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  Non-Toxic Home Cleaning

 

 
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Safe, non-toxic formulas, techniques and products for cleaning in your home:
1. Homemade Substitutions
2. Formulas
3. Healthy Home Cleaning Habits
4. Commercial Non-Toxic Household Products
Browse Eartheasy's non-toxic cleaning products:

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Today's
modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make
domestic life easier.
 

The cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be high -- long
term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution caused
by their manufacture and disposal. In the US, for example, 1 in 3 people
suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US
National Center for Health Statistics).
Treatment for these conditions should include
reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.

For
many home-cleaning chores, you can make your own cleaning products using
the formulas listed below.

A growing number of commercial non-toxic home cleaning products are also available, as
healthier and environmentally responsible alternatives. Your use of these products
helps promote the growth of green businesses which are contributing to a sustainable
economy.

  1. Homemade
Substitutions

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely
be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common,
environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for
a wealth of household applications.
Baking
Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable
and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain
petroleum distillates.
Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans
wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
White
Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and
wax build-up.
Washing
Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral.
Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall,
tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous
membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
Isopropyl
Alcohol -
is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace
this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There
is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness
in the body. See drclark.ch/g)
Cornstarch -
can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and
rugs.
Citrus
Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people
with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

 

  2. Formulas

Combinations
of the above basic products can provide less harmful substitutions for many
commercial home products. In most cases, they're also less expensive. Here
are some formulas for safe, alternative home care products:

 
Note:
These formulas and substitutions are offered to
help minimize the use of toxic substances in your home, and reduce the environmental
harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Results may
vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and effective. Before applying
any cleaning formulations, test in small hidden areas if possible. Always
use caution with any new product in your home.
 

Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the
reach of children.
All-Purpose
Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons
borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal
of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures,
windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

Another alternative are microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and
dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated
to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A
good quality cloth can last for several years.
Air
Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal
passages to diminish the sense of smell.
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs
odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water)
on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils
and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.
Bathroom
mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common
problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%)
with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait
at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar
and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several
minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15 - 30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar.
Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

Deodorize:
• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hours

Dishwasher
Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the
washing soda if your water is hard.
If you want to use a commercial dishwashing soap, try Nellie's All-Natural diswasher powder, which contains no bleach or phosphates.
Dishwashing
Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful,
but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent
substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar
to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.
Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For
stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on
with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)
To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
Drain
Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2
cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down
into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After
15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this
method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water
is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the
vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Fabric softener: To reduce static cling, dampen your
hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative.

Floor Cleaner and Polish:

 
vinyl and linoleum:
mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borox. Use sparingly on lineoleum.
wood: apply
a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well.
painted wood:
mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water.
brick and stone tiles:
mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear
water.
Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of
vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white
distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake
to mix.

Furniture
Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon
oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth.
Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish
by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.

For unvarnished wood, mix two tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice and
apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the
mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide
strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Laundry Detergent: Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha
soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads;
2 tbsp for heavy loads. Commercial natural, biodegradable laundry detergents are also now available online and in select stores.

Lime Deposits:
You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml)
white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse
well with fresh water while kettle is still warm.
To remove lime scale on bathroom fixtures, squeeze lemon juice onto affected areas and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a wet cloth.

Marks on walls and painted surfaces: Many ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

Metal
Cleaners and Polishes:

 
aluminum:
using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water.

brass or bronze: polish
with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and
salt solution. Another method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.
chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.
copper: soak
a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water
with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot;
let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or
lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub., A simpler method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.
gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt,
vinegar, and flour.
silver: line a pan with
aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and
salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.
stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean cloth.

Mold
and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full
strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.

Mothballs: The
common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver
and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent
cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred
to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply
stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.
Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary,
vetiver and rose petals.
Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent
- simply toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the
closet.

Oil and Grease Spots: For small spills on the garage floor, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush.

Oven
Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup
baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread
throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit
overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel
wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic
by Consumers Union.
Paint
Brush Cleaner: Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now available
commercially under several brand names. Citra-Solve is one brand. This
works well for cleaning brushes of oil-based paints. Paint brushes and
rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up
to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly
in a plastic bag, such as a used bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air
pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't
get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue
with the job.
Fresh paint odors can be reduced by placing a small dish of white vinegar
in the room.

Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the
rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the
mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.
Scouring
Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces
that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly
with a damp sponge.
Shoe
Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied
to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes; wipe
and buff with a clean, dry rag.

Stickers on walls: Our children covered the inside of their room doors with stickers. Now they are grown, but the stickers remained. To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.
Toilet
Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into
basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A
mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning,
rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For
tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking
soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use
sparingly.)
Wallpaper
Remover:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over
the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open room windows or use a fan
to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell. Water
Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the
result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish.
Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the
ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white
vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton
cloth to clean. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they
are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above)
also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

  3. Healthy Home Cleaning Habits

 

Exchange
Indoor Air
Many modern homes are so tight there's little new air coming in. Open
the windows from time to time or run any installed exhaust fans. In cold
weather, the most efficient way to exchange room air is to open the room
wide - windows and doors, and let fresh air in quickly for about 5 minutes.
The furnishings in the room, and the walls, act as 'heat sinks', and by
exchanging air quickly, this heat is retained.
Minimize Dust
Remove clutter which collects dust, such as old newspapers and magazines.
Try to initiate a 'no-shoes-indoors' policy. If you're building or remodelling
a home, consider a central vacuum system; this eliminates the fine dust
which portable vacuum cleaners recirculate.
Use Cellulose Sponges
Most household sponges are made of polyester or plastic which are slow to break down in landfills, and many are treated with triclosan, a chemical that can produce chloroform (a suspected carcinogen) when it interacts with the chlorine found in tap water. Instead try cellulose sponges, available at natural foods stores, which are biodegradable and will soak up spills faster since they're naturally more absorbent. For general household cleaning, try Skoy Eco-Cleaning Cloths. These cleaning cloths are non-toxic, extremely absorbent (15x paper towels), reusable, and biodegradable.
Keep Bedrooms Clean
Most time at home is spent in the bedrooms. Keep pets out of these rooms, especially
if they spend time outdoors.
Use Gentle Cleaning Products
Of the various commercial home cleaning products, drain cleaners, toilet bowl
cleaners and oven cleaners are the most toxic. Use the formulas described
above or purchase 'green' commercial alternatives.
Avoid products containing ammonia or chlorine, or petroleum-based chemicals;
these contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches and other complaints.
Clean from the Top Down:

When house cleaning, save the floor or carpet for last. Allow time for
the dust to settle before vacuuming.

  4. Commercial Non-Toxic Household Products

In the marketplace today, we are seeing the emergence of new products which are safe and non-toxic to use for home cleaning tasks, without sacrificing effectiveness. Here below are natural cleaning products which Eartheasy currently stocks. These products meet our standards for safety and effectiveness.

Maggie's Soap Nuts - 100% biodegradable laundry soap. The main ingredient is saponin, a natural low-sudsing cleaner that is very effective, yet safe for even the most sensitive skin. Simple to use - just drop the cotton sack in with your laundry. This product is also available as a laundry liquid. Learn more: Click to view Maggie's Soap Nuts.
 

Nellie's All-Natural Laundry Soda - Made with Sodium Silicate and Coconut oil-based surfactants, Nellie's laundry soda is hypoallergenic, leaves no residue and is biodegradable. Great for baby clothes and for people with allergies or sensitive skin. This product also comes as nuggets, which dissolve readily in cold or hot water. Learn more: Click to view Nellie's All Natural Soap.

Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener - This chlorine-free Oxygen Whitener releases a boost of oxygen for bleaching stains, while cleaning and brightening colours and whites. It's color-safe, septic-safe, and environmentally safe. Learn more: Click to view Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener.

Nellie's PVC-Free Dryer Balls - The unique design of the Dryerballs lift and separate fabrics while relaxing fibers. The result is less lint and wrinkles, softer clothes, more absorbent towels and a reduced drying time of up to 25%. Learn more: Click to view Nellie's Dryer Balls.

Skoy Eco Cleaning Cloths - An absorbent, biodegradable and natural multi-use cloth. Use in your kitchen, bathroom, and on most surface areas in your home or office. SKOY cloth can be used in place of your sponge, wash cloth or paper towels. It's equivalent to 15 rolls of paper towels! Learn more: Click to view the Skoy Eco Cleaning Cloths.

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