Looking for "Green" Housecleaning Products

ipersonally buy all mine online from a company called melauca i love thm and they have hygene products as well and work grat, hubby even cleans the bathtub and there are 6 of us that us it so it gets NASTY. lol I have also used a few Method products and have heard great thing about them in general. it's a good choie, good luck finding products you love.

I know that Clorox just created a "Green" product line. I saw coupons in the paper this past Sunday. It might be worth giving it a try.(since they are a established company)

SHAKLEE is the place you want to order from!! great products - it was even one of Oprahs's favorites...

www.shaklee.net

if you are interested I am a distributor and can place an order for you to try it out - they have a nice starter kit....

A. T.
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____@____.com

I've done a lot of research and have a lot of knowledge about this, so here goes:

First, my advice!
1. Don't trust products that claim to be natural but don't list their ingredients very specifically. There is absolutely no regulations on products claiming to be natural! Many products will claim to be natural in order to meet the increasing demand for such products, but really they are not. If you can't pronounce the ingredient, chances are, it's not natural.

2. Buy the book "safer for baby" from Whole Foods. It lists ingredients to stay clear from.

3. Bleach is bad. Very bad. It's harmful to the environment and harmful to our skin. Avoid all products with bleach! Lemon juice is a great whitener/brightener in the wash!! I just add a few tablespoons to the bleach compartment in my washer.

4. If it's fragrant, it's probably asthma in a bottle. I can't even go down the cleaning aisle at the grocery store without having an asthma attack. Don't buy cleaners, air fresheners, etc that have scents UNLESS they SPECIFICALLY say they are scented with ESSENTIAL OILS. Fragrance is NOT an essential oil! Essential oils are the oils of plants.

Here's what I use:

1. BIOKLEEN products. Wow. These products ROCK. All Natural and very pure. You can get them at KROGER in the natural market section! How awesome is that? I love their all purpose cleaner and their dishwasher soap.

2. 7th Generation products. I like their toilet bowl cleaner and LOVE their orange degreaser. It's fabulous!

3. Earth friendly products. They have an enzyme cleaner (stain remover) that is phenomenol! It actualy removed cat pee from my carpet. True story! AND, my 1 year old daughter got a hold of it, somehow got the lid off, and drank a fair amount (all within just one minute, while my husband went to the bathroom) and never got sick. Very safe.

4. Vinegar and baking soda. Excellent cleaners.

I make a scrub that is out of this world- very natural, smells great, works on EVERYTHING- tubs, sinks, stainless steel, formica, walls... people that I've made it for say I should sell it. If you're interested, feel free to email me! I'm not looking to get rich, just want to help make the world a little more green without going broke in the process. I will use recycled containers- yours or mine. Preferably glass (like mayonaise jars or mason jars), but plastic is ok as long as it wasn't a chemical cleaner container in its previous life.

My cleaning kit has my scrub in it, vinegar, hyd. peroxide, tea tree oil (mixed with water- great antibacterial), BIOKLEEN all purpose cleaner, Earth Friendly products window cleaner and stain remover, and the 7th generation degreaser. I use my scrub and vinegar the most and really, that's all you need! Vinegar is a natural germ killer without going overboard like the chemical ones.

I could go on. If you want more info, feel free to email me!

Hi Stefanie, I am a SAHM and I market for a company that manufactures only natural, unique products for the home. We are totally committed to sharing this info with every household possible and the products are awesome!! I have totally converted our home, whether it be laundry detergent, kitchen and bath cleaners,toothpaste or vitamin supplements. The products are bleach, phosphate and chlorine free.Products are concentrated, so you use less and spend less than grocery store brands. I'd be happy to give you more info on this terrific company. Contact me @____@____.com
GO GREEN!! A. J. P.S. You also receive a 30%-40% off the retail. This includes a terrific cosmetic and skin care line from Nicole Miller. It's a great way to shop save money and care for your family in the healthiest way possible.

I too am looking to go "green"! Look foward to others responses.

Hey S.,
I really really like Method from Target..they have such a good scent, and have all different types of products. The tub and tile bathroom cleaner is the bomb diggity, as well as the shower spray to keep away soap scum. I love the lavender all purpose cleaner, I use it on everything. They even have a wood floor cleaner as well as granite countertop specific cleaner if you would need it. Just alot of different cleaning products. Also..as far as scrubbing in the tub..I use the old school "bon ami" polishing cleanser..it's earth friendly and biodegradable. Wow that was long..sorry! Hope that helped.

