Eco-Friendly Outdoor Living: Sustainability and Cleanliness

If you think environmentally friendly products aren’t strong enough to clean grime off your house, think again—green cleaning is tough on dirt and gentle on Mother Earth.

A walk down any big-box store’s cleaning aisle shows the rising popularity of “green” cleaning products for home interiors. However, many people still use harsh chemicals for outdoor cleaning.

Using toxic outdoor cleaners may seem harmless since they’re outside, but they can negatively impact human and environmental health. “You wouldn’t want to dump toxic chemicals down the sink or the toilet,” says Dean Dowd, Chief Technical Officer for CalFinder, a green-certified construction service. “Runoff from outdoor cleaning can enter the sewer system and return to the water supply. Some chemicals don’t break down, eventually harming marine life when discharged into waterways.”

Beyond protecting health and the environment, green cleaning is budget-friendly. Many green solutions can be made from common household ingredients like baking soda, borax, vinegar, and water. Here’s how to keep your outdoor spaces fresh and clean—sustainably.

Cleaning House Siding

A pressure washer with just water can effectively clean home exteriors, but it’s crucial to use the correct method for your siding type.

“Wood shingles don’t need washing,” says Dowd. “Avoid full pressure on masonry or vinyl—water can reach behind vinyl or blast mortar from between bricks.”

A simple alternative is rinsing with a hose, bucket, and mild soap. For hard-to-reach areas, hiring a contractor may be the safest option.

Driveway Cleaning: Avoid Chemical Runoff

Driveways are designed to direct stormwater into public drains, so using toxic cleaners can introduce pollutants into local water systems.

This is particularly relevant for car washing, notes Kelly Stettner of the Black River Action Team, a Springfield, VT-based water conservation group. “Extra water pushes dirt and chemicals down storm drains, which empty into local lakes or rivers, usually untreated.”

Stettner suggests using organic, biodegradable soaps and washing vehicles on grass or gravel to allow natural filtering before runoff reaches waterways.

For oil stains, Dowd recommends applying an absorbent material like cat litter, sand, or sawdust and letting it sit for a few days. Then, simply sweep it away.

Washing Windows the Green Way

Keeping exterior windows clean is essential for both maintenance and a clear view. Toxic glass cleaners aren’t necessary, says Les Stephens, JELD-WEN product marketing manager.

Instead of paper towels, use a lint-free soft cloth or sponge. For a cleaning solution, mix baby shampoo or vinegar with water—this effectively removes grease and oil.

To prevent damage to window casings and mechanisms, use mild soap and water with a soft sponge or cloth. Always rinse and dry immediately.

For screens, remove and spray them down with water, using a soft brush if needed. Stubborn dirt can be tackled with a mild soap and water solution.

Patio and Deck Maintenance

Outdoor furniture and decks collect dirt quickly, but they can be cleaned effectively with eco-friendly solutions, says Gary Walker, CEO of the eco-conscious cleaning companies Return to Green and Magic Touch Cleaning.

• Metal Lawn Chairs: Mix a gallon of warm water with ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, a squirt of natural dish soap, and a scoop of borax. Spray on, let sit for 10-15 minutes, scrub with a nylon brush, and rinse.
• Moldy Cushions: Mix tea tree oil and water (one teaspoon of oil per cup of water), test on fabric, then spray and leave it to work. The oil kills mold and neutralizes odors.
• Greasy Grills: Baking soda is an effective non-toxic cleaner. Sprinkle it on a damp grill brush and scrub. For stubborn stains, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water and use a wire brush. Citrus-based cleaners also work well on grease.

Smarter Cleaning, Better Living

Eco-friendly cleaning is not only effective but also convenient. “When I talk to people about green cleaning, their main concerns are effectiveness and convenience,” Dowd says. “But these methods are easy and extremely effective.”

Beyond the environmental benefits, outdoor cleaning can be a rewarding task. “There’s always the pride of fixing up your home while enjoying some fresh air,” he adds.

Choosing Truly Green Cleaning Products

Beware of “greenwashing”—misleading marketing that falsely claims products are eco-friendly. Since terms like “all-natural” and “green” aren’t regulated, companies can label products misleadingly.

To ensure authenticity, look for third-party certifications like Green Seal, which verifies that a product meets environmental and safety standards.

By adopting greener cleaning methods and making informed product choices, households can keep their outdoor spaces spotless while protecting both health and nature.