An Earth Day Message
April 20, 2006Joe Ferry*

You know that pretty blue glass cleaner that you use everyday? It doesn't have to have that color. That's just a chemical dye that is added to make the product more attractive.

How about your dish-washing detergent? Did you know it probably contains chlorine, which is emitted with the steam that wafts in your face when you open the door?

That feather duster you use? You could be doing more harm than good.

And there are those new pre-moistened floor cleaning pads. They include formaldehyde, which can leave behind an unsightly film that is harmful to pets.

Sit with Deb Sarandrea, co-owner of Harmony Clean in Doylestown, for half-hour and you learn all kinds of interesting facts about cleaning the natural way.

“A lot of people want to clean for appearance because their mother-in-law is coming over,” says Sarandrea. “ They should be cleaning for good health.”

Sarandrea should know. As a child growing up in Warrington, she was plagued with allergies and her mother made a commitment to keep their house clean to minimize her discomfort.

Sarandrea started Harmony Clean two years ago with her sister, Chalfont resident Vicki Brown. They decided to stay independent rather than buying a franchise so they could emphasize natural cleaning.

“We've always used natural products, whether food or cleaning products,” she says. “ It's a way of life for us. We think nothing of it.”

Harmony Clean has 13 cleaners who go through a rigorous training program. Working in pairs, they service about 200 clients in Bucks County, some weekly or biweekly, others once a month. The company also does one-time cleaning for people having special events such as weddings or anniversaries, and will help clients moving out or in.

“The majority of our clients call because they are concerned about their health and their families health,” says Sarandrea.

It takes two workers, who bring all the necessary supplies, including vacuum cleaners with special high filtration bags and microfiber cleaning cloths, about two-hours to do a typical house, said Sarandrea. They don't shampoo carpets or wash windows, which Sarandrea feels are better left to those experts.

Fees vary depending on the size of the house and the number of furnishings. Quotes are free and Harmony Clean offers a “ Smiles Guarantee.”

“If something isn't right we'll send our crew back to make sure the job is done right,” she said.

Harmony Clean is at 573 N. Main St., Suite 209, Doylestown. Owners Vicki Brown and Debi Sarandrea can be reached at 215-230-7700. Their website is www.harmonyclean.com

Cleaners No Home Should be Without

Baking Soda: a mild, natural abrasive; can be used for cleaning without worrying about scratching surfaces.
White Vinegar: a mild acidic product; won't destroy surfaces; works great for soap scum.
Lemon Juice: Nature's bleach and disinfectant; a great natural stain remover and deodorizer.
Borax: a natural laundry additive and booster.
Club Soda: a great stain remover

Multi-purpose spray cleaner

2 cups water
1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 tsp natural dish soap

3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, etc.)
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and label bottle. This is an acidic cleaner which helps dissolve mineral buildup and soap scum in bathrooms and is also great for windows and mirrors. The essential oil helps cut the vinegar smell (which dissipates quickly anyway), and adds antiseptic properties and a fresh scent.



Cleaning Tips
Take it slowly. Don't throw out all your old cleaning products all at once, which can cause environmental problems. Use them wisely until they run out.

Reduce the need to clean. Put a good mat at the front and back doors to keep people from tracking dirt into the house. Ask kids to take their shoes off before they come in.

Use one cleaner. You don't need a special cleaner for every room in the house. One good all-purpose cleaner will do the trick in the bathroom or kitchen.

Read the labels on all cleaning products. Manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients. But a warning that the product can be “hazardous” or “poisonous” is a sign that it is not organic.

Be patient. Always give the product time to work before you start scrubbing.

Be careful. Label any home made products well and keep out of reach of children.

*reprinted with permission from Bucks County Herald www.buckscountyherald.com