subject: 6 Helpful Tips For Finding And Using Green Cleaning Products [print this page] Are you interested in green cleaning, but aren't 100% certain about where to start? Here are some helpful tips for choosing and using 100% natural, non-toxic household cleaners:
1. Be cautious about "natural" products.
Just because a product's label includes the word "natural" (or "green") doesn't make it so. |In fact, you might learn that some of those products are actually dangerous to your health. That's why it's crucial to know exactly what to look for in "green" household cleaners. Otherwise, you could be duped by word games used by some manufacturers of such products.
2. Read the warning labels of products.
Keep in mind that even if a product is natural, you'll still need to use it properly in order to stay safe. That said, be wary about products with certain content on their warning labels. For instance, if a cleaning product states that you'd need to drink water after ingesting it, then it's likely not "green." A truly non-toxic product means that it's plant-based-so it's safe as the food that you eat.
3. Consider making your own green-cleaning products.
Besides buying green household cleaners in the store, you can also make your own! Simply do some research to determine the ingredients you'd need, and the procedures that you'd need to follow. This can significantly cut the costs of your green products.
4. Be wary if the cleaner's ingredients aren't listed.
The proof is in the pudding. While many companies claim that their products are green cleaning products, you should verify their claims, by looking for a list of ingredients on the product's packaging. If you can't find a list of ingredients, then warning lights should go off in your head. True "green" household cleaning products will include such lists of ingredients. However, other products that claim to be "natural" and "green" oftentimes won't include such lists. That's because it would reveal that their products aren't exactly what the manufacturers claim that they are!
5. Avoid petroleum-based and chlorine-based products.
Interestingly, while such products could be classified as "natural," the strength of their composition can cause unwanted side-effects to the users (and other members of the household). Instead of choosing products with such harsh chemicals, look for household cleaners with gentle ingredients. This will help to keep you and your family safe.
6. Try different types of products.
You'd likely be (pleasantly) surprised by the number of green cleaning products on the market. In fact, you could do ALL of your household cleaning, by using such products. So determine which types of cleaners you need, and then shop around until you find a green version.
It turns out that Kermit the Frog was wrong-it IS easy being green. These tips will help you to make finding and using all-natural household cleaners a cinch.
