If you’re like me and you cook a lot, then chances are you likely clean a lot too. Let’s face it, recipes can be a mess-making ordeal, and I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in the kitchen scrubbing pans, mopping the floor, removing the random mystery splotch from the ceiling, etc. After I finished watching the documentary The Human Experiment on Netflix last night (which I highly recommend), I was once again reminded why it’s so profoundly important to keep our exposure to chemicals to a minimum… and a great place to start is with the products we bring into and clean our homes with. This is why I only use “green” cleaners — just because a cleaning product is sold at the market, does not mean it is safe. At all. If you’re looking for information about the ingredients and effects of the products you’re currently using at home, you can look them up on the incredible online resource, the Environmental Working Group.
In the interest of helping you “clean up” your own collection of cleaners, here are some of the green products I like to use:
1. BioKleen Natural Natural Dish Liquid, Citrus Essence – This liquid is nice and soapy for hand-washing dirty dishes, and has a fresh and pleasant smell. Unlike lots of soaps, I love that it actually moisturizes hands as opposed to drying them out.
2. BuggyLOVE Organic Multi-Surface Kitchen Cleaner – It may come as a surprise that most all-purpose kitchen cleaners don’t score very well in terms of the amount of potential toxicity they contain … even though when it comes to the kitchen counters and surfaces that house our food, I can’t think of a more important place to keep things extra green. You can feel good that this one ranks at the top of the EWG healthy kitchen cleaner list.
3. Seventh Generation Tub and Tile, Emerald Cypress and Fir – If you have a porcelin sink or any tile with grout in the kitchen, this is a great spray to use. It gets rid of bacteria and whitens without having to use bleach.
4. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs – It can be hard finding a dishwasher detergent that is healthy, environmentally-freindly, and actually effective, but I’ve had a lot of success with this product. While your dishes come out clean, I will say that it won’t give you the same commercial-grade shine that some of the top convential brands advertise (but it also doesn’t wash your dishes with carcenogenic chemicals, so I’d call that a win).
5. Amber Glass Sprayer – If you’re the DIY type, you can make your own disinfectant cleaning solution from just water, a splash of vinegar, and a few drops of lemon or peppermint essential oil.
6. Organic Leaf Apron – To keep clothes protected, I’m loving the design and colors of this organic cotton apron … but I’m loving the price even more!
7. Puracy Liquid Handsoap, Lavander & Vanilla – For a quick hand rinse, it’s nice to know your skin is being treated to a hypoallergenic, non-toxic formula that’s fortified with soothing vitamin E and aloe vera. Plus, it smells amazing!
8. Organic White Dishtowels – Wipe down surfaces and with these super absorbent, classic towels made from 100% organic cotton. Always classy, and eco-friendly.
Do you have any additional tips on keeping your kitchen cleaning green? I’d love to know!
