Use Water-Friendly Cleaners

What can you do?

Step 1. Avoid cleaners containing these toxic chemicals: chlorine, ammonia and triclosan.

Step 2. Use plant-based cleaners preferred by our Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers.

• Use white distilled vinegar, instead of ammonia.
• Use castile soap made from olive oil or vegetable oil soaps, instead of anti-bacterial soaps containing triclosan.
• Use hydrogen peroxide or non-chlorine bleach, instead of products containing chlorine.

Step 3. Make your own household cleaners using our TRUE BLUE Recipes.

Step 4. Use commercial plant-based cleaners. Check out these brands: Earth Friendly, Ecover and Seventh Generation.

Step 5. Use the commercial cleaner- CLR to remove calcium, lime deposits and rust. It is safe for you, your drinking water and Torch Lake.

Step 6: Use a drain strainer in the bathroom sink to catch hair.

Step 7: Do not pour grease or oils down the kitchen drain. Save grease and oil in a glass jar or an empty soup can. Freeze it until full. Then, place in trash.

TRUE BLUE Recipes

Download a free printable TRUE BLUE Cleaners (.pdf)

TRUE BLUE Kitchen Cleaners

TRUE BLUE All Purpose Cleaner

• Pour ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Add 1 teaspoon of castile soap.
• Add 1 cup water.

Optional: Add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to combat mold and mildew.
Use a damp sponge or cloth.

TRUE BLUE Floor Cleaner

(Including hardwood floors)

• Pour 1 cup of water in to a spray bottle
• Add 1 cup cheap vodka
• 3-4 drops of castile soap
• Spray lightly on floor
• Use a microfiber mop

Do not use vinegar on hardwood floors – it dulls the shine.
Do not let water sit on hardwood floors – it damages the wood.

TRUE BLUE Oven Rack Cleaning

• Place 2 towels in the bottom of the bathtub to prevent scratches.
• Place oven racks on top of the towels.
• Cover oven racks with hot water.
• Add ½ cup dishwashing or dishwasher detergent (powder or liquid).
• Stir to dissolve.
• Allow oven racks to soak 4 hour or overnight.
• Use non-abrasive scrub brush, old toothbrush or sponge to clean racks.
• Add a little Bon Ami powder to sponge to remove tough spots.
• Rinse. Dry completely before returning to the oven.

TRUE BLUE Bathroom Cleaners

TRUE BLUE All Purpose Cleaner

• Pour ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Add 1 teaspoon of castile soap.
• Add 1 cup water.
• Optional: Add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to combat mold and mildew.
• Use a damp sponge or cloth.

TRUE BLUE Glass and Mirror Spray

• Pour ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Add ¼ cup rubbing alcohol.
• Add 1 cup water.
• Optional: Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for additional degreasing and fragrance.
• Use microfiber cloth.