We're all looking for ways to keep our families healthy, but when we're wiping down counters and scrubbing bathtubs with store bought cleaning products, we may actually be causing more harm than good.

With the push towards greener living happening in Rhode Island and all over the country right now, it's no surprise people are starting to question the safety of chemicals in everything from glass cleaners to laundry detergent, and even products like shampoo and soap.

There certainly are chemicals in most of the cleaning products we use on a regular basis and they can cause problems from allergies, breathing problems, and for all we know, they can even get into our bodies through inhalation and through our skin.

This week we'll take a look at some easy DIY alternatives to some common household cleaners. And as an added perk, you'll find that these are generally much less expensive than traditional ones and most of the ingredients are probably in your house already!

• All-purpose cleaner: In a new spray bottle, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and shake well. You can use this to clean most surfaces in your house, as vinegar is a great cleaning agent. Don't worry about the smell-- it will vanish after a little while and won't leave any nasty chemicals behind.
• Toilet bowl cleaner: This one also uses vinegar (told you it was an effective cleaner!), but mix a cup of it with 1/4 of baking soda. Pour it into the toilet, let it sit, then clean as usual.
• Wood cleaner: You already know olive oil is good for your health, but did you know it's also a great wood cleaner, too? Mix a teaspoon with either 1/4 of vinegar or fresh lemon juice and use an old cotton t-shirt to rub the mixture onto wood surfaces.
• For some variety: If you hate the smell of vinegar, try mixing in some essential oils (there are so many to choose from, you could make a variety of cleaners to use around the house!) If you miss the suds in traditional cleaners, you can make liquid castile soap and mix it with baking soda to get your foam fix. 

Check back next week for some more great ideas to keep your family healthy and happy!