Non-Toxic Home Cleaning

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Non-Toxic Home Cleaning

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live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

 

 

Homemade Substitutions

Formulas

Healthy Home Cleaning Habits

Commercial Non-Toxic Household Products

 

 

Today's modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances

designed to make domestic life easier.

 

 

The cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be high --

long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution

caused by their manufacture and disposal. In the US, for example, 1

in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis

(US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these

conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home

environment.

 

For many home-cleaning chores, you can make your own cleaning

products using the formulas listed below.

 

A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are

also available, as healthier and environmentally responsible

alternatives. Your use of these products helps promote the growth of

green businesses which are contributing to a sustainable economy.

 

Homemade Substitutions

 

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which

can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is

a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used

alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

 

Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is

biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps

which contain petroleum distillates.

Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most

household bacteria.

 

Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens

water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.

White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and

wax build-up.

Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a

mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water,

cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can

irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.

Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been

suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in

solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol

buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)

Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo

carpets and rugs.

Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains.

(Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people

with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric

acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs,

such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally

require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not

create any fumes.

 

 

Formulas

 

 

Combinations of the above basic products can provide less harmful

substitutions for many commercial home products. In most cases,

they're also less expensive. Here are some formulas for safe,

alternative home care products:

Note: These formulas and substitutions are offered to help

minimize the use of toxic substances in your home, and reduce the

environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of

toxics. Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and

effective. Before applying any cleaning formulations, test in small

hidden areas if possible. Always use caution with any new product in

your home.

Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of

the reach of children.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or

2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep.

Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels,

bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease

and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are

formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of

different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

 

Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal

passages to diminish the sense of smell.

• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs

odors around the house.

• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.

• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water)

on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off

utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy

water.

• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.

• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.

• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.

• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

 

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and

can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two

parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at

least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

 

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray

bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and

clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.

For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and

vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

 

Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block

to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the

lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

 

Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying

vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker,

add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe

with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

 

Deodorize:

• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and

baking soda

• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in

the unit

• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming

• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room

for 12 - 24 hours

 

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but

increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

 

Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not

themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen

in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2

or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.

 

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups

hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid

castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray

bottle.

 

 

 

Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4

liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For

stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain,

then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty

acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down

the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue.

Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can

melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method

after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with

the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

 

Fabric softener: To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then

shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying

clothing is another alternative.

 

Floor Cleaner and Polish:

vinyl and linoleum:

wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in

well.

painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot

water.

brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L)

water; rinse with clear water.

Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar

and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white

distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil;

shake to mix.

 

 

Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil

into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton

cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the

cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.

For unvarnished wood, mix two tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice

and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to

spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the

furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

 

Laundry Detergent: Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2

cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2

tbsp for heavy loads.

 

Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by

putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently

boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle

is still warm.

 

Marks on walls and painted surfaces: Many ink spots, pencil, crayon

or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking

soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

 

 

Metal Cleaners and Polishes:

aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of

tartar and water.

brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-

soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution.

chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side

out.

copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon

salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool,

then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon

juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a

lemon wedge with salt, then scrub.

gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.

silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a

teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse

silver. Polish with soft cloth.

stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white

vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda

in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean

cloth.

 

 

Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength.

Apply with a sponge or scrubby.

 

Mothballs: The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which

is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square,

or cedar oil in an absorbant cloth will repel moths. The cedar should

be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar

chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own

using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.

Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender,

rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.

Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - simply toss

into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.

 

Oil and Grease Spots: For small spills on the garage floor, add

baking soda and scrub with wet brush.

 

 

Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup

baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and

spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings)

Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently

with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven

Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

 

Paint Brush Cleaner: Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now

available commercially under several brand names. Citra-Solve is one

brand. This works well for cleaning brushes of oil-based paints.

Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved

overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap

the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a used bread or

produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The

paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush

or roller the next day and continue with the job.

Fresh paint odors can be reduced by placing a small dish of white

vinegar in the room.

 

Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over

the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3

hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.

 

Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such

surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking

soda directly with a damp sponge.

 

Shoe Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied

to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes;

wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.

 

Stickers on walls: Our children covered the inside of their room

doors with stickers. Now they are grown, but the stickers remained.

To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15

minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags

(stickers) on tools, etc.

 

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour

into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and

rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will

also work.

 

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a

damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe

surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring

powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)

 

Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water,

apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open

room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.

 

Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the

result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the

finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub

into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood

surface.

 

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt)

warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don't

clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks

will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well

on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a

solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

 

 

 

 

 

Healthy Home Cleaning Habits

 

Exchange Air:

Many modern homes are so tight there's little new air coming in. Open

the windows from time to time or run any installed exhaust fans. In

cold weather, the most efficient way to exchange room air is to open

the room wide - windows and doors, and let fresh air in quickly for

about 5 minutes. The furnishings in the room, and the walls, act

as 'heat sinks', and by exchanging air quickly, this heat is retained.

Minimize Dust:

Remove clutter which collects dust, such as old newspapers and

magazines. Try to initiate a 'no-shoes-indoors' policy. If you're

building or remodelling a home, consider a central vacuum system;

this eliminates the fine dust which portable vacuum cleaners

recirculate.

Keep Bedrooms Clean:

Most time is spent in the bedrooms. Keep pets out of these rooms,

especially if they spend time outdoors.

Use Gentle Cleaning Products:

Of the various commercial home cleaning products, drain cleaners,

toilet bowl cleaners and oven cleaners are the most toxic. Use the

formulas described above or purchase 'green' commercial alternatives.

Avoid products containing ammonia or chlorine, or petroleum-based

chemicals; these contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches and

other complaints.

Clean from the Top Down:

When house cleaning, save the floor or carpet for last. Allow time

for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

 

 

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