According to the U.S. EPA, the level of pollutants in indoor air can range from two to over 100 times higher than outdoors. Indoor pollution is due, in large part, to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate from home decorating and cleaning products.

Walk around your home and try to identify possible indoor pollutants. From synthetic room fresheners to fragrant cleaning products, the majority of us use these products in abundance. Although convenient to use, non-green-products make indoor air unhealthy, cause respiratory reactions, skin and eye irritations, and are harmful to the environment.

According to a New Scientist study, in homes where aerosol sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25 percent more headaches and were almost 20 percent more likely to suffer from depression. In the same homes, infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and a 20 percent higher incidence of diarrhea. The first step in cleaning should be to open a window to let the pollutants out!

What is Green Cleaning?

Green cleaning involves using products that won’t endanger you, your children, or the environment. It means selecting alternative products, using the new products properly, and taking other steps to reduce risks while maintaining a level of cleanliness and disinfection.

In choosing alternatives, be aware that seeing “natural” on labels doesn’t mean “nontoxic.” There are no government standards for claims such as “nontoxic,” “eco-safe” and “environmentally-friendly.” According to the Consumer Union’s Eco-labels web site, these terms are meaningless.

Following are green cleaning items:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Murphy’s liquid soap
• Scouring pad
• Cotton washcloth or sponge
• Cotton rag with minimal lint
• 16 ounce spray bottle

Try green cleaning practices to reduce health, safety and environmental risks.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com), you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find home improvement tips and resources, such as green cleaning recipes, at http://www.myguidesusa.com/homeimprovement

Here’s the point. The various commercial cleaners from the store contain petroleum distillates. They produce potentially deadly fumes & are harmful to our environment. Not to mention the fact they cost much more per ounce then the natural cleaners. Often their packaging is non-recyclable.

The store-bought cleaners are also pre-mixed. With the natural cleaners, you decide how strong you would like the solution. Just one quart of natural cleaner can make up to 32 gallons of safe cleaning solution. One quart of cleaner from the store equals one quart of cleaner.

The natural cleaning products are just as effective as their toxic counterparts. It’s easy to save money with organic cleaning since the products are concentrated. We have cleaned quite a few things with the cleaner so far, & still have quite a bit of concentrate left. At just pennies per quart of diluted solution, there isn’t a much more effective cleaner out there for the money.

Natural cleaners are effective everywhere in the home. While the kitchen & bathroom contain most of the more harmful cleaners, they can be found in all areas. Even air fresheners (aerosol) are harmful. Natural cleaning products can provide a safe home environment & help save money.

John Marshall a.k.a. “Mr. Green Clean” is an advocate of natural cleaning. More info available at http://www.completegreencleaning.com. Copyright (c) John Marshall. Reprint article only with this resource box included please.

Vinegar. A natural product that poses no chemical or toxic harm to your family, vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that can be used as an all-purpose cleaner for most any household cleaning jobs.

(NOTE: Always test a small area if you have any doubt or concern about the surface you plan to apply vinegar/water to.)

With an equal mix of vinegar to water, it’s a great cleaner for floors, kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, appliances and the inside of your refrigerator.

Vinegar is also an effective natural cleaner for the bathroom. It’s great for cleaning through soap scum and stubborn hard water stains in sinks and toilets. Again, test on tile and/or grout areas before use. You can also use to achieve a streak-free cleaning on all mirrors and glass surfaces.

Of course, organic produce is always the best choice, but when it’s not an option, vinegar can help. That’s right! A few tablespoons of vinegar to a sink or bucket full of water, washes away pesticides, chemicals and germs from non-organic fruits and vegetables. Soak the produce for 15-30 minutes before using.

Baking Soda. Another all natural product that’s inexpensive yet an effective all natural cleaner and deodorizer. Mixed with a small amount of water the baking soda paste can be used to scrub stubborn stains from most any surfaces. It’s also a great natural teeth cleaner and whitener as well as a natural deodorizer in closets, refrigerators and freezers.

