RECIPES FOR SAFER ALTERNATIVES TO HAZARDOUS WASTE PRODUCTS

The following two recipes are taken from Household Hazards: A Guide to Detoxifying Your Home by the League of Women Voters of Albany County

INSECT REPELLANT (for plants)

  • Liquid soap
  • Water
2-4 tablespoons liquid soap to one gallon water. Test, first, as household soap may damage some plant foliage. Spray on plants. Effective against soft-bodied pests (aphids) which are destroyed by the soap's fatty acids.
ANT & ROACH CONTROL
  • Confectionary sugar
  • Borax
Mix equal parts of confectionary sugar and powdered borax. Spread in infested area, or place in old jar lids.

(Caution: Do not use in the presence of children or pets!)


The following recipes are taken from Clean & Green: The Complete Guide to Non-toxic & Environmentally Safe Housekeeping by Annie Berthold-Bond.

FANTASTIC ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS

Spray Bottle
  • 1 teaspoon borax
  • 2 Tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon vegetable-oil-based liquid soap
  • 1 teaspoon washing soda
  • 2 cups VERY HOT water
  • Spray bottle

Combine the borax, washing soda, vinegar, and liquid soap in a spray bottle. Add very hot tap water, shaking the bottle gently until dissolved. Spray onto the area to be cleaned and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

For a Bucket or Pail
  • 1/8 cup teaspoon borax
  • 1/8 cup washing soda
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable-oil-based liquid soap
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 gallons VERY HOT water
  • Bucket or pail
Place ingredients in a pail; stir to dissolve. Use with sponges or mops as usual. Because washing soda is slightly caustic, use gloves. Rinse well.

CHROME CLEANER

1/4 cup baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Scoop the paste onto a sponge and rub the chrome. The baking soda gives a good abrasive cleaning power for spots and stains.

Once the chrome is cleaned, rinse well with warm water and polish. This formula is very effective.

MOLD & MILDEW INHIBITOR
for bathroom
  • 1 teaspoon borax
  • 3 Tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 cups VERY HOT Water
  • Spray bottle

Place the borax and vinegar in a spray bottle. Dissolve the borax by pouring the hot tap water over it. Shake to mix. Spray this formula on to mold growing areas of your bathroom and leave on without rinsing. The vinegar will evaporate.

Control of Ground Ivy on Bluegrass
from Horticulture andHome Pest News
(Caution: apply over recommended area to avoid toxicity symptoms)
To treat 1,000 sq. feet:

  • 10 oz Borax
  • Dissolve in 4 oz. warm water then dilute in 2.5 gal. water

Borax MSDS information