Cleaning Tips

You may be surprised at the hazardous products you use and the waste problem they create. One way to decrease the amount of hazardous waste in your environment is to use non or low-toxic alternatives instead. Here are some inexpensive and easy ideas for replacing common hazardous products. Please keep in mind that even these basic cleaning products should be kept out of the reach of children. Do not mix these products with any other cleaning products. For information on how to properly dispose of hazardous household products you no longer want or need, call your local waste utility dept.


Tub & Sink Cleaner
• Baking Soda
• Liquid Castile Soap/Murphy’s Soap

You can use baking soda in place of your scouring powder. Sprinkle it on Porcelain fixtures and rub with a wet rag. Add a little soap to the rag for more cleaning power. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film.

Window and Mirror Cleaner
• Vinegar
• Water

Just put ¼ cup vinegar in the spray bottle and fill to top with water. Spray on surface. Rub with a lint-free rag, or sheets of newspaper. For outdoor windows use a sponge and wash with warm water with a few drops of liquid castile soap in it. Rinse well and squeegee dry.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Baking Soda
• Liquid Castile Soap/Murphy’s Soap

Sprinkle baking soda inside the bowl as you would any scouring powder. Squeeze a couple of drops of soap in also. Scrub with a toilet bowl brush and finish outside surfaces with a rag sprinkled with baking soda.


Linoleum Floor Cleaner
• Vinegar
• Water

Mop with a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket of warm water. The vinegar odor will go away shortly after the floor dries.