We’ve been slowly and methodically making our way through our homes and finding the greenest, most natural alternatives we can to the usual cleaning and personal products that line our shelves. Here is where we’ll keep the official list if you want a quick reference without having to wade through all of the accompanying sarcastic witticisms. The listings are the best alternative we have found to date. Please, please let us know if you have found something even safer, or more natural, or equally safe and natural but simpler and/or more effective! (If the item/topic you’re looking for is not listed yet, it’s because we still haven’t run out of those econo-sized jugs of the old, toxic versions under our own sinks.)
Cleaning
- Countertops (and practically anything else you can imagine): Vinegar
- Dishwasher detergent: Make your own (primarily with Borax and baking soda)
- Floors (tile): Hot water and terry cotton cloth
- Glass cleaner: 1 part vinegar + 1 part water
- Toilets: 1 part baking soda + 4 parts vinegar for a light cleaning, Borax for heavy duty jobs
Infant Care
- Diaper Cream: Weleda
- Wipes: Cloth or paper towel wipes + witch hazel and (warm, if you’re nice) water
Laundering
- Detergent: Charlie’s Soap
- Dry cleaning: Wet cleaners
- Stain removal: Borax or of course good old-fashioned club soda!
- Touch-ups between dry cleaning: Spray smelly areas lightly with a 50/50 mixture of vodka/water
Remedies
- Irritated eyes: Boric acid wash
- Lice: Cetaphil treatment
- Stuffy nose: Eucalyptus oil in your vaporizer
Toiletries
- Bath: Epsom salt + a few drops of favorite essential oil if you like yummy smells
- Conditioner: 1 part water + 1 part apple cider vinegar (see shampoo link below for details)
- Deodorant: The Crystal or make your own!
- Feminine products: Reusable options ahoy!
- Hand soap: Castile soap (but this recipe really makes me want to try a homemade version someday!)
- Shampoo: Baking soda wash
- Toothpaste: Make your own (baking soda is the primary active ingredient)
