Savvy Wash by Guest Blogger Nikia Maltbia

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not the domestic type.  I have domestic tendencies, but it really isn't my thing.  In this article, Nikia Maltbia, of Good For Me gives some great tips on how to clean the green way.  Enjoy!

Dishes and laundry are two household tasks that we all know well.  These are chores we picked up on way back in our teen years, if not younger.  You have probably got them down to a science, but how about I give you a few interesting facts and tips that can save time, energy, money, and protect  the environment.  Read on!

We have an understanding that using the dishwasher is greener than washing by hand. This is true in most cases, and even more so if you have an energy-efficient dishwasher.  Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind to be even greener and cut costs on your water and electricity bills.

Reduce your water consumption: Avoid pre-rinsing and only run full loads.  If you are neat freak and just hate to go to bed with a disorderly kitchen, throw the dishes in the dishwasher and run it once full.

Try using the cold-water setting if this is an option on your dishwasher.

Also let the dishes air dry, versus using the heat dry option.  The heat actually puts a lot of wear on your dishes as well, so avoid if at all possible.   Simply run the wash and rinse, then open the door until the dishes are dry.

***Important message reported at  www.Ecolife.com (a guide to green living) website: Did you know that about 10% of all calls to poison control centers are because of exposure to household cleaners; dishwashing liquids being the chief culprit among children. Conventional dishwashing liquids can contain diethanolamine (DEA) which can combine with other substances to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

These natural dish soap brands are highly reliable for their eco-friendly reputations and will get your dishes as clean as conventional products:

Click here for a list of eco-friendly cleaning products.