And the third natural cleaning solution I found many household cleaning tasks for is lemon. It’s natural, smells great and combined with baking soda is a very effective cleaner.

Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with baking soda and you have an all natural scrubbing solution for dishes, countertops, stubborn stains and soap scums. Lemon also cleans brass and copper and when combined with olive oil can be used on wood as an all natural furniture cleaner.

So there you have 3 very simple, inexpensive and effective all natural cleaning solutions. Vinegar, Baking Soda and Lemons.

Chances are, you already have these items in your home so the next time you reach for a toxic cleaning solution, think twice, and try going all natural!

“themom”, a/k/a Denise Palmer is a mom and Internet Consultant. Moms Organic House is a combination of 13 years of Internet experience and a passion for organic living and education. If you’d like to learn more about how to create or sustain a practical, simple, yet effective organic lifestyle, visit Moms Organic House for more information.

But what does the SLS actually do? Well, for a short and simple answer, it bubbles, or foams. That is it. If it really that bad for you, would the Proctor and Gambles of the world continue to manufacture something deliberately harmful to us? I think not.

The actual method you get clean happens like this. Take your hands for instance. You should wet your hands slightly. Then put soap on them and rub them vigorously together, not under water. You should do this for at least a minute. You will see all kinds of bubbles, and most likely, you will also see dirt on the bubbles. It is the friction of the rubbing motion of your hands, which is actually cleaning them. The SLS acts as a carrier, and removes the dirt from you hands and puts it in the bubbles. Then you rinse the bubbles off, and hence, the dirt goes with it. That is it.

If you notice, all natural products do not have SLS in them, therefore they do not bubble. And because they do not bubble, people will think they are not working. It is what I believed at one time. But they are working. Many of the all natural products have a citrus product in them, which is an excellent all natural cleaning product. So, they do not need the bubbles to clean, they have the ingredients. Makes you wonder why even buy some expensive soap, when the cheapest one will work just as well.

Homemade natural soap products and regular products will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the SLS when using soaps and shampoos on your baby. The SLS has been proven to enter the blood through the skin, and the baby does have a soft spot. Personally, I did not take a chance with my 2 kids. They used all natural homemade soap and shampoo.

Michael Baker is a practitioner of All Natural Health. From herbs, to all natural shampoos, and alternative health, www.n2scents.com/store covers it.

[ Buy Natural Cleaning Products ] 

In addition to using several earth-friendly commercial cleaning products, Morenberg and her team mix up many of their own cleansers inspired by tried-and-true recipes containing vinegar, baking soda, borax, castile soap, essential oils of geranium, cinnamon, lemon, lavender, and tea tree, and several other common, natural aromatherapy and sanitizing ingredients.

In addition to standard maid and cleaning services Ms. Green-Clean offers deep-down Spring cleanings, moving-in and -out cleanings, pre- and post-party cleanings, purging and organizing assistance, and home eco-consultations.

With a degree in Botany and a fertile work history including environmental organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, The New York Botanical Garden and Greenpeace, it was a natural transition for eco-conscious Morenberg to plant and grow this leafy, green business.

“And with global warming, species and habitat loss, pollution, and other environmental problems becoming so critical, it was a no-brainer,” says Morenberg. “I really wanted to do something to make a difference and I think starting small and close to home is important. It empowers people to know they can make changes, and hopefully their positive actions snowball into wider arenas. I’ve always believed the sixties’ phrase that ‘the personal is political.'”

To learn more about Ms. Green-Clean’s non-toxic maid services and to book appointments, visit online at www.msgreenclean.com.

Using harsh chemicals to clean contributes to unhealthy air in the home, not to mention a mixture of dangerous chemicals ending up in the septic system or the city sewage system. Increasing importance is being made of using green cleaning products because of the concerns over the health of our Earth. But, people need to realize starting their environmental efforts at home is the best way to make a significant difference toward establishing a healthy lifestyle. Different types of natural products often work better than harsh chemical cleansers and by doing so naturally, the environment will stay green longer. Thus the reason green cleaning is becoming so popular for those committed to a healthy lifestyle.

