Non-toxic or Low-toxin Cleaning Supplies

Going "green" for cleaning is easy to do. About three years ago, I lived in an apartment complex that had a "no bleach" rule, so everything I used had to be low-toxin. I keep that philosophy still, even though I am not obligated to where I live now. Using low-toxin or non-toxic products improves your own health as well as helps the environment.

Think Windex is only for windows? Think again. My family uses Windex for general cleaning. It works great on metal sinks with minimal scrubbing. Stovetop cleaning is done in very little time by spraying on Windex and letting it sit, then using a rag. Take the burner pans out and use Windex on them, let them soak, then scrub using a dish brush. Clean the inside of your fridge with it, too.

Baking soda is one of the easiest and lowest-cost cleaning products available. It is an excellent scrubber and laundry additive. I make a heavy paste with baking soda and a little water, then scrub my counters with the mix and a rag. It even gets dried Kool-Aid and soft drinks off. Then, I rinse the counters afterward to clean up the baking soda residue. Zsuzsy Bee did an excellent hub on more uses for baking soda, which you can read here.

I use Seventh Generation dishwashing liquid and powder, laundry soap, and general cleaning spray for my kitchen and bathroom. It is non-toxic and can be purchased in unscented, citrus, or lavendar. Most major grocery stores carry Seventh Generation products, so you don't even have to go to a specialty store.

For deep cleaning of my linoleum and tile, I use Bio-Kleen's soy cream cleaner. They also have a toilet scrubber that works on not only toilets but also bathtubs, getting the "bath ring". The soy cleaners have volcanic ash, so there is minimal scrubbing. Just apply, let sit, then mop up with a rag.

You may notice by now that I use cleaning rags. Sponges are made with plastics, and paper towels use trees. Cleaning rags can be bought in bulk, are inexpensive, and are washable and reusable. Clean with them, toss them in a hamper or canvas bag, wash, and reuse. If you can't find them easily, look in the paint aisle at the hardware store.

Nature's Miracle stain removers are truly a miracle. We use them mostly for cleaning up cat urine from the occasional miss, and cleaning the kitty box. We spray the box after we take the old litter out, then let it sit for a couple minutes before we put the new litter in. The enzymes in the Nature's Miracle break down the bacteria causing the smell and stain.

We also use it as a stain treatment for laundry. Just spray on and let sit before you wash, then wash normally. It works for any organic stain, including food, sweat, blood, urine, and most cooking stains. It's great for cleaning up baby and kid clothing and diapers.

You can find Nature's Miracle products at many pet stores, including Petco and Petsmart.

If you have other favorite non-toxic or low-toxin products, feel free to leave a comment saying which one(s) and what you use it for.