HSH: Kitchen

All-Purpose Cleaners
Most of these products contain synthetic toxic chemicals and may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
For general cleaning, use 1 cup of washing soda per bucket of hot water. For scouring, use a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub with a damp cloth or scrubbing pad.

Automatic Dishwashers
Chlorine
Automatic dishwashing powder contains harsh detergents with high concentrations of phosphates. Phosphates kill fish and other aquatic life when they reach streams and lakes.

Look for alternative detergents with no phosphates or a low phosphate content.

Dishwashing Liquid
Most dishwashing liquids are non-biodegradable detergents derived from petroleum that contain chemical additives for fragrance and color. Detergents cause many childhood poisonings.

Use a castile, glycerine-based, or other naturally derived liquid soap. You can also rub a damp dish cloth over a bar of pure soap.

Pest Control
Pesticides
Designed to kill pests, these products may also contaminate air and indoor surfaces, posing direct health threats to children, adults and pets.

Work to keep your kitchen as clean and dry as possible. Use caulk or screens to block pests point of entry. Borax or boric acid* mixed with sugar deters roaches and ants, but use only in areas inaccessible to children and pets. If necessary, use bait packages but not sprays. Bait packages use less chemicals and reduce exposure risks. See the yard section.

* There is currently incomplete data regarding health effects of borax and boric acid. If you choose to use these or any of the alternatives, please use caution to safeguard against inadvertent ingestion, inhalation or other direct exposures.

Metal Polishes
Ammonia, Phosphoric Acid, Sulfuric Acid
Fumes from metal polish contaminates our air and threatens our health. Waxes and other materials don't rinse away from the polished items and may alter the tarnish - making it even harder to clean.

Please view this Polishing Silver and Copper Alloy Objects fact sheet provided by the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center.

You can find more information about the Ford Conservation Center on their website

Oven Cleaners
Lye, Sodium Hydroxide
These products, which may emit fumes, are some of the most dangerous household cleaning products.

Avoid spills and grease buildup as much as possible. Line burners and oven bottoms with aluminum foil. Clean oven with a paste of baking soda and hot water. Steel wool or pumice stone will remove resistant black spots. Self-cleaning ovens may reduce the need to clean.

Plastics/PVC
There is increasing concern that contaminants leak from plastic containers used to heat or store food. The manufacture and disposal of polyvinylchloride (PVC), the most common plastic, contaminates our environment with dioxin and other pollution. Many chemicals associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of plastics are known or suspected to cause cancer, serious reproductive effects and other health problems.

Avoid plastic whenever possible and avoid heating foods in plastic containers. Most products made with PVC were originally made with other materials (metal or wood). Look for and demand alternatives to PVC and other plastics.

Home | Products & Diet | Waste & Transportation | Ingredient Notes


All-Purpose Cleaners Most of these products contain synthetic toxic chemicals and may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.	For general cleaning, use 1 cup of washing soda per bucket of hot water. For scouring, use a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub with a damp cloth or scrubbing pad.
Automatic Dishwashers Chlorine Automatic dishwashing powder contains harsh detergents with high concentrations of phosphates. Phosphates kill fish and other aquatic life when they reach streams and lakes.	Look for alternative detergents with no phosphates or a low phosphate content.
Dishwashing Liquid Most dishwashing liquids are non-biodegradable detergents derived from petroleum that contain chemical additives for fragrance and color. Detergents cause many childhood poisonings.	Use a castile, glycerine-based, or other naturally derived liquid soap. You can also rub a damp dish cloth over a bar of pure soap.
Pest Control Pesticides Designed to kill pests, these products may also contaminate air and indoor surfaces, posing direct health threats to children, adults and pets.	Work to keep your kitchen as clean and dry as possible. Use caulk or screens to block pests point of entry. Borax or boric acid* mixed with sugar deters roaches and ants, but use only in areas inaccessible to children and pets. If necessary, use bait packages but not sprays. Bait packages use less chemicals and reduce exposure risks. See the yard section.	* There is currently incomplete data regarding health effects of borax and boric acid. If you choose to use these or any of the alternatives, please use caution to safeguard against inadvertent ingestion, inhalation or other direct exposures.
Metal Polishes Ammonia, Phosphoric Acid, Sulfuric Acid Fumes from metal polish contaminates our air and threatens our health. Waxes and other materials don't rinse away from the polished items and may alter the tarnish - making it even harder to clean.	Please view this Polishing Silver and Copper Alloy Objects fact sheet provided by the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center.	You can find more information about the Ford Conservation Center on their website
Oven Cleaners Lye, Sodium Hydroxide These products, which may emit fumes, are some of the most dangerous household cleaning products.	Avoid spills and grease buildup as much as possible. Line burners and oven bottoms with aluminum foil. Clean oven with a paste of baking soda and hot water. Steel wool or pumice stone will remove resistant black spots. Self-cleaning ovens may reduce the need to clean.
Plastics/PVC There is increasing concern that contaminants leak from plastic containers used to heat or store food. The manufacture and disposal of polyvinylchloride (PVC), the most common plastic, contaminates our environment with dioxin and other pollution. Many chemicals associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of plastics are known or suspected to cause cancer, serious reproductive effects and other health problems.	Avoid plastic whenever possible and avoid heating foods in plastic containers. Most products made with PVC were originally made with other materials (metal or wood). Look for and demand alternatives to PVC and other plastics.