Special Section

Clean Green

substitute noxious chemicals with homemade concoctions

Kaitlyn Heisick |

Cleaning can be painful. Literally. Many common household cleaning products contain at least one of hundreds of chemicals that can damage both our earth and our bodies. If you’re seeking healthy alternatives, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a brief list of some non-toxic cleaners you can make with products already in your cupboards. More recipes and information can be found at the websites listed below. Captain Planet would approve.

All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix ½ cup vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into ½ gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

TIP: Make sure you test the vinegar solution on small areas first. If it’s not properly diluted, vinegar could damage certain surfaces.

Copper Polish
Try rubbing your copper pots, pans, and kitchen accents with ketchup. The acidity will help scrape away unwanted deposits.

Drain Cleaner
Pour ¼ c baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ c. vinegar. Cover drain and let sit for 15 minutes. Follow with 2 quarts boiling water.

Air Fresheners
To absorb odors, place 2 to 4 tbsp. baking soda or vinegar in small bowls in the refrigerator and around the house, and pour ½ cup baking soda in the bottom of trash cans. Fresh coffee grounds in a bowl can also clear unwanted odor.

Glass Cleaner
Regular club soda! OR 2 tsp. vinegar mixed with 1 quart water. Rub with newspaper to prevent streaking.

Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle water inside oven, then add baking soda. Let sit overnight and scour with plastic sponge.

Wood (Unpainted) Cleaner
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar in 3 gallons of warm water. After mopping, wipe dry. For water rings on wood surfaces, try rubbing gently with toothpaste or mayonnaise and buff dry.

Silver Polish
Line your sink or a bucket with aluminum foil, and drop in tarnished silver. Pour in boiling water, a cup of baking soda and a dash of salt. Let sit for a few minutes. The tarnish will transfer from the silver to the foil.

Tub and Tile Cleaner
For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder.

TIP: Use the vinegar very carefully, as it can break down some types of grout.