Toxic substances dangerous to our health and the environment are found in many commercial cleaning products. Be safer and save money with some of these alternatives.

Recipes for Safer Cleaning

• All purpose cleaner = 1qt. warm water + 1tsp. liquid soap + 1tsp. borax + 1/4cup undiluted white vinegar

• All purpose cleaner = mix equal parts vinegar and warm water with baking soda for a desired consistency

• Glass Cleaner = 1qt. warm water + 1/4cup white vinegar or 2tbsp. lemon juice

• Disinfectant = 1/2cup of borax + 1gallon hot water

• Degreaser =  1/2 tsp. washing soda (sodium carbonate, soda ash or sal soda) + 2 tbsp. white vinegar + 1/4 tsp. liquid soap + 2cups hot water

Green Problem Solvers

• Crayon marks – Rub with toothpaste and a damp cloth

• Carpet odors – Sprinkle carpet with baking soda, let sit a few hours or overnight before vacuuming

  

• Drain buildup and clogs – Pour 1/4cup baking soda down the drain followed by 2oz. of vinegar, cover and let sit for 15minutes before rinsing with 2qts. of boiling water

• Mineral deposits around faucets – Cover faucets with paper towels soaked in vinegar and let sit one hour before washing off with an all purpose cleaner

• Rust – Saturate with lemon juice and rub with salt, let dry in sunlight and rinse off

• Mildew remover - scrub with a vinegar and salt paste and or apply heat to the area

Some helpful how to guides for making cleaning supplies.

A thorough list of Green options for cleaning and more recipes to make your own supplies.