Eco Tip of the Week - Phase out those toxic cleaning supplies!

 Eco Tip for the Week:

How to phase out toxic household cleaners.

I've been slowly making the switch to natural cleaning products.  Since I don't want to be wasteful and just dump everything down the drain to make room for new kinds, I replace the toxics with non-toxic as they get used up.   I now even go so far as to make my own cleaning products, instead of buying replacements.  I think it's so important to be conscious about the chemicals we dump down our drains. Not only do they contaminate our water supply, but they affect all the wildlife that depends on it (a whole other discussion!).

In a pinch though, I like to be able to just grab a bottle and go!

Products I like to use are Seventh Generation & Method.

But if you've got the determination and have the time, try some of these ideas!

1) Stock up on a few safe, simple ingredients that can be used in most cleaning situations. Soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax, and a coarse scrubbing sponge can take care of most household cleaning needs.

2) Instead of using a standard drain cleaner, which likely contains lye, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid, try pouring a quarter cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Close the drain tightly until fizzing stops, then flush with boiling water.

3) For an effective glass cleaner, use a mixture of half white vinegar and half water.

4) Baking soda and cornstarch are both good carpet deodorizers.

5)To clean up mildew and mold, use a mixture of lemon juice or white vinegar and salt.

6) A paste of baking soda, salt, and hot water makes a great oven cleaner and tub scrubber.

In the rare instance you need to use a hazardous product, use as little as possible and dispose of it in a way that will cause minimum harm—for example, by bringing it to a hazardous waste recycling or treatment center.
(source http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1484)

Great Natural Scrubbers!

We like to use old t-shirts for cleaning around the house, only I find that they aren't always as thick as I would like for scrubbing in the tub or kitchen.  So I was cleaning out some drawers and came across an old thermal shirt that had seen better days.  The waffle knit in it was large and I thought to myself these would make great scrubbers!

I cut the body of the shirt into small cloths and used the bottom of the sleeves for hand mits. And I was right - the rougher texture made a great scrubber! Even the little ladies helped out with the cleaning and we knocked out the kitchen, bath, & living rooms in no time. 

I'm saving the cuffs and collar for some future creations - maybe a doggie coat or freezerpop cozies!

(You can even sew the end shut so that it stays on your hand better.)

Here's a few recipes to make for your own non-toxic cleaning kit.