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Chemicals

Keeping your house clean

When buying cleaning products, select products that are plant-based and biodegradable.

The following common household products can often clean as well as the commercial products and can save you money too:

• bi-carb of soda – works well on sinks and toilets and freshens as well
• vinegar – and water in a pump spray bottle for cleaning mirrors and shining chrome
• plant-based soaps
• eucalyptus oil
• washing soda
• borax
• salt
• lemon juice

Use dishwasher detergents that are free of chlorine bleach and lowest in phosphates.

Use bathroom cleaners that are free of aerosol propellants and antibacterial agents.

If your carpet needs professional cleaning, enlist a carpet service that uses less-toxic cleaners that are low in VOCs and irritants.

Avoid air fresheners – consider how you can eliminate odour problems rather than just covering them up.

Use reusable unbleached cotton towels, rags, and non-scratch scrubbing sponges for all-purpose cleaning instead of bleached disposable paper products.

The Easy Guide to Natural Cleaning provides further useful tips for safe and effective cleaning in and around the home.

Controlling pests

Pests can be controlled without the use of toxic chemicals. The best start to controlling pests is prevention.

Easy ways to make a difference:

• Keep your home as clean as possible – particularly food areas
• Avoid using pest strips – they contain pesticides that are released into the air in your home
• When storing winter clothing, use cedar blocks or bags of cedar chips hung with your clothes – avoid mothballs that contain p-dichloro benzene or naphthalene, which are toxic and can contribute to respiratory problems
• Consult your veterinarian for non-toxic pest control products for your pets
• Use non-toxic head lice treatments, including combing and enzyme-based treatments
• Use mouse or rat traps instead of baits
• Ask your pest exterminator to use non-toxic and environmentally friendly products if your pest problem is larger than you can manage

For more information check the Environment Protection Authorities' guide to correct handling and disposal procedures for small quantities of pesticide waste from household use.