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Non-Toxic Cleaning Alternatives
You don't need harsh cleaning products to clean your home. Baking
soda is a good all-purpose cleaner and vinegar can make windows sparkle. There’s a very good reason to make the switch, some commercial household cleaning products can be hazardous to you and your family’s health. The hazards can come from chemical fumes, improper mixing of more than one product, or from being swallowed by small children. By buying and using fewer potentially hazardous products in the first place, you’ll create a safer place for you, your family, and the environment.
 Switching
to safer cleaning products is simple. Just incorporate the cleaning products and
tools listed below.
All-Purpose Cleaners
Bathroom Cleaners
Carpet Cleaners
Drain Cleaners
Floor Cleaners
Oven Cleaners
Window Cleaners
All-Purpose Cleaners
- Mix a small amount of liquid soap with water in a spray bottle and clean with a wet sponge or cloth. Wipe dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda or mix baking soda with water and scrub with a wet sponge. If the baking soda leaves a residue, rinse with cold water and vinegar. Dry with a cloth.
- For stains on counters, squeeze fresh lemon juice, let sit for 45 minutes, sprinkle baking soda, and rub with sponge or soft cloth.
Bathroom Cleaners
- to clean the sink, shower, tub, and tile grout, soak with diluted liquid soap, sprinkle baking soda, and scrub with a white nylon scrubbing pad and rinse. Use a stiff toothbrush or scrub brush for tiles. If any residue occurs, rinse with vinegar and cold water.
Carpet Cleaner
- For odors, look for and remove the source of the odor.
Sprinkle entire carpet (make sure carpet is dry) with baking soda. Let sit
15 minutes, or overnight for serious odors, then vacuum.
- For spills, immediately blot with a clean rag or towel. For some spots, dilute liquid soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly and blot with rag or towel.
Drain Cleaner
- Use a plunger or snake. Before using a plunger, be sure there is water standing over drain. To get an air tight fit, apply petroleum jelly on rim. Push and pull vigorously. When using a snake, first remove all strainers or cross bars. Gently rotate snake and when resistance is felt, withdraw material carefully.
Floor Cleaner
- For vinyl floors, fill bucket with warm water and add ½ cup of vinegar.
Oven Cleaners
- For lightly soiled ovens, make a thick paste with water and baking soda. Scrub
well with a white nylon scrubbing pad. If the oven is greasy, add a small amount
of liquid soap.
- Commercial oven cleaners are available that are non-caustic and do not contain
lye. Avoid products with the word "Danger" on the label.
Window Cleaner
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To clean windows, simply use cool water with a cloth and squeegee.
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To remove greasy fingerprints, put 1 tablespoon
reconstituted (or stained fresh) lemon juice with warm water in a quart
spray bottle.
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Resources
Non-Toxic cleaning alternatives
Proper HHW Disposal
Oil Recyclers
E-Waste
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