Chemical household cleaners contribute significantly to indoor air pollution because of their frequent use. Note of encouragement: women who work in the home are 55% more likely to develop cancer or a chronic respiratory disease than women who work outside the home. Switch to household cleaners that are less toxic, or even make your own cleaners and save money.

Here are some brands that provide less-toxic alternatives. Not all their products are completely safe; some may contain mild irritants or a possible human carcinogen. Making your own cleaners with baking soda and vinegar probably provides a better solution (see below) in my opinion, but these are certainly of greater convenience and are a much better option than conventional cleaners.

Air Scense
Bi-O-Kleen
Bio Pac
Citra-Drain
Citra-Wood
Citra Solv
Dr. Bronner's
Earth Friendly
Ecover
Life Tree
Nature's Best
Maggie's Soap Nuts (in place of laundry detergent)
Oxi Clean
OXO-Brite
Planet
Seventh Genertation
Sun & Earth

NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list - please let me know if I'm missing anything!


Do-It-Yourself Cleaning: Here are some ingredients that are very useful for household cleaning and will work well in lieu of conventional household cleaners. They will save you money and reduce the chemicals in your home.

Baking Soda
Use it to scrub toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, countertops, and tile. All you need is a brush and some water.
White Distilled Vinegar
Use it to clean up soap scum or any mineral build up (simply soak and then wipe), as a fabric softener (add 1/2 cup to rinse cycle), or to wash windows (2 cups water to 1/4 cup vinegar solution and a squeegee works well).
Tea Tree Oil
Provides a great sanitizer. Combine 2 tbsp tea tree oil with 2 cups water in a spray bottle (this can also be used on faucets: just spray on, let sit for 30 minutes, and then swipe).
Vegetable-based Liquid Soap
Less-toxic alternative for washing dishes.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as lavender, can be used as a non-toxic substitute for fragrance with any cleaning solution.
Jojoba Oil
Use it for polishing floors.
Hydrogen Peroxide
It's best to avoid antibacterials - there is speculation that they encourage the development of resistant 'super' bacteria. However, if an antibacterial is necessary, hydrogen peroxide is the best option. It breaks down into something harmless: water.


Some other tips on household cleaning...

Don't use a duster. It will just make dust airborne, which isn't good for your lungs! Use a wet cloth instead.
Change bedding once a week. It reduces build up of dust, which can sometimes contain serious irritants.
Steam-clean carpets, upholestry, and rugs once per year. You can rent a steam-cleaner from a hardware store. Steam-cleaning reduces build up of dust.


Recommended Reading Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe & Healthy, Non-Toxic Cleaning by Jeffrey Hollender and Geoff Davis, with Meika Hollender and Reed Doyle