According to Good Housekeeping magazine, green cleaning supplies are products that claim to be phosphate and chlorine free, along with being biodegradable. They also base their ingredients in renewable resources like palm or coconut oil instead of petrochemicals. It is important to always read labels, and even if a product claims to be "green," still keep it away from children or animals. Green cleaners often contain essential oils, which are concentrated essences of specific plants. The scent of essential oils can add a natural, aromatic scent to your home, an added bonus.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
The website Apartment Therapy names Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day as the best general cleaner. This cleaner comes in scents of lavender, geranium and lemon verbena. It retails for $7.99 as of 2010 and you can find it at most health food stores, including Whole Foods.
Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid
Good Housekeeping names Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid as its favorite dishwasher blend. It retails for $3.09 as of 2010. Planet also claims its dishwasher liquid can be used to clean your pet or your car, along with fruits and vegetables.
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Seventh Generation, a company based out of Burlington, Vermont, offers a variety of respected household cleaners. Its toilet bowl cleaner contains emerald cypress and fir essential oils and is ranked as a favorite by Apartment Therapy.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
For stubborn or hard to clean areas, try the Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. It is a concentrated liquid, so you will need to dilute it. It retails for around $5 for 32 oz. as of 2010.
Arm & Hammer, Essentials 2X Concentrated
For spot removers, Good Housekeeping ranks Arm & Hammer's Essentials 2X Concentrated as top. It was tested for removing wine, ink, mascara and grape juice stains and was found to work best in cold water.
Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid
Composed of enzyme soil removers and plant-derived cleaning agents, Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid is listed as a favorite for washing clothes. It comes in a Free & Clear scent, White Flower & Bergamot Citrus or Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender.
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
The Bon Ami company is a trusted name that your grandmother may even know about, since it's been around for 120 years. It is ideal for scrubbing tile in the kitchen and shower. You can even add your favorite essential oils to the powder. It contains five simple ingredients and has been the same formula since 1886.
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