Safer Alternatives for Household Cleaning

For a more comprehensive list, download a copy of Safer Cleaning: An A to Z Resource Guide of Safe Alternatives to Household Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies (pdf) or look at our safe alternatives info card (pdf).

Ants (in house): Locate entry point and seal with caulk. Remove sources of food and water or vacuum. Wash counter tops, cabinets and floor with equal parts of vinegar and water to deter ants.
Brass polish: Paste of equal parts vinegar, salt and flour. Rinse completely afterward to prevent corrosion.
Car battery corrosion: Pour baking soda and water or cola over battery posts and scrub with a wire brush.
Copper cleaner: Paste of equal parts vinegar, salt and flour. Be sure to rinse completely afterward to prevent corrosion.
Decal remover: Soak in hot water if practical; otherise use white vinegar or coat with peanut butter and let it set overnight.
Disinfectant: Mix 1/2 cup Borax into one gallon hot water to disinfect and deodorize.
Drain cleaner: Try plunger first. Then pour in 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar; wait a few minutes and pour in 2 quarts boiling water. Repeat if needed. If this fails, rent or buy a drain snake.
Fabric softener: Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda per wash load to make clothes soft and smell fresh.
Fertilizer: Compost and organic fertilizers.
Fleas (on pets): Vacuum living space frequently and immediately remove vacuum bag, seal it, and dispose of it outside your home. Wash pet bedding. Use flea comb on pets, drowning fleas in hot soapy water. Restrict pet access to human living areas until infestation is over.
Furniture polish: Almond, olive or vegetable oil and lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio. Apply and polish with soft cloth.
Hand cleaner for paint/grease: Rub hands with baby oil, vegetable oil, or margarine, then wash with soap and water.
Household cleaner: Liquid castile soap. Use as directed.
Insects on plants: Identify insects on plants and select appropriate control. Least toxic methods include hand or water spray removal, soapy water spray, barriers and traps.
Laundry bleach: Use borax on all clothes or 1/2 cup white vinegar in rinse water to brighten dark clothing. Dry bleach (sodium perborate) also works.
Linoleum floor cleaner: Damp mop with mild detergent and water. Add skim milk to the rinse water to shine floor without polishing.
Mildew remover: A non-chlorinated scouring powder cleans mildew stains from grout. Scrub hard.
Moths (in clothes): Clean any used clothing or furniture before introducing into home. Wash woolens before storing: use tight container. Vaccum rugs, behind and under furniture. Shake out woolens periodically.
Oven cleaner: To prevent problems, cover the oven bottom with a sheet of aluminum foil. Clean up spills promptly. To clean, use a copper scrubber with baking soda, soap and water. Or, use a non-chlorinated scouring powder or non-caustic oven cleaner.
Paint (oil-based): Latex paint, avoid aerosols.
Roaches: Remove all sources of food and water. Remove hiding places such as old newspapers, garbage bags and other clutter. Caulk or plug cracks and crevices. Last resort is to use boric acid (a poison). This must be kept away from pets and children.
Rug/carpet cleaner: Sprinkle with baking soda, then vacuum.
Silver cleaner: Rub gently with baking soda and damp sponge (large objects). For small objects place in pot of hot water on stove with small piece of aluminum foil; add 1 tsp. each baking soda and salt; boil 2-3 minutes.
Slugs and snails: Remove tall grass and debris from vicinity of garden. Use beer traps (replenish frequently) or hand capture in the evening and place in jar of soapy water. Sheet copper is a most effective barrier.
Stainless steel cleaner: Baking soda.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Baking soda and castile soap.
Tub and tile cleaner: Use vinegar full strength on a sponge; then use baking soda as a scouring powder. Rinse well.
Window cleaner: 1/2 cup vinegar in 1 quart warm water for inside windows. For outside windows use soap and water; rinse well and squeegee dry.