As we do monthly, here’s a green cleaning tip of the month from our friends at Going Green House cleaning. We like their green cleaning tips and the fact that they make the choice to clean using all natural, non-toxic products. We like to think we are helping move the ball forward on sustainable living.

This month, April and her crew are extolling the virtues of one product, Dr. Bronner’s.

If you’ve been to an organic grocery store, you’ve probably seen rows of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap, in a variety of scented mixtures, promising to have 18 different uses—and if you’re a devoted fan of the product, you know that there are MANY more than that.

Named after the olive oil based soaps that originated in Castile, Spain, Castile soap comes in liquid or bar form. It uses only vegetable oils like coconut, olive, hemp, and sometimes avocado, almond, or walnut oils instead of animal fats, so it is certified vegan.

Castile soap is also biodegradable and non toxic, making it a good friend for the environment. It’s also safe to use for pets and kids. If you’re particularly concerned about the heavy, toxic chemicals your current household cleaners and detergents contain and are looking for an all natural solution, this is a great place to start!

To mix up a batch of all-purpose cleaner that works great on countertops, toilets, and everything in between:

1. Choose your favorite Dr. Bronner Castile soap
2. Fill a spray bottle with water about ¾ of the way full
3. Add a ¼ cup of Dr. Bronner’s
4. If you want an anti-bacterial spray, add 15 drops tea tree oil
5. Fill the rest of the bottle with water
6. Finally, shake it up and it’s ready to make your home sparkle!

If you’re looking for a superb floor cleaner, with a fresh, but not overpowering smell, Dr. Bronner’s has a solution for that, too!

1. Choose your favorite Dr. Bronner Castile soap
2. Pour ½ cup of soap into a bucket
3. Dilute with 3 gallons of hot water

This all natural mop mixture is also what April and the Going Greenhouse gang use to make their client’s floors fresh and flawless!

For beautiful windows, try this recipe for window cleaner:

1. Add a tablespoon of Dr. Bronner’s into a quart of water in a spray bottle
2. Shake it up, and it’s ready to work it’s magic!
3. Follow up with a mixture of half water/half vinegar to prevent streaking

Use caution with Castile soap and vinegar, though. The more alkaline Castile soap mixing with the acidic vinegar can leave objects and surfaces with a white film that is difficult to remove. They also cancel each other’s potency if mixed together, so it’s best to use separately.

If this green cleaning tip hasn’t convinced you to ditch the harsh, unfriendly cleaners you may currently use, try it for yourself! You can purchase Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap at organic grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or even at big box stores like Target.

I can tell you that we’ve tried this green cleaning tip

at home. We’ve had good results and I like the fact that we can control the scents of the soaps on our own, using extracts from mint, spearmint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and others. Its worth the effort to know that you are making a difference.