Raising a newborn can be tough, not to mention a little hectic as you attempt to navigate the other areas of your life—from work and school, to your social life and marriage—while keeping your house in order. Indeed, parents of newborns have a serious adjustment when it comes to housekeeping and balancing life, but as you’re gonna find out, it is something parents have been grappling with for ages.

Here’s a fact that may hit home: 68 percent of working moms feel guilty that their houses aren’t clean enough, according to a Working Mother Clean House survey. What’s more, 34 percent say it’s important to use green-cleaning products when it comes to housekeeping. As you devote what little time you have each day toward building a loving home for your newborn, shouldn’t you be sure it’s a healthy and safe one?

For those parents of a newborn who don’t have time to clean—or know how to get started—finding help when it comes to housekeeping is easier than ever. We find that many people are confused about what it means to “go green” when cleaning. Still others think they need to be a professional maid to do the job perfectly, or they are unaware of how useful everyday kitchen items can be. Household vinegar as a cleaning agent? Yup. Baking soda as a base for cleaning solutions? You bet!

Not only is green cleaning less expensive than buying commercial products, but you’re getting a much safer product in the process. That will give you the greatest gift of all: the assurance of knowing that the items in your home are safe for playtime—from those carpets your newborn wiggles on to the tables you tickle them on. Here’s another great thing about green-cleaning when in “maid mode”: You don’t have to look far for items that work. Simply open your cupboards and look for the following:

Housekeeping 101:

• White Vinegar – Dissolves dirt and soap scum on hard surfaces
• Liquid Castile Soap – Can be used as a spray cleaner when mixed with white vinegar and water
• Natural Salt – Can be used as a fabric softener and to clean cookware
• Baking Soda – Able to remove water deposit stains on bathroom fixtures and mirrors
• Borax – Can be used to clean your toilets and sinks
• Washing Soda – Capable of keeping your small appliances shiny and grease-free
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Can clean grout, mold and mildew on tile and in toilet bowls
• Lemons – Can be used as a spray cleaner when mixed with vinegar, baking soda and hot water

The above household items (among others) can serve as reliable solutions for your cleaning needs. Better yet, they’re inexpensive and safe—unlike many commercial cleaning products. Not only can in-store cleaning solutions throw your wallet out of whack, but they can expose you to harmful chemicals that threaten the health of you and your loved ones—especially your child.

Did you know that many in store  housekeeping supplies are filled with toxins that can cause eczema, airway and eye irritation, and allergies in your newborn? Or that they can lead to poisoning and other unknown health effects? That’s a scary thought … but there is a solution. By hiring a professional maid service like Green Maids & Co., you can rest easy knowing your family can laugh and play in a safe and toxin-free environment.

We believe that every family deserves a healthy and clean home free from damaging chemicals, toxins and pollutants. We also understand it’s tough to spot harmful ingredients that can put your newborn at risk. To learn how you can avoid bringing toxic chemicals into your household, contact us. Or, look for these ingredients in cleaning supplies—and avoid them at all cost:

Chemicals to avoid:

• Phthalates
• Perchloroethylene, or “PERC”
• Triclosan
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”
• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Ammonia
• Chlorine
• Sodium Hydroxide

You don’t have to be a professional maid to be the consummate cleaning professional. And you don’t have to do it all by yourself. The next time you need to check off a chore on your list, look to Green Maids. We will keep your home and family healthy and safe—at a fraction of the cost. To learn more about our services, or to book a consultation, contact us.