Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin

I picked up a copy of this book at my local library; it’s a great first step in learning how to green your cleaning routine. Intended for both those who may still use some traditional cleaning supplies but need a few green tips, as well as those who already buy green cleaning supplies, but desire to go a little deeper.

Green Clean gently guides you to think outside the box of cleaning products you probably grew up with. The first section explains how our homes have become so chemical-laden. Then it goes through item by item, and details the health risks of each of product found in the average household.

Be prepared to throw out the large majority of what’s under your sink the day you read this book. But don’t just empty the toxins into the waste stream by draining them down your sink. If you don’t want to use up the products, be sure to drop them off at a designated local transfer center so the stuff can be safely discarded. Just in case your cupboards are bare, you may want to be sure to have these three basic items on hand: baking soda, distilled white vinegar and soap (Castile, preferably).

Green Clean goes through every room in your home and everything you could possibly need to clean. They provide a slew of simple home concoctions for cleaning. (My favorite staple has become Borax, which, by the way, is not carried everywhere. I found it at the hardware store in the laundry detergent section.) To top it off, they also include lists of the best green cleaning products and a handy index that makes this book a great quick reference guide.

Available at amazon.com for $12.82