Published Aug. 14, 2009, edited Oct. 1, 2013
By: Melisa Camp
Just how safe are your household cleaners? Are you sure that you and your family are not being exposed to harmful chemicals? Green housekeeping and learning about eco-friendly methods and options for cleaning requires beng able to pick out greenwashing from advertising.
There are currently no standards for the labeling on cleaning products or any requirements to disclose all ingredients. Additionally, unlike foods, the order of ingredients listed is not reflective of greatest amount to least amount. Many products on the market claim to be natural, safe, biodegradable, and eco-friendly but are left unregulated and have no standards. The terms are vague and can be left to interpretation Here are some ways to avoid false marketing claims and clean healthier.
- Look for the word organic. Cleaning products that have the word organic on them are the only products that have passed Federal standards.
- Read the labels. Avoid products containing the following harmful chemicals: Ammonia, butyl cellosolve, chlorine bleach, d-limonene, disinfectants, fragrances, hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, naptha, petroleum-based ingredients, phosphates, sodium hydroxide (lye), and diethenolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA).
- Make your own (non-toxic) cleaners. Baking soda can be used to clean in the kitchen, to treat stains, and remove odors. White vinegar can be used to help kill germs, kill weeds, as well deodorize the home. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in place of bleach for stain removal and bleaching and killing of germs.Boraxcould be used to freshen laundry and cream of tartar can be used to remove stains in bathtubs/showers.Home made cleaning recipes can be found atgreenerchoices.org and thegreenguide.com.
- Do the research to find healthier products before you get to the store. Green Seal and the EPA™s Design for the Environment are two organizations identifying green household products. (Greenseal.org and epa.gov/dfe) Two of the most familiar brands I noted from the websites were the Green Works and Method cleaning products. I personally use Mrs. Meyers all-purpose cleaner; you dilute it and it last forever, cleans everything, and the lavender scent is refreshing.
If you live in Phoenix and are busier than busy like me you can always hire a green cleaning company. Contact Angela at Planet Hugger and tell her Melisa Camp with HomeSmart Elite Group and greenhab sent you. http://planet-hugger.com/
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