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Green Cleaning Supplies &Recipes
Once you have a system in place for cleaning with your own natural ingredients you’ll realize how easy and economic it is to use simple items from your pantry.
You can get the job done and know that what is going down your drain won’t have a negative impact on our bodies and on our environment.
Another byproduct is that you will need to recycle less as you won’t be buying as much packaging. Precycling (not owning items that need to be recycled in the first place) is the best way to save our environment.
Sustainability is a goal we should strive for daily. Please consider using ingredients in your daily life that enhances and promotes sustainability.
Sustainability’s most popular meaning is to "meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs"
How can you clean with natural, non-toxic products and save money? Make your own. It is easy and straightforward. All you will need for the following nontoxic cleaning recipes are:
• Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
• Liquid vegetable soaps called castile soap
• 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 http://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.)
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains
Baking soda – abrasive properties
Hydrogen Peroxide-disinfectant, antiseptic & oxidizer
Tea tree oil – antimicrobial
Lavender essential oil –antiseptic and antifungal properties
Clean spray bottles
Glass jars
You should be able to find these products locally at Cityfeed & Supply, The Harvest Co-op, & The Boston Building Material Co-op. Ounce for ounce-- homemade cleaning formulas cost about one-tenth the price of their commercial counterparts—and that includes costly, but worthwhile essential oils and concentrated, all-purpose detergents for homemade recipes.
Note: Make sure to label all your homemade cleaning products, and keep them away from pets and children.
WINDOW CLEANER
¼ – ½-tablespoon liquid castile soap
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle
Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you may have used.
OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid castile soap
Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid castile soap on a sponge and wash the remaining residue from the oven
ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1-teaspoon borax
½-teaspoon washing soda
2 tablespoons vinegar
½-teaspoon castile soap
2 cups very hot tap water
Spray bottle
Combine the borax, washing soda, vinegar, and liquid castile soap in a spray bottle. Add very hot tap water, shaking the bottle gently until the minerals have dissolved. Spray on to the area to be cleaned and wipe with a sponge, rag, or cellulose sponge cloth.
DISINFECTANT SPRAY
2 Cups Water
¼ Cup White Vinegar
¼ tsp. Tea Tree Oil
¼ tsp. Lavender Oil
Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use where ever a disinfectant spray is needed.
Note: A definition from Dr. Dan Berger (Faculty- Chemistry/Science dept. at Bluffton College) gives a bit of understanding regarding the primary difference between Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate) and Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate).
". . . washing soda will consume two equivalents of acid, while baking soda will only consume one equivalent."
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 is 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 Ecover Ecological or Trader Joe's powders, which contain 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 castile 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 glycerin, 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 borax. Use sparingly on linoleum.
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.
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.
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 par dichlorobenzene, 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.
Oil and Grease Spots: For small spills on the garage floor, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush.
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.
Cleaning With Vinegar
Vinegar as a disinfectant
A straight 5 percent solution of vinegar such as you can buy in the supermarket kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). Vinegar loses its odor when it dries and it keeps rodents away.
Whirlpool Tub
Pour 1 gallon of white vinegar into the water of your whirlpool tub, once a year and run it. This will keep the jets from clogging up from soap scum and buildup, etc.
Cheap Cleaning Solution:
1/3 part white vinegar
1/3 part rubbing alcohol
1/3 part water
3 drops dishwashing liquid
Mix this into a (recycled) spray bottle and you have the equivalent of a floor cleaner. Just spray and mop; also great for deodorizing a room and for a fast cleanup. Use this on any tile floors with great results the alcohol is added to make it dry faster- so it is not essential
Hard Water Deposits
Use vinegar to get rid of the hard water deposits around your sink. Soak a paper towel with vinegar and place it around the area that needs to be cleaned or for cleaning the faucet you can soak the towel and wrap it around and rubber band it in place. Do this overnight and the next morning it's a cinch to wipe clean. This has been safe for
brass faucets as well.
Microwave
To clean your microwave: use 1 Tablespoon of vinegar, one cup of warm water and 1 or 2 drops of dish soap in a small microwave safe bowl. Put it in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes and let stand for 15 minutes. Then wipe the microwave out with a damp sponge. The steam and use of vinegar loosens up the build up in the microwave.
