Safe Cleaning Products for Kids

• Traditional cleaning products are often effective, but many parents worry about using them with or around their children. Some chemicals in ordinary cleaners have been linked to asthma, reproductive harm, and increased risk of cancer. Many ordinary household cleaners are toxic if ingested, and can lead to poisoning if a child drinks or eats them. Because manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, the only way to be sure a cleaning product is free of toxic chemicals is to make your own.

Window Washing

• A safe and effective way to clean windows or mirrors is to mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar with 2 cups water in a spray bottle, and use it in place of your traditional window cleaner. For a more powerful all-purpose cleaner, use a larger proportion of vinegar to water, up to half vinegar/half water.

Oven Cleaning

• Regular oven cleaners are incredibly toxic and unsafe for use around children. To safely clean an oven, cover fresh stains with salt before the oven cools. Once the oven cools, rub the salt and stain off with a damp cloth.

All-Purpose Scrub

• For general cleaning, a scrub cleaner is preferable, but many contain bleach or other toxic chemicals. To make your own, combine 2 cups baking soda with 1/2 cup liquid castile soap (check the label to verify it is free of sodium lauryl sulfate and diethanolamine). Adding 4 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin will help this scrub stay on the shelf for up to two years. This scrub is safe for use in the kitchen and bathroom.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• To get a toilet sparkling without using unsafe chemicals with strong odors, sprinkle the bowl with baking soda. Pour vinegar over it, and allow it to soak for half an hour. Scrub the bowl clean with a toilet brush.