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Less toxic alternatives

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.
Oil soap is a good option as well.