Be careful about products labeled natural or "green." they may still contain harmful ingredients. An organization called the environmental working group rates health and beauty products according to their toxic ingredients. they may do the same for cleaning products. I think the website is ewg.org.

I agree with a lot of the responses that vinegar and baking soda is the way to go. It will clean almost anything.

Hope this helps!

Method from Target...

When choosing to use "green" products you must consider the content of the products and the sustainability pratictes of the manufacturer. Two organizations I know of that rate the content are "Green Seal" and "LEED" If your concern is for safety and enviroment you should try to determin the sustainability pratictes of the manufacturer. How are the products packaged, are they concentrated(less fuel for transportation,less plastic/cardboard). You must also remember that "harsh" chemicals are used in regular products because they work. When using alternative ingredients results will suffer or the cost will be higher. You must decide if its worth the cost or elbow grease. There is no regulation on what a company can call "Green". Anybody can say anything about any product. Look for a outside organizations approval of the products in question. Yes I work for a Institutional chemical supplier (no household products). The husband.

Melaleuca has good products, but you have to order 60 bucks worth a month to have a membership. Seventh generation is good, but expensive when not on sale. I love ecover's bleach - if you swallow it, all you have to do is drink water!! Plus, it works great! But if your on a tight budget, home depot sells Krud Kutter. For 10 bucks you get two huge jugs and a refill spray bottle. There is also Simple Green - very strong, but safe. Super minty smell.

Hi S.,
There are many products out there that have started going green and not using all the harsh and toxic ingrediets. Some work well,some don't but are very expensive. I have had a cleaning business for 25 years, and trust me I have tried them all! I now have a wholesale membership with a wellness company that has really been the answer for me. Not only do they work so much better than ANYTHING out there..toxic or not, but they're less expensive. Beyond the cleaning products, you would be shocked to know what's in all of the bath and body products, skin care and cosmetics, air fresheners...you name it. I just read an article about something called phthaltes. they mentioned it being in baby shampoos, lotions and powders which causes reproductive problems. I already know of formaldehyde being in all these products as well (look for quanternium 15) that's a trade name for a formadehyde releaser. It's a known carcinagin. I had asthma for years, and since switching stores, I don't have asthma any more. I don't have to pay for Singulair, inhalers or use that supid nebulizer! Feel free to call me at ###-###-#### and I can help

Hello, I have green cleaning product's that are safe for the enviroment, pet's, animals and children! They are plant based and I love them! They are super concentrated and very economical! Please email me with any questions ____@____.com

or you can call me @ ###-###-####

Melaleuca is the answer. Their products are AWESOME!! The thing is, you have to be a preferred member to shop there. It's kind of like a membership to Sam's Club only you don't have to buy in bulk. Let me know if you need help and I'll be glad to help you.

I like seventh generation products, target and wild oats have them

I was introduced to some cleaning products (as well as other home / health / beauty care products) at Shaklee by a friend of mine. Not long after I ordered some products, my then 2-year old son, ate some of the dishwashing detergent as quickly as my back was turned to answer the phone. I called poison control immediately and told them about the product, and that it didn't include phosphates and other harmful chemicals. The operator told me that that made things better compared to other products. He threw up; I had him drink a lot of water; and no other symptoms ever arose. Safe!

If you're interested in checking them out, you can visit www.shaklee.net/healthydecisions. There is also a CD called "The Real Dirt On Clean" that you can review before you purchase. I'd be happy to send you one, or you can call the distributor directly - just let me know if you're interested.

"Get Clean" was featured on Oprah’s "favorite things" show – twice! And it was also on when Dr. Oz was on her show. You might be able to find it by doing a search on her website.

Get Clean was also featured in Time Magazine's Style Design issue as one of the best products of 2007.

If I sound like an advertisement for their products, I probably am. I've been happy with them all so far.

Hope this helps.

- G. (____@____.com)

Honestly, with the exception of things like laundry and dishwasher detergent, I have found it easiest to just use household items to clean--vinegar and baking soda are the two I use most. And they're really cheap!! There's a great book called "Greening your Cleaning" that gives a ton of ideas on how to use more green things to clean your home. As for detergents--I use trader Joe's laundry detergent and seventh generation dishwasher detergent. Good luck!

clorox has a new line of "green" cleaning products on the market. they are supposed to be all natural...made with citrus and other plant oils. the commercial claims that are completely safe for use around kids and animals. other than what i saw on tv, i don't know much alse about them. or try checking out wild oats or your local natural food co-op...they should all carry natural cleaning stuff.

