It's easy to wonder when you're cleaning if you can be doing more harm than good by sticking your head over a slew of toxic chemicals. Ease your mind - and your lungs - with our environmentally sound cleaning formulas, using combinations of a few basic household products. 

All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use in the bathroom, in the kitchen, on chrome fixtures, windows and mirrors. An alternative is microfiber cloths, which lift off dirt, grease, and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Air freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages with residues. Try these instead:
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using the shower.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water. For a heavy-duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.

Drain cleaner: Pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: Do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener -- the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Fabric softener: To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative.

Floor cleaner and polish:

• Vinyl and linoleum: add a capful of baby oil to the cleaning water to preserve and polish.
• Wood: for damp-mopping wood floors, mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; mix well.Painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water.
• Brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water.

Furniture polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft, damp cloth. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth. For unvarnished wood, mix 2 tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Lime deposits: Reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, boil for a few minutes. Rinse well while kettle is still warm.

Metal cleaners and polishes:

• aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water.
• brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution.
• chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.
• copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on the cloth before wiping.
• gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.
• silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.
  stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar.Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength, with small amount of salt. Apply using a sponge or a spray bottle, and do not rinse.

Mothballs: The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to the liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbant cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard. Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.

Note: TheGreenCity.ca does not guarantee the effeciency or performance of these formulas. Keep formulas labelled and out of children's reach.