Water is our third Green Cleaning Hero.  In most of the world, it is plentiful and for the most part free.  But remember that it is still a precious resource and should be used wisely.  In fact, when it comes to floors and counters, a little bit of water goes a long way.

FLOORS
Pay close attention to the type of floor (finish and materials) that needs cleaning.  Just because a product is expensive and makes all sorts of promises does not mean it is the right product for your floor.  It is best to use the gentlest cleaner you have, that is appropriate for your floor type first, before resorting to stronger stuff.

Wood Floors with a Surface Finish

A finish of acrylic, paint, polyurethane, epoxy and varnish forms a protective top layer (usually shiny or glossy) that sits on top of the wood.

The best cleaner for this type of finish is a combination of warm water and ecofriendly liquid dishwashing detergent.  Add ¼ cup of detergent to a bucket of warm water and use a damp mop (a mop wrung almost dry).  Go over the floor once to dissolve and loosen dirt.  After rinsing the mop thoroughly, damp mop the floor again to pick up any remaining dirt.  Depending on how much traffic the area gets, it may have to be mopped a third time.  Buff the floor with a dry rag or towel.

Mopping at least once a week is recommended, more often depending on how dirty the floors get.

Don't use the following on wood floors:

• Soaps
• Wax cleaners
• Vinyl or tile floor care products
• Ammonia cleaners
• Low pH/acidic cleaners like vinegar
• High pH/alkaline cleaners like harsh soaps

They either ruin the finish or leave a sticky, slippery or cloudy residue.

To remove scuff marks from floors, use a damp sponge and a sprinkle of baking soda.

Wood Floors with a Penetrating Finish

Oil, wax, and resin treatments are absorbed by wood floors and leave a matte finish.  They don't leave a hard coating on the surface so you can usually feel the grain of the wood.

Don't use water or water-based cleaners on penetrating finishes.  Natural citrus solvent is recommended over cleaners with harsh chemicals.

Laminate Floors

This floor is made of layers of paper protected by a top layer of hard melamine.  To clean this type of floor, use a vacuum cleaner, a dust mop or damp mop.  Wipe up spills with a rag or sponge.

Don't use the following on laminate floors:

• Soap-based cleaners
• Mop and shine products
• Abrasive cleaners
• Steel wool
• Scouring powder
• Wax
• Polish

They will either make the floor look cloudy or scratch the surface.  A laminate floor does not need to be waxed or polished.  

Softer, Springy Floors

Vinyl, linoleum and cork are some materials used for this type of flooring.

To clean softer floors, use a vacuum, a broom or a dust mop often.  Do some weekly cleaning with a damp mop using warm water and ecofriendly liquid dish detergent.  A mixture of ½ a cup of vinegar added to the rinse water will increase shine.

To remove scuffs, try a light scrubbing with a sponge dipped in jojoba oil.

Don't use solvent-based products because they damage the materials that make up the soft surface.

Don't scour soft floors either.

To remove difficult stains, use a past of baking powder and a little elbow grease.  Rinse with a damp rag.

Ceramic and Stone Tile Floors

Dry mopping or damp mopping with just warm water are the recommended methods for cleaning ceramic or stone tile floors.  Add a little ecofriendly liquid dish detergent to the water if you need more cleaning power.  To avoid leaving streaks, dry the floor with a rag right away.

Regular vacuuming will remove most dirt and grit that can scratch the glaze.


DRAINS AND PIPES
Regular maintenance of our household drains prevents blocks and clogs.

A kettle of boiling water poured down the kitchen sink dissolves grease and keeps drains clear.

Hot water used in combination with baking soda helps dissolve soap and toothpaste buildup in bathroom drains.

For more tips, see Don't Be A Drain On The Environment.


KITCHEN AND BATHROOM COUNTERS
Warm water and a sponge or rag can work just as well as commercial products on kitchen and bathroom counters.  Use warmer water for greasy spots and add some elbow grease for dried spills and splatters.

Plain water won't harm your granite or marble counters and can be used in place of fancy products that don't really do much more.  Remember to soak up spills right away especially coffee, juice, tea, tomato sauce and soda so they don't stain or eat into the surface.

There are many more green cleaning tips using water.  Keep in mind how the steady drip of water can wear away the hardest rock.  A little patience, a bit of elbow grease and some water can help keep your household clean, healthy and safe.

See the first two parts of our series on "Heroes of Green Cleaning" for other cost-effective, non-toxic cleaners.

1. Baking Soda
2. Vinegar