Summer is here and it’s the time of year where we use a lot of water for many different reasons. A lot of the water usage might go to your lawn and cleaning your exterior and interior, which can use up a lot of water–a precious resource that we take for granted. The good news is that there are ways that you can cut back on water usage when it comes to summer exterior cleaning.
Let’s talk about the practical tips for reducing water consumption during your summer exterior cleaning. From fixing leaks to choosing the right plants for your garden, we’ve got you covered.
Why Care About Water Conservation?
Did you know that the average person wastes roughly 30 gallons of water each day? Water is the lifeblood of our planet. It sustains all forms of life, from humans to animals and plants. However, fresh water is a finite resource. With climate change and population growth, water scarcity is becoming a pressing issue worldwide.
When we work to reduce water consumption during summer cleaning, we can help preserve this vital resource. We can also reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions associated with water treatment and distribution. Every drop counts!
Say No to Steam Cleaning Your Carpets
Traditional carpet cleaning often involves saturating your carpets with water and harsh chemicals. Not only does this method consume a significant amount of water, but it also extends drying times, which can disrupt your daily routine.
The Cons of Steam Carpet Cleaning
Steam carpet cleaning, while effective, uses a significant amount of water. It can take up to 40 gallons of water to clean a home’s carpets. This is a major drawback, especially for those trying to reduce water consumption.
Clean Your Carpets Like This Instead
Hydra Clean Northwest offers a smarter, greener solution to carpet cleaning. Our high-powered, truck-mounted dry steam extraction process uses minimal moisture while effectively killing and extracting germs, bacteria, and dust mites from your carpet fibers. This method eliminates persistent odors and allows most carpets to dry within 1 hour or less! Say goodbye to the inconvenience of long drying times and hello to a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Quick-Drying Carpets: The Greener Choice
Imagine cleaning your carpets without the hassle of waiting hours or even days to use your rooms again. With Hydra Clean Northwest, your carpets usually dry within 30-90 minutes, depending on the textile. Our fast-drying, low-moisture process not only saves water but ensures you can enjoy your clean carpets almost immediately after we’re done. Our method helps you use 95% less water for green carpet cleaning!
Soft Washing Your Exterior: Gentle Yet Effective
The outside of your attention might need some summer cleaning, too. While power washing can work great, there’s a better way to approach it that is greener and easier on your exterior.
Hydra Clean Northwest’s soft washing method is designed to be gentle yet effective, using less water than traditional pressure washing. Our trained technicians employ careful techniques to leave your roof, gutters, and exterior surfaces clean without risking damage, ensuring they remain in excellent condition.
The Benefits of Soft Washing
Wondering why you should consider soft washing your exterior this summer? Consider the following benefits:
- Gentle on Surfaces: Soft washing uses lower water pressure, reducing the risk of damage to roofing, siding, and other delicate surfaces.
- Effective Cleaning: Despite the gentle approach, soft washing effectively removes dirt, algae, mold, and mildew, leaving surfaces clean and refreshed.
- Longer Lasting Results: By thoroughly removing invasive growths, soft washing helps prevent their quick return, ensuring cleaner surfaces for longer.
- Water Conservation: Uses significantly less water than traditional pressure washing methods, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Enhances Curb Appeal: Improves the overall appearance of your home or building, boosting curb appeal and potentially increasing property value.
- Safe for Landscaping: The cleaning solutions used in soft washing are typically safer for surrounding landscaping than the high-pressure impact of traditional washing.
Wood Floor and Tile Cleaning: Water-Saving Tips
Cleaning hard surfaces like wood floors and tiles doesn’t have to involve a lot of water. For wood floors, opt for dust mopping or vacuuming regularly to keep dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
When deeper cleaning is necessary, use a damp mop with a wood floor cleaner formulated for sealed woods. This method uses minimal water and protects your floors from damage.
