Resource: DIY Cleaners
Studies linking household cleaners to respiratory and reproductive issues have prompted a surge in green cleaning products. But lack of regulation – not to mention obscure catchall phrases like "fragrance" on ingredients labels – raise questions about just how
safe green cleaners are.
"Any fly-by-night company can take a drizzle of lemon oil, pour it over a vat of chemicals and call it a natural cleaner," Matt Kohler, brand manager for Clorox's "Green Works" eco-cleaners, told the Los Angeles Times last month.
For this reason, Women's Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit based in Missoula, Montana, launched its Safe Cleaning Products Initiative in March. The organization helps women make their own cleaners, by providing recipes and staging “Green Cleaning Parties,” where groups gather to make the products together.
"People are confused about what to buy, but this is not a problem we can buy our way out of," said WVE spokesperson Ali Solomon.
"We're providing a resource for people to create something they know is safe."
Scroll down to get some DIY cleaner recipes:
All-Purpose Cleaner
Use: Countertops, kitchen floors, windows, mirrors
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional, cuts the vinegar smell)
Tip: Heating in microwave boosts cleaning power for tough jobs.
Creamy Soft Scrub
Use: Kitchen counters, stoves, sinks
2 cups baking soda
1⁄2 cup liquid castile soap (preferably liquid)
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any scent you prefer (optional)
Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar. For a dry soft scrub, combine baking soda or salt (or combination of both) with 10-15 drops essential oil to scent
Tips: For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first, let sit, and follow with scrub.
Drain Opener
1⁄2 cup baking soda
1⁄2 cup vinegar
Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.
safe green cleaners are.
"Any fly-by-night company can take a drizzle of lemon oil, pour it over a vat of chemicals and call it a natural cleaner," Matt Kohler, brand manager for Clorox's "Green Works" eco-cleaners, told the Los Angeles Times last month.
For this reason, Women's Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit based in Missoula, Montana, launched its Safe Cleaning Products Initiative in March. The organization helps women make their own cleaners, by providing recipes and staging “Green Cleaning Parties,” where groups gather to make the products together.
"People are confused about what to buy, but this is not a problem we can buy our way out of," said WVE spokesperson Ali Solomon.
"We're providing a resource for people to create something they know is safe."
Scroll down to get some DIY cleaner recipes:
All-Purpose Cleaner
Use: Countertops, kitchen floors, windows, mirrors
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional, cuts the vinegar smell)
Tip: Heating in microwave boosts cleaning power for tough jobs.
Creamy Soft Scrub
Use: Kitchen counters, stoves, sinks
2 cups baking soda
1⁄2 cup liquid castile soap (preferably liquid)
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any scent you prefer (optional)
Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar. For a dry soft scrub, combine baking soda or salt (or combination of both) with 10-15 drops essential oil to scent
Tips: For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first, let sit, and follow with scrub.
Drain Opener
1⁄2 cup baking soda
1⁄2 cup vinegar
Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.
Posted by: Audrey Tempelsman on May 16, 08 at 01:23 PM PDT
Vinegar is a great tool for cleaning, I agree but please ensure that if you have marble or granite countertops, that you don't use it. Any acidic products are a big no-no. Ph neutral products only. There are some great DIY granite/marble sprays with a mixture of water, rubbing alcohol and just a touch of Dawn detergent, which is apparently very mild.
Posted by Cara on 08/21/08 07:04PM PDT
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