Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Commonly Used and Toxic Products

Many of the toxic products in our homes can be safely made ourselves, with ingredients we already have in our homes. In addition to being eco-friendly, they are also wallet friendly.  

Household cleaners

When purchasing household cleaners, thoroughly read the labels of products you are considering. Products with potentially harmful chemicals will have warnings on the packaging or label. If you find a product without any warnings, it’s a safe choice.

A few things to remember:

• Unscented items typically have fewer chemicals and are safer for use indoors
• Only buy what you need when you need it
• Before throwing away leftover products, see if any friends or neighbors could us what’s left

DIY – Save money and minimize risk

Making your own eco-friendly cleaning products is easy and a great way to save money. And a bonus is many of the ingredients you will need to make your own you probably already have in your home!

All-Purpose Cleaner

Here are three ideas using ingredients you probably already have at home:

• Use vinegar or lemon juice diluted with water
• Add three tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart water
• Mix ½ cup of borax in 1 gallon of hot water. Cool before using

Glass Cleaner

Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Spray on glass and use newspaper to wipe dry.

Drain Cleaner

Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain. Cover the drain until fizzing stops, and then flush with boiling water.

Oven Cleaner

• Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda.
• For tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous cleaning ovens).
• Place a shallow pan of water in a heated oven (the steam will loosen grime).

Insecticides

• Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons liquid soap in 1 gallon of water. Spray on foliage. Test first as soap may damage some plant foliage.
• Caulk and seal doorways to prevent insect infestation.

Rug or Upholstery Cleaner

• Sprinkle stains with dry cornstarch or baking soda and vacuum.
• Use soap-based, non-aerosol cleaners.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Mix ½ cup of borax in 1 gallon of hot water. Cool before using.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

Scrub with baking soda or a combination of cream of tartar and 3% non-bleaching hydrogen peroxide.