Many of the more effective green cleaning products that contribute to a healthy lifestyle are those made with enzymes and bacteria that safely and effectively remove organic stains and odors. Grass, berry juices, blood and wine are perfect examples of organic stains that are difficult to remove. Besides working on stains, using all-natural enzymatic cleaners can actually break down organic odor-producing molecules. These types of green cleaning products work on stains and odors by attaching to the contaminant and breaking it into two separate molecules, and therefore changing its chemical structure. The stain or odor molecule is degraded and no longer has the characteristics that made it a stain or an odor.

Enzymatic cleaners have unlimited uses for supporting a healthy lifestyle, from removing odors caused by smoke, restrooms, trashcans, litter boxes, nursery pails, kennels, etc. to removing stains, and all without dangerous chemicals. The benefits of these green cleaning products are obvious and include not having toxic odors in the house from cleaning chemicals that are dangerous to inhale as well as to have on your skin or in your eyes. Also, you are keeping your septic system in better shape as well as your pipes that lead to it. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about residue from harsh cleansers affecting your healthy lifestyle, or that of your family or pets.

Other enzyme green cleaning products can be used specifically to break down the waste in septic systems. For those people who have a septic tank in their yard, if they have ever had to have it pumped, they know how expensive and frustrating it can be. Using a waste degrader that not only uses enzymes, but living bacteria, is a safe and extremely effective way to consume liquefied waste, converting it into inert compounds like water, carbon dioxide, and minimal solids, and protecting one’s healthy lifestyle. Organic wastes are things like cooking oils and grease, body oils that come off in the shower or bath, and sewage from bathrooms. Biodegrading this waste is a simple, safe and cost effective way to prevent septic tank and drain field problems from arising.

Also, what can you do about antifreeze, transmission oil, power steering fluid, and motor oil leaks on your driveway and garage floor? The typical cleaning solvents that are used are harsh, highly alkaline soaps and hydrocarbon-based cleaners that are not compatible with a healthy lifestyle. These solvents are toxic to humans, and once the leak is cleaned up, the toxin-soaked rags are pitched into a waste can or bagged for disposal in a landfill. In effect then, the problem is being transferred initially to a different location in your home (hold your breath!), only later to be deposited in a landfill at great long-term expense to the public. Enzyme and bacterial green cleaning products offer a solution to degrade the automotive fluids safely and effectively. The problem is solved (or “dissolved and degraded”) at home and can be washed away with a little normal dish detergent and water.

Green cleaning products using enzymes can also be used in pools and spas. They emulsify and digest skin oils, suntan lotions and other organic contaminants, keeping the water clear and eliminating the host environment or substrate that would allow the algae to grow. Using enzymes in this way enhances a healthy lifestyle by reducing the amount of chemicals, such as chlorine, needed to keep the water clean and in turn helps to diminish the side effects of using those chemicals such as stinging, watery eyes and itchy dry skin. Plus, the use of an enzyme-based green cleaning routine assists in keeping the filter lines clear and by following this green approach can save the consumer money and time.

Another use for a green cleaning system involving enzymes and bacteria that isn’t commonly known is as soil conditioners for lawns and gardens. Using fertilizers yearly is, simply put, a waste of time and money – and can impact a healthy lifestyle in a negative way. This is not to mention the run-off that goes into the streams, rivers and lakes that supply drinking water. By using a soil conditioner (enzymes and surfactants derived from bacteria), you can aerate and oxygenate the soil in turn, breaking down the complex nutrients, feeding the plants and grass by making the nutrients easily assimilated by the roots.

