Greener cleaning: A little elbow grease never hurt me

This is not my kitchen, but hey, it's clean.
(Photo by Adamophoto/FreeRangeStock.com)

Going greener in my home cleaning routine hasn't been easy.

During my most recent trip to the grocery store, I gave the pre-made cleaning wipes a longing look. They used to be my quick-clean tool of choice, but I've managed to stay away from them for several months now.

I liked that I could just pull one, or two, or three, or four out to clean the bathroom or kitchen, and I didn't have to pour on any cleaner because its already soaked into each wipe. I didn't have to rinse it out later. I could just toss it into the trash can. Job done.

These days, I'm cleaning house the way my mom taught me to do it, spraying on a little cleaner, scrubbing away the dirt and grime, rinsing out the sponge or rag, then hanging it up for future use.

For now, I still have store-bought cleaners I use, but once they all run out, I will switch to vinegar and baking soda, each of which, I'm finding out, have a bazillion earth-friendly uses.*

I am not looking forward to the switch, I must admit. Back in my childhood, when I cleaned our family bathroom without the benefit of "scrubbing bubbles," I think I remember it taking a lot of muscle to get rid of soap scum. I'm hoping it's not as big of a chore as I remember it being.

But if it is, I'll get use to it, and I'll feel better about what I'm washing down my drain.

* Better Homes and Gardens published this list of ways to use vinegar in your home-cleaning routine: Clean your house for less than $5