Pollutant Alternatives

Pollution can be easily reduced by using natural and less toxic products whenever possible. Instead of using these common pollutants, use these safe non-toxic alternatives:

General Cleaners
  • Air Freshener: Set out a small dish of vinegar or lemon juice in a warm area to freshen the air.
  • All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix one quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid soap, 1 teaspoon borax, ¼ cup vinegar to create a non-toxic cleaner.
  • Bleach: Use borax instead of bleach.
  • Carpet Cleaner: Sprinkle carpet with 1 cup borax and 2 cups cornmeal or baking soda. Let stand 1 hour before vacuuming.
  • Detergent: Use simple soap or phosphate-free detergent in the wash.
  • Disinfectant: Use ammonia as a non-toxic disinfectant.
  • Floor Cleaner: Mix mild soap solution or 1 cup vinegar and 2 gallons water. Use skim milk linoleum floors.
  • Furniture Polish: On unfinished surfaces, use natural oil such as almond or olive oil. On finished surfaces, dust with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
  • Glass Cleaner: Use 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water to create this a glass cleaner.
  • Surface Cleaner: Use a vinegar and salt mixture as a surface cleaner.
  • Window Cleaner: Mix ¼ cup vinegar (or 2 tablespoons lemon juice) and quart water.
Kitchen & Bath Cleaners
  • Chlorine Scouring Powder: Use baking soda as a non-toxic alternative to chlorine.
  • Oven Cleaner: Pour salt on fresh oven spills and scrape the residue off when the oven cools. Apply ammonia or use a pumice stick on tough stains.
  • Tile Cleaner: Scrub tile areas with baking soda and a toothbrush.
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Use baking soda or borax in the toilet bowl.
Pesticides
  • Fungicide: Mix lavender, clove, or tea tree oils with 2 cups water and spray.
  • Mothballs: Use cedar chips in place of mothballs.
  • Pesticide: Make chili powder packets to keep ants out of the kitchen. You can also combine 1-2 tablespoons liquid soap and 1 quart water and spray as needed.
  • Pest Repellent: Add a few drops of lavender to the water when washing clothes. You can also throw coriander seed or lemon balm leaves on campfires. Taking a daily dose of vitamin B1 is also an effective pest repellent.
Stain Removers
  • Grease Remover: Mix baking soda and water to make a paste.
  • Mildew Stain Remover: Use a vinegar solution as an effective mildew stain remover.
  • All-Purpose Stain Remover: Mix cornstarch and water to make a paste.
  • Tarnish Remover: Mix white vinegar and lemon juice to create an effective tarnish remover.