Cleaning the Natural Way: Three Green Cleaning Tips for Hotels
Have you noticed how the usual cleaning products are usually covered in dire warnings? The product labels range from “Keep away from children” to “Avoid contact with eyes and skin.” Sometimes images suffice, so you’ll commonly see the bell-shaped fire symbol that signifies a product’s flammability. It’s part of the dangers that we deal with in everyday life. Fortunately, there are safer and environmentally friendly alternatives. Read on if you’d like to learn more about green cleaning.
The Many Uses of Vinegar
Before beginning, remember that improperly diluted vinegar may be potentially harmful to marble and the grout in between tiles. It may also cause discoloration on some surfaces, so to be safe, test it on a small unnoticeable area first.
You may use it to clean the bathroom floor, countertop, and sink. Mix one part water and one part vinegar in a bucket. Then, use this solution to mop the floor. Transfer some to a spray bottle so that you can use it to clean other surfaces. Spray the vinegar solution onto the surface then wipe it with a rag. When shopping for rags, choose soft materials to avoid scratching the hotel’s fixtures. The solution will clear away dirt and soap residue. It can also be used to clean the kitchen countertop, floor, stove, and other appliances.
Vinegar is also perfect for accumulated dirt down the toilet bowl. Start by flushing it down to lower the water level. Afterward, pour pure vinegar on the inside of the rim then proceed to scrub the toilet.
Lastly, it can also be used as a fabric softener. This will be useful when it comes to guests with sensitive skin. Adding a half cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle will do the trick. The good news is that you can also use it to clean the washing machine.
Remedy for a Clogged Drain
For starters, put a strainer over the sink’s hole to prevent food from falling into the drain. Here’s a natural remedy: boil some water then pour it down the drain to get rid of oil buildup. Do this weekly to ensure proper drain function.
If it’s not enough to solve the problem, there are other variations you can try. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda. After pouring the mixture down, cover the drain if possible. The resulting foam should clear away the blockage. Your other option is to put 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of salt into 6 cups of boiling water. Pour this concoction down the drain. Wait for a couple of hours, then pour a bucket of cold water. If it still doesn’t work, use a drain snake to take out the impediment.
Wood-friendly Natural Cleansers
Give your wooden floor and furniture the care that it deserves by using non-harmful substances to clean it. All you need is water, vinegar, and olive oil. These ingredients are great for more than just salad. A combination of a teaspoon of olive oil and a cup of vinegar will work wonders for the furniture. For the floor, put 1/4 cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water.
Transitioning to green cleaning may be difficult at first, but it can be extremely rewarding. It is beneficial to the environment, your guests, and the staff as well, especially those with allergies and other health concerns. Reduce your business’ dependence on traditional cleaning products by using common household items for cleaning and disinfection. If you are not confident with making your own cleaning solutions, there are EPA-approved products on the market.
