Do green cleaning products really work? Yes! Sometimes it takes a little more elbow grease…Read on to discover fabulous green cleaning products to use around your home and tips for how to make homemade green cleaners. If you "don't do windows" be sure to check out our list of top notch professional green cleaning services in our area.
Why should you use green cleaning products?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and other chemicals in household cleaners are harmful to you and the environment. VOC's and traditional cleaning chemicals are known to cause indoor air pollution, eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems and asthma, allergies, fatigue, headaches and many more alarming side effects. Green cleaning products do not have VOC's or harsh chemicals.
How do you know your products are really "green"?
Check for the Green Seal label used by an independent non-profit organization that holds products to a very rigorous standard. Here is a full list of Green Seal Certified Products. Be aware that some green cleaners like, Seventh Generation, did not partner with Green Seal because they feel their own testing standards are even more rigorous. When in doubt read the ingredient labels. Here's a helpful guide for chemicals and ingredients to avoid.
Which products are best for. . .
Floors
Your best bet are the Green Footsteps' Guide's to natural wood floor cleaner recipes.
Windows
Vinegar, 32 fl. oz approximately, $4. Available at all grocery stores.
Greening the Cleaning Citrus Sage Glass & Window Cleaner, 32 fl. oz bottle, $3.45. No streaks, smells great and it's safe for you and the environment. Right on. Available online.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear: Glass & Surface Cleaner, 32 fl. oz., $4.29. Available at grocery stores, big box stores, and online.
Laundry
20 Mule Team Borax, 76 oz. powder, $8.99. Killer on stains and safe for gentle wash cycles, too. Available at grocery stores, big box stores, and online. Greening the Cleaning 2X Ultra Citrus Sage Laundry Detergent, 50 fl. oz. bottle, $6.95. Available online.
Aubrey Organics Earth Aware Household Cleanser, 32 fl. oz $8.33. This household product is also mild enough for fine washables. Available online.
Dishes
Ecover Ecological Automatic Dishwasher Tablets, 25 single use tablets, $7.19. This phosphate-free tablet cleans and degreases effectively. It's hygienic, efficient, safe and leaves no residue. Available at Mrs. Green's, Whole Foods Market, and online.
Greening the Cleaning Hand Dishwashing Liquid, 25 fl. oz bottle, $3.45. No dish pan hands. Available online.
Bathroom
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Surface Scrub 11 oz. powder, $4.98. All their products are fabulous, but I especially love this scrub. No more choking on fumes while cleaning your tub! Available at grocery stores and big box stores plus The Pantry in Fairfield, Mrs. Green's, Silverman's Farm in Easton, Dovecoat in Westport, Garelick and Herbs, Balducci's, The Green Living Center in Westport, Caraluzzi's in Wilton, Whole Foods Market, and Vinci's Home Products in Greenwich.
20 Mule Team Borax, 76 oz. powder, $8.99. This multi-purpose product cuts right through soap scum and ring around the tub, no sweat. Available at grocery stores, big box stores, and online.
All-Purpose— kitchen, bathroom, floors
Greening the Cleaning Citrus Sage All Purpose Cleaner, 32 fl. oz bottle, $3.45. And they do mean all-purpose (not for floors, though). Available online.
Aubrey Organics Earth Aware Household Cleanser, 32 fl. oz $8.33. Great for dishes, counter tops, and floors. Available online.
Make your own green cleaning solutions at home with Full Circle's Come Clean Natural Cleaning Set, $24.99 (2 spray bottle set). The kit gives you what you need from the recycled spray bottles to special juicers and instructions to make your own cleaning solutions at home! Check out their line of scrubbers and sponges, too. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond and online.
Professional Green Cleaners
EcoMaids
They only use cleaning products that are Green Seal certified, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Their employees are screened, bonded and insured, and trained in the most progressive green cleaning techniques.
Serving Fairfield County
Ecolibrium Cleaning
This family owned and operated company went green. After years of exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals they decided that "Traditional cleaning methods = overkill." Serving Wilton and Ridgefield.
Enviro Maids
They only use cleaning products that are Green Seal certified, non-toxic, and biodegradable. A carefully screened housekeeping team of four company-trained, bonded and insured housekeepers, including an inspector, are on-site each time to ensure your cleaning is done properly and on schedule. They offer a $20 off your first-time cleaning and if you sign up for Regular Service you get a free 4th cleaning. Serving Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY