Eco Lingo: Green Cleaning

Eco-lingo is being tossed around left and right these days. We're demystifying common terms to help you figure out which words are the real deal... and which are just green jargon.

Today's word: Green Cleaning

Definition: No, we aren't talking about washing leafy veggies. Green cleaning is actually an eco-friendly way of scrubbing down the house using products that don't damage the environment -- a less toxic way of getting rid of dirt, green cleaning means using natural cleaning solutions like soap, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and borax. Floor steamers are also green cleaners, since the only thing they clean with is water.

The term, like green consumerism, has also been used to promote store-bought cleaning supplies labeled "environmentally-friendly" or "biodegradable". But don't just rely on the advertising -- there are tons of toxic ingredients found in everyday household cleaners, the trick is being able to sift through a label and tell what's what.

Here are just a few "toxic" ingredients:

-Ammonia
-Chlorine bleach
-Methylene chloride
-Sulfuric acid
-Sodium hydroxide
-And here's an obvious one: any product with a word like "Danger" "Warning" or "Caution" on the bottle.

Looking for specific green cleaning products? We've got 'em. Along with tricks for green cleaning and some tips to green your laundry.

The Verdict: The Real Deal. What's more real than cleaning with natural ingredients?