Eco-Friendly House Cleaning in Coconut Creek, FL

Few cities in South Florida put as much weight on the environment as Coconut Creek. In 2006 the Florida Legislature recognized it as the first city in the state certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat, with more than 150 homes certified as backyard habitats at the time. Butterfly World draws visitors to Tradewinds Park, and native plantings, lakes and greenways run through many neighborhoods. If you live here, there is a good chance your yard already has a butterfly garden or a bird feeder. Cleaning the inside of the house with the same care is a natural next step.

What greener cleaning really means

A label that says natural does not guarantee much. A more useful way to think about it is three questions: How much product am I using? Where does it go when I am done? And what am I breathing while I clean? Answer those well and your routine becomes gentler on the house, the people in it, and the lakes and canals outside.

Use less product, more technique

• Microfiber does a lot of the work. A damp cloth lifts dust and light grime from counters, shelves and electronics with no spray at all.
• Let cleaners sit. On soap scum or a greasy stovetop, spray, wait a few minutes, then wipe. Dwell time beats extra product and hard scrubbing.
• Dilute concentrates as directed. Overly strong solutions leave residue, and residue grabs dirt.
• Vacuum before you mop. Getting grit up first means less water and less cleaner on the floor.
• Clean small and often. A quick wipe of the shower glass after each use prevents the buildup that later needs a strong chemical.

Water: where it comes from and where it goes

Coconut Creek does not treat its own water. The city buys treated water from Broward County and delivers it through about 286 miles of pipe. Every gallon used inside the house travels a long way, so a few habits help:

• Mop from a bucket instead of a running tap.
• Wait for full loads before running the dishwasher or the washer.
• Fix leaks at faucets and toilets, which waste water and leave stains to clean later.
• Sweep the driveway, lanai and pool deck instead of hosing them down.

Outside, rain that falls on driveways and streets flows to storm drains and on toward the lakes and canals many homes face. Do not dump mop water, paint rinse, or car wash suds in the street. Empty buckets into a sink or toilet, and wash outdoor items on the lawn.

Protect the garden as well as the floors

If your yard is planted for butterflies and birds, think about what drifts out of the house. Shake rugs and mats away from flower beds that host caterpillars. Keep pesticide sprays and harsh outdoor cleaners away from milkweed and other host plants. When you clean screens and pool cages, use mild soap and rinse onto the lawn, not into the beds.

Breathe easier indoors

With about 57 inches of rain a year and a long humid summer, homes here stay closed and air conditioned for months. That traps fumes as well as cool air. Open windows briefly or run exhaust fans while cleaning. Avoid heavy fragrances and aerosol sprays when a wipe will do. Keep indoor humidity under 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent, as UF/IFAS recommends, so you need fewer mold removers in the first place.

Dispose of chemicals and electronics safely

Coconut Creek runs free household hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events with nearby cities, open to residents who bring proof of residency. Items they accept include:

• Paint, paint thinner and stripper.
• Pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers.
• Pool chemicals, motor oil and engine coolant.
• Fluorescent tubes, mercury thermometers and propane tanks.
• Rechargeable, car and marine batteries.
• Computers, monitors, printers, cell phones and televisions.

Common alkaline batteries such as AA and AAA go in household garbage. Call Public Works for the next event date before you load the car.

Cut down on waste

• Use washable cloths and mop pads instead of disposable wipes.
• Refill one good spray bottle rather than buying new ones.
• Buy larger containers of the products you use most.
• Recycle cleaning product bottles once they are empty and rinsed.

Hiring help with a lighter touch

If you hire a cleaner, tell them which surfaces need special care, whether anyone in the home is sensitive to scents, and what you would like avoided. Ask what products they bring. TotalCare Cleaning professionals bring their own supplies and equipment, and you can book by entering your ZIP code at /booking or by calling (888) 378-7451, answered 24/7.