Most people don’t realize that the household cleaning products they’ve been using their entire lives are actually harmful chemical polluters.  Sure, they smell bad, but aren’t they supposed to be good for your health?  In fact, ammonia, bleach, and other chemicals regularly found in these solvents are toxic to humans over time.  And whenever you use them to clean, you are breathing in chemicals that are known to cause asthma and other lung disorders (and who knows what other damage).  Not only that, but they pollute our planet, as well.  Each time they go down your drain, they are being carried into the water, the ground, and the world at large.  When you consider how many households are using these products every day, it makes you wonder if we aren’t participating in something far more insidious than overt pollution like the BP oil spill (at least they could attack their problem head on).  So why not ditch the chemicals and try some eco-friendly methods of cleaning instead?  Here are a few ways to get started.

1.       Waste management.  When you decide to get rid of your chemical cleaners, be aware that dumping them down the drain or throwing them in the trash is really not the best solution.  You could simply use up what you have and make the switch to green cleaners piecemeal or you can call your local waste management (or recycling center) to ask about a hazardous materials pick-up or drop off.  Most cities have a day every year where this service is free, although some companies offer to do an annual pickup at your request.

2.       Opt for green products.  Manufacturers like Seventh Generation and Green Works have labored to create cleaners that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and totally natural (beware of other brands that claim to be natural since there is no regulated standard for this title; ensure you’re getting your money’s worth by checking the ingredients label before you buy).  Both of these products can be found at a variety of supermarkets and pharmacies such as Safeway/Vons, Albertson’s, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen’s.

3.       Raid the fridge.  Many common household items can be used for cleaning, and some of them can be found in your fridge.  Vinegar is excellent for cleaning just about anything because of its slightly acidic nature.  Lemons are a good choice for the same reason, and they come with a fresh scent, to boot.  And of course, baking soda not only has abrasive qualities to treat tough grime, it can also be employed as a deodorizing agent.  You may want to mix all of these items with water before use.

4.       Brew your own potion.  You might be surprised how many recipes there are online for natural household cleaning solvents that you can easily mix on your own.  With just a few basic ingredients you can have degreasers, disinfectants, and even detergents (laundry, dishes) that are totally non-toxic and a lot less expensive than the chemicals you’ve been using.

5.       Consider equipment.  If you’re going to go all the way with green cleaning, then you’ll also want to take a look at your hardware.  Opt for mops, sponges, and rags that are natural and reusable (no paper products).  And if you have to vacuum, get a model that has a HEPA filter to ensure that the quality of the air in your home is top-notch (and toxin-free).

Sarah Danielson writes for Fathers Day Gifts where you can find great gift ideas like Fathers Day Flowers, cards, and poems for the inspirational man in your life.

Would you like to cut down on using synthetic chemical products to clean your home?  Chemicals used in synthetic cleaners contribute to indoor air pollution.  Studies show that the air quality inside of our homes is often worse than outdoor air, even when we live in areas that have air pollution.

This is because there are so many toxic chemicals used in processing the building materials, the walls, the floor coverings, the cabinets and the furniture in today’s houses.  It’s hard to avoid them, but you don’t have to add to them when you clean.  Just by making a couple of substitutions, you can keep your home a little greener.  And you won’t have to spend a lot of money.

You probably already know that you can use baking soda to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh.  But there are lots of other ways to use this inexpensive but versatile product. Mix it with a little water or vinegar, grab a soft cloth and baking soda can clean a lot more of your house than you ever thought possible.

You can replace chemical scouring powders that you use to clean your counter tops, stove tops, bathroom fixtures, shower tiles, and even your grungy pots and pans.  Use a paste of baking soda and water on a sponge, and then start scrubbing just like you would with a chemical cleanser.   The baking soda will get scum off of your bathroom tiles and even the toughest burned on food off of your pots and pans.  It actually gets the grime up faster than artificial cleaners, and doesn’t leave behind any chemical residues or odors.  This is especially good for kitchen surfaces that come into contact with food that you prepare.

You can replace glass cleaners with a paste made of baking soda and a little white vinegar.  Use a soft cloth or old newspaper.  This trick will make your windows, mirrors and glass-topped tables sparkle, and leave your rooms smelling fresh.

You can even replace your toilet bowl cleaner by adding a little baking soda and vinegar to the bowl.  Stir it up and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.  Then scrub with your toilet brush as usual.  Your toilet will be clean, with no lingering chemical fumes in your bathroom.

It’s no wonder that all of the uses of baking soda are such a well-kept secret.  The companies that make chemical cleansers will lose millions if people realize they’re not needed. But now that you know about baking soda, you can save yourself some money.  And at the same time, you can clean up your indoor air.