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What Are Household Chemicals?
Chemicals are common in many household products including
personal care products, such as hair spray and spray deodorants;
paints; hobby and home improvement supplies, such as glues
and markers; aerosol sprays; cleaners and disinfectants; and
automotive products. Household chemicals can irritate your
eyes, nose and throat; cause headaches, visual disorders,
and memory impairment; damage your central nervous system
and kidneys; and possibly increase your risk of cancer.
Pesticides are another common source of household chemicals.
Pesticides are used in and around the home to control insects,
termites, rodents, fungi, and microbes. They are sold as sprays,
powders, crystals, balls, and foggers. Pesticides are produced
to be toxic to specific organisms, and consequently, can have
both risks and benefits.
Biological contaminants are another household problem. Biological
contaminants are or were living organisms and include bacteria,
mold, mildew, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, and
pollen. Two conditions are required to support biological
contaminants ó nutrients and moisture.
People often reach for household chemicals to control or
prevent biological contaminants. People use harsh chemicals
to clean bathrooms, carpets, and dishes in order to control
mold, mildew, and bacteria. Using pesticides may seem like
a quick and convenient solution to household insects. However,
these actions can result in people being caught in a pollution
cycle ó using one pollutant to control another. In
many cases, there are alternatives and safer solutions to
household chemicals.
Why
Choose Alternatives?
Choosing alternatives to household chemicals can break the
pollution cycle in your home. Using fewer unnecessary chemicals
will make your home a more healthy and safe environment. The
following are alternatives and safer solutions for your home.
Alternatives
and Safer Solutions to Household Chemicals
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For
This
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Try This
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| Ants |
Red chili powder at entrance point |
| Perspiration Stain Remover |
White vinegar + water |
| Chrome Polish |
Apple cider vinegar |
| Pet Odor Removal |
Cedar vinegar |
| Automatic Dish Detergent |
1/2 cup baking soda + liquid dishwashing
detergent |
| Flies |
Well-watered bowl of basil |
| Moth Repellent |
Cedar chips in cotton sachets |
| Roach Repellent |
Chopped bay leaves and cucumber skins |
| Fleas |
Gradually add brewerís yeast to
petís diet (consult your veterinarian) |
| Ink Spot Remover |
Cold water + 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
+ lemon juice |
| Rug/Carpet Cleaner |
Baking soda |
| Water Softener |
1/4 cup vinegar |
| Toilet Bowl Cleaner |
Baking soda + castile soap |
| Copper Cleaner |
Rub with lemon; rinse and dry |
| Fertilizer |
Compost yard clippings and organic waste
from the kitchen (do not include meat or grease) |
| Oven Cleaner |
2 tablespoons each liquid soap and borax
+ warm water (cover floor of oven with aluminum foil;
clean spills promptly) |
| Car Battery Corrosion Removal |
Baking soda and water |
| Linoleum Cleaner |
1 cup white vinegar + 2 gallons of water |
| Mosquito Repellent |
Burn citronella candles or oil |
| Insects on Plants |
Rub soapy water on leaves; then rinse |
| Rusty Bolt/Nut Remover |
Carbonated beverage |
| Oil Stain Remover |
White chalk rubbed into stain before laundering |
| Mold and Mildew |
Bleach, or equal parts vinegar and salt;
scrub hard |
| Stain Remover |
Club soda, lemon juice, or salt |
| Window Cleaner |
2 tablespoons vinegar in 1 quart warm water |
| Drain Cleaner |
1/2 cup each baking soda and vinegar, wait
2 minutes, add 2 quarts boiling water, and repeat |
| Air Freshener |
Use herbal bouquets, pure vanilla on a
cotton ball, or simmer cinnamon and cloves |
| Slugs and Snails |
Onion and marigold plants |
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