Enzymes are created naturally in the human body, animals, plants, and bacteria. Nature has been using them for billions of years, and now we know how effective and safe they can be for our day-to-day lives. So the next time you are shopping, take the time to read some labels and educate yourself about safe, natural cleaning products. With so many ‘green cleaning’ products becoming available, you are sure to find what you need to complement your healthy lifestyle.

About the Author

James L. Wilmer, Ph. D., is the director of scientific affairs for Market America; he previously served as the head of the Product Information department for the internet shopping company. Wilmer has published 43 peer-reviewed research articles in international publications including Cancer Research, Mutation Research, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Cell Genetics and Cytogenetics, Environmental Mutagenesis, Toxicology Letters, In Vitro Toxicology, and the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. For more information about Market America, please visit www.marketamerica.com

[ Green Cleaning Supplies ]

The materials that we use to clean homes currently are filled with harsh chemicals that do not agree with the skin. This is proven by the rashes and other skin irritations they can use if the skin has direct contact with the chemicals. Also, if you are exposed to the chemicals for too long in an enclosed area, they can be harmful to your health, as well. Yet, they do a wonderful job of cleaning homes, offices, etc. Some can take any stain out and others can keep a piece of wood conditioned and shiny for years. The question is, is the exposure really worth what you get out of it? Is it really worth it to have a meticulous home if you have to have adverse reactions to your health?

There is an alternative. There has been a recent surge of organic products from fruits and vegetables to the very products you clean your home with. These products can produce the same results as those that are filled with man made chemicals, yet they are much less caustic to those using them. They have been made out of and are packaged in natural materials.

These cleaning products are packaged in materials that are biodegradable. Therefore, when finished using the product, the packaging can be recycled or reused. The cleaning agents themselves are also natural, yet do just as good a job of cleaning. Their counterparts are, as already discussed, caustic to humans and their packaging material should be disposed of properly otherwise you run the risk of letting these caustic materials run into groundwater from the garbage dumpsite.

All around, this is a superior cleaning product. In these days of wastefulness and concern of our natural resources, conserving where possible is always a good idea. Using these types of cleaning materials will not only satisfy you as to their ability to do their job, but will also pay for themselves over and over again in the fact that nothing about them will go to waste.

Bruce Gors -Owner/Operator

BG’s Carpet Care http://www.cleaning-green.com

[ Green Cleaning Supplies ]

A product that is organically created for cleaning does not come with that drawback. When I was little, “Mr. Yuck” stickers were all the rage. I believe the schools gave the stickers to our parents in a campaign to stop accidental ingestion of toxic chemicals. In fact, I vaguely remember learning to associate toxic, which meant life threatening, to the “Mr. Yuck” sticker. As far as I know, they no longer do that. However, that does not mean that accidental ingestion doesn’t happen. It still does and can be avoided if those chemicals are no longer in the house.

If a household replaces all the caustic cleaners with organic or “green” cleaning agents, a huge part of this problem gets taken out of the equation. This does not mean giving up the benefits of a truly clean home. It was once believed that everything should be cleaned with bleach since it will kill everything harmful. The problem is, it will kill everything that’s not harmful, also. An organically created product has just as much cleaning power, if not more, than its chemically treated counterparts.

Pets are also a concern when it comes to cleaning products. They spend the majority of their time close to the floor. They often lick things from the floor. In fact, I remember hearing a rumor (this is not confirmed so don’t quote me) that the agents in the convenient upright mops that come with several pads and cleaning agent attached are harmful to animals that walk over them when the floor is still wet. If this does end up being the truth, what effect might it have on an infant that crawls on that same floor? Some people view their pets as their children. Is it really worth it to risk children to an unknown?

It is best, as much as you have control over, to be sure that the products that you will use to clean your home will be safe. A surface appearance of clean is not enough. If you want your home to appear clean, it should be equally important to you that your home is actually clean. In doing so, you want to be sure that the products you’re using to achieve this clean are healthy for you and everyone around you. Since there are products on the market that are healthy, safe, and effective, it is a wise decision to invest in these products.

