled vinegar, water, and a spray bottle. Depending on how strong you want your solution, you can add more or less water. If you want a strong detergent then use only vinegar. Spray the solution over the surface and wait for 20 minutes, then scrub it with a brush. Finish by mopping the area. This ingredient will not only get rid of the spots, but it will also effectively kill the weeds in between patio stones. Eliminate vinegar’s unpleasant scent by adding 20 to 50 drops of essential oil.
For lifting light to medium spots from the concrete, mix one cup of white vinegar with salt in a bucket of warm water. Get a brush and start scrubbing.
Baking Soda
Unlike vinegar, baking soda is alkyl. Its abrasive structure is suitable for the rough surfaces of the patio. You can either apply the baking over the stained area or you can use it in a mixture. The first option is to create vinegar and soda pasta. Mix the two ingredients until the solution becomes consistent. Then you should apply it over the stained section and clean it with a brush.
You can clean almost everything with a bleach and soda solution. Make a paste by using 2 parts bleach and 3 parts baking soda. Be conscious of harming your grass with this solution.
Bleach
Bleach is your best friend when it comes to mold and mildew. Add one cup of the ingredient to a gallon of water. Don’t forget to put your rubber gloves when you work with this solution. After rinsing the surface with the bleach, mop with clean water.

Give the Gift of a Clean Home This Mother’s Day

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With Mother’s Day less than a week away, many mothers are preparing for a nice brunch or dinner, accompanied by the usual gifts, such as, candy or flowers. While candy and/or flowers may be very nice gifts, if you happen to want to think a little outside of the box for your gift this year, why not give your mother the gift of a professionally cleaned home.

If you happen to live in the Boulder or Denver areas, contact Clean Conscience today to set up an appointment. While I can’t speak for anyone else, I know my mom would take a nice clean house over flowers any day. To all of you moms out there, have a very happy Mother’s Day!