Search
all the pages
of our website by entering a keyword below.
Concern for the environment as well as the health and safety of our family and pets is growing.
That's why, when it comes to cleaning, more and more people are pushing aside their ready-made commercial cleaners and opting for safer and gentler homemade cleaners.
Generations ago, families relied on simple ingredients such as vinegar and pure soap to keep their homes clean. Today cleaning can be just as simple. Drain and oven cleaners, abrasive powders and detergents can all be replaced with a homemade alternative.
For ideas on how to care for your garden and lawn naturally, click here.
Environmentally-safe
ingredients
Use the ingredients listed below when making your
own alternative cleaners. Either combined, or
on their own, they will produce safe, effective
and cost-efficient cleaners.
| Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) | An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. It cleans, deodorizes, scours, polishes and removes stains. |
| Borax:
(sodium borate) |
It deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the cleaning power of soap. It also prevents mold and odours. |
| Cornstarch: |
Cleans and deodorizes carpets and rugs. |
| Lemon
Juice: |
Cuts through grease and stains on aluminum and porcelain. |
| Castille Pure Soap: (not detergent) | Cleans everything. |
| Table Salt: (sodium chloride) | A mild disinfectant and makes an abrasive, but gentle, scouring powder. |
| Vinegar: (dilute acetic acid) | Removes mildew, stains, grease and wax buildup. Vinegar is a great glass cleaner. |
| Washing Soda: (sodium carbonate) | Cuts grease and disinfects. It will also increase the cleaning power of soap. |
Recipes
The following recipes have been compiled from
a number of reputable sources. However, Waste
Reduction Office does not accept any responsibility
for the effectiveness of the cleaners.
| Instead of... | Why not try... |
| Drain Cleaner | Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let stand 15 minutes. Flush with boiling water. |
| Tub
& Tile Cleaner |
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 litres warm water. Apply with a sponge. |
| Oven
Cleaner |
Combine equal parts of baking soda and salt and mix these with enough water to form a paste. Use a copper scrubbing pad to apply the paste. |
| All-purpose
Cleaner |
Mix
1/4 cup house-hold ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar,
1/2 cup baking soda and 4 litres warm water
OR 1 tsp. borax, 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 2 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. vegetable-oil based liquid soap (like Murphy's), and 2 cups very hot tap water. |
| Metal
Polish/Cleaner |
Use lemon juice or a piece of lemon sprinkled with baking soda. Rub with a soft cloth, rinse with water and dry. |
| Air
Freshener |
Simmer vinegar or herbs in water. |
| Dishwasher
detergent |
Mix 1 cup borax with 1/2 cup baking soda. |
| Carpet and Rug Cleaner | Carpet and Rug Cleaner |
| Furniture
Polish |
For wood that has been stained but not varnished or painted: Use olive oil on a cloth to polish. For wood that has been varnished or painted: Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 litre water in a spray bottle. Spray the furniture lightly and dry with a cloth. |
| Glass
and Mirror Cleaner |
Mix in a spray bottle 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar. Spray on and dry with a rag or crumpled up newspaper. |
Before you begin...
- Save time, make your cleaners in advance.
- Buy
your ingredients in bulk. You'll save money
and avoid excess packaging.
- Store
your ingredients in reusable airtight containers.
- Make
small batches of cleaners; store in durable,
plastic containers and spray bottles.
- Label
all of your ingredients and keep them out of
reach of children.
- Wear rubber gloves when you clean. These alternative cleaners are environmentally-safe, but they may irritate the skin.
Environmentally-safe commercial products:
If you don't want to make your own alternative
cleaners, there are a number of commercial products
available that were developed with the environment
in mind. Before you buy, make sure the one you
select for your cleaning job is truly environmentally-safe.
These products can be found in health-food stores,
some grocery stores and through direct-sales agents.
Do not purchase a product that does not list all of its ingredients. Some products, such as detergents, are petroleum-based. Ask your grocer for product details.
If you are concerned about animals, make sure the product does not contain any animal by-products and was not tested on animals. Soaps can contain animal or vegetable fat.
If your grocer stocks products that claim to be environmentally-safe, but are not, or misuse the word "green", express your displeasure to your grocer and the manufacturer.
If your grocer does not stock environmentally-safe products, ask for them or write manufacturers requesting that they produce some.
Link
to Care2 Website: 
© 2006 Northern Environmental Action Team. All rights reserved. Site by Kreatikon Media.