iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll cdt hewith an increased risk of cancer.
Also, conventional cleaning supplies used to clean our bathrooms, kitchens,
and floors are full of toxic chemicals. You can make your own cleaning sup-
plies or purchase ones made from natural ingredients. The EWG also has a
database of safer, cleaner alternatives (ewg.org/guides/cleaners).
Nontoxic Alternatives for Cleaning
- Baking soda: makes water soft, increases cleaning capacity of soap,
good for scrubbing - Borax: cleans and removes odors, excellent disinfectant
- Soap from plants: nontoxic and biodegradable; available as liquid,
flakes, and bars; the best are without synthetic additives, flavors,
and colors - Vinegar: cleans grease and limestone residue
- Citric acid and lemon: removes grease and limestone residue and
also refreshes - Natural essential oils: natural extracts and essential oils enhance
antibacterial and antiviral properties of cleaning products; antibac-
terial options include camphor, cardamom, citronella, cypress, eu-
calyptus, ginger, juniper, lavender, lime, lemongrass, orange, lemon,
pine, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, and thyme; antiviral oils
comprise cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, oregano, sandal-
wood, and tea tree