| Before you begin cleaning | | | | conventional cleaning products become more |
| | | | thoroughly understood, more and more brands |
| In order to know what needs to be cleaned, it | | | | of healthy, green, and effective cleaning |
| helps to keep a list of important cleaning | | | | products have started hitting the market and |
| projects and chores that need to be done on a | | | | competing for that coveted place of honor |
| daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, | | | | under your sink. Green Seal is another |
| semi-annual, and annual basis. Be cautious | | | | standardization organization that is |
| when using any type of cleaning solvents; | | | | certifies cleaning products among other |
| some individuals may have allergic reactions | | | | things. With a couple of new products on the |
| to chemicals in cleaning solvents and some | | | | market, it is possible to sanitize everything |
| solvents can even damage the case. One of | | | | from food to fabrics in a manner that doesn't |
| the biggest parts of spring cleaning is | | | | harm the environment. Some cleaning |
| getting rid of clutter that you don't need. | | | | products, however, can contain harmful |
| Most of the time, this is the only cleaning | | | | chemicals that contaminate the environment |
| you'll need to do. | | | | and endanger human health. A growing number |
| | | | of commercial non-toxic home cleaning |
| Don't have time for cleaning | | | | products are also available, as healthier and |
| | | | environmentally responsible alternatives. |
| For people don't have the time to clean their | | | | |
| own homes, fortunately there are an | | | | Some cleaning alternatives |
| increasing number of green cleaning services | | | | |
| out there to help get things spic and span. | | | | Using ordinary household glass cleaner on |
| Remember, cleaning your own windows is a big | | | | special screens, especially cleaners with |
| job, and it can be tedious and frustrating, | | | | ammonia can remove anti-glare protection and |
| not to mention time consuming and dangerous. | | | | or other special surfaces. This delayed |
| And here's a tip: If you've just put some | | | | effect is particularly seen in glass |
| cleaning fluid on your cloth and tried wiping | | | | cleaners. Borax, ammonia and baking soda are |
| off a fingerprint, and there's still some | | | | safe alternatives that can clean and |
| there, wet another spot of the cloth (or a | | | | disinfect to meet hospital standards and are |
| new cloth) and wipe again. I believe this | | | | much cheaper than name brand cleaners. This |
| would make my cleaning routine not only | | | | will reduce the toxic cleaners needed for |
| faster, but also more focused, less | | | | rugs as vinegar and water works great for |
| stressful, and possibly even (ok, maybe this | | | | cleaning non-carpet floors. |
| is a stretch) enjoyable. | | | | |
| | | | Green considerations |
| Products Available | | | | |
| | | | Utilized correctly, green cleaning can help |
| Instead of opting for cleaning products that | | | | to reduce many of these health and |
| annihilate everything in their path, there | | | | environmental hazards. Use the formulas |
| are plenty of natural products and methods | | | | described above or purchase 'green' |
| that keep a house clean and fresh-smelling | | | | commercial alternatives and most importantly |
| without the toxic side effects. As the | | | | of all when replacing your cleaning products, |
| health and environmental impacts of | | | | don't just throw the old ones in the trash. |