Hi S.,

I am an avid user of Melaleuca products as well as Seventh Generation. Melaleuca products can only be obtained through their website; (www.melaleuca.com) you have to be a preferred member, however. This months open membership is $14.50. Seventh Generation products can be purchased at Wild Oats Market or visit their website (www.seventhgeneration.com) to find other stores and/or view their product line. Target I know sells the Seventh Generation dish soap and I love it. Visiting Wild Oats Market and Whole Foods Market (actually one in the same) you will find a wide selection of "green" products. I even buy the reusable, cloth grocery bags, the only thing is remembering to take them with you to the store. LOL

Wish you the best.

Clorox Green Works is on sale this week at Kmart 2 for $5

I have done 2 years of research about toxic chemicals in everyday household products. I am now spend a large portion of my time educating consumers so they know what they are exposing themselves and their children to on a daily basis and, more importantly, what the health risks are.

To learn more, you can go to my website: www.GoGreen4Health.com. On it you will see recent news articles on the topic, video clips, health trends, and a lot of other useful (shocking and eye opening) info.

As a result of my research I was fortunate to find a company that offers all non-toxic products for your home (cleaning, personal care, organic foods, etc). They are a member of the BBB Hall of Fame and all of their products are GUARANTEED to be better, safer and LESS EXPENSIVE than what you are currently using. And they get shipped right to your door. So you save time and save money! I have partnered up with them so I can help families detoxify their homes. I'd love to tell you all about it! Simply fill out the contact me form on my website (or email me thru this site) and I'll call you ASAP!! You can also read the testimonials on my site to see how these products have helped other families. (The reason why I love my job!)

I commend your efforts to protect your children. Its so important. If we don't do it, who will?! And why risk our children's health when we don't have to?!

Hope to hear from you soon! Have a great day, S.!

D.

I have seen some of this products at my local wal-mart store.

I agree with the other mom, baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a great alternative to comet cleanser and vinegar is fantastic for disolving hard water stains.

Also add to the list hydrogen peroxide. It's a great disinfectant (you put it on wounds) and can be used any where you would use bleach or a lysol product. It is even safe to use as a mouth wash or gargle (although it might not taste as good). Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in oxi-clean, so add a little to your laundrey. Just be aware that hydrogen peroxide is sensitve to light and will break down if not stored in it's original brown bottle.

I've started using Seventh Generation Laundry Products(baby first and now ours)and our boy wears only their diapers. I've been very happy with the results but I haven't used any of their other cleaning products (yet). Check out Amazon, you could get some things delivered to your home in bulk and they also have reviews of products. (although I must admit the adult laundry detergent didn't arrive in perfect condition, the baby's and softener was fine however)I've found it's usually cheaper to go this route than trying to find a deal in the stores.

I use mostly seventh generation products, available at whole foods, a co-op, or our local kroger. I don't like the glass cleaner as it streaks badly and have gone back to vinegar and newspaper - though that has lead in it so you have to make sure to keep that out of reach of the kiddos as well as washing your hands afterward. I don't like Clorox "green" stuff - it's still Clorox. Also, as opposed to Clorox wipes, I like using the Seventh Generation baby wipes....sometimes with a lil rubbing alcohol for disinfectant and shine on hardware. Here's their website: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

We also use (and are happy with) Allen's Naturally Laundry Detergent.

Please let me know what you find.
Thanks,
G.

Hi S.
What a great goal you have - and one that is easily attainable. There is a company that was concerned about these same things forty years ago (long before it was a popular topic) and they have been testing and producing products that fill your need for these many years. In third-party tests, their products out-performed all other brands ("natural" and other) and cost a fraction of what the ones available in stores cost. One product can be a baby wash (same pH as our skin), window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, degreaser and water conditioner that makes water "wetter" for growing things. The entire line of products is biodegradable and extremely concentrated which is doubly good for the environment, and economical to use. Here's a site where you can both learn and purchase. Best of luck in your quest. http://www.shaklee.net/changinglives/prodHou

I have been using safe products from a company that pays us to bring new customers in. The result my cleaning products, items for medicine cabinet,shampoo, even laundry products, and best of all items for my 4 grandsons are all free. This company does care about the environment and has high standards and our products are made in America. My daughters like them and the warning that has been in the news about baby products no worries with these. E- Mail me I will be happy to tell you all about it.
Not sure if it is okay to post my web-site here or not.
S. Wood
____@____.com
S. Wood
###-###-#### (H)
###-###-#### (C) work number

http://www.livetotalwellness.com/family
I work from home if you want more information click the link.

