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Other less-toxic household tips

Sustainable living  ›  Healthy home  ›  Clean green  ›  Other less-toxic household tips

Less toxic ways to control indoor pests, clean driveways and sidewalks, light charcoal, remove rust, dry out damp areas and clean walls can help you save money and protect your family and the environment.

Pressure washing (driveways, patios, sidewalks, decks)

• Try using water only. Water pressure alone often removes dirt and grime.
• A stiff broom is often all you need to clean hard surfaces and doesn’t waste water. Sand and a push broom can be used to remove unwanted algae.
 

Charcoal lighter

Use a metal cylinder charcoal chimney starter or electric charcoal lighter instead of starter fluid.

Glue

• Use Elmer’s-type white glue or yellow carpenter’s glue for wood, china, paper and other porous materials.
• Use a glue stick or paste rather than rubber cement.

Paint

Use latex water-based paints and apply with a brush or roller whenever possible.

Paint stripper

• Use a scraper, rasp or abrasive block, heat gun or sandpaper to remove paint without chemicals.
• Use water or alkali-based paint strippers rather than solvent-based products.

Many older homes still have lead-based paint on woodwork. Lead dust from scraping and lead fumes from using a heat gun are dangerous to human health. They are especially dangerous to children. Before you begin, find out if your home’s paint contains lead by contacting the Multnomah County Lead Line at 503-988-4000, or the State of Oregon Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 971-673-0440.

Metal rust removal

Wet a sheet of aluminum foil with water. Rub just the rust with the wet foil. Be careful, as the foil will scratch chrome.

Dry out damp areas

To prevent development of mold in damp areas, use kitty litter for its moisture absorbent properties. Place bowls of it in damp areas. Replace with fresh litter every week or so. (And keep the kitties away!)

Wall and wallpaper cleaner

For wallpaper, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

Stains should be removed as soon as possible. If soil remains on wallpaper too long, permanent discoloration may result. To avoid discoloration, don’t rub spots.

Ordinary dirt spots can be removed with a mild soap (e.g., castile soap) and warm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Blot wallpaper dry with a soft lint-free towel. For more difficult stains that are only surface deep, use a stronger detergent (e.g., liquid vegetable oil-based laundry detergent). Test on an inconspicuous spot first, and always rinse after applying a detergent.

Painted walls

If walls are very dirty, use a stronger alkali solution: dissolve 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons laundry detergent powder in 1 gallon warm (not hot) water. Stronger solutions remove some of the paint. Always rinse off.

Gloss or semigloss enamels are less likely to be damaged by cleaning than flat latex paint. Test cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first. If wall color and finish look the same after testing the cleaner, go ahead and use.

Washing Procedure

1. Before washing, dust or vacuum walls to remove loose soil.
2. Use one bucket for washing solution and one for rinsing, and a large cellulose sponge for each bucket.
3. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands.
4. Start washing at the bottom and work up, so cleaning solution does not run down the dirty wall and cause streaks that are hard to remove.
5. Rub gently to avoid damage to paint.
6. Wash and rinse one area; then do the next overlapping area.
7. After cleaning several sections, dry off excess moisture with a soft absorbent cloth or towel.