Spring was officially ushered in last week.

With warmer temperatures, it is a good time to take inventory and make plans to go green for your annual spring cleaning.

One way to do this is to use homemade or purchased green household cleaning products.

Green cleaning products are safer for humans and provide added benefits for the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air in our homes typically is more polluted than outside air, with one of the largest pollutants being household cleaners.

The use of green cleaning products can improve residential air quality.

These products are safe to use, non-toxic and clean just as well as products that contain hazardous chemicals.

You can find green cleaning products for everything from glass to laundry.

Many products are biodegradable for easy disposal and are packaged in recycled containers.

In most cases, you can determine if a product is green by reading its label. Look at the list of ingredients to see if the product contains any potentially harmful chemicals such as chlorine or peroxide-based bleach, ammonia, turpentine or lye.

If a product claims to “kill germs” or disinfect, look for its EPA registration number on the label.

Some of the best green cleaning products are already available in your kitchen cupboard.

Common household items, such as white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice, can be used to clean glass and other surfaces and to remove odors. 

For glass cleaner, mix 1/4 cup ammonia, two tablespoons white vinegar and one cup of water.

To remove odors, place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer or sprinkle into garbage cans.

Remember to recycle as you clean out closets and drawers. Donate discarded toys, books and clothing.

For more information about going green, contact the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service at 744-4682 or visit us on the web at http://ces.ca.uky.edu/clark/

Jennifer Howard is the Clark County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.