Toxic Cleaning Product Alternatives

Note: Never mix ammonia with ANY product containing bleach. When mixed, the combination of products produces noxious and poisonous gasses.

Be sure to check all warning labels on the products you purchase. Any cleaning product may have one or the other listed in the contents (bleach or ammonia) which will also have the same reaction if mixed with various other cleaning product.

Green Cleaning Products

Baking Soda:

Baking soda is made from sodium bicarbonate. It will neutralize acid, is mildly abrasive and will scrub without causing scratches, it is a natural deodorizer, not only just in the refrigerator, but also on carpets, and on upholstery.

Borax

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, and it is soluble in water. Borax is widely used in water softeners, soaps and detergents. It deodorizes, and will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol, or Isopropyl Alcohol is a very good disinfectant.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, is a natural deodorant and has a slight bleaching effect. It will remove stains from clothing, aluminum, and porcelain. If it is mixed with salt it will remove silver tarnish.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is derived from petroleum. It is commonly used in cosmetics and personal products such as suntan oil, and sunscreens. It is not digestible, and is very stable so it does not go rancid.

Vinegar

Vinegar is made from wine, grains and apple juice. It normally contains about 5 percent acetic acid. Vinegar is used to dissolve calcium and mineral deposits. It will cut grease and remove soap scum. It kills mold and mildew. And is a natural deodorizer.. We use vinegar at Mrs. Clean to quickly clean linoleum floors or hardwood floors with no residue left behind. Note: Don’t use this on marble floors. You can also use vinegar to clean coffeepots.

Not So Earth Friendly Household Products

Below is a list of common household cleaning products. Just because you can buy it on the store shelf does not mean it’s safe. Always read product warning labels and use exactly as directed.

Bleach

Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. This is a lung and eye irritant. If mixed with either ammonia or acid base cleaning products it releases a very toxic chloramine gas.

Ammonia

Ammonia is commonly used in glass cleaner. It is a lung and skin irritant. If ammonia is mixed with chlorine bleach it releases a toxic gas.

Disinfectants

Some disinfectants contain phenol and cresol which are corrosive. Excessive exposure can cause fainting, dizziness and diarrhea

Furniture Polish & Floor Polish

Some polishes contain nitrobenzene. Exposure can cause vomiting

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Toilet bowl cleaner usually contains hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate. This can burn your skin and may cause blindness if accidentally splashed in your eyes.