Green Cleaning: Outdoors

This is particularly relevant if you like to wash your own car in the driveway, says Kelly Stettner of the Black River Action Team, a Springfield, Vt.-based group dedicated to keeping local waterways clean and healthy. “Not only can the extra water push any dirt and junk already in the gutters down the storm drains and into the local lake or river, but think of the soap, oil and other automotive fluids that rinse off the car itself. These storm drains empty into water bodies, usually without any sort of treatment.” She recommends looking for organic, biodegradable soaps like Liquid Sunshine and washing cars on grass or gravel, if possible, to allow some filtering before the runoff reaches waterways. Dowd says avoiding chemicals is the best route for an attractive parking area. “Chemicals can break down the asphalt while landing in the water supply,” he says. “Simply using a street-sweeper broom on a regular basis and hosing down dirt and dust should do the trick.” For pesky oil stains, Down recommends spreading an absorbent material like car litter, sand or sawdust over the stain and letting it sit for a few days to soak up the spot. “Afterward, simply sweep the absorbent material off the driveway,” he says. Window Washing Keeping exterior windows clean is important for both your equipment maintenance and the view from inside your home. But you don’t have to resort to toxic glass cleaning chemicals for a clear window. Les Stephens, JELD-WEN windows product marketing manager, says while your need to clean will depend on your climate, there are some basic tips you can follow to green your window cleaning. Instead of paper towels, Stephens suggests using a clean, lint-free soft cloth or sponge when you’re wiping down your windows. As for the cleaning solution, he suggests baby shampoo or vinegar mixed with water. If you have grease or oil problems, this mixture should do the trick. Beyond just keeping your glass clear, however, you need to be concerned with the effect chemicals can have on the window casing and mechanisms. “Mild soap, water and a soft sponge or cloth is the simplest and safest way to clean exterior finishes like wood, metal-clad surfaces, vinyl, plastic and brass,” Stephens says. “Just [make sure to] always rinse and wipe dry immediately after cleaning.” To clean insect screens, remove them from windows and place them into a tub or shower stall or on an outdoor hard surface. Gently spray the screen with water and brush lightly with a soft bristle tool until clean. “If you have stubborn dirt, use a mild soap and water solution,” says Stephens. “Then just rinse clean and replace the screen when dry.”

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