Environmental Alternatives for the Bathroom
Household Alternatives - In The Bathroom
We use plenty of products in the bathroom to clean and for personal care. Many of them are hazardous to our health and the environment. Fortunately, you can avoid the use of toxic products like chlorine bleach and get the bathroom clean. Ingredients commonly found in the home, like baking soda and vinegar, can produce a more satisfying and healthy result in our cleaning and personal care routines.
| Bathroom Cleaning | |
|---|---|
| Cleaner | How to make it |
| All Purpose | Pour 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon borax, and 2 cups of water into a spray bottle. Shake to dissolve. Then add 1 teaspoon liquid soap (or dishwashing liquid) to the bottle and shake it again. Spray on surface and then wipe clean. For tough dirt, leave cleaner on for a few minutes and then wipe off. |
| Toilet Bowl |
Pour about 1/2 cup borax into the toilet and use a toilet brush to clean the bowl. Squirt vinegar from a squeeze bottle under the rim. For mineral deposits, leave mixture in toilet for at least an hour. Then use the brush again to clean. Related information
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| Sink, Tub and Tile | Sprinkle on baking soda, rub with wet sponge and rinse. For soap scum, spread liquid soap on the surface and leave it for several hours. For mineral deposits, soak a cloth in vinegar and leave it on the area for an hour. |
| Mold and Mildew Remover | Avoid using chlorine bleach! It can damage skin and lungs. Instead, make a paste of borax and water, leave on for an hour and scrub off. Keep windows open to prevent moisture build-up. |
| Bathroom Odors | Mix 1 cup white vinegar and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray in the air away from people or pets. |
| Additional Resources |
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| Personal Care | |
| Shampoo | Add 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap and 1 teaspoon glycerin to 1 cup water. Shake to blend. Massage into hair and rinse. |
| Rinse | Lemon or vinegar rinse removes residue and balances pH. |
| Conditioner | Massage 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt throughout hair. Rinse with water. |
| Baths | Use oils for dry skin, herbs for fragrance, or milk to soften skin. |
| Cleanser | Oatmeal cleans and softens without soap. Wrap in cloth and use as a washcloth. |
| Buff | Pour olive oil in your hand and add a few dashes of salt. Rub over skin, wait 5 minutes and rinse. |
| Hand Lotion | Combine 4 tablespoons mineral water, ½ teaspoon glycerin, and ½ teaspoon vegetable oil with a few drops of essential oil. |
| Mouthwash | Stir 1 tablespoon salt in ½ cup warm water. Add a drop of peppermint oil. Swish and spit. |
| Related Info | |
| Personal Care Products |
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| Anti-Bacterial (Triclosan) | Read "Chemical Jeopardy - What is Triclosan" in the P2 View Newsletter. |
Disclaimer: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) maintains this content to enhance public access to information. DEEP does not recommend these resources over any others.
Content Last Updated April 2014