Green cleaning and organic personal care brands I have discovered recently.

[Skidmore]

I've been trying to remove chemical cleaners and toxins from our living environment and wanted to share some products with you I have found and really think are effective. These all seem to cost more than big name brands, but I have discovered that you really don't need to use as much product to get the job done. For example, about 3 tablespoons full of the fabric softener below is enough for a large load of clothing.

Restore - have tried the General Purpose Cleaner, the Laundry Detergent 3x Concentrate, and Dish Soap, all with good results.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.restoreproducts.com/commercial/index.html&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=2&usg=AFQjCNHI6-mQauquaklPwDu2boA0NQYKfg

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Fabric Softener--love, love, love the Lavende scented one

http://www.mrsmeyers.com/

Bon Ami Cleaning Powders--Great for the tub and for cleaning stainless steel.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bonami.com/products/&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&usg=AFQjCNEweH9hH_GPWoNt-qFgi_uCXVt2Yg

Nature's Best Shampoos and Conditioners -- my hair is loving this stuff. I get it at our little local market where they will refill my bottle at $.20/oz. for the shampoo. The conditioner is a couple of cents more. Leaves your hair smelling like you rolled in hers and a very silky squeaky clean.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bonami.com/products/&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&usg=AFQjCNEweH9hH_GPWoNt-qFgi_uCXVt2Yg

Handmade organic goat milk soap -- I have rosacea and I've been using lavendar goat milk soap on my face. My skin is now staying really clear and moisturized without topical medicines or antibiotics. My skin feels so much better. When I have flare-ups, they actually are mild and bumps heal quicker. There is a local lady who makes soap on her farm and I buy her soap when her goats are giving milk. When they are not, I have bought goat milk soap from the following craftsman in North Carolina. You'll love this soap. It makes some insanely rich lather (use one of those scrunchy things with the bar) which feels luxurious and your skin feels like you've put a really good cream on afterward.

http://www.soapshed.com/store/The-Soap-Shed-p-9.html

[Muttocracy]

1. Bon Ami is great - low toxicity, cheap, and effective

I can't believe people pay more for Ajax and Comet that scratch things.

I grew up with Bon Ami and am glad it's still around.

Edit to add - I'm also a huge fan of good old baking soda.

[Skidmore]

2. Baking soda and vinegar.

I use it a lot too. And that stuff is really cheap.

[RebelOne]

3. If you have a Big Lots near you, they sell it dirt cheap.