This guide to "greening" your clean will help you make smarter, more natural cleaning choices for your home.
The Problem
Many families today are looking for ways to minimize their exposure to harsh chemical fumes and residues. But as they look for new alternatives, they are not looking to compromise on the performance they have come to expect from all sorts of home products.Understanding Label Language
There are a lot of product labels that use words like "eco-friendly," "organic," and "nontoxic." Unlike the food world, when it comes to cleaning products, these terms are largely unregulated, so they can be misleading.Read past the vague claims and take a closer look at the product's label. Here's what to look for:
Plant-Based Ingredients. Look for plant-based ingredients rather than petroleum-based ones. For example, citric acid, which is derived from citrus fruits like lemons and limes, acts as a soil remover in natural cleaners.
Know Your Buzzwords. Organic is well-defined for food, but less so for home care products. The USDA's National Organic Program, which regulates national organic standards, does not currently regulate home care products.
Credible Seals. Look for products that have one or more certifications or seals from credible sources such as Good Housekeeping, the Natural Products Association and the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Natural Products Association (NPA) Natural Home Care standard: The NPA has developed a natural standard for home care products. This means that the NPA has reviewed the product's ingredients and manufacturing processes, and determined that they meet the organization's rigorous guidelines. This easily identifiable seal will help consumers discern which products meet the organization's standard of natural. www.npainfo.org.
- Green Good Housekeeping Seal: Introduced in 2009 by Good Housekeeping magazine and the Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI), the seal helps consumers sift through the confusing clutter of "green" claims on hundreds of products on store shelves today. www.goodhousekeeping.com.
- Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment program: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the Design for the Environment (DfE) Program to evaluate products that are made with safer chemistry methods. This logo on a label means that the review team has screened the manufacturing process for the product of potential environmental effects. www.epa.gov.
How to Clean Green
Clearing the Air. Dust harbors pollen, pet dander, bacteria, mites, mold and mildew. To control dust:- Use electrostatically charged dusters or damp rags frequently.
- Use vacuums with HEPA filters that trap fine particles.
- Change your home's air filters every month or two.
- Remove your shoes before entering the house to avoid tracking in dirt, dust and pollen.
- Use kitchen and exhaust fans to increase ventilation and reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that get released into the air.
- Try fragrance-free variations for those who are sensitive to strong perfumes and scents.
- Soften fabric by adding one-quarter cup baking soda or one-quarter cup white vinegar to the wash cycle.
- For an all-natural way to clean the oven, try using a nonabrasive scrubbing pad and baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and apply it to the oven. Leave it overnight, and rinse with water the next day.
- Prevent the build-up of mold in the bathroom by regularly running an exhaust fan. Keep in mind the easiest way to clean is to avoid the mess in the first place.
- Cut back on chemical fumes and residues with plant-based cleaners, such as Watkins All-Purpose Cleaner. It contains no ammonia or phosphorus and is made of plant- and mineral-based ingredients.
