Clean, Green, and Earth Friendly

Also called eco-friendly, green cleaning uses cleaning products and methods that respect and support all life—you, children, pets, plants, as well as Mother Earth—the air, water, and soil. The products are nontoxic if used properly, relatively inexpensive, and pleasant to use.

What do you need to get started? There are many products available on the market. Check your local grocery, health-food store, or food co-op. Or you can purchase the following items to make your own effective, low-cost cleaners:

• Baking soda—a great cleanser with many uses, including household deodorizer and laundry booster, personal care for skin and hair, removal of burned-on food from grills and stainless steel cookware. (See the side of a box of Arm & Hammer baking soda or this Web site: http://www.armandhammer.com/)

• White distilled vinegar, preferably made from grains rather than petroleum-derived alcohols (Heinz, for example)—an all-purpose cleaner

• Pure essential oils (available at health food stores, food co-ops, or online)—for additional cleaning power and a pleasing scent.

• Liquid castile soap (same sources as above)—makes a great soft scrub when mixed with baking soda

• Pumice stone (hardware/home improvement stores)—removes stubborn toilet bowl rings and stains

Here's a recipe to try.

All-Purpose Green Cleaner

Ingredients and Supplies:

• 32-oz. spray bottle

• Water, preferably filtered or distilled, especially in hard-water areas

• White distilled vinegar

• Lemongrass essential oil or other—lemon, lime, and peppermint are good alternatives. Use pure essential oils rather than synthetics.

• Earth-friendly dishwashing liquid for washing by hand

1. Fill bottle half-way with water.

2. Add white distilled vinegar near the top, leaving room for shaking.

3. Add 10–14+ drops lemongrass or other essential oil.

4. Add 2–3 drops dishwashing liquid.

5. Cap and shake. There should be a thin line of foamy bubbles at top, but not too many.

6. Label container.

Uses: Cleans windows, mirrors, floors, chrome, door handles, and some carpet and cloth upholstery stains. Test first! Use as a rinse after using baking soda to clean the outside of a toilet.

Reenie Rogers lives in Tallahassee, FL, and has been green cleaning for over 15 years. She gives workshops, coaches individuals, and trains housekeepers in nontoxic, green cleaning. Her e-mail is swanworks1@yahoo.com.