Bruce Gors

Owner/Operator

BG’s Carpet Care http://www.cleaning-green.com

[ Green Cleaning Products ]

What does green cleaning mean? The federal government’s Executive Order #1301 defines green products as “environmentally preferable” products and services that “have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.”

What are the benefits of a green cleaning program?

*Building owners that adopt overall green building practices can become certified as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building. This certification shows that the building’s owner has taken a role as an environmental leader. A cleaning company that cannot provide “green” services may soon face strong competition from companies that have taken strides to include environmentally sound practices in their everyday cleaning routines.

*Using environmentally friendly cleaning products is healthier for cleaning staff and building occupants. Studies have shown that building occupants, visitors and janitorial staff experience fewer incidents of skin, eye and respiratory irritation, fewer multiple chemical sensitivities, less severe allergies and decreased headaches and nausea when cleaning contractors use green cleaning products. Healthier employees are happier employees and productivity increases. This also leads to higher employee morale, reduced absenteeism, and higher efficiency.

*Employees and customers are demanding environmentally friendly practices more and more these days. A green cleaning program gives you an edge in marketing your cleaning company.

*Green cleaning helps to improve indoor air quality. Many traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When cleaning, these VOC’s are released into the air through evaporation and can affect indoor air quality. The use of traditional cleaning products can also contribute to water pollution. Waste water treatment plants typically remove chemicals found in cleaning products, however, inadequately treated water can contain chemicals that are toxic. Using green products lessens or eliminates the chemicals that need to be treated.

*Besides the health aspects of green cleaning, the process provides benefits to the building. Using green products and practices, such as proper chemical storage, use and disposal, lessens the likelihood of fires, spills and explosions. As the products used are less dangerous, if there is a spill or other incident, there is less risk to janitorial workers and other building staff.

*Green cleaning can give a boost to your profits! Green products have become more competitive with its traditional counterparts. Once you factor in the potential hazards, such as burns from a high alkaline cleaner and loss of productivity, you actually save money by using environmentally safe cleaning products. Using energy efficient equipment, such as vacuum cleaners with hepa filters, and focusing on preventive maintenance, will lower expenses and replacement costs.

If you have not incorporated green cleaning products and techniques into your business, now is the time to start. Projecting a “green image” is good for the environment, good for your employees and good for your bottom line.

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM), an online community for owners and managers of cleaning companies who want to build a more profitable and successful cleaning business. Visit our website to learn more about our complete line of green cleaning supplies and chemicals. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift! Read cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies at http://www.cleaning-success.com/

Numerous areas need to be looked at when dealing with the wellbeing of an educational facility, but the prevailing issue is sanitation. With out question, a facility using the green cleaning method is in excellent health.

Green Cleaning is an expression that is familiarizing itself around many different organizations nowadays. Construction buyers and building associates are quickly jumping onboard this way of creating a safe environment. People understand the reward received from using sanitation devices approved by Environmental Services.

Numerous threats are in front of facilities that openly hinder their environmental purity. What needs to be done? Challenge and identify the ones that affect your facility. Take hold of your construction management as your facilities management with a new green cleaning plan.

Is it really a surprise to know that nowadays schools fail to possess the money needed to fund teachers, buy sports gear, and provide present technical tools? Money issues like these don’t just place a tension on our children’s educational process, but also the hygiene of the educational facilities. To fight these money woes, some facilities are farced to dismiss teachers, coaches, and custodians.

Lacking the individuals needed clean our educational facilities; general everyday jobs are frequently scratched or postponed for an indefinite period of time. A small percentage of jobs, normally are finished each day, now may be completed only every other day or weekly. By doing so, this is cutting back on a facilities operations and maintenance as well.

OAI professionals expertise in a unique combination of disciplines to provide complete technical and business solutions in Facilities Management, Green Cleaning, Energy Management and Business Support services.