Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously said "Sunlight is the best disinfectant."  Back in the 1920's when this statement was made, though, he was actually making a vivid and memorable analogy about the benefits of candor and transparency. Today, let's focus on the wisdom of his statement from a more literal and practical perspective -- what about disinfecting against viruses, germs and bacteria in your home?

Read more: Let the Sunshine In!

Probably, like most moms, you keep your cleaning supplies either way up out of reach of little hands, or in a locked cupboard under the sink. With the labels warning us to "Keep Away from Children" and to "Call Poison Control Immediately if Ingested", it's no wonder these chemical cleaners have to be handled so cautiously . The interesting thing is that once a week or so, you are probably taking those hazardous chemicals and spraying them all over your refrigerator, sinks, counters, tubs, toilets and floors. The result is a usually a feeling of, "Ahhh, a clean house." Windows are so clear you have to get up close to realize there's actually glass there; sinks and countertops sparkle; and floors shine. As moms, we feel like we are taking good care of our families by getting rid of all the dirt and those nasty germs.

Read more: How Toxic Is Your Spring Cleaning?

Green cleaning doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, it can be very inexpensive if you have a few non-toxic products on hand. You can find some of the basics listed below. These are some of the things our great-grandmothers probably used to keep their homes clean for their families. 
 

Read more: Making Green Cleaners