When my husband, Dave, and I first started housekeeping together (we are still newlyweds...), he used to shake his head and occasionally comment on my refusal to use artificial chemical cleaning products in the home. Yes, it is a bit unconventional to say the least! But even he will tell you that he likes that our house is free of toxic chemicals.

Only ten years ago, I too believed the only way to really clean was with smelly household cleaners. Here's the story:

Have you heard of the hygiene hypothesis? First proposed in England in 1989 by David Strachan, it was a possible explanation of why kids raised in larger families have a lower incidence of allergies. It has been studied extensively and has now been expanded.

The current thinking is that early exposure to bacteria, viruses, parasites etc. are important for the development of a healthy immune system. This is a radical shift in thinking from the antibacterial paradigm most of us were raised with years ago.

Ten years ago, I had a baby. I was living in England at the time. The medical community there was beginning to discuss and apply this new hygiene paradigm. I was encouraged to breast feed, of course, but also to not worry so much about sterilizing bottles and utensils after the baby was a few months old.

Naturally, as an over tired new parent, when the hygiene hypothesis was explained to me, I happily followed along. It did make a lot of sense. After all, babies have lived for thousands of years with lots and lots of dirt around and have thrived. Besides, sterilizing everything WAS a lot of work....

Well, guess what? At age 10, that same child rarely gets sick and has no allergies so far...even with a genetic predisposition to asthma from both parents!

For me the hygiene hypothesis paradigm shift led to a "re-think" about all the chemicals and insecticides that were being used in and around the house to keep it clean and "pest" free. It's really quite incredible what a young child and parents are exposed to in terms of household chemicals these days. The question is why? If early exposure to microbes is good for baby - why expose a child to pollutants in the name of killing them?

So, the search for healthier alternatives began....

Through trial and error and speaking with other parents who have gone in favor of "green cleaning", I learned that pretty much all household cleaning can be done using a bit of creativity and things you already have in your kitchen. Using greener alternatives is easy, inexpensive, good for your family and good for the earth.

Here are some ideas:

1. Baking soda: Acts as a scrub, polishes metal and deodorizes things. (a must have if you have a baby in diapers).

2. Lemon: Deodorizes, cuts grease, bleaches stains and disinfects. Mixed with baking soda, it removes stains from plastic food storage containers.

4. Salt: Another scrubber (more course than baking soda)—good for cookware and ovens. Combined with citrus juice it removes rust.

5. White vinegar: Deodorizes and disinfects (again acid). Mix with water and a little dish soap and you've got a great all purpose cleaner for windows, floors, bathrooms and all the rest. Used full strength it fights mold and mildew and body odor in clothing.

6. Olive Oil: Mix two parts oil with one part lemon juice and use as a furniture polish. It smells great.

So, if you are thinking of going organic with the food you eat, why not go all the way and get rid of the pollutants in your house. You and your family will benefit with better health and more pocket money. If you have children - you won't have to worry about poisoning. After all, what's the worst thing that can happen from drinking vinegar except a tummy ache?

And, when you say you can eat off the floor in your home, you will really mean it!

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis