What is a safer alternative to common household cleaning products?

The best products are the ones you make by yourself because you know exactly what’s in them. Our website contains links to “recipes” for cleaners using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

You can also visit HCHW’s Marketplace for green products we recommend from other companies. Remember to always clearly label homemade solutions and to store cleaning products, regardless of their toxicity, out of reach of children.

How can I safely clean wood?

A safe recipe for cleaning wood is as follows:

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
A few drops jojoba or olive oil
3 to 5 drops fragrant essential oil (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a bowl, saturate a sponge with the mixture, and squeeze out the excess and wash surfaces. The smell of vinegar will dissipate in a few hours.

Makes 1/2 cup
Preparation time: less than 1 minute
Shelf Life: Indefinite
Storage: Glass jar with a screw top

Variations:
Lemon Lightener: Lemon is mild bleach and can be substituted for vinegar to lighten wood. Only make as much as you need at a time.

Antibacterial Red Thyme Wood Cleanser: Add 5 to 10 drops red thyme essential oil. Red thyme adds an earthy scent and provides antibacterial qualities in addition to the ones naturally found in vinegar. (Oregano oil and rosewood oil are also effective).

Is X Brand (409, Windex, Chlorox, etc) cleaner safe for use?

Due to limited resources, it is difficult for us to investigate the safety of all products on the market. We have a Chemical Encyclopedia online for information about specific chemicals. Be aware that companies are not required to list every ingredient in their products. You can also use the National Institutes of Health Household Products Database.

Visit the Marketplace section of our website for our criteria for safety and recommended products.