NON-TOXIC CLEANING SUPPLIES
Carpets	regular vacuuming-- vacuum cleaner with HEPA system is recommended to trap allergens and chemical residues
	steam cleaning-- use plain water, dry area with fan-- make sure carpet dries thoroughly-- damp carpet can mildew or rot
	musty carpets-- sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch, let stand for 15-30 minutes, vacuum
	stains-- if fresh, blot with white rag, don't scrub, spray with club soda, wait 30 seconds, blot, repeat until stain is gone, dry area with fan-- damp carpet can mildew or rot; if stain persists, use 1 Tablespoon dish soap in ½ cup water, whip to foam with egg beater, gently apply foam to spot, press into stain with brush or sponge, wait 30 seconds, blot, repeat as needed, rinse, then dry using fan
	professional cleaning-- if carpet is professionally cleaned, request use of environmentally friendly carpet shampoo
Countertops	soft scrub-- mix baking soda and liquid soap (castile) until consistency you like-- make only as much as needed-- dries up quickly
	disinfecting recommended-- spray with vinegar, rinse with hot water
Cutting Boards	disinfecting recommended-- follow same procedure as with disinfecting countertops
Dishes	use hot water, scrubbing and eco friendly dishwashing liquid and dishwasher powder-- eco friendly brands include Citra-Solv, Ecover, Seventh Generation, Shaklee.
--utensils	disinfecting recommended-- follow same procedure as with disinfecting countertops
--baking pans	removing rust-- scrub with halved potato, follow with a salt scrub or dip potato in salt before scrubbing
	NOTE: Seventh Generation is listed in the book, better world SHOPPING GUIDE, Ellis Jones, as the #1 best company on the planet, winner of the Sustainability Report Award, and Socially Responsible Business Award. www.betterworldshopper.org
Drains	preventing clogged drains--use hair and food traps
	de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains-- pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar, let bubble for 15 minutes, rinse with hot water-- might have to repeat procedure more than once or leave baking soda and vinegar to "cook" overnight
Dusting	best done with slightly damp cloth, use a few drops of castile or other vegetable soap in water, follow with dry cloth
Floors	linoleum (unwaxed) floors-- ½ distilled white vinegar, ½ water, a few drops of liquid soap (castile or vegetable) in a spray bottle-- for an extra polish, combine 6 tablespoons cornstarch per cup of water
	NOTE: Do not use this formula on waxed floors
	Wood floors-- vinegar is a natural disinfectant, pulls dirt from wood
Laundry	eco friendly laundry detergent brands include Citra-Solv, Ecover, Seventh Generation, Shaklee
	tough stains-- use distilled white vinegar or lemon juice
	brightener-- add 1/2 cup of strained lemon juice to the rinse cycle.
	softening fabric rinse-- add 1/4 cup of vinegar to rinse cycle to remove detergent completely from clothes, eliminating that scratchy feel-- will not leave clothes smelling like vinegar
	detergent booster-- to reduce amount of laundry detergent needed, add baking soda-- softens water, increases detergent's power-- for liquid detergent, add 1/2 cup of baking soda at beginning of wash-- for powdered detergent, add 1/2 cup of soda during rinse cycle
	bleaching-- use hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine bleach
	dry cleaning-- many delicate "dry clean only" items can be washed at home by hand-- generally, it's best to use cool water and a mild liquid soap-- squeeze gently-- lay flat to dry
	NOTE: “Most dry-cleaning facilities in the United States use the solvent perchloroethylene (“perc” for short). Chronic exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. The EPA lists it as a potential carcinogen and a hazardous air pollutant. In short, don't let your clothes get near the stuff.” (Schoff, p. 96)
Microwave	Use 3-4 tablespoons baking soda mixed with water, scrub on with a sponge, rinse.
Mold & Mildew	If you discover mold and mildew in your house, first find the source of moisture and stop it. It's pointless to clean mold if it's only going to return! To clean mold: Remember to wear gloves and a face mask, since mold spores can be inhaled. Use a stiff brush, ½ distilled white vinegar, ½ water, a few drops of liquid soap (castile or vegetable) in a spray bottle. Shake well. Use a stiff bristle toothbrush to get in between tiles. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water. Don't rinse.
Oven	To clean extra-greasy ovens, mix together 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup of washing soda, then add enough water to make a paste; apply the paste to oven surfaces and let soak overnight. The next morning, lift off soda mixture and grime; rinse surfaces well.
Refrigerator	Use a little baking soda dissolved in cold water.
Routine cleaning	Mix ½ distilled white vinegar, ½ water, and a few drops of liquid soap (castile or vegetable) in a spray bottle. Shake well. Cleans floors, glass, cuts grease, removes stains, kills mold and mildew, removes soap scum and cleans toilets (add a bit of baking soda if you like).
Scouring	Use straight baking soda on a damp cloth as a scouring powder.
Sponges	Microwave your sponges for one minute every day to kill bacteria
Stains	Use distilled white vinegar or lemon juice on tough stains
	NOTE: “Commercial stain removers often include a host of harmful ingredients, including nerve-damaging neuro-toxins, such as benzene, toluene and xylene, as well as the carcinogen, formaldehyde. Stain removers made from plant oils are effective on all types of stains and are far better for you and the environment.” (Schoff, p. 104)
Toilet bowl	Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin, and allow to set for three minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
Tub and tile cleaner	Mix 1 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap and 1/2 cup water. Then, as the last step, add 2 tablespoons vinegar (if you add the vinegar too early it will react with the baking soda). Immediately apply, wipe, and scrub.
Windows	mix ½ distilled white vinegar, ½ water, and a few drops of liquid soap (castile or other vegetable) in a spray bottle, shake well
	NOTE: The best way to get streak-free windows-- work in shade, direct sunlight causes streaking-- use newspaper or lint free cloth instead of paper towels to wipe them, buff to a shine