Green Cleaning

Green cleaning uses old-fashioned methods and eco-friendly materials that are known to be safe for adults, children, pets and wildlife.

Claims on packaged products like "green" and "all-natural" have no legal significance (so they may be greenwash); but certification is available from reputable groups like Green Seal.

Supplies

First, make yourself a basic kit of green cleaning supplies and ingredients.

Recipes

All purpose cleaner
Mix and store in a spray bottle:
1 quart warm water, 1 tsp liquid soap, 1 tsp borax, and 1/4 cup vinegar

Disinfectant
Mix one 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon hot water.

Glass cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 quart warm water, in a spray bottle. Spray on and rub with a clean rag.
(Some people use newspaper, which works surprisingly well but also gets newsprint on your hands as you clean.)

Surface cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 quart warm water in a spray bottle
Or
1 Qt warm water with 1 tsp liquid dish soap, 1 tsp borax, and a splash of lemon or vinegar

Metal Polishes

Silver
Use toothpaste and a soft cloth. Rub gently and rinse well.

Copper
Rub with vinegar and salt paste.

Brass
Wipe on ketchup. Wait, Wipe.
(Or use copper formula.)

Chrome
Wipe with vinegar, then dry.
Or
Rub with baby oil and a soft cloth.