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Are There Really Differences in Cleaning Products?   by Victoria Thomas

Are There Really Differences in Cleaning Products?

People only seem to notice cleaning supplies when they aren't doing what they are supposed to do. We don't like a bathroom that smells unclean. And we feel ripped off when the product promises and then does not deliver. We know bleach which is in many products works on most dirt and scum, but did you know it won't clean all calcium, rust and lime off your beautiful shower that used to be white? It is important to use the right 'tool' for the job. Reading labels and checking out online sources of those who've tried certain products can be very valuable. Sarah Aguire, a housekeeping specialist who blogs regularly on the web, has compiled her Top 10 picks for the best All-Purpose cleaning products:

1.Method Pink Grapefruit All Purpose Cleanser
2. LifeTree All Purpose Spray
3. Seventh Geneartion Free and Clear All Purpose Cleaner
4. Fantastik Orange Action All Purpose Cleaner
5. Lysol All Purpose Cleaner
6. OxiClean Miracle Foam Multi-Purpose Spray
7. Mr. Clean Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Spray
8. Windex Multi Surface Cleaner With Vinegar
9. Aroma Clean All Purpose Cleaner
10. Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner

And how about natural cleansers? Are they 'green'? Is there a difference?

The answer is NO. They are not the same. In fact, the differences can have a big impact on chemically sensitive people.his? There are many companies looking to capitalize off of consumers who are looking for a healthier, safer alternative to the products they are currently using. The problem is there really are not standardized regulations to call a product "green."
These are some of the ingredients that you can look out for if you are concerned about commercial products, however:
Ammonia - found in glass cleaners, floor or bathroom cleaners. Poisonous when swallowed and a big irritant to the skin or when inhaled.
Diethylene Glycol - found in glass and bathroom cleaners. Poisonous when swallowed and irritating to the lungs.
Chlorine Bleach - found in a variety of cleaners or by itself. Very irritating to eyes and skin and is an environmental hazard.
Triclosan - found in antibacterial cleaners and thought to be contributing to antibiotic resistant bacteria.
DEA and TEA - found in many products and used as preservatives. When combined with nitrosomes can produce carcinogens.
Petroleum based ingredients - all kinds of cleaners. These are products that are no friend to the environment.
Fragrance - air freshener and almost all cleaners. usually contains phthalates used to stabilize synthetic scents and a known carcinogen. Fragrance is frequent cause of allergens in products.
1,4-dioxane - found in dish washing and other household cleaners. Has been found to be a cancer causing ingredient.
Formaldehyde - found in a variety of cleaners. It is a known carcinogen

Many "green" cleaning products actually contain some of the potentially harmful ingredients above. Many products are labeled as being green, just because they are safer compared to the other traditional products in that category. We must not be fooled as there is a wide spectrum of "green."
So then what is a 'natural' cleaning product? They are produced from all naturally occurring, easily replenished, ingredients. These products are completely biodegradable and 100% non-toxic. Oh - isn't that what you thought 'green' meant? You can rest assured that you are taking the safe route with a natural cleaning product. Why even risk it with a "green" product when you may require a chemist to understand how green the product really is.
So if you want to make the change and start using all natural cleaning supplies today, you can look for products that contain the following ingredients:
1.Vinegar
2. Lemon Juice
3. Baking Soda
4. Mineral Oil
5. Washing Sosa, or Sodium Bicarbonate
6. Borax
7. Corn Starch
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
9. Water - the most underrated cleaner in the world
*You can request that your professional cleaning service only use 'natural not green' products. In my case, I use New York's Little Elves cleaning company (http://www.nyelves.com)and they are now beginning to use cleaning products that I'm more comfortable with - at my request.

About the Author

Victoria Thomas is a successful singer and songwriter. She lives and works from home and is obsessed with cleaning her NYC apartment. She loves giving advice and dedicates herself to finding creative ways to get her work done in as beautiful a workspace as possible.

Her other recent blog can be found here