Potential Household Product Hazards
Product Type Possible Ingredients Potential Hazards
Air fresheners and deodorizers Formaldehyde Toxic; carcinogen; irritant to eyes, nose, throat and skin; may cause nausea, headaches, nose bleeds, dizziness, memory loss, and shortness of breath
Antifreeze Ethylene glycol Very toxic; 3 ounces can be fatal to adult; damage to cardiovascular system, blood, skin and kidneys
Methanol Moderately toxic; ingestion may cause coma. respiratory damage
Bleach Sodium hypochlorite Corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested; contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes
Car Wax, Polish Petroleum distillates Associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, lungs; entry into lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema
Disinfectants Sodium hypochlorite Corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes; may cause pulmonary edema. or vomiting and coma if ingested
Phenols Flammable; very toxic; respiratory, circulatory or cardiac damage
Ammonia Vapor irritating to eyes, respiratory tract and skin; possible chronic irritation
Drain Cleaner Sodium or potassium hydroxide (Iye) Caustic; irritant; inhibits reflexes; burns to skin, poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage
Hydrochloric acid Corrosive, irritant; damage to kidney, liver and digestive system
Trichloromethane Irritant to nose and eyes; central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage if ingested
Flea Powder Carbaryl Very toxic; interferes with human nervous system; may cause skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system damage
Dichlorophene Skin irritation; may damage liver, kidney, spleen and central nervous system
Chlordane and other chlorinated hydrocarbons Very slow biodegradation; accumulates in food chain; may damage eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys and skin
Floor Cleaner/Wax Diethylene Glycol Toxic, causes central nervous system depression and kidney, liver lesions
Petroleum Solvents Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer, irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs
Ammonia Vapor irritation to eyes, respiratory tract and skin; possible chronic irritation
Furniture Polish Petroleum distillates or Mineral spirits Highly flammable, moderately toxic, associated with skin and lung cancer, irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs, entry into lungs may cause pulmonary edema
Oven Cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (Iye) Caustic; irritant, inhibits reflexes; burns to skin, eyes; poisonous if swallowed due to severe tissue damage
Paint Thinner Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons Slow decomposition; liver and kidney damage
Esters Toxicity varies with specific chemical; causes eye, nose and throat irritation and anesthesia
Alcohols Volatile and flammable; eye, nose and throat irritation
Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons Flammable; toxicity varies with specific chemical; may cause respiratory ailments
Ketones Flammable; skin irritant; benzene is a carcinogen; possible liver and kidney damage
Paints Aromatic hydrocarbon thinners Flammable; skin irritant; benzene is a carcinogen; possible liver and kidney damage
Mineral spirits Highly flammable; skin, eye, nose, throat, lung irritant; very high air concentrations may cause unconsciousness, death
Motor Oil/Gasoline Petroleum hydrocarbons (benzene) Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; pulmonary edema; benzene is a carcinogen
Lead Damage to digestive, genitourinary, neuro-muscular and central nervous system; anemia and brain damage
Spot Removers Perchlorethylene or trichloromethane Slow decomposition; liver and kidney damage; perchlorethylene is a suspected carcinogen
Ammonium hydroxide Corrosive; vapor extremely irritable to skin, eyes and respiratory passages; ingestion causes tissue burns
Sodium hypochlorite Corrosive, irritates skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause pulmonary edema and skin burns
Toilet Bowl Cleaner Sodium acid sulfate, oxalate or hypochloric acid Corrosive; burns from skin contact or inhalation; ingestion may be fatal
Chlorinated phenols Flammable; very toxic; respiratory, circulatory or cardiac damage
Window Cleaners Diethylene glycol Toxic; causes central nervous system depression and degenerative lesions in liver and kidneys
Ammonia Vapor irritating to eyes; respiratory tract and skin; possible chronic irritation
Wood Stain/Varnish Mineral spirits, gasoline Highly flammable; associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs; entry into lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema
Benzene Flammable; carcinogen; accurnulates in fat, bone narrow, liver tissues
Lead
Damage to digestive genitourinary, neuro-muscular and central nervous system; anemia and brain damage
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Other great websites for the environment and healthy living:
www.naturalhomemagazine.com
http://www.treehugger.com/
www.bbmc.com (Boston Building Materials Co-op)
www.energystar.gov
www.massenergy.com
