Environmentally Safe Cleaning Products

Environmentally safe cleaning products not only benefit the environment, but also help protect the occupants of a home from unwanted chemical exposure. Although some homeowners may be concerned that the cleaning and disinfect power of their cleaning products would be diminished, green cleaning products are often just as good as their toxin laden counterparts. Using environmentally friendly safe cleaning products is also an excellent addition to using green building products to preserve the air quality in your home.

When picking an earth friendly cleaner, be sure to look beyond the label. Without any regulation for claims of environmentally safe products, manufacturers self regulate their claims. This can lead to products that offer little benefit and an inflated price tag. Manufacturers are also not required to list all of the chemicals contained in cleaning products, so some research may be required to choose a good product.

While environmentalists often talk about toxins and chemicals, many people are unsure what the true effects of regular exposure to some cleaning products could mean for their bodies. Although children and pets are the most susceptible to sustained damage from chemical exposure, even adults can be affected if the exposure is continuous.

Some of the potential side effects of cleaning products include neurological damage as well as an increased chance of developing cancer. Kidney and liver damage is also a common side affect of some toxins found in cleaning products. In children, some cleaning product ingredients have been linked to behavior issues and damage to the central nervous system. Cleaning products that affect the air quality are perhaps the most dangerous to children and can cause prolonged and severe respiratory problems. Studies have found that eliminating unsafe cleaners and following some other basic green living tips can improve these conditions in children that have already been exposed.

Although many green cleaning products were once only available online, now many mainstream supermarkets and department stores carry environmentally friendly products next to traditional cleaners. For homeowners that are concerned about replacing all of their cleaning products, many companies and stores offer starter kits that feature smaller sizes of several environmentally safe cleaners.

For people that prefer shopping online, there are several reputable companies that make green cleaning products.

• Seventh Generation is the largest manufacturer of earth friendly products and their brands are stocked in many stores. Look for their store locater to find specific products.
• ECOS has ranges of cleaning products targeted to different areas of the house. They offer safe products for cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, even laundry. While visiting their website, homeowners may also be interested in the pet and personal care sections.
• Shaklee Corporation is distinguished as one of the oldest manufacturers of green products. Finding a distributor may be difficult, but many of their products can be found online.

Some of the best green cleaners can be made at home from basic products found in most kitchens. Using baking soda as a cleanser, water and vinegar to clean counters, and lemon juice to bleach grout are all good ideas that cost far less than traditional cleaners. Many homeowners may find making their own cleaning supplies to be worthwhile from a budgetary standpoint alone.

Environmentally safe cleaning products have little downside, so consider purchasing them to replace traditional cleaners. While many purists may feel that only buying green cleaning products is essential, positive results can be felt by replacing only a few cleaning products rather than replacing all the cleaners in your home. As you become more comfortable shopping and using green items, you can then consider replacing other cleaning products.

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