Dirt. It’s natural outside in the garden, but no one wants it in a home. Cleaning, whether it’s the daily routine of laundry and dishes, or a tougher chore like scrubbing the toilet, is a part of life. It’s also something that can be harmful to the environment.

But how can something like scrubbing away at stubborn dirt spots be bad for the planet? According to National Geographic’s Green Guide, cleaning does not intrinsically dirty the environment, but the chemicals in most cleaning supplies do.

Green cleaning products are those that are not harmful to people or the environment, according to Public Health of Seattle and King County.

Learning which chemicals to avoid is the easy part, but knowing which products contain those ingredients is a different story.

The most damaging components of cleaners are nonrenewable petroleum, synthetic fragrances and chemical whiteners, the Green Guide said.

Most dish soaps and laundry detergents contain petroleum, the same limited resource used to fuel cars. Two other categories of chemicals to avoid are alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) and linear alkylate sulfonate (LAS), which can cause a variety of health complications, such as immune system damage and respiratory problems.

Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners both pose environmental concerns, dryer sheets because they are not generally biodegradable, and fabric softener because the synthetic fragrances used are harmful to those with allergies or asthma.

Chlorine bleach can cause skin and respiratory irritation, and can contaminate the water supply by mixing with carbon molecules to create organochlorides.

Consumers wishing to switch to cleaning products that are better for the planet should be aware of “greenwashing,” which, according to www.grist.org, refers to a product that claims to be natural but isn’t.

The labels “non-toxic,” “environmentally-friendly,” “eco-safe” and “natural” are unregulated and may not actually indicate a green product. Additionally, only herbs and foods can be labeled organic, not household products.

There are ways consumers can insure they are buying green cleaning supplies, however. Look for product labels that say “danger, “warning” or “caution,” words that can indicate the presence of a chemical.

Additionally, specific claims are more likely to be true. Look for plant-based oils derived from coconut or palm in detergent, and essential oils, not artificial fragrances.

The last consideration should be packaging. Buying the largest size or a concentrated version of a product saves on packaging. Recyclable packaging is a plus, as is packaging made from post-consumer recycled material.

Alternative cleaners

Tub and sink cleaner:

Baking soda, liquid soap

Sprinkle baking soda on porcelain fixtures and rub with a wet rag. Add a little liquid to the rag; we recommend Murphy’s soap for more cleaning power. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film.

Window and mirror cleaner: White vinegar, water

Pour one-fourth cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and fill to the top with water. Spray on the surface and rub with a lint-free rag. For outdoor windows, use a sponge and wash with warm water with a few drops of liquid Murphy’s or castile soap in it. Rinse well and squeegee dry.

Linoleum floor cleaner:

White vinegar, water

Mop with a mixture of one-half cup vinegar in a bucket of warm water. The vinegar odor will go away shortly after the floor dries.

Toilet bowl cleaner:

Baking soda, liquid soap

Sprinkle baking soda inside the bowl as you would any scouring powder. Add a couple drops of soap. Scrub with a toilet bowl brush and finish outside surfaces with a rag sprinkled with baking soda.

All-purpose cleaner for spots on woodwork, tile and linoleum: Murphy’s liquid soap

Add a few drops of liquid soap to a wet washcloth and rub surface briskly.

Recipes from www.metrokc.gov/health/asthma/facts/greencleaning.htm.