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These ingredients for natural cleaning formulas are safe and nontoxic. Most of the ingredients are in your kitchen or can be easily found in a supermarket, natural food store, or pharmacy. Alternatives are safer, cheaper and also effective. Pre made organic cleaners are an earth friendly option. They are made with nontoxic and biodegradable ingredients, and not tested on animals. Some brands offer a wide range of cleaners for the laundry, kitchen, and bath. Ex: Earth Friendly, Seventh Generation, Citra-Solv, Dr. Bronner’s, Ecover, Country Save, Lifetree, B-O-Kleen. Many web sites have organic recipes. Choose ones with the least amount of ingredients. Check them out!
AVOID: ammonia, aerosols, benzene, chlorine, cresol, formaldehyde, glycol, lead, oxalic acid, parabens, petroleum, phenol, phosphates, phthalates, and sodium hydroxide or lye, triclosan and sodium lauyrl sulfates. These not only pollute the environment but are associated with a wide range of illnesses and some contribute to indoor pollution as well.
BAKING SODA (sodium bicarbonate): Cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics.
BORAX (sodium borate): Natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria, a heavy duty disinfectant. An alternative to bleach, it deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the cleaning power of soap.
CASTILE AND VEGETABLE OIL BASED SOAPS: Cleans most everything. NOTE: Vegetable-based detergents containing acetic or citric acids have been used successfully for centuries, and are based on renewable resources, can biodegrade quickly, and are gentle on the environment.
CORNSTARCH: Starch clothes, absorbs oil and grease.
HERBS AND ESSENTIAL OILS: For disinfecting and fragrance.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: Use in place of bleach. Bleaching agent and disinfectant.
LEMON JUICE: cuts grease, deodorizes, removes perspiration and other stains from clothing, has antibacterial properties.
SALT: (sodium chloride): An abrasive.
VINEGAR (Acetic acid): Cuts grease, removes stains and is an excellent water softener. Has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
WASHING SODA (sodium carbonate): Cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease, and disinfects. Increases the cleaning power of soap.
Label all containers and keep them out of the reach of children. While most of these all natural cleaners are not poisonous, some can be harmful or even fatal if swallowed by children or pets. See specific safety precautions on the package.
HOMEMADE CLEANING RECIPES
Simple, Inexpensive, Environmentally Friendly Recipes
“Modeling green living.”
ALL-PURPOSE KITCHEN/BATHROOM CLEANER
Sprinkle baking soda on counters, sinks, tubs, or toilets. Wet with water and rub with a sponge, cloth, or toilet bowl brush.
AND/OR
Spray a blended mixture of vinegar and water (from 3 tablespoons to ¼ cup of vinegar or a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water depending on personal choice) on counters, sinks, tubs and toilets. Rub away.
NOTE: Vinegar may be used separately or together with baking soda. If used together, spray vinegar water mixture onto baking soda.
GLASS CLEANER Use vinegar water mixture, (from 3 tablespoons to ¼ cup of vinegar or a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water depending on personal choice). A dab of dish soap to mixture removes buildup on glass.
FLOOR CLEANER
Tile:
Vinegar and hot water. (from 3 tablespoons to ¼ cup of vinegar or a 50/50) mixture depending on personal choice.
DRAIN CLEANER
1. Use a plunger or a mechanical snake to manually push the clog away.
If still clogged:
½ cup salt
1/c cup baking soda
Pour salt down the drain, followed by baking soda. Follow with 6 cups boiling water. Let sit overnight; flush with warm water.
OR
½ cup baking soda
½ cup vinegar
3 cups boiling water or flush with water
Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Add boiling water. let sit 10-15 minutes.
Rinse. Can repeat process or use plunger again if not unclogged.
NOTE: Most wood only needs a damp cloth moistened with water to clean and polish. Most furniture doesn’t benefit from polish and some newer finishes are harmed by it.
LEMON OIL DUSTER
10 drops lemon oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
A few drops olive oil or jojoba
NOTE: Blend and spray. Use a soft cloth and rub into wood.
FURNITURE POLISH
¼ cup white vinegar
A few drops of olive oil/jojoba oil NOTE: Blend and spray. Use a soft cloth and rub into wood. Polish not more than 3 or 4 times a year or less depending on humidity of region. Lemon juice can be substituted for vinegar.
DISCLAIMER: The District…Where Green Living Begins does not make any claim as to the ability of these cleaning products to work in any given cleaning situation. These recipes have been obtained from third parties who also make no claim as to the above. Always test products in an inconspicuous area first if concerns over potential damage exist. These products are made from items obtained at most grocery and/or natural foods stores. Individual results may vary. Please consult manufacturers’ specifications if questions arise concerning the use of these products on household items and surfaces.
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District
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