When purchasing green chemicals, one can simply look for a certification from Green Seal, Carpet and Rug Institute, EcoLogo, EPA or GreenGuard.

But if you don’t want to limit yourself to a sticker on a bottle, look for products that have low volatile organic compounds, low levels of fragrances, no human carcinogens and ozone-depleting compounds. Water-based products are preferred over solvent-based ones. Non-corrosive products will be those with a moderate pH (closer to 7 rather than zero or 14).