The chemicals contained in most common
cleaning supplies can be just as bad---if not worse---than what you're trying to remove with them. Things like
phthalates and
formaldehyde can pollute your indoor air quality (
now worse than outdoor air quality, due mostly to cleaning supplies), are known health risks, and can be dangerous to children. Before you do away with all cleaners, however, take a look at our
natural cleaning supplies. Natural cleaning supplies skip potentially harmful chemicals in favor of things like
plant extracts (which
have been used to clean things effectively for hundreds of years) and safe-enough-to-eat ingredients like
baking soda and
vinegar. Don't just pick up natural cleaning supplies, either, green your cleaning accessories too, by choosing
recycled garbage bags and paper towels from
Seventh Generation, and reusable
bamboo cloths.