There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

• Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
• Soap – unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
• Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
• Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
• White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
• Washing Soda – or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
• Cornstarch- can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
• Citrus Solvent – cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

Green cleaning is about the health and well-being of the living occupants in the home being cleaned. Unlike traditional cleaning, it goes beyond simple appearance, focusing on products, tools and services that have fewer adverse health impacts than conventional products and procedures. Did you know that conventional cleaning products typically contain carcinogens, toxins, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors and other ingredients which can be harmful to human and pet lungs, liver, kidneys, skin, eyes and noses? Even the seemingly benign fragrances included with many of these products – the ones you associate with a clean house – can trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside a typical home is, on average, 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air just outside – and in extreme cases 100 times more contaminated – largely because of household cleaners and pesticides.

The only healthy way to clean your home is with green cleaning. Green cleaning is more than just using “green” products. To be effective, a green cleaning program is dependent on a comprehensive approach, including chemicals, tools and equipment, procedures, paper products, trash liners, soaps and detergents. Green cleaning removes the maximum amount of indoor air pollution, germs and dirt AND leaves nothing behind in terms of harmful chemical residues.

If you want your home to be clean, get it truly clean with green cleaning.