In this article we are going to discuss – how to green your cleaning. When you’re making the effort to clean, the last thing you want to do is introduce toxic substances into your home. Yet many conventional cleaning products are loaded with chemicals that are hazardous to the environment or even detrimental to your health. To avoid this problem:
- Use commercially available green cleaning products
- Use natural products, such as baking soda and vinegar, as cleaners
Green Commercial Cleaning Products
Various companies, such as Seventh Generation and Ecover, make environmentally friendly cleaning products. Green cleaning products differ from conventional cleaning products in three main ways. They are:
- Biodegradable
- Toxin-free
- Petroleum-free
You can buy green products at natural foods stores, such as Whole Foods or Wild Oats, or local health stores.
Natural Products
You can also use natural everyday household products as an alternative to store-brought cleaning products. The products in the table below often work just as well as commercial cleaners and cost substantially less.
Natural Product(s)
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Use for . . .
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Baking soda
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Deodorizing carpets and the refrigerator
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Vinegar and water
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All-purpose cleaning
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Lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar
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Soap scum and water stains
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Vinegar, borax, and water
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Disinfecting
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Vegetable-based liquid soap, baking soda, and water
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Oven cleaning
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