Five Strategies for Greener Home Cleaning

1. Be an informed consumer. Know what the risks of using a product are before you use the product. Read the labels. Choose the least toxic product for the job. Look for these keywords:
   • Caution is the lowest level of toxicity. There is a mild to moderate risk associated with the use of it.
   • Warning on the label indicates a moderate risk with use.
   • Danger is on the label if the product is extremely flammable,
     corrosive or highly toxic.
   • Poison indicates a highly toxic material.
2. Don't be fooled by the words, "non-toxic". This is an advertising term, which is unregulated by the Federal government.
3. Reach for a mild multipurpose cleaner first. This will reduce the number of cleaners you need to purchase and store. This also saves you money.
4. Choose the safest cleaner for the job. When choosing a cleaner, it is important to remember that the product that works best for cleaning may not be what's safest for you and your family. Choose the least hazardous for your job.
5. Make your own cleaners! It is simple to do and saves you money.

When you choose to clean your house using "greener" cleaners, you are able to positively affect the health of your family and pets.

How to Dispose of Unwanted Cleaning Supplies

It is important to keep hazardous cleaning products out of the garbage. Knowing which products are Household Hazardous Waste can be confusing.

Here are a few simple guidelines:

1. If a cleaning product is designed to be mixed with water for use, it may be safe to dispose of unused product down a sink, toilet or laundry tub basin. If in doubt, call Washington County or take the product to the Environmental Center.
2. If a label reads: Caution, Warning, Danger or Poison, you may take it to the Environmental Center.
3. If you can't use it up, give it away or store properly at home for later use, then take it to the free product room at the Environmental Center.