Snow White really knew what she was doing when she swung open her windows to invite the sunshine indoors before doing her housework. Sure, she may have had a dozen squirrels and a flock of bluebirds helping her tidy her cottage, but streaming sunlight can do wonders as a cleaning sidekick as well. Not only does the sun act as a spotlight on dust and grime, the use of natural light will help save electricity. Just remember to close the blinds after cleaning if a hot day is in the forecast; as doing so will help keep your home cooler. 

You may not feel like whistling while you work around the house, but recycling while you work should lift your spirits. You can help our ailing planet by incorporating everyday household items into your cleaning repertoire. There are countless cleaning accessories lying around our homes, and with a little imagination we can find ways to use and reuse our existing materials, thereby eliminating waste. 

Here are several ways to repurpose household items and recycle while you work: 

Start Spreading the News

• Newspapers are good for much more than headlines. Instead of using paper towels, crumple up a sheet of newspaper and clean windows and mirrors to achieve streak free results.
• Line your dining room table with newspaper for effortless clean up if you’re having BBQ ribs or a similarly messy dinner. Newspaper lining also works well to keep the table tidy while doing arts and crafts projects. Bonus if the kids can read the comics while they play or eat.
• One of my favorite ways to use newspaper is to store and protect fragile stemware and dishes. Wrap each item in a sheet before boxing.
• A rolled up newspaper also makes for a trusty fly swatter!

 

Workout T-shirt
We all own raggedy, stained old T-shirts we’ll surely never wear again. Cut or rip them up, and use them as absorbent, durable rags. They may be reused over and over again and may be laundered after particularly dirty jobs. 

Not Just Tough on Morning Breath
Think it’s time to trash your used toothbrush? Not so fast. After cleaning it with soap and hot water, or running it through the dishwasher, it may be used in a variety of ways. Use a toothbrush to:

• scrub hard to reach areas behind sink faucets
• scour grouting between tiles
• polish your silver
• clear dirt and dust from sliding door tracks
• clean garlic out of a garlic press
  
  

Sock it to You
Are stray socks piling up in the corner of your husband’s dresser drawer, never to meet their match again? Put them over your hands, spray with the cleaner of your choice, and start dusting.  

Think before you toss old household items such as the ones highlighted here. Ask yourself, “Can this item be repurposed or used again?” By recycling while we do the housework, we will clean more than our homes; we’ll clean our planet as well.