Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Cleaning Green


I've been trying to eliminate the number, type, and toxicity of chemicals that we use for cleaning at home. The toxicity of conventional cleaners and the cost ($$$) of pre-made natural cleaners has led me on a search for inexpensive and non-toxic basic ingredients. Doing tons of diaper laundry actually started me on this kick. Figuring out what I can and can't use to wash the diapers has shown me how many additives and unecessary chemicals we use in our homes.

This is a list of non-toxic cleaners that I have found  that can pretty much do every job in the house:
  • Country Save laundry detergent (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this stuff - cheap and effective)
  • Borax (disinfecting the laundry, cleaning the toilet etc..)
  • Baking soda (for scrubbing, a great laundry additive) 
  • Vinegar (also a great disinfectant, this stuff does almost everything - see here
  • Dr. Bronners soap
The three conventional cleaners that we still use are Clorox bleach every now and then (trying to find a good oxygen cleaner that doesn't have detergent in it like Oxyclean, though the Borax might do the trick), Comet cleaner (I have a hard time giving this one up, even though the powder cloud it creates is awful), and disinfecting wipes (here, I'm just finishing up the last of the container).

I'd like to eventually work some essential oils into the spray bottles of cleaner that I mix up. I saw a great tip the other day on how to use fresh basil, but my little basil plant out in the front hasn't grown enough for me to start using its leaves. So far, our new system has worked out well.

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