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Choose Safe Cleaning Products
Choose Safe Cleaning Products
Take the "Green" Approach to Cleaning
Everybody wants a clean and healthy home. Taking the green approach avoids use of hazardous products, which protects your health and the environment.
Use the information below and the links at right to follow the steps to green cleaning:
1. Don’t over clean
2. Try non-toxic cleaning tips instead of chemicals
3. Make your own green cleansers
4. Buy the least toxic product and use it correctly
5. Make a green clean kit
6. Safely dispose of hazardous cleaning products
Don’t over clean
Most areas of your home--even bathroom surfaces--do not need to be disinfected to prevent illness.
The kitchen is the exception. Use very hot water and soap (or a very mild bleach solution) after every use to clean:
- • Food preparation surfaces
- • Utensils
- • Cleaning rags
- • Sponges
Buy the Least Toxic Product and Use it Correctly
If elbow grease and making your own green cleaners isn’t enough, take these steps when buying household cleaners:
- • Avoid products marked “Poison” or “Danger.” These words indicate the highest level of hazard, under federal law.
- • Be careful with products marked “Caution” or “Warning,” which carry moderate hazard.
- • Always read labels and follow the directions.
- • Never mix cleaning products, such as those containing chlorine with those containing ammonia.
Make a Green Clean Kit
You can make a green cleaning kit to use around your house. All you need is the following ingredients and our recipes to make your own green cleansers.
- • A bucket
- • Spray bottle
- • Rag or scrubber
Bon AmiVinegar and Baking soda OR manufactured organic cleaner
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Safely Dispose of Hazardous Products
If you have leftover toxic cleaning products, offer them to others who can use them.
Otherwise, take them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site. See information at right for contact information and locations.
Related links
Where to Dispose of Hazardous Waste
Links to other sites
Washington Toxics Coalition
King County Local Hazardous Waste Program site
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