May God bless and Keep you.

I love and have used Shaklee products. So much so, that I became a Shaklee distributor. I don't currently have a website, but my friend does. You can read about Shaklee's products at:
http://www.shaklee.net/kayandstevesander/prodHou

Shaklee is a home based business - like Mary Kay or Pampered Chef. They are dedicated to preserving our environment.

I know you said you wanted to try ready made products first, but I really have found that vinegar and water can clean anything. I put a few drops of lavender oil in to cut the vinegar smell. Also, if you put in rubbing alcohol, it works great as a glass cleaner (no streaks).

Hi S.!

I represent a company called Melaleuca that sells "green" products - from housecleaners to bath/body items (those have crazy chemicals in them, too... surprise, surprise!) - it's a wonderful company and I feel completely comfortable using them all in my own home for the past 3 years with 3 little kids of my own around them. And they are actually very economical, too! :) Call me at ###-###-#### or email me at ____@____.com if you'd like to hear more.
Thanks!

LOC brand products are very good. You should check into them - if you decide you like them and want to purchase let me know. ____@____.com as I sell them

We use the "Ecosense" line of products from Melaleuca. They are all water based. So basically you pour 1/4 cup of the solution and the rest water into the spray bottles they send you. These products are safer for your home. You can't buy them in a store. They actually sent us a DVD with the products. The DVD is facilitated by two moms who explain the value in using the Ecosense products. We were introducted to the products by a friend who is an independent representative for Melaleuca. They offer everything from cleaning products to food products (and a whole lot more). We have been customers for about 3 months now and love the products. We actually order off of the internet and they arrive within 2 days. The products can be a bit pricey but last a while and they are better for your household, so it's worth it. You can find out more info. at melaleuca.com. Feel free to email me for more specifics about the products.

Best Regards

Shaklee has wonderful products. http://www.myshaklee.com

I just recently found Daisy Blue Naturals www.4260.daisybluenaturals.com and the have wonderful products for the home and body. The laundry soap in combination with tea tree oil can be used to make household cleaner and a variety of other things. I would be happy to send you more information if you would like!

A quick response to a comment from Traci - LEED rates buildings, not products.

On the healthy cleaning front, I've used Biokleen products (especially their laundry detergent and enzymatic cleaner Bac-out) for years, and REALLY like it. You can buy the laundry detergent in a big, 5 gallon tote or pump container and have enough for about a year. Reduces packaging, too. You can do that with the Bac-out as well, but I haven't needed that much since I had a diaper pail!

Citru-solv is a great general cleaner, and can be diluted to a variety of strengths for a variety of purposes. Straight, it will clean adhesive from surfaces, and even get off the excess foam from those cans of spray insulation. Beats having acetone in the house!

Doc Bronner's soaps are very environmentally sound, and are organic and fair trade as well. They come in great, essential oil scents like peppermint, lavender, tea tree oil, and NONE! Their Sal Suds formulation is great for floors and grubby surfaces, and has a nice, piney scent from its ingredients.

Seventh Generation and Ecover both offer a good range of cleaning products. We tend to favor Ecover's stuff, especially the liquid dish soap and toilet bowl cleaner. Another poster is right - you can order them in "bulk" from Amazon. You can also find them locally at Whole Foods, Clifton Natural, Susan's Natural World, and the health food store on Colerain.

We have not had luck with any health food store dishwasher powder yet. Bums me out, but it needs to work for us to stick with it.

On a basic level, there's little you can't clean with baking soda and vinegar. I buy the biggest, cheapest containers I can find (try places like Sav-a-Lot and the Dollar stores) and use them for the bathroom, kitchen, etc. Baking soda is a great replacement for scouring powder, and doesn't expose you or your family to bleach. It's also great for brushing your teeth.

Before we had our first child, we went through the same process of making our house less toxic. It was well worth it, since besides having a house that doesn't need locks on every cabinet, we tend to have less respiratory issues than a lot of families I know.

For those who seem to think everything needs to be heavily scented to impart cleanliness, nothing smells better than a CLEAN house, with no heavy artificial fragrances to get in the way.

Good luck!

Target carries the Method products which are better for the environment and not harmful to children from my understanding. I would google Method cleaning products and see if they would work for you. I have used some of them and they seem fine. A little pricey but that is a personal decision, most "green" products are.

