Great Green Idea: Green Cleaning: Affordable Green Cleaning Products

Affordable Green Cleaning Products

Green cleaning is defined as "cleaning to protect health without harming the environment," according to Green Cleaning Network. The whole family can benefit from the use of green cleaning products. This is particularly true when some family members suffer from allergies or have reactions to certain cleaning products. Green cleaning products do not have to expensive and may even come straight from the pantry at home.

Vinegar and Water

On his widely syndicated show, Dr. Oz explained the dangers of home cleaning products. In his explanation he revealed that bleach and ammonia were among the most dangerous cleansers for the environment and humans alike. He suggested to his audience instead that they use a vinegar and water solution. The doctor explained that using the vinegar and water was just as cleansing as bleach or ammonia but without the adverse effects on health. In a bucket simply put one part white distilled vinegar and two parts water and clean the green way. This is the ultimate affordable green cleaning product, water comes straight from the tap and white vinegar is $1.00 a bottle or less.

Glass Cleaner

No two glass cleaners are created equal, especially when it comes to green cleaning. Glass cleaner in general is reasonable but often contains ammonia and other toxic chemicals. Green glass cleaning products such as Clorox Green Works Natural Green and Surface Cleaner and Seventh Generation Natural Glass and Surface cleaner are free of ammonia, fragrance and dye, and cost about $3.00 to $5.00 a bottle. This may seem steep but think about your little ones touching and pressing their faces and fingers against glass surfaces in the home. Purchasing Green Works or Seventh Generation will reduce the purchase of allergy medications and the number of colds your little ones might contract-all the while saving the environment.

All-Purpose

Clorox, Seventh Generation and Simple Green provide all-purpose green cleaning products for the home. They are safe for any surface cleaning in the home, non-toxic, biodegradable, non-flammable and non-corrosive. These cleaners are capable of cleaning any washable surfaces including floors, walls, laundry and even vehicles. All-purpose green products have the ability to remove dirt, grease, oil, pet stains, coffee, juice, lipstick, adhesives and yes, even blood. How is that for green living and cleaning?

Most cleaners are concentrated, making the product last longer than traditional all-purpose cleaners. These cleansers are available at the local grocer or super centers that provide one stop shopping. It is more economical to buy one bottle initially then purchase refills in bulk of about 64 ounce bottles. An initial bottle of the mentioned cleansers run about $3.50 to $5.00 in price. Refill bottles at 64 ounces cost $10 each and should last for months. This works out to just pennies a day for green living and a healthier life.