| nder if it is possible to keep the house clean while | | | | Even with proper ventiliation, exposure to bleach and |
| using nontoxic products that are safe for the | | | | hydrochloric and sulfuric acids can result in coughing, |
| environment as well as the family. The answer is yes. | | | | headaches or other reactions. Mixing oxygen bleach |
| And not only is it possible, but it is a health hazard for | | | | and ammonia is a deadly combination. Cleaning with |
| your loved ones if you choose to stick with old | | | | ammonia cleaners can irritate skin, eyes and lungs. |
| fashioned toxic cleaners. Research has shown that | | | | Products with artificial coloring and fragrance can |
| many people are more frequently exposed to volatile | | | | inflame the skin. Healthier options are using simple |
| organic compounds (VOCs) and pesticides when they | | | | household products such as baking soda or white |
| are indoors than when they are outdoors. Imagine | | | | vinegar when possible and choosing environmentally |
| how detrimental that can be for the youngsters | | | | friendly products. |
| running around. Affordable, highly effective "green" or | | | | Cleaning hard surfaces such as hardwood flooring and |
| non-toxic cleaners are available. Deciding to go with a | | | | paneling, wood or laminated wood kitchen or |
| product such as a green floor cleaner or a green | | | | bathroom cupboards, ceramic tile, marble, kitchen |
| sanitizer may be a more important decision than you | | | | counters, etc. with environmentally safe products |
| originally realized. | | | | means clean surfaces without harm to humans and |
| There are a few things to keep in mind when you | | | | animals. Many homeowners do not recognize the |
| first go out shopping for an eco-friendly cleaning | | | | dangers from using bathroom cleaners or hard |
| products. First, always pay attention to the product | | | | surface or floor cleaners with strong fragrances or |
| labels. The best green products contain nontoxic, | | | | mixing household cleaners that can product toxic |
| biodegradable ingredients and non-petroleum based | | | | fumer. |
| surfactants. These products are labeled with a | | | | Choose a "Green Seal" hardwood cleaner or hard |
| "Green Seal of Approval." These kinds of products | | | | surface cleaner for vinyl, laminated flooring and |
| are never tested on animals, nor will they produce | | | | countertops, tile, stone, etc. such as the BonaKemi |
| fumes or gases in your home. They are a safe bet | | | | branded cleaners. Soyclean products are soybean |
| for home cleanliness. Another tip is to always leave | | | | based and include bathroom cleaners, paint strippers, |
| the green household products in their original | | | | graffiti removers and more and are eco friendly and |
| containers so that the instructions and warnings (if | | | | biodegradeable. For tougher cleaning jobs, choose |
| there are any) on the label will be easy to access. | | | | Brulin industrial floor cleaning products, Keep your |
| By purchasing products without toxic ingredients, you | | | | family as safe as possible while maintaining a clean |
| will save literally unnecessary headaches and worse! | | | | home. |