Alternatives to Hazardous Chemicals

Below is a list of commonly used HHW products and the dangers they pose to you, your family (including pets) and the environment. 

All Purpose Cleaners: Contain ammonia and chlorine which can irritate lungs and, when combined, the two create a deadly chloramine gas.

Disinfectants: Contain substances which can damage internal organs and central nervous system.

Drain Cleaners: The lye, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids in these products can burn human tissue.

House and Garden Pesticides: Many pesticides have been linked to cancer and birth defects. Rain washes these chemicals off of lawns and gardens and if used excessively they may end up eventually in ground and surface water, contaminating drinking water and killing aquatic life.

Oven Cleaners: The primary ingredient is lye, a powerful caustic that can burn tissue. The fumes are very dangerous to breathe.

To reduce the risk of harming your health, try the alternatives below. Remember, when purchasing products always read the label. The fewer warnings there are, the smarter the choice. 

FOR	TRY
All-purpose cleaner	1 teaspoon each of liquid soap, borax, lemon juice and vinegar plus 1 quart of warm water
Disinfectants	1/4 cup borax mixed with 1/4 cup white vinegar in hot water, OR use a citrus based product
Drain Cleaners	Maintain clean drains by using a drain basket and periodically pouring a mixture of 1/2 cup salt and 1/8 cup cream of tartar down drain, rinsing with hot water. To clear clogs, use 1/4 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover drain and sink overflow vent until fizzing ceases and then flush with hot water.
Glass cleaner	1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water
Oven cleaner	Apply a baking soda paste and let stand for 1 hour to overnight. Use a pumice stone or steel wool to scrub black spots. With self-cleaning ovens, avoid the use of cleaners entirely by running the cleaning cycle which uses high heat to burn away spills.
Scouring powder	Salt and baking soda, or Bon Ami
Toilet bowl cleanser	Baking soda and vinegar
Carpet deodorizer	Baking soda
Furniture polish	Vegetable or mineral oil
Silver polish	Nonabrasive toothpaste
Mothballs	Cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary or mint leaves
Pesticides	Liquid soap and water on plant leaves.  Introduce beneficial insects to your garden to control pests, use non-toxic traps, organic fertilizers and pesticides and utilize companion planting.
Air Fresheners	Houseplants freshen the air in your home or office by absorbing pollutants and purifying the air, reducing the need for chemical air fresheners.
Flea and tick powder	Brewer's yeast and garlic in pet food.  Contact your vet about how much to give your pet and how often.