If one of your green resolutions this year is to use eco-friendly and safe cleaning solutions around the house, here’s help on getting started and putting together a Green Clean Home caddy.

Collect Your Current Cleaning Products

Gather your current collection of household cleaners and go through the labels. Amazed at the amount of chemical that you’ve been spraying around the house? Also, do you really need a separate cleaner for glass and countertops? If you’d like more information on the toxic effects of chemical cleaners or their ingredients, do check out the Household Products Database by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.

To Keep or Trash

Depending upon whether or not you consider the potential side-effects of chemical cleaners a hazard for your family, trash or safely store the products you decide to keep. Since chemical cleaners can be a hazard to the planet, do ensure that you dispose of them properly and safely. If you decide to keep some cleaning solutions, do read Earth 911’s guidelines on storing hazardous household cleaners safely.

Assemble Your Green Cleaning Caddy

Next, put together a basic green cleaning caddy. You can keep it really simple and easy by just putting together 3 eco-friendly household cleaners – baking soda, vinegar and salt. Add a few brushes, rags and sponges and you’re done. Keep a few sheets of newspaper handy to make mirrors and windows shine as well.

Home-Made or Store-Bought

If you’re in a dilemma about going all green and making your own household cleaners or buying them from the store, worry not. While making your own green cleaners is really not difficult, you can easily head to the store and check out some of the eco-friendly cleaning solutions available. Remember to read the labels and fine print carefully and if you’re not sure about an ingredient, research it online. Some popular green cleaning brands include Seventh Generation, Clorox Greenworks and Method.

Storing Your Green Cleaning Products

While green cleaners are definitely safer than chemical cleaning solutions, you do need to store them safely to prevent allergic reactions or accidental ingestion. Keep them in a locked area away from curious little kids or inquisitive pets.

These simple steps will help you have a clean home that is free of toxic chemicals as well as green and eco-friendly. Being a green and eco-friendly homemaker is really not that difficult or expensive. Making a few changes, such as these, can go a long way in helping you go green at home.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Online ClipArt