Non-Toxic Homemade Kitchen Cleaners Save Money
Replace Commercial Products With These Safer Healthy Alternatives
Dec 14, 2008
"Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity, mutagenic, carcinogenic, or birth defects,” says Dr. George Grant, Toxicologist and founder of the International Academy of Wellness. These alternatives to commercial cleaners are fun to make, safer (and in most cases nontoxic), and are significantly less expensive.
Some ingredients recommended are safer, but not non-toxic. They have been identified with an asterisk(*). Never mix home chemicals together without a recipe. Combining bleach and ammonia, commercial toilet cleaners or acids such as vinegar can produce dangerous fumes. These recipes come from Michigan State University Extension, Readers Digest Practical Problem Solver (1991), and grandmothers everywhere.
All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
- Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a general cleaner. Place in a spray bottle if desired. Or use baking soda on a damp sponge. Baking soda will clean and deodorize all kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Excellent for cleaning refrigerator interiors and as a spray air freshener.
- For tougher jobs, mix vinegar and salt together for a good surface cleaner.
Disinfectant
- Regular cleaning with plain soap and hot water will kill some bacteria. Keep things dry. Mold, mildew and bacteria cannot live without moisture.
- Borax has long been recognized for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Mix 1/2 cup Borax into 1 gallon hot water and clean with this solution. (Note: If Borax is not available, the nearest alternative is non-chlorine laundry bleach powder. It is a safer, minimally "toxic" bleaching alternative containing Sodium Percarbonate which replaces "Chlorine Bleach" with minimal health effects.)
Isopropyl Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant. Sponge on and allow to dry. (It must dry to do its job.) Use in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.
Oven Cleaner
- Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots.
- While the oven is still warm, sprinkle salt on the spill. If the spill is completely dry, wet the spill lightly before sprinkling on salt. When the oven cools down, scrape away the spill and wash the area clean.
- Retard grease buildup in your oven by dampening your cleaning rag in vinegar and water before wiping out your oven.
Scouring Powder
- Baking soda or table salt are mild abrasives and can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Simply put either baking soda or salt on a sponge or the surface you wish to clean and then scour. Good for pots and pans.
Washing and Polishing Wood Cabinets
- Dampen cloth with a solution of water and mild soap, such as Ivory or Murphy's Oil Soap. Wring the cloth almost dry and wipe the furniture section by section, drying with a clean dry cloth as you go so that no section stays wet.
- For polishing, mix 2 parts vegetable or olive oil and 1 part lemon juice. Apply and polish with a soft cloth. This leaves furniture looking and smelling good.
- Using these formulas and substitutions help minimize the use of toxic substances in the home, and reduce the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Before applying any of these recipes, test in small hidden areas. Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well-labeled and out of the reach of children.
For more non-toxic solutions for the home, please go to Floor Cleaners, Drain Cleaners, and Laundry Cleaners.
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