The best way to reduce your family’s exposure to potentially harmful materials is to choose home and garden products that don’t contain toxic chemicals. When shopping for household products, it’s safer to read the label and choose the least hazardous products available.
Safest
Find products with these logos on the front or back.
Please note: EPA Safer Choice products are the safest in their class, even if it says CAUTION on the label.
Safe enough
Select products that do NOT have the words CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER or POISON.
Somewhat harmful
Select products that have the words CAUTION or WARNING.
Avoid
Avoid products with the words DANGER or POISON. They are most harmful for you and your family.
You can save money and a trip to the store by making cleaners with ingredients you already have at home. These recipes are safer than many conventional cleaning products, which often contain harsh, toxic chemicals.
Tub and sink cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda in the tub or sink
Wet the surface with sprinkles of water
Scrub with a sponge and rinse when finished
Drain cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda in drain
Pour 1/2 cup white vinegar in drain
Wait a few minutes
Pour boiling water down the drain
Repeat if needed
Note: Vinegar smell goes away once dry.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl
Add 2 or 3 drops of liquid dish soap
Scrub with toilet brush and flush when finished
Floor cleaner
1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
1 gallon of warm water
Note: Adjust recipe depending on liquid dish soap you use.
Counter cleaner
1 gallon of warm water
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray counters and wipe with a microfiber cloth
Window and mirror cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup vinegar in spray bottle
Fill the rest of the spray bottle with water. Spray and rub with a lint-free cloth or newspaper
Note: Do not apply to painted surfaces.
The Garden Hotline offers natural and effective solutions to yard problems and help with gardening questions. Garden Hotline services are free to home gardeners and landscape professionals throughout Seattle and King County.
The EnviroStars program recognizes businesses that have taken action to protect the environment and public health. Looking for an environmentally-responsible dry cleaner, auto body shop, or other business? EnviroStars can help!
Please visit kingcounty.gov/hazwaste for all your hazardous waste disposal resources and information.