I’m not ashamed to say that I recently searched out a dishwashing liquid as if it were to become my personal signature scent.

It began in September, when I attended the Natural Products Expo East in Boston and was handed a fistful of Biokleen Lemon Tyme dishwashing samples. The smell, in my opinion, is intoxicating, and the product worked well. So when my samples ran out, I jumped online to find out where I could buy more.

Now I’m not going to tell you that using Biokleen turns everyday life into a Calgon moment, those iconic TV commercials that transform one’s life from havoc to heaven, but I am definitely hooked.

This newfound fabulous scent aside, the fact that natural cleaning products are best for us, and the environment, has led me to change my purchases. Though there are presently no bans on chemical-laden cleaning products, the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive is now educating consumers that many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can have serious adverse effects not only on those using them, but on building occupants whose air quality suffers when products circulate through ventilation systems, and the environment, when chemicals drain into our ecosystem. Environmental damage can also occur during the development, manufacturing and transportation of these products.

One thing you can look for when making purchasing decisions is companies that have been endorsed by Co-Op America and  Green Seal, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the manufacturing, purchasing, and use, of environmentally responsible products and services.

In addition to Biokleen products, here are eight more green cleaning options to brighten your home, many made with ingredients such as coconut, palm and vegetable oil, orange oils, and sodium carbonate.

Arm & Hammer Essentials Liquid Laundry Detergent (pick up some coupons here)

Sun & Earth Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Sun & Earth Dryer Sheets, which are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and completely biodegrade in 21 days.

Purex Natural Elements

Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner

Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid

Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Powder

LifeTree Automatic Dishwashing Liquid

Now’s a great time to get started on that spring cleaning. After all, summer 2009 doesn’t officially start until June 21st.

Image: emdot