Safe Alternatives for Toxic Home Products
Millions of pounds of household hazardous wastes end up in landfills each year. Products such as household cleaners, pesticides, motor oil and others can contaminate the water supply when improperly disposed.
We hear a lot about avoiding toxic chemicals because they’re harmful to our environment. But what are safer choices? The accompanying list shows nontoxic alternatives for paints, household cleaners and pesticides.
By choosing non-hazardous alternatives--such as vinegar instead of a commercial window cleaner--you’ll save money, have a healthier home and preserve our environment.
To find out where you can take leftover household cleaners, paint, car batteries, pesticides, glues, disinfectants and more, call the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s Recycling Hotline, (800) 553-2962.
PAINTS: CHEMICAL ALTERNATIVE Paint (oil based): Latex paint, avoid aerosols Paint stripper: Water-based stripper, heat gun, sandpaper Stains/Finishes: Latex paint or natural earth pigment finishes Thinners and turpentine: Use water with water-based paints Wood preservatives: Water repellent, naturally weather-resistant wood
AUTO: CHEMICAL ALTERNATIVE Car battery corrosion: Baking soda and water Chrome polish: Vinegar, dry thoroughly
HOUSEHOLD: CHEMICAL ALTERNATIVE Abrasive cleaners or: Baking soda powders Air freshener: Herbal sachet, orange studded with cloves, or simmer cinnamon and cloves Ammonia-based: Vinegar, salt, water mix cleaners: for surfaces. Baking soda and water for bathroom Batteries: Solar-powered batteries, wind-up watches, plug into household current Bleach: Borax, use only when necessary Linoleum floor cleaner: 1 cup white vinegar plus 2 gallons water Linoleum floor polish: Skim milk (this does not produce a foul odor) Mildew remover: Equal parts vinegar and salt; borax is effective on shower curtains Oven cleaner: Baking soda and water or non-chlorinated scouring powder. Copper scrubber and lots of elbow grease Porcelain stain remover: Baking soda Brass polish: Paste of equal parts vinegar, salt, flour--be sure to rinse completely to prevent corrosion. Cleaners (general): 1 teaspoon liquid soap and 1 teaspoon borax plus squeeze of lemon in quart of warm water, or just use liquid soap and water. Coffee cup stain remover. Moist salt or baking soda Copper cleaner: Paste of equal parts vinegar, salt, flour--be sure to rinse completely to prevent corrosion. Decal remover: Soak in hot water if practical, or use white vinegar Disinfectants: 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon water Drain cleaner: Try plunger first. Then pour 1/2 cup baking soda down, then 1/2 cup vinegar, wait a few minutes. Follow with 2 quarts boiling water. Repeat. If this fails, buy or rent a drain snake. Furniture polish: Olive oil or almond oil Garbage disposal: Used lemons or baking soda deodorizer Hand cleaner for: Baby oil or margarine, then paint/grease: wash with soap and water Refrigerator deodorizer: Open baking soda box Rug & upholstery: Baking soda sprinkled on deodorizer: rug, then vacuum. Rub Silver cleaner: gently with baking soda and damp sponge or place in pot of water on stove with small piece of aluminum foil. Add 1 tbsp. baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, boil 2-3 minutes. Spot remover: Depends on type of spill. Treat as soon as possible and blot as much liquid as you can with paper towel or cloth. For most stains, try cold water first, then hot water with a little detergent. Blot, don’t rub. Stainless steel cleaner: Baking soda Stainless steel polish: Olive oil Toilet cleaners: Toilet brush and baking soda; mild detergent Window cleaners: 1/4 cup vinegar in 1 quart warm water, rub with lint-free cloth, then polish with newspaper, plain water or soapy water, rinse, then squeegee dry Wine stain remover: Water or rubbing alcohol
PESTICIDES: PEST ALTERNATIVES Ants (in house): Locate entry point, seal with caulk. Kill visible ants with soapy water or vacuum up. Remove all sources of food, water. Clothes moths: Thoroughly clean any used clothing or furniture before introducing into home. Wash woolens before storing. Store in cedar chest or cardboard boxes. Vacuum rugs, behind and under furniture. Shake out woolens periodically. Fleas (on pets): Vacuum twice a week with agitator vacuum; dispose of vacuum bags in trash. Wash pet bedding. Treat pet and bedding with flea soap or citrus oil product. Insects (on plants): Identify insect and select appropriate control: hand or water spray removal, soapy water spray, barriers and traps are least toxic controls. Roaches: Remove all sources of food and water. Caulk or plug cracks and crevices. Last resort is to use boric acid (a poison). This must be done away from pets and children. Slugs and snails: Remove tall grass and debris from vicinity of garden. Use beer traps or perform late evening search and destroy. Sheet copper is an effective barrier.
SOURCES: The Washington Toxics Coalition and The Environmental Hazards Management Institute