Hi S.. I admire and respect your desire to "go green". I have been wanting to try some of these products myself. I recently joined a marketing company because I was so impressed with their health and beauty products. A few weeks ago one of my team members was raving to me about their cleaning products as well. I am sad to say that I haven't taken the time to try them yet, but it's on my list for when I place my next order. For me, I wanted to get my family on the vitamins first, and then I'd think about trying out all of the other great products.

You can find them at

www.marketamerica.com/rebeccahill

On the left of the webpage click on Home and Garden. Then you will see environmentally friendly cleaning products. You can read all about them and see what ones you would be interested in trying. I think I will get the EcoSolve starter kit. It's like $20 for a 4 piece kit. Because they are so concentrated, I heard they last forever!

If you decide on any, let me know what you think of them.

You can call me with any questions. ###-###-####

Hope this helps!
B.

I use Charlie's Soap. The company is available on-line. I started using their laundry soap when I started using cloth diapers. Now I use the laundry soap for all our laundry! It works great and no fabric softener is needed. All the clothes come out of the dryer soft. They also carry other an all-purpose cleaner, safe for the environment, pets and children. I know that they have research to back up their claims to being Green. Check out their website www.charliesoap.com

Target sells a couple brands that we like and use. Method is the one we use the most, but I have used Seventh Generation as well. Shaklee also offers a line, and I have heard good things about the products. However, I haven't tried them myself. (Just make sure you read the label, a lot of products Claim to be "green" but really aren't!) Good Luck!

I have been cleaning green for some time now and you can spend money on the stuff at the health food store - I don't necessarily trust the stuff at the conventional supermarket, but in the end a spray bottle of vinegar water, vinegar water for mopping and a non abrasive scrub and good old elbow grease does the trick better than ever.
If you are the kind who likes to spend the money on stuff, we all know that is fun : ) - then you should also check out the "Method" brand Target sells, they are reasonably priced.
Glass to hear you are making this choice!
Good luck in your decision!

hi, walmart has it i was there last thursday and saw it ok C. d. somerset ohio

S.,

I have started my own business with an International Wellness Store. My goal is to eventually work from home. I have my business posted under "Choose 2 B Toxic Free". I would love to give you all of the details. You can message me back with your phone number, or go to www.LiveTotalWellness.Com/AnitaM click "More Info", fill in the blanks and I'll get right back to you. Kudos to you! It can feel weird to make these changes at first, but you will have peace of mind your family is safe!!!

A.

Hi S.,
I mostly use seventh generation, but i always check the warning labels on cleaners before I buy them. I'm comfortable w/ 'green' products that say "If ingested, drink a glass of water" (That's much more comforting than "Call poison control"!).

I'd stay away from a brand called "restore". It's non-toxic, but doesn't work well (for me at least)

Whole foods or Mustard Seed can point you in the right directions...

Good Luck,
M.

Congratulations on your decision to make responsible choices for your family's health and the health of our planet. You are right to question the green cleaners out there, since many companies are newly jumping onboard for the money! What you want is proven products, so what you want is the Shaklee Get Clean line, and possibly even the natural personal care products for your family. Shaklee is the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the United States, having been in the natural business for over 50 years. In 2007, we were featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show 5 times, on Good Morning America, in Time Magazine, in Women's First Magazine and many other publications. To learn about Shaklee, go to www.theglobalsuccessteam.net and watch the Toxic Brew, Healthy Home and What's Different About Us presentations. If you like what you see, contact me at ###-###-#### for information about how you can get a 15% discount, or call Shaklee directly at 1(800)Shaklee (800-742-5533) and provide the #ZP02742. For secure online ordering, go to www.shaklee.net/fitzwater. Also, Shaklee has a 100% money back guarantee on all products, so there's nothing to lose in trying them. You'll be so happy you did! See my profile for more information, or contact me to see how you can get your products for free!

I like the Clorox brand green products. They seem to work as good as my old stuff.

Shaklee has great products. They have been around for 50 years, and they were *green* before green was *cool*.
The Healthy Home Starter kit is really great!

https://www.shaklee.net/angela_ray

Clorox has a brand new line out simply called Green.

And I've used Simple Green before and loved it.

And I haven't found a better carper cleaner than white vinegar and baking soda. ;-) Cheap, too!

I have heard great things about a brand called Seventh Generation. i have found a pink all-purpose cleaning solution called Holy Cow i bought at walmart.