Environmentally Friendly
Cleaning Products

Can You Identify Environmentally Friendly from the Chemical Name Alone?

There is a quick answer to that question - no. Environmentally friendly cleaning products cannot be identified by 'picking out' a familiar part of the entire name alone. For more information, I highly recommend that you read Understanding Chemicals in Cleaning Products before proceeding.

Knowing the whole story on a chemical name will prevent you from getting carried away by the latest scare and allow you to wisely identify if a product is 'dangerous/toxic' or simply 'handle with care - you could hurt yourself'.

There are, of course, eco-friendly options other than commercially produced cleaning products. Cleaners made from products you already have in your home are one option. These use basic ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, but normally require a small effort to mix and bottle.

Microfiber technology is another. High quality microfiber cleans and removes pathogens from hard surfaces without the use of chemicals at all. Read the articles carefully though - as not microfiber is create equal.


A cheap cloth from the discount or grocery store will not perform or last. Within reason, this is one area you definitely get what you pay for.

For those of us who prefer to get our cleaning products from the store, the following are some of the chemicals used in common household cleaners that indicate generally environmentally friendly cleaning products:


A complete alphabetical list of non-toxic chemicals

Non-toxic Antimicrobials

Non-toxic Anti-Foaming Agents

Non-toxic Anti-Redepositioners

Low-toxicity Bleaching Agents

Non-toxic Detergent Enhancers

Enzymes

Non-toxic Fabric Softeners

Non-toxic Foaming Agents

Non-toxic Perfumes

Non-toxic Solvents

Non-toxic Surfactants

Non-toxic Water Conditioners

Other Non-toxic Chemicals

Back to House Cleaning

Back to Housecleaning Products