Green Clean. Jill Potvin Schoff
use electricity like a vacuum. It is also great for lifting cobwebs off walls and ceilings. Look for one that has a removable pad that can be machine washed.
Mop: There are many different types of mops. I prefer microfiber mops, but string and sponge mops work well, too. Be sure that you rinse them well and let them dry out thoroughly between cleanings; otherwise, they will attract mold. (For more information on mops and other floor-cleaning tools, see chapter 7.)
Vacuums: See “Buying a Vacuum” .
A caddy makes it easy to transport your cleaning supplies from one job to the next.
Steam Cleaning
A steam cleaner is a truly ideal green product. It cleans and disinfects with minimal effort and no chemicals. The only drawbacks are that it uses quite a bit of energy (about the same as a vacuum) and the high-quality ones are expensive. But if you have allergies or multiple-chemical sensitivity, you should consider one. A steam cleaner works great on showers, ovens, upholstery, countertops, and bare floors—and it kills bacteria, mold, and dust mites.
Look for a “vapor” steam cleaner that produces “dry steam.” Ones that have a boiler temperature of at least 245 degrees Fahrenheit (118 degrees Celsius) and a warranty on the boiler of at least three years are best. Make sure you choose one that will run at least an hour before it needs refilling.
Steam cleaners usually come with multiple attachments for cleaning different surfaces.
Small brush attachments allow you to remove mold and soap scum from tile with ease. They’re also great for stubborn stains, such as grout between tile.
A steam cleaner can be used in place of a mop to clean and disinfect any type of bare flooring, from tile to wood.
Buying a Vacuum
From a green cleaning perspective, the best vacuums are the ones that completely trap dust and dirt (and the allergens and chemical residues they contain) and prevent them from escaping back into your home. If you have allergies or multiple-chemical sensitivity, my recommendation is to buy the best vacuum you can afford. When researching vacuums, consider the following:
Canister or upright: If you have mostly carpeting and rugs, an upright is your best choice because it is usually more powerful and has a beater bar that agitates the carpet fibers and shakes the dirt loose. A canister is lighter and more maneuverable and is well suited to bare floors. Its long hose allows you to clean curtains, furniture, and stairs with ease.
Beater bars: If you have a mix of carpeting and bare floors, look for an upright that can be used on bare floors (usually by turning off the beater bar). Or buy a canister that comes with a “power head” motorized attachment for carpets.
Tools: If you plan on using attachments frequently, look for a model that allows you to store tools right on the vacuum.
Bags and filters: Consider the environmental impact of disposing of vacuum bags and filters. Be sure to ask what needs to be replaced before you buy. Bagless vacuums seem to be more eco-friendly, as long as they don’t require frequent filter changes. If you have a bag vacuum, be sure to empty the bag when it gets half full— after that, it starts to lose sucking power and you waste energy.
HEPA filtration: The standard for allergy sufferers is HEPA filtration. However, not all HEPA vacuums are equal. Consumer Reports found that the level of dust emissions depended as much on the vacuum design as it did the type of filtration. Look for models with a “completely sealed” HEPA system.
Durability: The longer your vacuum lasts, the fewer you’ll end up sending to the landfill. Look for a company with a reputation for durability that offers a long warranty (five years or more) on its products. Consider buying a commercial vacuum if you can afford one.
An unpowered brush attachment is the preferred tool for hardwood floors.
An upholstery attachment concentrates the suction so it can pull dust from textured fabrics.
Part II: Inside Jobs
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.