According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), of the more than 75,000 registered chemicals, only a fraction has been tested for human health effects.  Improper use and disposal of these chemicals can have a negative effect on our health and the water we rely upon.  In the US, we generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals. The average home can accumulate as much as 300 pounds of household hazardous waste. Check out these tips for reducing the chemicals in your home and for saving money too!

Green Cleaning Tips

Read Labels. Reading labels can tell you a lot about the product and its possible health effects.  Watch for signal words like caution, warning, danger, poison, flammable, corrosive, & toxic.

Use Cleaners Safely. Do not mix cleaners.  Use cleaners for their intended purpose.   Always test a formula first.  Wear gloves while using cleaners. Never mix chlorine with any cleaning agent.

Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly. Keep hazardous waste out of drains, storm sewers, trash containers, and off of the ground.  Bring it to The Recycling Zone.

All-Purpose Cleaner Recipes

Option 1
4 tablespoons baking soda
1 quart warm water
Dissolve baking soda in water. Apply with sponge. Wipe clean.

Option 2
1 teaspoon plant oil-based liquid soap
1 quart warm water
A squeeze of lemon
Combine ingredients in a small bucket.
Apply with a sponge or rag. Wipe clean.

Option 3
1/8 cup washing soda
1 tablespoon plant oil-based liquid soap
1/4 cup vinegar
2 gallons hot water
Mix ingredients in a pail.
Apply with cloth. Wipe clean. (Apply to floors with a mop.)

For more recipes, visit the Dakota County webpage on green cleaning recipes.