The toilet is in desperate need of cleaning, but you don't want to reach for a toilet bowl cleaner full of harsh chemicals. Cutting out commercial cleaning products with strong chemicals doesn't mean you have to give up a clean home. Several everyday household items you probably already have in the cupboard work just as well to keep your entire home shining.
General Cleaner
An effective general cleaner that you can use on many different surfaces lets you work through your cleaning checklist quickly. For a simple all-purpose cleaner, start with a half-gallon of water. Mix in a half-cup of vinegar and a quarter-cup of baking soda. You also can use 2 teaspoons of borax in place of the baking soda. Place the mixture in a spray bottle to make it just as convenient as chemical cleaners. The cleaner works on most hard surfaces, but you should test it on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn't leave any damage.
Drain Cleaner
Commercial drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals with potential health risks. A more natural approach gets the water flowing without the strong chemicals. The chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar works well to clean out the natural buildup in pipes. Dump a half-cup of baking soda into the drain, then follow with a half-cup of vinegar. If you have metal pipes, pour bowling water down the drain after 15 minutes to clear out the remaining residue. Plastic pipes might melt from the boiling water, so don't use this method if your plumbing is plastic. Eartheasy also recommends against avoiding this method if you recently used a commercial drain cleaner, because the reaction between the cleaner and vinegar can cause fumes.
Floor Cleaner
A mixture of a half-cup of vinegar and a gallon of water creates a basic cleaner that works on most floor surfaces. Test the mixture in a hidden location to make sure it doesn't hurt the floor. Use as little moisture as possible on wood and laminate floors to prevent water damage.
Oven Cleaner
Commercial oven cleaners are also known for their harsh fumes and dangerous chemicals. A natural mixture made at home creates a non-toxic cleaner that leaves the oven clean. Mix together 3 parts baking soda, 1 part salt and 1 part water to make a paste cleaner. Use a damp sponge to moisten the interior oven surfaces. Spread the paste on the interior surfaces, and leave it overnight. In the morning, scrape away the mixture with a spatula and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Toilet Cleaner
A cup of vinegar in the toilet bowl followed by a sprinkling of baking soda creates a homemade toilet bowl cleaner. Leave the mixture in the bowl for 10 minutes, then scrub the toilet bowl with a brush. Another option is to make a paste from 2 parts borax and 1 part lemon juice, then spread it inside the toilet. These materials offer a safer toilet bowl cleaner that won't add harsh chemicals to the water source.
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