Hiring a cleaning service is a real treat, but

coming home to chemical odors is not. American Lung Association of Washington warns that cleaning products contribute to indoor air pollution.

That's one reason Seattleites Ian and Rebecca Sanderson started GreenGlove, a natural cleaning service. GreenGlove uses a combination of powerful Dyson filtration vacuums, store-bought green cleaning products and homemade formulas to make homes shine.

You can breathe safely around GreenGlove's staple ingredients: tea tree oil and lavender oil. "Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and smells wonderful," Ian says.

He adds that green cleaning is also healthier for his staff. Cleaning crews aren't breathing or touching the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in conventional cleaning products.

Other local green cleaning companies include Fern Creek Natural Housecleaning and One Earth Services. The Green Queen of Clean uses a super-heated vapor to remove grime and grease--no detergents, chemicals or scrubbing.

"People are changing their lifestyles. They're thinking about way they eat, the way they live, and the way they clean," says Ian Sanderson. "We've found green cleaning products to be every bit as effective, if not more effective, as conventional products."

Want to learn more about healthy cleaning alternatives? Contact GreenGlove at 206-866-5242 to request a quote or schedule a cleaning; or check out Seattle Public Utilities' tips on making your own green cleaning kit.