Trach ties
Other Alternatives
Alternatives to Commercial Chemicals
When it comes to cleaning there are alternatives to commercial chemicals that make all kinds of claims to clean better or smell fresher.
Unfortunately there are many chemicals included in them which no one has any firm long term studies on their effects on our health. There are
some tried and true "natural" and "environmentally friendly" products that are good to use as well without all the side effects of chemicals.
Here are some examples of those Non-Toxic Alternatives to Commercial Cleaners......
AIR FRESHNERS
You can simmer spices or citrus rinds in water. The most common spices used are cinnamon, cloves, or vanilla.
ANTS (indoors)
Spread some red chili powder where they enter your home.
BLEACH
Borax...yes it is a commercial product but not as toxic to those with sensitivities.
BRASS POLISH
Worcestershire sauce......sounds silly but it works well.
CHROME POLISH
Apple Cider Vinegar...others claim that coke or pepsi cola work well also.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
White Vinegar (diluted in water or full strength)
Baking Soda
Grapefruit seed extract
Citric Acid (from citrus rind....lemon juice, lime juice, etc.)
Salt
Hydrogen Peroxide
ADHESIVE REMOVER
Soak in vinegar or alcohol(vodka works well)
DISH CLEANER
baking soda and lemon juice mixture or add vinegar
DRAIN CLEANER
1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar followed by 2 quarts boiling water
FABRIC SOFTNER
1 cup baking soda added to the wash
FLOOR CLEANER (TILE OR LINOLEUM)
1 cup vinegar in 2 gallons of water
FURNITURE POLISH
1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a pint of mineral oil or olive oil
Mayonnaise
GARBAGE DISPOSAL OR DRAIN FRESHNER
Grapefruit rinds
Lemon rinds
White Vinegar
Baking Soda
GREASE REMOVAL
Borax on a cloth damp with water
Lemon juice damp cloth with baking soda
INK SPOT REMOVER
cold water + 1 tablespoon cream of tartar + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
MILDEW REMOVER
1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup salt
MOSQUITO REPELLANT
wipe skin with white vinegar
citronella plants around your deck or patio
OVEN CLEANER
warm water, vinegar and baking soda (for stubborn areas you can make a paste with the vinegar and baking soda)
Outdoors alternatives to pest repellants:
My pest concoction for plants.......1 cup water,1 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red chili powder,1/4 cup of garlic powder
This keeps the rabbits and other animals from eating my vegetable plants and shrubs. It also works well for aphids and other pests
that can infest flowering shrubs.
Insects pose a pest problem as well. Strategically placed Citronella plants helps to keep mosquitoes at bay. Some can tolerate Citronella candles as well. Also wiping your skin with
white vinegar helps.
A good website regarding the hazards of chemicals to children as well as adults is CHECnet.org
One book that I have found that is excellant in giving info on alternatives is "NonToxic,Natural, and Earthwise" by Debra Lynn Dadd
Disclaimer; In no way are these web pages or links intended to replace care by a qualified medical professional. They are here for information only. If you feel you fit any of the symptoms listed in any of these links you should seek care from a qualified medical professional.
Contact Trach-ties at trachties@gmail.com
