Household_Cleaners

The Clean Routine – “Green” Cleaners

Choosing cleaning products can be an overwhelming process. It seems like there are a million different products out there, each for a specific purpose. Cleaning products vary greatly in their contents, toxicity levels and purposes. How do you choose?

Be sure to read the labels on the products that you use. Many products are labeled “biodegradable.” This just means that the product will break down in the marine environment overtime. While, this is good, you can do better!
Look for products that are non-toxic, phosphate-free and chlorine-free. Phosphates act as a fertilizer promoting algae growth, and chlorine, while alright for a swimming pool, is harmful to the marine environment.
Try to reduce the use of toxic cleaners and use all cleaning agents sparingly. Allowing cleaning products to spill into the water, even just rinsing them off into the water is a violation of the Clean Water Act.
When possible, complete major cleaning projects on land.

Below are some less harmful cleaning product suggestions that may require a bit more elbow grease, but a lot less cash, to get the job done.

Fiberglass Stains	Make a paste of Baking Soda and Water. (Be careful because Baking Soda is an abrasive.) Use lemon or lime juice to rinse.
Chrome	Use Apple Cider Vinegar and a soft cloth, then use a dab of baby oil to restore the shine.
Window and Mirrors	Mix one cup vinegar, with 1 quart water, put in a spray bottle, rinse and squeegee.
Brass	Use Worchester sauce, or a paste made of equal amounts of vinegar, salt and water.
Copper Fittings	Use a solution of lemon juice and water.
Decks	Use a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 8 parts warm water.
Stainless Steel	Clean with a cloth and undiluted white vinegar.
Aluminum	Clean with a solution of 2 tbsp. Cream of Tartar and 1 quart of hot water on a soft cloth.
Teak	Use mild powder soap and bronze wool.
Interior Woods	Clean with Olive or Almond Oil. Only use these on interior woods as they do not hold up to direct sunlight.
Plastic	Clean with a solution of one part vinegar to 2 parts water.

As with all cleaning products, test on a small area before using on entire surface.