Though it’s not always feasible to avoid them altogether, the most earth friendly option is to use as few hazardous household products as possible. Here is a list of some easy, inexpensive alternatives.
All-Purpose Cleaner:
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One cup of baking soda in one gallon of hot water.
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In one quart of hot water, mix 1 teaspoon liquid soap, boric acid (borax), lemon juice, and vinegar.
Deodorizer:
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Baking soda or cornstarch
Disinfectant:
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Soap and hot water
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Citrus-based products
Glass Cleaner:
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1 part water, 1 part vinegar
Drain Cleaner:
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Prevention: Use strainer to trap food and hair, don’t pour grease down drain, and pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain weekly to melt built up fat in the drain.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ Cup baking soda then ½ Cup white vinegar down drain and cover. Set for a few minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
Furniture Polish:
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2 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon juice. Apply and polish with a soft cloth.
Lime and Mineral Deposit Remover:
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Cover deposits with vinegar-soaked rags or paper towels. Leave for about 1 hour before cleaning. This also cleans and shines chrome.
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For showerheads, submerge showerhead in ½ cup white vinegar and 1 quart water and boil for 15 minutes. Do not boil plastic showerheads—just add hot water instead and soak for an hour.
Metal Cleaner/Polish:
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To remove stains from aluminum cookware, fill cookware with hot water and add 2 Tbsp. Crème of tartar to each quart of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for ten minutes.
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Un-lacquered brass may be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with Worcestershire sauce. Olive oil also retards tarnishing.
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Tarnish can be cleaned off gold and silver (not silver plate) with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush or cloth.
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Polish chrome with baby oil.
Mothballs:
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Cedar blocks or chips
Toilet Bowl Cleaners:
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Pumice stone to remove stains
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Borax and lemon juice paste will clean rings if you let them set for two hours
Pests:
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Ants and roaches may be killed with boric acid spread sparingly around where they are entering the house. Do not use this around small children and animals.
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Caulk around openings
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Non-toxic traps
Laundry:
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Club soda can take out blood and chocolate stains.
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Crème of tartar can remove an ink stain by placing it on the stain, then placing a few drops of lemon juice over it, then rubbing into the stain. Rinse with warm water or launder.
