Recipes for Safer Cleaning

Common ingredients such as baking soda and liquid soap can be used for a host of jobs around the house. Try these safer cleaning and toxic-free recipes as alternatives to hazardous cleaning products!

All-purpose Cleaner

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water

Put mixture in a spray bottle and label contents.

Bathroom Cleaner

Baking soda
Liquid soap

Use baking soda in place of scouring powder. Sprinkle it on porcelain fixtures and rub with a wet sponge. Add a little soap to the sponge for more cleaning power. Rinse well to avoid leaving a cloudy film.

Window Cleaner

1/2 cup vinegar
1 quart warm water
Few drops of liquid soap (optional)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and use on glass surfaces. Rub with a lint-free cloth and polish with wadded up newspaper. For dirty outdoor windows, wash with soapy water, rinse well, and squeegie dry.

Drain Cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar
Kettle of boiling water

This recipe will free minor clogs and is great preventative medicine. Pour the baking soda down the drain first, then the vinegar. Let it bubble for a few minutes. Then pour down a kettle full of boiling water. If clog is stubborn, repeat or use a mechanical snake.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Baking soda
Liquid soap

Don’t bother with strong disinfectants or acids. Use a  non-chlorinated scouring powder or baking soda and liquid soap to clean the toilet bowl thoroughly and often.

Oven Cleaner

Baking soda
Razor blade
Copper scouring pad

Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to oven surfaces, and let stand a little while. Mechanical action is the key. Use a copper scouring pad for most surfaces. A razor blade is effective to get under large food deposits.

Copper Cleaner

Vinegar
Salt
Vegetable oil

Mix equal parts vinegar and salt and apply to surface with a sponge or immerse object in solution. Rinse thoroughly with water afterwards, otherwise it will corrode. Apply a little vegetable oil with a cloth and rub for a shiny appearance. (Don’t use on lacquered finishes.)