How to choose green cleaners – store bought green cleaners
February 10, 2009 by Jennifer
Here at Tree Hugging Family, I mainly advocate making your own homemade green cleaners. Not only is it easy to make simple green cleaners, but very cost effective. That said, there will always be folks who want to buy, not make cleaners, so I figured we should take a look at which store bought cleaners are actually green.
The number one rule for choosing a green store bought cleaner is – read your labels. A pretty waterfall or little green leaf means nothing. Ignore fancy ‘green’ packaging and read your labels.
Terms you want to see on a cleaning bottle include:
- Ammonia free
- Chlorine free
- Plant based
- Biodegradable
- Certified organic
- Solvent free
- Phosphate free
- Chemical free
- Fragrance free
- Dye and artificial color free
Of course, one cleaner may note that it’s got certified organic ingredients or that it’s fragrance free, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. You need to read the whole label, not simply go by the first thing you see.
Terms you DO NOT want to see on a cleaning bottle include:
- “Poison” or “Danger.” Federal law mandates that these terms indicate the highest possible level of hazard.
- “Caution” or “Warning,” both mean a product carries a moderate hazard.
- “Wear gloves” – “Only use in a well ventilated area” and other likewise terms are big baddies. I’m sorry, but if you need to wear gloves or a face mask in order to handle a product, right there it’s a bad idea.
Next check for full ingredient disclosure: If a product says something like, “Natural ingredients” or has a super scanty ingredient list, I’d be leery. They could do better. Some products may be just fine, and list their healthy ingredients at their website, but they should include them on the package.
Lastly check the packaging:
- Is it excessive?
- Is it recyclable?
- Is it refillable? Some co-ops do offer refillable cleaning products.
Is it worth it?
All in all, this is a lot of work just to find a green cleaner. You could just make most of your own. If you need help making homemade green cleaners (or help choosing a green conventional cleaner) read the following:
- 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies
- Hot Water for Cleaning – Yeah It Works
- Breathe In Some Green Air
- Homemade Organic Liquid Handsoap
- Are Sponges A Great Green Choice?
Nice scents
- Homemade Spicy Apple Air Freshener
- Natural Air Fresheners
- Pennyroyal, Cinnamon, & Lavender Air Freshener
Laundry
Dishes
- Green Product Review: Biokleen Automatic Dish Powder
- Green Product Review: Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Gel
- Seventh Generation Dishwasher Powder Review
Which cleaners do you buy vs. make?
[image via stock.xchng]
Great article – thanks!
I have switched to buying soap nuts to use for laundry and have been very happy with them. I wrote a review on my blog: http://parentingtips365.com/2008/12/30/soap-nuts-natural-eco-friendly-laundry-detergent/
I am trying to use up my supply of Seventh Generation cleaning products and then plan to use just baking soda and vinegar for most of my cleaning needs.
Making your own cleaner is always best, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. Thanks for the practical tips!
Thank you for taking the time to talk about greener cleaners! Our son who is four has had sever allergies and eczema since he was a baby and EVERTHING seems to aggravate his little body and skin. We have really tried to eliminate as much of the chemical stuff as possible…especially carpet cleaners! (We just use hot water now). I am glad you are creating this awareness. I can’t use anything with nuts for laundry…any thoughts on what I could use or make? Thanks!
@Caroline – thanks! Sorry to hear about your son’s allergies, but by keeping chemicals out your whole house will be healthier – so that’s a plus. As for laundry, you can just use pure baking soda or do a search online for homemade laundry detergent until you find one that has son-safe ingredients.
Jennifer- Thank you for your welcoming post and advice! Thankfully, our son’s probiotic has really healed him through many prayers…and we do not have to be as strict on things…BUT even though we don’t “have” to, I know it is the healthy way for our whole family. Thanks again
Caroline