Green Cleaning Tips for Your Oakland Apartment

The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and the grass is getting greener. That must mean it is time to spring clean your Oakland apartment.

These easy Go Green tips will help keep both the environment and your apartment clean!

Reduce Your Water Consumption

Water is one of the earth’s most precious natural resources, but we often take it for granted; taking long showers, leaving the water running while we do the dishes, wash your face or brush our teeth. According to the EPA, bathroom faucets run at about 2 gallons of water a minute. By turning off the tap while you brush your teeth and shave, you can save hundreds of gallons a month.

Showering accounts for almost 17% of our indoor water use. You can save water by replacing your regular showerhead with a low flow showerhead. Consider shortening your showering time to further help reduce water consumption.

Place a bowl under your colander while cleaning vegetables and use it to water plants in your home or patio.

Down the Drain

Many of our household cleaners include products that while they help you 

clean, can make it into our water system and are having an increasingly alarming effect on 

aquatic plant and fish life. Before you pick up those scrubbing bubbles and toilet or shower cleaner, 

why not consider looking in your pantry for some staples that will help keep your Oakland apartment 

and the environment is clean!

Mirror and Surface Cleaner

You can keep your mirrors, windows, faucets and surfaces clean by combining ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap, ¼ cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle for a great alternative to toxic cleaners that also helps reduce waste by reusing the spray bottle.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Many all-purpose cleaners contain harmful ingredients that will make it into our water system and our air. Instead try this DIY aromatic all-purpose cleaner.

Combine one-part white vinegar, one-part water, lemon rind and rosemary sprigs and let infuse for a week before using. Once it is done you can add to a spray bottle and use to clean counters, trash cans, toilets and everyday smudges.

These clean, eco-friendly cleaning products can go a long way to reduce pollution and keep your Orion apartment in Oakland clean and green!