Organic Housekeeping

I received this book as a bridal shower gift, but really started to use it when we moved this summer. Once my cleaning supplies run out, I've agreed to replace each one with a healthier, green version. This book does a great job of showing you how virtually every surface in your house can be cleaned with materials you already have in your pantry (i.e. baking soda and vinegar compose about 90% of the cleaning materials). Therefore, you don't really need to make room for 12 different cleaners. Besides the basic cleaning, so far I've cleaned my coffee pot and my dishwasher--not bad.

Method cleaning products

Since I am pretty much allergic to everything anyways, the push for retailers to start offering organic/non-toxic cleaning supplies works for my consumer interests. Target features a line of plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products called Method. Some of them still have scent but they are all natually-derived. I've used the bathroom cleaner, wood cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner (in unscented & grapefruit--YUM). Oprah's got a whole list of other companies that offer non-toxic supplies, so I am sure I will try some of those out too. I've tried the Seventh Generation powdered dishwasher soap (in which I was only trying to buy the cheapest version of a pricier product) but it left some chunks on my dishes. Method also carries microfiber and other cleaning cloths (I have the one to use with the furniture polish), mops, and air fresheners (I've got two) that used soy-based, all-natural scents that are non-toxic. They smell great and last a long time.