HOW TO MAKE MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER 

Chemicals found in common household products such as cleansers can trigger allergies and are linked to asthma. There are substitutes for these toxic cleansers that are less harmful as well as less expensive! The following are directions for making a toxic-free cleanser in your own home.   

FACES participants create toxic-free cleansers. Click Here for more info on FACES Curriculum.

Materials Needed: liquid soap or detergent, white distilled vinegar, borax, hot water and 16 oz spray bottle .

Procedure: Show students how to make non-toxic cleaning products. Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar with 1 tsp. of borax. Fill the rest of the bottle with very hot water, shake until borax is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of liquid soap or 1/8 cup of liquid detergent last. To scent add 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil. Allow students to work in team, one spray bottle per student.

Notes: Make warning labels for this product since borax is mildly toxic. Borax is an eye irritant and can be harmful if swallowed. Do not use if you have open cuts on your hands and skin.

Price of Household Cleaner: $2.69 (22 oz. All-Purpose Household Cleaner)
Price of Nontoxic Cleaner: $0.23 (Alice's Wonder Spray)

Time to Make: 20-25 Minutes

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Click Here for a list of websites and reports on toxics and health.