Does anyone have any experiences with green cleaning products?

I do!

Oh, wait…

Not exactly an answer to your question (because I don’t have one), but you might find this interesting: http://www.instructables.com/community/Reverse-Graffiti/

that is some cool stuff! thanks!

Try the EPA website for the DfE( Design for the Environment) here. If you have specific questions please let me know. I sell cleaning chemicals, some of which are considered “green”. Green is a weird little moniker for products in that there are no real across-the-board standards as to what makes a product “green”. To get a “green” approval a chemical manufacturer has to pay a fee to a for-profit company that has made up it’s own set of standards. These companies are self-regulated. Or, a manufacturer can go to the EPA’s DfE and seek “green” approval that way. No one has the exact same standards, but there are some common things that manufactures shy away from like phosphates, NTA, nonophenol ethoxolites and others of that ilk.

EDIT: Sorry Banjo, I guess I didn’t really answer your question. I have had good and bad experiences with both green and non-green products. The secret to any chemical, green or not, is how much technology and research has gone into producing something effective. it is quite possible to make a very effective “green” cleaning product, from floor care to commercial washer and dishmachine detergents.

I use the seventh generation stuff all the time and it definitely works just as well as traditional cleaners. I especially like the carpet cleaner and the laundry detergent.

I’m a big fan of using baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda cleans the sinks and tub very well and to prevent clogs in the pipes I pour boiling water down them. If they do get clogged you can put some baking soda down the drain and then vinegar and it will bubble the stuff out.

I also like the Method brand of cleaning supplies, they work great and have a lovely scent.

I also use seventh generation. The experience of cleaning with more natural products is so much more pleasant than bleach and other harsh chemicals. When I’m done cleaning I don’t feel light headed, nauseated, or like my lungs are going to explode. I think I might actually clean more often these days.

Here is a link for Vinegar and Water uses:
http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/homemaking/vinegar.html

I absolutely LOVE the line of Shaklee products. Check this out. I especially recommend the Scour Off heavy-duty paste. It works wonders on my flat-top stove. I’m also impressed with the Dish Wash concenrate. We have a dishwasher, but I often wash extra dishes by hand that won’t fit, as well as all of our baby bottles, lids, etc. I’m just about to finish off the bottle of dish soap that I bought February before last. I can’t believe how long it lasted (talk about concentrated). ALL of the Shaklee products are truly amazing. They are very reasonably priced, and work wonders. We’ve actually saved money using this line because just about everything is multi-purpose.

I have tried Seventh Generatiion paper towels and they turn to mush when damp. Now I also tend to stick w. baking soda, vinegar and water. (Or Arm and Hammer for dishwasher and washing machines.)

@gailcalled…you put Arm & Hammer in your dishwasher? How does it work?

Sorry; I only use the product made for washing machines. I will check today at market.

(A & H make a terrific kitty litter, however.)

I used to work (I was a substitute for one guy when his back was acting up) for a janitorial company in Oregon called Greener Cleaners. They used eco friendly cleaning products and everything worked out well.

If that wasn’t 10+ years ago I might be able to remember the names of the specific products they used.

Hmm you may need to ask in your locality all of the green products I know are made with in 60 miles of my house and are soled with in 60 or so miles of where that are made.

There are no mileage limitations on experiences with products. If you have some I would love to hear them.

Like everyone here I agree Seventh Generation stuff is great. I am also hooked on the Mrs. Meyer’s Natural Cleaners found at Kroger Stores, and Fred Meyer Stores.

I think its called moo cow. anyway! it works really well!! and it smells great!

Vinegar is my favoite too, Sometimes ammonia. I no longer carry industrial chemicals in my house.

Clorox has launched a new line of all-natural green cleaning products, called Green Works. It has been vetted and approved by the Sierra Club as being a real green option. Affordable and available in any store where the regular clorox products are sold (i.e., everywhere).

I went totally non-toxic this year and have been extreme happy with the products I use (except the tub cleaner). I have posted my favorites here -http://www.thegreenbrideguide.com/lookbook/lookbook/reception/cleaning.html

The Green: hmmm, shilling?