Homemade natural glass and window cleaner
Conventional cleaners, including window and glass cleaners, meant to make our windows and glass surfaces shine streak-free actually pollute our homes, us, and the environment. They contain a whole host of hazardous, often petroleum-derived, chemicals including ammonia and synthetic fragrances—which have been linked to cancer, asthma, hormone disruption, liver and kidney damage, and more. If ammonia mixes with chlorine bleach, it releases highly toxic chloramine gas. If you’ve ever washed a window, you know that these chemicals can also irritate your eyes and skin as well as make you dizzy.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to find out what exactly a cleaner contains as cleaning product formulas are currently considered government-protected trade secrets. To avoid hazardous ingredients, look for warning labels on conventional products; bottles marked “danger” “poison” “toxic” and “hazardous” should be left on the store shelf.
Even better? Switch to a natural cleaner. Natural cleaning product companies usually willingly disclose ingredients on their plant-based cleaners. Your glass surfaces and lungs will thank you, and, because they help keep wastewater clean, so will the fish.
© Practically Green
Homemade Eyeglass Cleaner
A microfibre eyeglass cloth and plain water does an excellent streak-free job and eliminates the need for any chemical cleaners.
Homemade Window Cleaner I
1/2 tsp. grated 100% pure coconut bar soap
3 Tbsp. vinegar
2 cups water
Add ingredients to non-aerosol spray bottle and mix gently. Let soap flakes dissolve over night. Label bottle.
Homemade Window Cleaner II
A half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar poured into a refillable non-aerosol spray bottle. Lemon juice can be substituted for vinegar for those who cannot tolerate vinegar.
© Guide to Less Toxic Products: Window Cleaners: Home-made Glass Cleaner Alternatives
Learn More
Consumer Reports: Clear Windows, Unclear Warnings
Epa.gov: Greening Your Purchase Of Cleaning Products
HealthyChild.org: Chemical Encyclopedia--Ammonia
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