Does it Really Matter if You Clean Green? Home Edition

Who really wants to waste ice cream?  

I know no one in my house does.

I've never been able to tolerate the smell of bleach and have an incredibly hard time breathing around products that contain it.  So early on, I knew I'd have to find a disinfecting alternative (thank you, vinegar and peroxide).  The more reading I did on chemicals in our cleaners, the more dangerous I found they were.  A great site to do some research on is the Environmental Working Group.  For years, I've cleaned without using harsh chemicals (more for my own comfort), but as the kids started doing odd things (like licking tables) I realized how truly important it is.

I will admit that many of these things I could make myself and as you'll see some are homemade.  It's true you can clean your whole house with baking soda, vinegar, peroxide and lemon.  I am working towards making more of these items homemade but sometimes, grabbing something at Target is just more practical.    

Here's the room by room break-down of how we keep clean without harmful chemicals:

Multiroom

Shaklee's Basic H Concentrate

This stuff could clean almost everything in your house.  I use it for windows, floors, and surfaces.  The best part is you add literally 2-5 drops to water to create your solution.  It's sold in a 16 oz. bottle so the stuff lasts forever.  *Shaklee products are only sold through a consultant.  Their website will direct you.

Method Wood for Good Daily Cleaner

For giving wood surfaces like tables, chairs, shelves and cabinets some shine and an awesome almond smell.  Also sold in wipes.  I buy my Method products at Target.  Make sure to flip the package over and read their product write ups...very amusing.

Method Foaming Hand Wash

With three little boys in the house, foaming hand wash is a must for portion control.  This stuff lasts a long time and all scents smell wonderful.

Method Foaming Hand Wash Refill

Refills a bottle 3x

DIY Cleaning Wipes

Lysol Replacer

Especially when we're sick, or even if I just need to disinfect something, I walk around like I'm in an old western movie with two spray bottles: an opaque bottle with hydrogen peroxide in it and another one (any color) with equal parts vinegar and water and a few drops of essential oil.  I use it on surfaces or fabric. Be sure to do a test area first on fabrics.

Kitchen

Method Dish Pump

For washing dishes.  

Method Dish Pump Refill

An economical and environment friendly refill.  Refills a bottle 2x.
Honest Dishwasher Pods
Sparkly clean without using any kind of extra shine product.
Microwave
Pour 1 cup of hot water and 1 cup of vinegar into a glass measuring cup.  Microwave for 2-3 minutes (or longer if necessary).  The gunk should wipe right off.
Dishwasher

Bathrooms

le scrub bathroom cleaner

Great for tubs, toilets, shower and surface and all in one product.

Laundry

I use The Honest Company for all of our laundry stuff as well as other cleaning and personal care.  I love, love, love this brand.  You can set up a monthly bundle - 5 products for $39.95 + shipping (through March 8 free shipping on $50+ orders).  This brings the cost to $8.50 a product.  So even though I'd never pay $8.50 for dryer cloths, it brings the cost of the detergent down to $8.50 as well so it works out.  They even have a diaper bundle and although I have no use for this right now, I think that's cool :).
To Clean My Washing Machine
It's just gross to try to clean clothes in something dirty.
Stain Remover
Honest 4 in 1 Laundry Pods

We go to Michigan quite a bit and this is the PERFECT way to do laundry while traveling.  The formula is great and the clothes come out really soft and clean.
Honest Laundry Detergent
Great for every day washing.  Lasts us about a month.
Honest Dryer Cloths
Great alternative to dryer sheets.  You can use them twice and I use them to accompany spray cleaners after their laundry days are over.

Honest Oxy Boost
Because when you have three boys, laundry usually needs a boost!

Happy Cleaning!