Greener Is Cleaner Week 5: Clean More with Less--and Faster!

"One thing is proven," says Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean®, "we're opening up seven cleaning products every time we clean. Our children are having more asthma and allergies then ever before." Now that you're getting into a deep cleaning routine, it's time to reevaluate your tools.

Favorite Products to Clean Green

Take a look at Cobb's eight minimalist cleaning essentials:

1. All-purpose product: Lamb's wool telescope duster and dust mitt.
What it will clean: Wood and painted furniture, hard-to-reach spaces, the coffee table, electronics, Baby's crib.
What it will replace: Spray polishes, which "really aren't good for your furniture and shouldn't be used all the time," says Cobb.

2. All-purpose product: Natural microfiber cloth.
What it will clean: Hard surfaces, using nothing but water.
What it will replace: Cleaning sprays, disinfecting foams, and disposable dusting cloths.

3. All-purpose product: Multi-surface, compostable (biodegradable) pre-moistened wipes—unscented if possible.
What it will clean: Bathroom and kitchen surfaces, or anything messy like grimy baby finger prints.
What it will replace: Small disposable wipes or paper towels.

4. All-purpose product: Spray bottle of vinegar and water.
What it will clean: Hard surfaces, with one exception—don't use vinegar on granite. Use on windows, kitchen and bathroom drains, coffee pot. Will cut through soap scum. Add a half cup of white vinegar to your laundry rinse cycle for truer colors, static reduction, and fabric softening.
What it will replace: Most hard surface cleaners. You can drop anti-cling sheets and fabric softeners from your shopping list as well.