Bleach/scrubbing bubbles alternative?

So we are going to start prepwork on the house so everything is ready to rock when it comes to remodel.

We have to scrub the walls a few days before we paiting. We used to use scrubbing bubbles and water. Obviously we can't usre those.

What can we use to scrub the walls and counters. Last time I tried a vinegar solution the smell of the vinegar was crazy strong.

And how long after the paint dries and we are done should I wait to bring them home? 24-48 hours? Or 3 days?

This will be the first time they will be staying away from the house!!! And it's people they know to see. But will they be ok if I stop over to see them daily? I feel like they will think I abandoned them lol.

There will be a fairly long list of products that members use.

- Mrs. Boats long ago settled on Dawn Original Formula and hot water, Rise with cold water changing it often. Clearly this assumes that the walls are in good condition and are not covered with deep lays of, well lets just say build-up.

- Water based Paint has been around for a very long time and low VOC has becoming near standard. Look at using a name brand, high-end product with a very recent manufactured date, like the last 30 to 45 days. The thicker the paint is applied the longer it takes to dry (surface seals), also the more rooms you paint, the longer everything takes to settle. It is very important to remember that warm air rises as does the light chemicals to the upper level(s). In addition, the heavier chemicals than drop to the lowest level(s). That means that the first floor is the first area to become safe.

Remember, that air exchange is very important as part of this process. Opening the windows and any door with a screen helps. Fans help even more. Remember to set them to move air into the house based on the direction of the wind in your area when painting.
Venting the home for the first several weeks both day and night will help. The goal is to limit the build-up of toxic chemicals, which can easily happen in modern homes.


Hopes this helps!

Liquid Dawn Dishwashing Soap (the blue stuff) is very bird-safe, and it's a pretty strong cleaner too...

The other options are the plant-based enzymatic cleaners, usually they are clear in color, and either unscented or scented with natural oils that are safe...Green Works is an example, but most grocery stores have their own brand of these as well. I buy mine at Giant grocery stores, they have their own store-brand of these cleaners, every type...

Also, I don't know where you live, but I know that here in the Northeast, Wegman's grocery stores have a pretty huge "natural food/products" section, and part of that section is all cleaners, soaps, shampoos, etc. They carry a ton of natural cleaners that are also plant-based and safe...So other grocery stores that have an "all-natural" section, maybe Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, etc., will carry the same type of cleaning products...Wegman's has natural bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners, etc.

I use Green Works quite a bit, in addition to White Vinegar or Dawn and hot water. The Green Works is pretty amazing, it's also plant-based, and it does a great job, just as good as any of the all-purpose cleaners like Pine Sol, Mr. Clean, Lysol, etc.