Many people know that household chemicals such as cleaning products can be harmful, especially when it comes to young children. A recent study found an association between exposure to household disinfectants and higher body mass index (BMI) at age three. This study also found that a child is less likely to be overweight when eco-friendly cleaning products are used. We have long been encouraging people to use safe cleaning methods. Below are six alternative cleaning recipes that are non-toxic, affordable, and easy to make.
What you will need:
Plastic bucket
Empty spray bottle
Microfiber cloths
Cleaning sponge
Small funnel
Baking soda
Washing soda
Fragrance-free dish soap
White vinegar
Lemon juice
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 cup vinegar
¼ teaspoon dish soap
2 cups hot water
Mix all ingredients in bucket, then pour into spray bottle using funnel. Spray on surface, then wipe clean with damp cloth. This can be used to clean almost any surface.
Fabric Softener
¼-½ cup vinegar
Add desired amount (depending on load size) to rinse cycle, or place in fabric softener compartment of your washer. Then run washer on usual cycle.
Floor Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
½ cup baking soda
1 tablespoon dish soap
10-20 cups hot water
Slowly mix vinegar and baking soda together in bucket, then add dish soap, and hot water. Use mop or sponge to clean floor. Wipe dry with clean, dry towel.
Glass Cleaner
½ cup vinegar
1 ½ cups water
Mix vinegar and water together in spray bottle. Spray on glass and use soft cloth to wipe clean. Also can be used as an everyday shower spray to prevent soap buildup.
Grease Cleaner
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon baking soda
Mix baking soda and lemon juice, and pour over stuck-on grease on stove or oven. Let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute and scrub with a sponge. Wipe clean with water.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
½ cup baking soda
¼ cup dish soap
½ cup vinegar
16 cups hot water
Pour baking soda, dish soap, and hot water into toilet bowl, and scrub to clean and disinfect. Pour vinegar on stubborn rings and calcium buildup, then scrub to remove.
These recipes are useful for maintaining clean indoor air. They may be helpful for chemically intolerant individuals. Susceptible individuals include babies or young children, pregnant women, and the elderly, and individuals who suffer from Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT). To find out if you are at risk for TILT, take our validated questionnaire, the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI).