Household products that contain hazardous chemicals can pollute water, harm wildlife, and threaten drinking water and human health. Look for label warnings such as flammable, danger, warning, and caution on products such as leftover paint, solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids, household and automotive batteries, and aerosols. Many of these products can be recycled, recovered as fuel, or disposed of at special hazardous waste facilities. Often there are safer alternatives for hazardous materials that provide quality results at a lower cost to the consumer and the environment.

General Cleaners
Use soap and water, baking soda, and lemon juice;
Use a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1cup to 1 quart of warm water;
Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water;
For an abrasive cleaner, use baking soda or a non-chlorinated scouring powder;
Mix salt and vinegar together for a good surface cleaner that removes grease.

Carpet cleaners
Use a soap-based, non-aerosol rug shampoo. Vacuum when dry.

Drain cleaner
Pour ½ cup baking soda down drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. Cover the drain and let sit for 15 minutes. Follow with about 2 quarts of boiling water.

Glass cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar or 2 tablespoons lemon juice with 1 quart water and store in spray bottle.

Vinyl floor cleaner
Mix 1 gallon warm water with ½ cup white vinegar

Tub and tile cleaner
Scrub surfaces with baking soda and a little water.

Air freshener
Pour vanilla extract on a cotton ball in a saucer.

Glue
Use Elmer’s type white glue or yellow carpenter’s glue instead of rubber cement.

Paint
Use latex water-based paints and apply with a brush or roller whenever possible.

For a more extensive list of alternatives to toxic products, contact Metro Information at (503) 234-3000.

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