Safe Alternatives to Toxic Household Products
Everyday household products can contain hazardous chemicals. Over 1.5 million human poisonings are reported each year to poison control centers and over 90% of the poisonings take place in the home. So, when choosing a cleaning product, ask yourself, is my family going to be in contact with dangerous chemicals? Rather than using products that contain toxic chemicals, try making your own non-toxic cleaners and products at home.
Surprisingly Effective Products Used to Make Cleaning Safer | |
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Baby Oil | Liquid Soap |
Baking Soda | Margarine |
Borax Salt | Olive Oil |
Club Soda | Skim Milk |
Lemon Juice | White Vinegar |
For These Products.... | Try This Instead... |
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All Purpose Cleaner | 1 tsp. liquid soap, 1 tsp. Borax, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 quart warm water. |
Ant Control | Mix Borax, sugar, and water on a cotton ball as a deadly bait. |
Bathroom Cleaner | Mix baking soda and castille soap. Scrub. |
Car Battery Corrosion Removal | Baking soda and water. |
Chrome Polish | Rub with vinegar. |
Coffee Cup Stain Removal | Rub with moist salt or baking soda. |
Dishwashing | Liquid soap without phosphates/chlorine. |
Disinfectants | Mix 1/2 cup Borax with 1 gallon boiling water or undiluted white vinegar. |
Drain Cleaner | Try plunger or pour 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar, then 2 quarts boiling water down the drain. Repeat or use a drain snake. |
Flea Repellant | Flea comb; Bathe; Diatomateous Earth. |
Vinyl Floor Cleaner | Vinegar and water. |
Furniture Polish | Olive oil or almond oil. |
Garbage Disposal Deodorizer | Baking soda or used lemons. |
Grout and Stain Cleaner | Paste made of baking soda and water (scrub with toothbrush) and spray with vinegar and water mix. After foaming, rinse with water. |
Hand Cleaner (Grease or Paint) | Baby oil or margarine, wash with soap and hot water. |
Laundry Detergent | 1/2 cup white vinegar or baking soda or Borax per load or phosphate-free soap. |
Linoleum Floor Cleaner | 1 cup white vinegar plus 2 gallons of water. |
Oven Cleaner | Baking soda and soap/water (scrub); prevent future cleaning by covering the bottom of the rack with aluminum foil. |
Rug/Carpet Cleaner | Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, rub, then vacuum. |
Scouring Powder/Abrasive Cleaner | Scrub with baking soda or Borax. |
Silver Cleaner | Rub gently with baking soda and a wet sponge. |
Stainless Steel Cleaner | Rub with baking soda paste (baking soda and water). |
Toilet Bowl Cleaner | Use baking soda or Borax or soak with vinegar. |
Tub & Tile Cleaner | Use vinegar on a sponge, then scour with baking soda; rinse well. |
Window Cleaner | Mix 1/2 cup vinegar in 1 quart of water; apply and wipe dry. |
Chemical Fertilizers | Use compost, bonemeal, and fully cooled wood ashes. |
Moths in Clothing | Wash woolens before storing; store in a tight container with cedar chips, lavender or newspapers. |
Paint (Oil-Based) | Use latex paint to avoid harsh vapors. |
Slug Bait | Attract slugs with a pan of beer. |