Q: I’m making a move away from using unnecessary chemicals in my home, including cleaning products – not just for my family’s health but for the environment. Are there alternatives to these products that I can use? – Janelle W., Fort Worth, Texas
A: I think it’s great that you’re looking at ways to limit your family’s exposure to certain cleaning chemicals. While you might not be able to replace every cleaning product in your home, there are alternatives to commercial products … and they’re probably in your cupboard right now. Here are five you should have on hand at all times:
Lemon: A natural disinfectant that also imparts a pleasant scent. It’s no coincidence many commercial products are lemon-scented.
Vinegar: More than just a good disinfectant, vinegar is effective against mold. It breaks up grease, and can be effective against some stains.
Baking soda: In addition to being a good deodorant for the fridge, baking soda can be used to gently scour surfaces without scratching.
Cornstarch: A gentle cleaning product that can be used to polish some furniture, clean windows, and even shampoo carpets.
Salt: When you need more scrubbing power than soda or starch, and surface scratches aren’t a concern, salt is an excellent substitute for scouring powders.
In addition to these fairly benign cleaners, there are a few products you should have that boost cleaning options while having a limited impact on the environment. These should be stored out of the reach of children and pets, and you should follow package instructions:
Soap: Look for unscented soap that doesn’t contain petroleum distillates. Soap also demolishes grease and creates a slick surface that makes it easier to wash food particles and bacteria from dishes.
Borax: The commercial name for sodium borate, this chemical cleans and disinfects surfaces, including wallpaper and painted walls. It’s even used to attract and poison pests like roaches.
Washing soda: Also known as SAL soda, this is a mineral called sodium carbonate. It’s used for household cleaning and is often an ingredient in laundry detergents and coffee pot descaling formulas.
Citrus solvent: A more powerful cleaning solution, it can clean paintbrushes and help dissolve oil and grease.
Isopropyl alcohol: Another common and affordable disinfectant straight out of your first-aid kit.
How do you safely use these ingredients? There are more ways than I have room to describe. The back of the packages for many of these products – like Borax, washing soda, citrus solvent and baking soda – contain tips and instructions on safe use. Additionally, you can find a trove of information on the Web. Eartheasy has a page dedicated to nontoxic cleaning along with ways to use the above ingredients. Real Simple’s website has a page with 66 different cleaning tips.
Send your questions or home tips to ask@thisisahammer.com.
(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
HOME TIP: Clean and deodorize your garbage disposal by throwing in a few ice cubes and lemon or lime rinds, and running the disposal until clear.
