Toxics in the Home 373
Safer cleaning products
Unlike some chemical cleaners, natural cleaners
work more effectively when you let them soak
in before scrubbing, use tools like scrubbers and
spatulas to lift grease and scum, and apply the
cleaner more than once.
Cleaning without toxic
chemicals leaves the house
smelling good, and it
doesn’t harm my health!
Soap is better than detergent because it is not made
from petroleum and does not leave toxins in the water.
Borax and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are safe for
cleaning surfaces. White vinegar or lemon juice can be
used to clean away kitchen grease, and vinegar and baking
soda to unclog drains. These cleaners can be stored more
easily because they are safe, do not go bad, and do not
need to stay cold. But they still should be kept out of the
reach of children.
How to make safer cleaning products
▶▶All-purpose cleaner
Ingredients
1 teaspoon liquid soap, 1 quart of
water, plus ¼ cup undiluted white
vinegar or washing soda to clean
away grease
Directions
Mix all the ingredients and store
in a spray bottle or a bottle with
a lid. Shake until mixed. Use for
cleaning walls, stoves, cooking or
food preparation areas, carpets, and
upholstery.
▶▶Glass cleaner
Ingredients
1 quart water plus
¼ cup white vinegar or
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
Mix ingredients and store in a spray
bottle.
▶▶Laundry starch
Ingredients
Corn or yucca starch, 1 pint
cold water
Directions
Put starch in a bottle with a small
amount of water and shake until all
the starch dissolves. Fill the bottle
with water and shake again. Seal
bottle with a sprinkle cap or lid to
store. Sprinkle damp clean garment
with starch, lay flat or hang to dry.
▶▶Surface disinfectant
Ingredients
½ cup borax, 2 liters water
Directions
Dissolve borax in water. Wipe the
surface that needs cleaning with
the solution on a sponge or rag,
followed by water. To prevent mold
or mildew from forming, do not
rinse off the borax solution.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012