The tulips are coming!
Spring is finally here and after a long and dreary Winnipeg winter we all want to enjoy the freshness of the season. As the rain washes away the remaining sand and grime why not give your Winnipeg apartment the same treatment with a good spring cleaning?
Your first step in anticipation of a good clean may be to run out and splurge on a collection of heavy-duty cleaning products, but this is not the best choice for the environment or your wallet. Most products are full of chemicals and strong perfumes that attempt to hide their powerful smell. You’d be surprised how many effective, natural cleaning products you can whip up with household items that work just as well, if not better. See below.
For Glass, Ceramic Tiles and Chrome
Six equal parts water, vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Be sure to use a new bottle, as it can be risky to blend ingredients in a bottle with traces of chemicals. Spray on surfaces and wipe with a rag for a brilliant streak-free shine.
Oven Cleaner
Spray or splash water all over the interior of your oven and then cover it with a layer of baking soda, followed by another spray of water. Let the mixture sit overnight to work its magic and in the morning just wipe away to reveal a clean, grease-free oven!
Furniture Polish
Mix half a tablespoon of olive oil in a mason jar with a quarter cup of lemon juice. Dip a soft rag into the mixture and apply it to furniture to clean and renew the lovely surfaces. The jar can be sealed, labeled and stored in a cupboard for later use.
After you finish your big green spring clean, sit back and enjoy the newfound freshness of your Winnipeg apartment! And the peace of mind that goes with it!
Tags: cleaning winnipeg apartments, eco-cleaning, eco-friendly apartment cleaners, eco-friendly cleaning ideas, ecocleaning, green apartment cleaners, green cleaners, green cleaning, green cleaning ideas, green cleaning tips, green cleaning tips for your Winnipeg apartment, green furniture polish, green oven cleaner, spring cleaning ideas for your winnipeg apartment, spring cleaning Winnipeg, winnipeg apartment cleaners, winnipeg apartment cleaning, winnipeg apartment spring cleaning ideas, Winnipeg spring cleaning
Winnipeg Apartment Ideas | admin March 22, 2012 | 
Comments (0)
Green apartment living is good for the planet
We all try to do our part for the environment but living in an apartment can make green living seem a little more challenging. After all, your front door likely leads to a hallway, not ideal gardening conditions. But there are plenty of things you can do that will help you to live green in your Winnipeg apartment and save you money.
Here are some ideas for green living in your Winnipeg apartment:
Recycling:
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “always rinse out your recyclables and put them in the proper bins” but recycling shouldn’t stop there. Things like cell phones and old electronic equipment should also be recycled. Recyclemycell, a website created by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, lets you type in your postal code and will tell you the nearest drop-off location.
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to get yourself some extra good karma, try collecting old phones from your friends and drop them off when you take in yours. If you are unsure of how or where to recycle certain items check out the How to Recycle section of the City of Winnipeg website for information.
Cleaning Supplies:
Many household cleaners are expensive, harmful to the environment and may also aggravate allergies. Look for labels that indicate the product you’re buying is eco-friendly or try making your own. Eartheasy’s website also has a great list of recipes for cleaning agents using simple household items like vinegar, baking soda and cornstarch. Microfiber cloths are also a healthy and cost-effective alternative to using solvents. They pick up even microscopic dirt with a little water and you can toss them in the wash when you’re done.
Composting:
You might think composting indoors would result in a smelly mess, but there are plenty of composters that are designed to be used inside. Try a Bokashi, they’re easy, affordable and available at Home Depot. Also check out How to Compost Indoors and Four Ways to Compost Indoors for more great information on indoor composting.
Grow your own herbs:
Small potted herbs like basil, mint, chives and dill will thrive indoors by a sunny window, especially if they’re fertilized with your compost. They look lovely and are much cheaper than buying fresh herbs at the supermarket. You can find more information on indoor growing in the article Never Buy Fresh Herbs Again.
Good luck going green!
