How to Go Green: Cleaning Your Home

Choosing to "go green" with your household cleaning supplies can mean different things to different people. Green cleaning can be defined as the use of environmentally friendly cleaners. However, just going to the store and stocking up on anything that says "green" or "environmentally friendly" does not mean that you are necessarily on the right track. Many of the chemicals that are found in commercial cleaning products can be harmful to both you and to the environment. Many of the newly labeled eco-friendly cleaners are not as safe and friendly as they would like us to believe.

Manufacturers of commercial cleaning products are not required to list all of the ingredients used. So, while the new green products may be less toxic, that does not mean they are non toxic. In order to find the greenest and least toxic of the commercial cleaners available, read the labels. Learn what the warning labels mean, Don't assume that all of the environmental and health claims made by these products are true. Check the ingredients list. You can also check out the Eco Label center at GreenerChoices.org to see how a particular product rates. One of my favorite green cleaners that is sold commercially is made by Seventh Generation. Their all purpose cleaner is effective and rates high on the scale of safe and green products. Using an all purpose cleaner also helps to cut back on the number of different products you are using in your home.

When you are choosing new, greener cleaners for your home, remember to dispose of your old cleaners in an environmentally safe way. If you do not want to clean your home with them, then you probably do not want them in landfills or our drinking water either. Rather than pour these cleaners down the drain or toss them in the garbage, contact your local waste disposal company and ask where toxic chemicals should be disposed of. Some counties have a central location and some have round ups once or twice a year.

A great alternative to commercial household cleaners is to make your own green cleaners out of everyday items. Homemade cleaners are generally greener and cheaper than any commercial product that you can purchase. There are hundreds of recipes for homemade cleaners available. The majority of them will be made with such common ingredients as white vinegar, baking soda and vegetable based soaps. By making your own cleaners you can have more full control over what ingredients are being used. The majority of homemade cleaners are just as effective as commercial cleaners although you may need to scrub a little harder or let them set for a time. For more information on homemade cleaners, read my article about Green Spring Cleaning or do a search for homemade household cleaners. When making homemade cleaners, you can buy reusable spray bottles or only make enough product for the job at hand. In addition to the cleaners that you choose to use, you can also remember to use cloth towels rather than paper towels for your cleaning. All natural air fresheners are also a great suggestion.

So, if you have disposed of your toxic household cleaners and chosen new green cleaners to use in your home, then you are well on your way to being a green cleaner.

Sources:

Personal Experience

http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=gRightChoices&page=RightChoices

http://www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/All-Purpose-Cleaner