You can reduce the risk that potentially harmful chemical cleansers pose by using natural cleaning alternatives.
Distilled Vinegar
Common household white vinegar is an effective cleaning substitute for Pine-Sol. Vinegar is nontoxic and since it is acidic, also dissolves stains on hard surfaces. Also, priced at just a few dollars a gallon, vinegar is less expensive than Pine-Sol.
Borax
Borax is a naturally occurring crystalline form of boric acid and is commonly used as an abrasive cleanser. A mixture of borax, lemon, natural liquid peppermint soap and water is an effective and pleasant-smelling household cleanser that can be used on hardwood and tile floors.
Baking Soda
Pine-Sol is often used as a general cleaner in the bathroom, especially for surface cleaning on a toilet. However, common baking soda can be used as an effective toilet bowl cleaner. A quarter cup of baking soda applied to the interior of the bowl with a scrub brush acts as an abrasive to clean any residual mess. A few sprays of vinegar activates the baking soda to create a cleansing foam to remove any remaining bacteria.
Tea Tree Oil
Although more expensive than Pine-Sol, tea tree oil is a natural cleaner of mold and mildew. Simply mix 1 tsp. tea tree oil with one cup water and spray on shower curtains or mildewed carpets to kill any mold spores.
The Drip Cap
- Pine-Sol is a chemical-based household cleaning product manufactured by Clorox.
- A mixture of borax, lemon, natural liquid peppermint soap and water is an effective and pleasant-smelling household cleanser that can be used on hardwood and tile floors.
- Although more expensive than Pine-Sol, tea tree oil is a natural cleaner of mold and mildew.