Homemade Cleaning Alternatives

The cost of commercial cleaners goes well beyond the checkbook. Long-term health concerns for the family and environmental pollution have caused manufacturers to increase their advertising that their products are safe and family friendly. However, garbage collectors don’t collect cleaners which haven’t been completely emptied because they are considered hazardous material.

One in three children and adults suffer from allergies, asthma and chronic sinusitis or bronchitis. According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics one of the more reliable treatments for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home.

The good news is that for many, if not all, of the home cleaning chores there is an alternative that can be made at home with products you purchase from the grocery store. There is also a growing number of commercially made non- toxic products that are advertised as being healthier for the environment and our bodies. Use of these products can promote the growth of green businesses but are also more expensive than making them at home. The increased price pays for the convenience of having the products manufactured and bottled for immediate use.

Each of the cleaning products will be built from one or several of the following ingredients: baking soda, borax, soap, washing soda and white vinegar or lemon juice. These ingredients can be safely mixed together.

Household cleaners can be made from ¼ c of baking soda, ½ c borax, ½ c vinegar and 1 gallon of water. If the surface needs to be scoured moisten some salt or baking soda on a pad.

Window cleaners can be made by mixing 2 tsp vinegar and 1 qt of warm water OR 2 tbsp of borax and 3 c of water. Another trick is to use newspaper to dry the windows to avoid streaking.

Oven cleaners are made by mixing ¼ c baking soda, 2 tbsp of salt and hot water to make a paste. Let the paste sit for 5 minutes – keep it off of any wires or heating elements. Another oven cleaner can be made with 2 tbsp liquid soap, 2 tsp borax, and 1 qt warm water. Spray this on the oven and wait 20 minutes; for tough stains scrub with fine steel wool and baking soda.

Commercial air fresheners do nothing but mask the odor in the air and coat the nasal passages with chemicals that reduce the ability to smell. Alternatives for air fresheners can be made with baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice placed in small dishes. This will absorb odors around the house.

Having houseplants in the home will help the house to absorb odors. To prevent odors from occurring simmer vinegar and water on the stove while cooking. Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter to absorb odors and grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal or send a ½ box of baking soda down the drain.

Carpet stains can be removed by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this directly on the stains and let it sit for several minutes and clean with a brush and soapy water. Alternatively, a heavy carpet cleaner can be made with 1/4Carpet stains can be removed by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this directly on the stains and let it sit for several minutes and clean with a brush and soapy water. Alternatively, a heavy carpet cleaner can be made with ¼ c of each salt, borax and vinegar. Rub the paste into the carpet and leave it for a few hours – vacuum.

Commercial dishwashing soap is poisonous to animals and children if swallowed. And, if they aren’t a danger to the animals and children the phosphates they contain will nourish algae, which uses oxygen in the water systems. Make an alternative with liquid soap and 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar.

Cleaning the tub and tile in the bathroom is a particularly challenging cleaning job. An alternative product can be made with baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar will remove most dirt and not leave a film while the baking soda will make the product abrasive without adding scratches. Make a smooth paste and use a toothbrush to clean the grout.

For slow drains, there are a multitude of products on the market that all contain chemicals which are harmful to the environment, waterways and the health of the humans who live in the home. If accidentally mixed with any other chemicals it can produce a noxious gas that can be lethal. Make an alternative using ½ to 1 c of baking soda, 1 c white vinegar and 1-2 gallons of water boiled on the stove and not taken from the hot water tap. Pour the baking soda down the drain, followed by the vinegar. Allow it to foam and stand for several minutes before following with the hot water.

Furniture polish is another commercial preparation that has neurological consequences. This alternative polish should be made fresh before each use: the extract of one lemon, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp water – mix all together. Apply a thin coat to the wood surface and let it sit for five minutes and then use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.

For greasy, no-wax floors you can mix 1 c vinegar, ¼ c washing soda, 1tbsp vegetable oil-based liquid soap and 2 gallons of hot water. Combine all the ingredients and stir well to dissolve. Use this to mop the floors. You might want to go over it a second time with just water.

Each of these alternatives are easy to make but most require that you mix them right before using. All of the ingredients are safe, non-toxic and found in the grocery store but the convenience of the green manufactured products may outweigh the cost of convenience. The choice rests on the shoulders of the individual consumer. The best choice, however, is one that uses products which are safe for the environment and the home.