Lake Friendly Cleaning!
Do you have toxic substances in your home? Many common household cleaners are toxic to Lake Champlain, people, pets and the environment. Try these environment friendly recipes for a clean home and a clean outdoors! If you have any of your own recipes to share, send us an e-mail.
Kid’s Tip: Try making recipe cards as gifts. With an adult’s help, you could mix some of these up and make your own lake friendly labels. It might even make cleaning your room fun! (Just Kidding!)
Environment Friendly Cleaning Recipes
Air Fresheners
Set out vinegar or baking soda in an open dish. Simmer whole spices or potpourri in water on stove. Burn scented candles.
Bathroom Cleaner
Use a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water.
Carpet Cleaner
For fresh stains our on a little club soda, let stand, sponge up. For older stains mix 2 tablespoons dishwashing detergent, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 quart warm water. Work into stain and blot as dry as possible.
Copper Cleaner
Use ketchup to clean and remove tarnish from copper.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of baking soda followed by a kettle of hot water down the drain. Use a plunger or a metal snake.
Furniture Polish
Mix 1 part lemon juice with 1 part olive or vegetable oil. Let stand for several hours then polish
Glass Cleaner
Mix three parts water with one part vinegar.
Laundry Bleach
Use 1/2 cup of either baking soda, borax or white vinegar.
Light Duty Cleaner
Use a combination of 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid soap, 1 teaspoon Borax to clean counters, floors, etc.
Oven Cleaner
Wipe up spills soon after they occur with a paste of baking soda, salt, and water.
Rug Cleaner
Sprinkle corn starch on rug and vacuum off.
Scouring Mixture
Rub area with baking soda or table salt on a wet sponge.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Use a toilet brush with baking soda or pour 1/4 cup Borax or 2 Vitamin C tablets into water and let stand overnight before flushing.
Tub and Sink Cleaner
Rub with lemon. For bad stains make a paste of peroxide and cream of tartar; scrub with a small brush.
Upholstery Cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup mild detergent with 2 cups of boil water. Cool until a jelly forms. Whip with a hand beater for a stiff foam.
Thanks to the Lake Champlain Committee’s “Clean Lake Tips” poster for the recipes.