Alternatives to Household Chemical Products

Reduce the amount of hazardous products that you use around your home by replacing them with non-hazardous or less hazardous alternatives. The five basic ingredients of these alternatives are:

1. Baking Soda is inexpensive to buy, and it cleans, deodorizes and softens water. It is also a good scouring powder.
2. Pure Soap biodegrades (decomposes naturally) safely and completely. It is widely available and is sold in liquid, bar, powder and flake form.
3. White Vinegar helps to cut grease and grime and deodorizes as well.
4. Borax cleans, disinfects and also helps to soften the water.
5. Washing Soda cuts grease, disinfects and removes stains. It is sold in pure form as sodium carbonate.

Cleaning Agents

• All Purpose Cleaner: 60 ml (1/4 cup) of baking soda, 120 ml (1/2 cup) of white vinegar, and two litres (8 cups) of warm water.
• Window and Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water and store in a spray bottle. Wash with soap and water, rinse with the vinegar and water mixture.
• Scouring Powder: Sprinkle baking soda or borax, and salt on the surface. Scour with a damp cloth. Rinse with water.
• Disinfectants: Wash items with soap and water or a solution of 120 ml (1/2 cup) of borax and 4 litres (1 gallon) of water.
• Floor Polish/Cleaners: Clean linoleum floors with 240 ml (1 cup) of white vinegar mixed with 8 litres (2 gallons) of water. Polish with club soda. A mixture of 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of washing soda mixed with 4 litres (1 gallon) of hot water is suitable for finished wood floors. Polish with a solution of one part lemon juice to two parts olive or vegetable oil, if necessary.

Lawn and Garden

• Pesticides: When planting, mix in pest-resistant plants such as yarrow, thyme and marigolds. Chop garlic cloves and sprinkle around the base of flowers and garden plants.
• Herbicides: Each spring, spread a light layer of topsoil and/or compost across your lawn as evenly as possible. This introduces nutrients and organic matter to the existing soil. Let your grass grow longer. This shades the soil and inhibits weed germination. Pull weeds instead of using chemical control. Aerating your turf will relieve soil compaction and allows the lawn to breathe.
• Plant Insecticides: Use a non-chemical compound such as a solution of 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of pure soap per 4 litres (1 gallon) of water. Store the mixture in a spray bottle, clean leaves with it and spray directly on any insects.

Paints and Solvents

• Paint: Use latex or water-based paints whenever possible as they do not require thinners and solvents. Before disposing of empty oil-based or enamel paint cans, take outdoors, remove lids and allow the left-over contents to air dry and harden. Ensure pets and children are kept away. Dispose with your garbage.
• Strippers: Use a heat gun and sander instead of paint and varnish remover.

Miscellaneous

• Motor Oil: Purchase recycled (re-refined) oil instead of refined oil.
• Batteries: Use solar-powered or rechargeable batteries.
• Aerosols: Use non-aerosol cleaning and grooming products such as pump sprays, pastes and gels.