Products to clean your home safely

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http://www.examiner.com/x-25134-Atlanta-Healthy-Trends-Examiner~y2010m7d21-Household-cleaning-products-linked-to-breast-cancer

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The American Cleaning Industry says, “This is all based on the most cursory look at the scientific literature and the recollection of breast cancer survivors as to the products they used 15 to 20 years ago.”

While the possible connection between cleaning products and breast cancer needs more research, there are natural cleaning products you can use if you so choose.

Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours. Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps with petroleum distillates. Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors. White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up. Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum. Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not create any fumes.

The above ingredients can be combined to make solutions for cleaning mold, stains and making polishes. To learn how to make those solutions, click here

http://www.greencleanhome.com/products_used

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These are the household cleaning products that may be used in your home. Listing these products here in no way implies endorsement or approval of any kind by the product manufacturer.

Ecover All Purpose CleanerThis is a Green & Clean favorite. This is a professional strength cleaner and degreaser. We use this for surface cleaning around the home except for glass and other shiny surface materials. It is also fully biodegradable within 3 to 5 days, has a non-hazardous vapor and is non-petroleum based. Ecover, the manufacturer, was elected to the U.N. "Global 500 Roll of Honor" for outstanding environmental achievement. This product has a fresh slightly lemony scent.

Earth Friendly Glass CleanerUsing an age old ingredient, vinegar, and a little help from coconut based soap, Earth Friendly's WindowKlean cleans windows, mirrors and other hard surface areas. Window Kleener does not streak nor does it leave a film residue after use.

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.Baking soda is a main stay of non-toxic cleaning. Porcelain microwaves, refrigerators and microwaves can all be cleaned and deodorized very effectively with Baking Soda. We also use it for spot cleaning ovens.

Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl CleanerThis is our routine toilet bowl cleaner. It's safe for plumbing and septic systems. The manufacturer, Seventh Generation, won the 2002 Socially Responsible Business Award based on the company's achievements in the areas of business ethics, accountability, governance, financial returns, employment practices, business relationships, products and services, community involvement, and environmental protection.

GreenWorks Toilet Bowl CleanerThe GreenWorks Toilet Bowl Cleaner is especially effective on tough mildew build up under the toilet rim. It contains no damaging chlorine and is safe and effective for the new materials used in toilet manufacturing which specify "do not use chlorine cleaners."

GreenWorks Bathroom CleanerGreen & Clean was selected by Clorox as recipients of advanced product release of their new GreenWorks product line and has tested the quality of these products in the field. The GreenWorks Bathroom Cleaner is one of the best cleaners for the removal of tough soap scum on tile and bathroom shower glass that we have encountered - green or traditional. This new comer product is now a standard in our cleaning kits.

Earth Friendly Products Shower KleenerThis is the only non petroleum based, naturally derived shower cleaner on the market. This unique and revolutionary product uses tea tree oil, lavender oil, purified water, a plant derived surfactant, and ethanol derived from corn to clean your shower and bath areas. The Shower Kleener prevents hard water stains and eliminates soap scum from forming on your shower and bath tub surfaces. Works on glass, tub, tile and fixtures.

Ecover Floor CleanerFor some hard surface flooring, marble or slate, we use Ecover's Natural Floor Soap. It is plant and mineral based and is fully biodegradable within 3 to 5 days.

Bona Swedish Formula Hardwood Floor CleanerThis waterborne, non-toxic, environmentally responsible cleaner for polyurethane or factory pre-finished wood floors is recommended by most wood floor installers and manufactures. It is expensive but worth every penny as the product's better performance is clearly visible. What's more important is the formulation does not damage wood floor sealant adding years of life to your wood.

Bon AmiBon Ami is made from some mineral abrasives and a biodegradable detergent. It does not contain chlorine, perfume or dye. This cleaner helps remove dried splatters and spills, burned-on grease, baked-on food, and sticky messes.

Citrus Magic Odor Eliminating Air FragranceAnother favorite, Citrus Magic is great for smoke odors, pet odor, bathrooms, kitchens and garbage cans. It is made from oil taken from the peal of citrus fruit. It comes in a non-aerosol, continuous spray container. We always ask if a deodorizer or air fragrance can be used in your home.

Simple Green Stainless Steel CleanerSimple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish is perfect for cleaning and maintaining high-end, chrome and stainless steel appliances and surfaces found in modern kitchens. This ready-to-use, high-tech formula was created to clean stainless steel surfaces of smudges, streaks, fingerprints, and water stains and protected from spills and daily wear-and-tear. New Simple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish wipes clean for a deep luster that resists fingerprints, water spots and smudges. The non-toxic formula doesn't build up on surfaces so it's perfect for everyday use, and safer for use around your family and pets.

Zep Stainless Steel CleanerZep stainless cleaner is used sparingly on stainless that has heavy use or has water damage or streaks (the company has products that are Green Seal approved, however, this is not one of them). The product contains a blend of cleaning solvents and polishing agents designed for cleaning, polishing, and protecting stainless steel, chrome, and aluminum. Removes grease, fingerprints, and light soil. Provides a thin, protective, water-resistant film. Prevents rusting, corrosion, and discoloration. Contains no wax or harsh abrasives.

We occasionally make additions or changes to products to fit your specific homes cleaning needs. However, any substantive change would be discussed with you prior to the product's use.