About 25% percent of Americans mix their own green home cleaning products. This takes time to make … and to use! Additionally some of the ingredients, especially essential oils, can be VERY expensive. Time and money are our two most precious commodities – even if we we want green cleaning products for our home or business.
Unfortunately there are hazards associated with homemade cleaning products. They may not be combined correctly and they are rarely stored in properly labeled containers with first aid and emergency instructions. (By the way if there is no label or if you are unsure of what to do in the case of an exposure or poisoning, call your poison control center at (800) 222-1222. It is handy to know all poison control centers have the same phone number!
For these reasons seeking products that are professionally formulated, are properly labeled and have received independent review by a third party is valuable to ensure you ensuring the safety of you, your babies and children, as well as your pets, while being eco friendly.
In addition it is very difficult to know if the green household cleaning products for residential applications and green janitorial supplies for commercial applications used are effective and eco friendly or a result of greenwashing. Many products have been found to fall short on performance because they are less effective than many synthetic products registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This is why the Design for the Environment (DfE) program with CleanGredients® and safer chemistry is in place.
In practical terms, I had heard many complain about the low efficacy of vinegar, but without specifics, that is until I received the following comments from Hanna of Harmony Home Green Up in Denver. “Hello! First, I should tell you that I am a Green Housekeeper and secondly I should tell you that my mom brought me the products that she purchased from Green Cleaning Products yesterday to try out. I usually use scented (with natural essential oils) vinegar to clean glass and to disinfect. I must say I was very much impressed with the products she gave me. With vinegar and a dry rag I must apply heavy pressure and repetitive motion in several different directions to remove streaks, but not with the products from Green Cleaning Products; two light passes and the window was not only sparkling it was streak-free. You have saved me elbow grease and time. These are the foundations of my business. Thanks!”
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