What is green cleaning (and should you do it)?

What is meant by green cleaning?

Green cleaning is the practice of using cleaning methods and products that don’t harm the environment or human health. It often involves using natural ingredients when cleaning and making choices that reduce any potential environmental impact.

So, when choosing products, it's a good practice to look for these terms but also examine the ingredient list to be sure.

What are some examples of green cleaning?

Now that we have a grasp of what green cleaning means, let's explore how you can incorporate it into your house cleaning routine. These are some simple yet effective examples:

1. Make homemade cleaners.

Making your cleaning solutions at home is one of the best ways to go green. Ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar can tackle tough-to-remove grime. You can use these ingredients to scrub surfaces, remove stubborn stains, and eliminate bad odors. 

For example, here's a green drain cleaning method:

• Start by placing half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.
• Allow it to fizz for 15 minutes.
• Finish by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
• If necessary, repeat the process.

2. Buy green cleaning products at stores.

If you prefer the convenience of store-bought cleaners, look for earth-friendly products that meet environmental protection standards.

Many "green cleaners" are readily available. They're designed to be eco-friendly and free of hazardous chemicals that can harm human health and the environment. To find them, search for products that have been certified by reputable organizations. For example, look for labels like the Green Seal or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice label.

3. Book eco-friendly cleaning services.

If you'd rather leave the cleaning to the experts, consider hiring a house cleaner that uses green cleaning products. Just be sure to ask them about their supplies and cleaning methods before scheduling an appointment.

Pros and cons of choosing green cleaning.

There are several benefits to adopting green cleaning practices — and there are drawbacks as well. Here are the biggest pros and cons:

PRO: Reduced environmental impact and health effects.

Traditional cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harmful chemicals, and other hazards. When released into the environment, toxins can impact the air, wildlife, aquatic life, human health, and more.

Green cleaners are formulated to minimize these risks and create a healthier indoor environment.

CON: Costs may be higher for some products.

When shopping, you may find that green cleaning products may be slightly more expensive than their conventional counterparts. However, you may find that improved health and environmental benefits are worth the cost.

PRO: Green cleaners do kill germs.

Some people worry that green cleaning products may not be as effective at killing germs. However, many green cleaners are just as capable of disinfection as their traditional counterparts.

Just be sure to read the labels carefully. Look for the EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) label. Or, search for disinfectant and sanitizing products on its website.

CON: It requires upfront effort and research.

Sometimes, it's much easier to reach for the products that are easy to find and are familiar to us. Making DIY green cleaning solutions can be time-consuming. So can researching various products to confirm what's truly green and what isn't. But once you find a green cleaning product or manufacturer that you like, it gets easier to implement.

Ease into green cleaning with Thumbtack.

The choice of whether to adopt green cleaning practices comes down to your priorities — and how much effort you're willing to put into it.

You don't have to embark on this green journey alone, either. Remember: you can always hire a professional house cleaner who uses green cleaning supplies.

Just download the Thumbtack app to see a list of top-rated cleaners near you. From there, you can review their list of services, read their reviews, browse through before-and-after photos, and contact them for price quotes.