Pollutants and Alternatives
Pollution can be easily reduced by using natural and less toxic products whenever possible. Instead of using these common pollutants, use these safe non-toxic alternatives:

General Cleaners
Air Freshener
Set out a small dish of vinegar or lemon juice in a warm area to freshen the air.

All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix one quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid soap, 1 teaspoon borax, ¼ cup vinegar to create a non-toxic cleaner.

Bleach
Use borax instead of bleach.

Carpet Cleaner
Sprinkle carpet with 1 cup borax and 2 cups cornmeal or baking soda. Let stand 1 hour before vacuuming.

Detergent
Use simple soap or phosphate-free detergent in the wash.

Disinfectant
Use ammonia as a non-toxic disinfectant.

Floor Cleaner
Mix mild soap solution or 1 cup vinegar and 2 gallons water. Use skim milk linoleum floors.

Furniture Polish
On unfinished surfaces, use natural oil such as almond or olive oil. On finished surfaces, dust with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

Glass Cleaner
Use 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water to create this a glass cleaner.

Surface Cleaner
Use a vinegar and salt mixture as a surface cleaner.

Window Cleaner
Mix ¼ cup vinegar (or 2 tablespoons lemon juice) and 1quart water.

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Kitchen & Bath Cleaners
Chlorine Scouring Powder
Use baking soda as a non-toxic alternative to chlorine.

Oven Cleaner
Pour salt on fresh oven spills and scrape the residue off when the oven cools. Apply ammonia or use a pumice stick on tough stains.

Tile Cleaner
Scrub tile areas with baking soda and a toothbrush.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Use baking soda or borax in the toliet bowl.

Pesticides
Fungicide
Mix lavender, clove, or tea tree oils with 2 cups water and spray.

Mothballs
Use cedar chips in place of mothballs.

Pesticide
Make chili powder packets to keep ants out of the kitchen. You can also combine 1-2 tablespoons liquid soap and 1 quart water and spray as needed.

Pest Repellant
Add a few drops of lavender to the water when washing clothes. You can also throw coriander seed or lemon balm leaves on campfires. Taking a daily dose of vitamin B1 is also an effective pest repellant.

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Stain Removers
Grease Remover
Mix baking soda and water to make a paste.

Mildew Stain Remover
Use a vinegar solution as an effective mildew stain remover.

All-Purpose Stain Remover
Mix cornstarch and water to make a paste.

Tarnish Remover
Mix white vinegar and lemon juice to create an effective tarnish remover.

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