Why bother with less-toxic alternatives?

Many commercial cleaners contain substances that are toxic and can burn skin or eyes on contact. Without proper ventilation, their use can also cause injury from harmful fumes. According to the Poison Control Center, in 1997 there were approximately 230,000 over exposures nationwide to household cleaners of which seven were fatal.

Thoughtless disposal of hazardous products can have harmful impacts on people and the environment. Disposal in trash, or pouring them down the drain, can disrupt wastewater systems, seriously injure waste handlers, and contaminate drinking water.

Kitchen Alternatives

0%
of people clean their kitchens daily with chemicals

Laundry Items

Laundry Soap

Use non-phosphate detergent.
TIP: Add 1/2 cup borax or washing soda to the wash cycle to boost cleaning for heavily soiled clothes.

Fabric Softener

Vinegar
Add 1-2 cups of vinegar to rinse cycle to deodorize and soften fabrics.

Bleach

Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Spot clean. Let dry.

Or
1/2 cup borax
Presoak in mixture of 1/2 cup borax in 2 gallons of hot water.

Diaper Pail Deodorizer

1 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon tea tree oil and/or
other essential oil
Mix and work out all lumps with a fork. Sprinkle in bottom of pail after liner is removed. Periodically rinse pail with vinegar and water and dry in the sun.

Stain Remover

1/4 cup liquid detergent
1/4 cup glycerin
1 1/2 cups water
Mix and pour into a squirt bottle. Use sparingly and run on stain. Wash. TIP: Do not use hot or warm water on sugary stains. Wash and rinse in cool water only.

More Stain Remover

Equal parts vinegar and water
Mix and use to remove tough stains including grass, perspiration, rust, jam, coffee, orange juice, wine, beer, ketchup, barbeque sauce, chili, urine and pet stains.

Laundry Refresher

Infuse our laundry with lavender by stuffing a muslin sachet with dried buds and topping with a couple of cotton balls. Pull tightly to close.  Throw one in next load of damp clothes in the dryer.

Floor Cleaners

Metal Cleaners

Living Room Cleaners

Pest Control

Because the toxic effects of pesticides and all chemicals can adversely effect human health, consumers should try to minimize their exposure. SAFE SOLUTIONS to common pest problems.

Ants

Ant Control

Vacuum up with some cornstarch to suffocate them. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray into and around where ants get in. A line of cinnamon or cayenne pepper will also deter ants.

Fleas

Fleas Control

Use cedar-filled pet beds. Try adding brewer’s yeast or a little apple cider vinegar to our pet’s food.

Fleas

Mosquitos

Eucalyptus, citronella, and essential oil of cedarwood all repel mosquitoes. Remove standing water around your house.

Moths

Moth Control

For pantry moths, use sticky traps. Store fabrics with cedar wood or cedar chips or make a sachet with peppermint, sage, lavender, rosemary, or bee-balm.   To repel mosquitos, remove standing water around your house.  Plant citronella. 

Wasps

Wasps Control

Close dampers and seal vents that may be entry points. Food left outside, like pet food or bar-b-que scraps will atract them, so be sure to clean up well.

Mice

Mice Control

Mice and spiders have an aversion to peppermint. Put some peppermint oil in a spray bottle with water, and spray your garage and all door frames.