So after I discovered this awful silver cleaning spray polish that has been following me around for years and until recently, was still lurking in the corner of my cabinet beneath the kitchen sink, I thought I would investigate to see what other toxic cleaners are still haunting me. Even though I have made a more earth-friendly switch on many cleaners, like these good guys in the photo above, I was surprised to see what I still had around.
Here is a confession recap of both the BAD and the UGLY too…
(Insert Psycho theme song here)
If you find yourself in a similar hazardous situation, here are 10 green and good replacements I have successfully managed to incorporate, either in a DIY form* and/or switching to a more eco-friendly brand.
| Exchange This Toxic Bad Guy | For This Green & Good Guy |
| 1. Dish Washing Detergent / Rinse Aid | 1 tablespoon Borax/1 tablespoon Washing Soda in detergent compartment/White vinegar in rinse aid compartment |
| 2. Air Freshener | 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 cup water. Pour in small spray bottle. Optional: Add 7 drops of essential oil (orange, lavender) to enhance fragrance.
(Preferred Brand: Mrs. Myers) |
| 3. Stainless Steel Cleaning Spray | Vinegar spray. Wipe (diligently) with microfiber or soft cloth.
Preferred Brand: Method Natural Fiber wipes |
| 4. Abrasive Scouring Powder | Baking soda for sinks and tubs
Baking soda/vinegar for toilets Preferred Brand: Bon Ami |
| 5. Disinfectant for cutting boards, counter tops before and after meal prep | Hydrogen Peroxide /Vinegar
First spray area with peroxide then wipe/follow by vinegar spray and wipe clean. Preferred Brand: Seventh Generation |
| 6. All Purpose Cleaner | 1-2 parts water and 1 part vinegar mixed in spray bottle. Add 15 drops of essential oil for fragrance.
Preferred Brand: Seventh Generation |
| 7. Glass Cleaner | 1. ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, 2 cups water mixed in spray bottle.
2. Microfiber cloth works great all by itself |
| 8. Furniture Polish | 1. Always a cloth duster with nothing on it.
2. ½ teaspoon olive oil, ¼ cup vinegar mixed and stored in glass jar. (I use as needed) |
| 9. Carpet Deodorizer | Baking soda – sprinkle liberally and wait a few minutes then vacuum. Add a few drops of essential oil or aromatic flower petals you may have on hand for added fragrance. |
| 10. Silver Polish | 1 cup baking soda/ 2 tablespoons salt to boiling water. Pour over silver placed in aluminum pan or line a pan/bowl with aluminum foil. |
There are many other DIY recipes and brands in addition to what works for me. What homemade options or eco-friendly brands work best for you?
*I have gathered these homemade options from various places over time without keeping track of the original source and do not claim any as my own.
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Love this post! Thanks for all the great info. I’m going to try the green substitute for my dishwashing detergent, but I don’t know what “washing soda” is. Where can I find this? Any particular brand names? Is it the Arm & Hammer box shown in the photo at the top?
Hi Ellen, Yes – the Arm & Hammer box shown is the washing soda I use. I have found it in the detergent /cleaning section of my grocery store. Thanks!