Green Cleaning Supplies

Green cleaning supplies need not be expensive, or come from a special store or website.

Equipment

• Spray bottle (or two)
• Bucket
• Lint free cloth or rags
• Broom
• Vacuum
• Sponges *
• Dish towels

* According to the Journal of Environmental Health, placing a wet sponge in the microwave on high for 2 minutes will kill more than 99% of bacteria and germs on it. (Caution: let cool before handling.)

Ingredients

Vinegar
As sold in a standard 5% solution (usually in the grocery aisle for condiments), kills 99% of common bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs on surfaces. Can mildly irritate eyes. Distilled white vinegar is cheap, comes in big jugs or small bottles, and only makes your kitchen smell a little like a salad.

Borax
Generally safer than chlorine or silica-based products, with a gentle scouring action and bleaching effect. The active ingredient is finely ground boron (a mineral); so do wear gloves, avoid breathing the dust, and don't ingest it. (Adults, kids and pets, too.)

Baking Soda
A common baking ingredient, so it is safe to ingest a little. Still, it can mildly irritate very sensitive skin. Very inexpensive, found in the baking aisle; and any brand will do.

Liquid Soap
Also known as Castille soap. Vegetable based, and either unscented or with essential oils added for scent.

Essential Oils
These can be added to your other ingredients. Not just for pleasant scents, but depending on the type, they can add anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, disinfecting, and/or grease-cutting.