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What's in my Non-Toxic cleaning products, exactly?

The invaluable Green Guide looks into one of the most popular line of nontoxic cleaners, Mrs. Meyers, to see what's actually inside. (As Green Clean notes, most "green" cleaning products include a list of ingredients; such a list is a good way to know the manufacturer has nothing to hide.) The Green Guide found that Mrs. Meyers products include a small amount of preservative, EDTA ("a boosting agent that also acts as an allergen and mild skin irritant"), and sodium citrate ("which, although naturally derived, can still cause allergic reactions.")

Green Clean contains more details about the content of cleaning products and the potential harms of their ingredients.

Posted by GreenClean at 11:03 AM

Bleach alternatives

Chlorine is the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings and is a potent environmental pollutant. There are two great alternatives to chlorine bleach for laundry and household use: oxygen bleach and hydrogen peroxide-based bleach. Recommended oxygen bleaches include Bi-O-Kleen's Oxygen Beach Plus and Earth Friendly Products' Oxo-Brite. Hydrogen-peroxide bleaches include Ecover's Natural Non-Chlorine Bleach.

Finally, adding 1/4 cup of washing soda or borax to a load of wash will whiten whites and brighten colors.

Posted by GreenClean at 02:01 PM