When Hillary Thieling launched Sparkle Queen four years ago, she didn't expect it to be a green company. "Initially, when I started cleaning, I did the cleaning myself and I started with clients' products," Thieling says. But after working with traditional cleaning products for just a few weeks, she began to feel ill. "I felt terrible and I didn't want others to feel horrible as well."

So Thieling switched to green, non-toxic cleaning products to protect herself and her staff. But she kept the change quiet. "I was nervous," explains Thieling. "There was the idea about green cleaning that it doesn't clean as well, that it won't get rid of germs, that we need bleach."

Now, it's one of Sparkle Queen's key selling points. "People are interested because it's healthy, and some are interested for the environment," says Thieling. Sparkle Queen uses only plant-based, naturally mined, biodegradable products. They're a safe alternative to the dozens of traditional cleaning ingredients considered toxic by the EPA. The end result is a cleaner environment for the homeowner, the staff and the rest of us too.

Sparkle Queen's General Manager and green cleaning expert, Sue Cook, suggests giving green cleaning products a try. One brand she particularly recommends is Winnetka-based Earth Friendly Products, available at many local grocery stores. And her final advice? "Never buy a cleaning product unless it discloses all of its ingredients. General cleaning products don't even list them all."


Sparkle Queen currently serves Chicago from the South Loop to Wicker Park to Lakeview. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit www.sparklequeen.com. Click here to learn more about green cleaning products. Or take the EPA's Household Toxics Tour.

Do you have ideas on how to have a clean and healthy home? Post them below.