For tiles, regular sweeping and spot cleaning can greatly reduce the need for wet washing. If a deeper clean is necessary, use a steam mop or a damp mop with a mild detergent solution, focusing on the grout lines where dirt accumulates. These methods are not only effective but also help in reducing water usage.
Water Usage & Cleaning in the Kitchen
Looking to clean up your kitchen and use less water? This area gives ample opportunity to cut back on water usage while summer cleaning, along with the routine tasks that require water every day.
Optimizing Dishwashing
Running your dishwasher only when it’s full can significantly reduce water usage. Choose the eco-friendly setting to maximize efficiency.
- Full Loads: Ensures optimal use of water and energy per cycle.
- Eco Mode: Reduces water usage without compromising cleanliness.
Efficient Sink Use
Leaky faucets can waste a lot of water over time, so fixing any drips is crucial. Installing aerators on faucets can also cut down on water flow while maintaining pressure.
- Fix Leaks: Prevents gallons of water from being wasted.
- Install Aerators: Lowers water flow, conserving water with every use.
Refrigerator Maintenance
A well-maintained refrigerator operates more efficiently and minimizes unnecessary water use in self-defrosting models. Regular defrosting prevents excessive ice buildup, which can impact efficiency.
- Regular Defrosting: Reduces ice buildup and improves efficiency.
- Efficient Operation: Ensures the appliance uses less water and energy.
Deep Cleaning Appliances
Using natural cleaning agents like vinegar to clean appliances can avoid the need for multiple water-intensive cycles. This method is especially effective for maintaining items like dishwashers and coffee makers.
- Vinegar Instead of Water Cycles: Cleans effectively with less water usage.
- Regular Maintenance: Extends appliance life and ensures efficient performance.
Saving More Water in the Bathroom
Another area of focus for water conservation is in the bathroom. You can potentially save more water with the following ideas:
Revamping Your Shower Cleaning Routine
When summer cleaning, consider how your daily shower routine impacts water usage. By shortening showers and turning off the water while soaping up, you can significantly reduce waste.
- Short Showers: Limit showers to just a few minutes to decrease water use.
- Water Off While Soaping: Turn off the shower while applying soap to save water.
Efficient Toilet Cleaning
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your toilet can prevent leaks and reduce the need for multiple flushes to clear cleanliness issues.
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect your toilet for leaks to ensure it operates efficiently.
- Dual-Flush Converter: Install a dual-flush mechanism to reduce water per flush while maintaining cleanliness.
Eco-Friendly Faucet Usage
Cleaning your bathroom’s faucets regularly can prevent build-up that may cause leaks. Installing aerators not only reduces scale but also conserves water without reducing water pressure.
- Regular Faucet Cleaning: Keeps the mechanism efficient and leak-free.
- Install Aerators: Reduces water flow, conserving water with each use.
Deep Cleaning Tiles and Grout
Deep cleaning your bathroom tiles and grout not only refreshes the space but can be done efficiently to save water. Using steam cleaners or minimal water with effective natural cleaning solutions like vinegar or baking soda helps preserve water.
- Steam Cleaning: Uses minimal water while effectively cleaning tiles and grout.
- Spot Cleaning: Focus on areas that need attention with a small amount of water mixed with eco-friendly products.
Managing Bath Mat and Towel Cleanliness
Wash bath mats and towels only when necessary and with full loads to optimize water usage. This approach reduces water and energy use while maintaining bathroom hygiene.
- Full Loads in Washing Machine: Ensures optimal use of water and energy.
- Air Dry When Possible: Saves energy and reduces the need for water-heavy fabric softeners.
Join Hydra Clean Northwest to Cut Back on Water Usage
Here at Hydra Clean Northwest, we take summer cleaning and water conservation seriously. With our Save Water, Give Water campaign while joining forces with Water.org. A portion of proceeds from our eco-friendly carpet cleaning will go to support Water.org to help those in need of clean water! Please book now for when you want to cut back on water usage with any of our other eco-friendly cleaning services.