Many household cleaning products are toxic to you and your family. There are less toxic alternatives available that can be used throughout your home.
Basic ingredients for less toxic cleaning
Baking soda and Borax - cleans and deodorizes, and are also good scouring powders
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) - works like a disinfectant
Plain soap (liquid dish soap or bar soap) without fragrances or Triclosan - Castile Soap is a good liquid option
Scrub brush or green scrubbing pad
White vinegar and lemon juice - cuts grease and smells fresh
Air freshener
Leave open boxes / bowl of baking soda in refrigerator, closet, and bathroom.
Sprinkle baking soda in bottom of trash cans.
All purpose cleaner
Mix liquid soap with 1 tablespoon of baking soda; add lemon juice and water.
Fill a spray bottle with 1/2 part vinegar and 1/2 part water; add some lemon juice for fresh scent.
Carpet and upholstery cleaner
Mix 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon mild liquid soap, 1 teaspoon Borax, and a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar. Apply with a damp cloth or sponge and rub gently. Wipe with a clean cloth and allow to dry.
Carpet deodorizer
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let it set overnight, or for as long as possible. Vacuum.
Drain opener
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. After 15 minutes, pour 2 quarts of boiling water down the drain.
Glass cleaner
Mix 1 quart water with 1/3 cup white vinegar and 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Spray on surfaces and rub clean with a soft, lint-free cloth or newspaper.
Kitchen counter, floor and appliances
Use soapy water or soapy water mixed with vinegar.
Combine 1/2 part vinegar with 1/2 part water into a spray bottle.
Mold and mildew
To prevent or kill mold, mix 1 teaspoon tea tree oil per 2 cups of water. Apply with sponge.
Let vinegar sit on mold. Clean with soapy water.
To clean mildew from shower curtain, machine wash with 1/2 cup soap and 1/2 cup baking soda; add 1 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Oven cleaner
Mix 2 tablespoons liquid soap, 2 teaspoons Borax, and 1 quart warm water; leave on oven for 20 minutes, then scrub with non-chlorinated scouring powder.
Tile/grout cleaner
Combine 3 cups of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water and scrub into the grout. Rinse well with water.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Pour 1/4 cup baking soda into bowl and sprinkle with vinegar. Let sit for half hour, then brush.
Mix 1/2 cup Borax with 1 gallon of warm water. Works like a disinfectant and stain remover.
Use hydrogen peroxide.
Wood furniture and floor polish
Mix 2 parts vegetable oil with 1 part lemon juice. Rub mixture in and let stand. Then polish with a soft cloth.
