Many Ontarians are going to be spending the Thanksgiving weekend closing the cottage for the winter months. Keep these tips in mind to help protect your cottage environment.
Cleaning is one of those necessary close-up chores. Avoid harsh toxic cleaners and use eco-friendly cleaners throughout your cottage.
- Keep baking soda and vinegar on hand. Along with hot water, they make the best all-round cleaners, and are safe for your water, septic systems or composting toilet. Never put harsh cleaners down the drain.
- Put open packages of baking soda in your clean fridge to keep musty smells away.
- Store anything edible in sealable plastic containers and make sure there are no crumbs or bits of popcorn left behind for mice to feast on. Don’t spread mothballs to keep mice away, they give off toxic fumes that you’ll be breathing when you reopen in the spring.
Water systems:
Everyone has a different water system. Be sure to completely drain all lines and keep them open to prevent freezing and cracking. NEVER put antifreeze into a water line where it could pollute your lake or river.
Boats and motors:
Keep gas lines and gas containers away from the water. Waste oil and gasoline need to be taken to your local household hazardous waste depot. Check for depot locations near your cottage.