Many household products can contribute to nonpoint source pollution of our local waters once they wash down your drain. For example, cleaners containing phosphate can contribute to the eutrophication of rivers and lakes, depleting them of life sustaining oxygen. The best cleaning products are easy to make and inexpensive.

All Purpose Cleaner:
Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new store bought spray bottle, and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home.

Or try these products:
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner
Green Works Natural All Purpose Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s Countertop Spray

Bathroom Cleaner:
1 2/3 cup water
1/4 cup liquid soap
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons vinegar
A few drops of essential oil (optional)

Add soap to water and let dissolve. Stir in baking soda, and then add vinegar. Store in a spray bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving a residue.

Or try these products:
Seventh Generation Shower Cleaner
Green Works Natural Bathroom Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s Shower Cleaner

Toilet Cleaner:
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Or try these products:
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Bon Ami Polishing Cleaner
20 Mule Team Borax

Natural Scouring Powder:
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup borax
1 ½ cups hot water

Or try these products:
Bon Ami Polishing Cleaner
Biokleen Soy Cream Cleaner
20 Mule Team Borax

Drain Cleaner:
For slow drains, use this drain cleaner once a week to keep drains fresh and clog-free.
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon boiling water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Pour baking soda down drain/disposal, followed by vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam for several minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water.

Or try these products:
Drainbo Natural Drain Cleaner

Window Cleaner:
Wash windows and mirrors with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Crumple newspapers from your recycling bin to wipe windows for a super shine.

Or try these products:
Green Works Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner

Oven Cleaner:
Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Wipe up the residue with a wet sponge or cloth, and rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots.

Or try these products:
Restaurant Hood and Oven Cleaner

Dish Soap Products:
Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid
Mrs. Meyers Dish Soap
Biokleen Hand Moisturizing Dishwash Liquid

Dish Detergent Products:
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Automatic Powder
Mrs. Meyers Automatic Dishwashing Liquid
Biokleen Automatic Dish Gel

Laundry Products:
Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrate Laundry Liquid
Mrs. Meyers Automatic Laundry Detergent
Biokleen Automatic Citrus Laundry Powder