As spring roars in this week, we're busy reaching for our mops, sponges and brooms for a little seasonal cleaning.

And while shopping for supplies, we couldn't help but notice all the pro-environment detergents, scrubs and soaps on store shelves.

Sure, they're gentle on the Earth, but do they work? We tested a handful of green cleaning products to see how they stack up next to their not-so-Earth-friendly counterparts. We were impressed with many of the products and surprised that they weren't always more expensive.

The bonus? Some of the ingredients listed - orange-peel extract and grapefruit seed, for instance - ensure that your house will smell like a tropical paradise. We found all green products at Whole Foods, with the exception of Method dish soap, which came from Target.

Biokleen laundry liquid

Cost: $3.99 for 1 quart concentrated liquid

How it worked: We tested on dirt, ink and red-wine stains. It took out every stain.

Advantage: Biokleen. It worked as well as detergent, with no phosphate, chlorine or ammonia. It was also less expensive than many of the major brands of detergent.

Earth Enzymes drain opener

Cost: $7.99 for 2 pounds of powder

How it worked: Drain was still slow even after allowing product to work for 24 hours.

Advantage: The traditional products, which were more effective on really clogged drains. But it's worth trying a small amount of the Earth-friendly product every day for sinks that often clog. Unlike harsh chemicals, this product can be used in toilets and septic tanks.

Bon Ami

Cost: $1.49 for 14 ounces

How it worked: Who knew this product, found at every grocery store, was Earth-friendly? It's been around for more than 120 years, so maybe your grandmother knew. It worked well on a porcelain sink, cleaning off grime and grease without scratching.

Advantage: Bon ami, over scouring powders that smelled of chlorine and scratched surfaces.

Seventh Generation Shower Cleaner

Cost: $4.99 for 32 ounces

How it worked: Surprisingly well, though it took a little more elbow grease to get off the soap scum than did the traditional products.

Advantage: Seventh Generation. The payoff was huge - a pleasant scent, as opposed to a chemical odor so strong it caused eyes to water. The words "do not use in unventilated areas" do not appear on the green product.

Citra-Solv multipurpose cleaner

Cost: $2.99 for 22 ounces

How it worked: Very well on kitchen counters, not so well on carpets

Advantage: Citra-Solv, for countertops. This inexpensive product will leave your home smelling like an orange tree. To remove carpet stains and odors, look for a green product with enzymes that eliminate the odor-causing bacteria.

Method dish soap

Cost: $2.99 for 25 ounces

How it worked: Left dishes spotless

Advantage: A tie, though with its lovely colors, Method has the edge in looks.

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