Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

---

The home cleaning aisles of local stores are treasure troves for endless supplies, but if you’re looking to be a bit greener, DIY cleaning products might even be better. Check out a few easy swaps from name brand to eco-friendly cleaning supplies for you kitchen, bathroom or anywhere else around the house. 

Dish Detergent

Name-brand dish detergents contain a whole host of ingredients, from cleansers to phosphates and dyes. There’s a greener option involving…lemonade? Combined with natural cleaners, this DIY dish cocktail packs a punch. Grab a few ingredients:

• Washing soda: 1 cup
• Baking soda: 1 cup
• Lemonade mix: 3 packs
• Kosher salt: 1 cup
• Water: 1 cup

Mix and spoon into ice cube trays. Let dry and use one cube per load similar to detergent pods. 

Glass Cleaner

You want your mirrors and windows to shine, but strong solvents like glycol ether and ammonia make glass cleaner harmful and noxious. Homemade alternatives are just as effective, but much safer. Grab a spray bottle and mix in a few ingredients: 

• Water: 2 cups
• Cider vinegar: ½ cup
• 70% rubbing alcohol: ¼ cup
• Essential oil (optional) : 2 drops for fragrance

Your homemade mixture will be just as effective as a store brand, but way safer and more cost-effective, too!

Toilet Cleaner

Between hydrochloric acid and bleach, toilet cleaners traditionally have some strong chemicals. These can irritate your respiratory tract or even your lungs. No Thanks! Eco-friendly cleaning supplies are sound alternatives, and are safer for your plumbing. Just mix up you ingredients in a spray bottle and go to work:

• Vinegar: 1 cup
• Essential oil: ½ teaspoon
• Baking soda: ½ cup

Combine vinegar and essential oil and spray on/in toilet. Sprinkle the baking soda in the toilet bowl before scrubbing with a brush.  

Wood Furniture Polish

Lemon-scented wood cleaner from the classic yellow can might be an easy standby, but you wouldn’t believe just how easy it is to make eco-friendly furniture polish at home—and without harsh fumes. All it takes is a bit of vinegar and olive oil. 

• White Vinegar: ½ cup
• Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Essential Oil (optional): a few drops for fragrance

Combine all ingredients into a spray bottle, then use the cleaner with a dry cloth to create a pristine finish.

When Plumbing Problems Strike, Trust Terry’s Plumbing

Few people like to clean, from the cost of household cleaners to the time involved, but it can be made safer and easier. And when it comes to your plumbing, using the right products is essential. If problems do arise from caustic cleaners or corrosion, give us a call. We’ll get your plumbing back on track and recommend best practices (like using eco-friendly cleaning supplies) to prevent new issues.