How to Use Safe Household Cleaners for Non-Toxic Living

If you decide to pursue non-toxic living, you're making a conscious choice not to buy or use household products that contain artificial scents, colors or chemical agents. One of the most important aspects of non-toxic living is using safe household cleaners. Typically, they're made from natural ingredients that are biodegradable. Non-toxic cleaners can help eliminate food poisoning by killing bacteria in the kitchen. Follow these steps to learn how to use them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet capability
• Labels and markers for homemade cleaners
• Light protective gear, such as eye goggles and rubber gloves

Use Safe Household Items For Non-Toxic Living

1. Use baking soda to kill odors throughout the home. This product is nonabrasive. It won't harm your kitchen tile, sink or counter tops. Baking soda can also be used as a deodorizer when washing clothes.

2. Mix white vinegar and lemon juice to remove difficult stains in your home. This combination works well on persistent dirt that clings to wooden molding, counter tops and sinks. Both vinegar and lemon juice are non toxic, though rubber gloves should be worn to avoid skin irritation.

3. Purchase baking soda's stronger cousin: washing soda. This inexpensive product does wonders on grease and wax. Use washing soda on counter tops and unwaxed floors. Avoid using it on metal.

4. Destroy mold and airborne allergens with the cleaning power of natural oils. Lavender and clove oils, when mixed with water, can be used as a reliable spray on areas susceptible to mold.

5. Clean dishes and clothes with all-natural detergent, especially in homes with hard water. There are many unscented and environmentally-friendly detergents that will remove pesky stains.

6. Utilize liquid soaps for your household cleaning in homes with soft water. Liquid soaps require small amounts of soft water before they can clean clothing and dishes. There are a variety of unscented and biodegradable soaps on the market today.

7. Review the "Better Basics" and Enviro$ense Web sites for more suggestions on easy substitutions that can rid your home of toxic products (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Save money by using common household products in small amounts. Items like baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive. For most non-toxic cleaning products, small doses go a long way toward keeping your home clean.
• Label all homemade cleaning solutions and store them safely away from children and pets. On the label, include ingredients, date created and where the product should be used. Learn more about labeling at the "Better Basics" Web site.
• Protect yourself from abrasive and irritating household cleaners. While non-toxic cleaning products won't cause any major harm, they can cause eye and skin irritation. The best way to protect against this irritation is to wear gloves when handling them. If these protective measures fail to work, get to a physician quickly to avoid long-term physical harm.

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