TRUE BLUE Living
Use Water-Friendly Cleaners
Many chemicals in today household cleaners contain toxins.
Household cleaners are NOT required to list ingredients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does NOT regulate toxic chemicals in household cleaners.
Once household cleaners are rinsed down the drain, they enter the septic drainfield and sink down to the groundwater.
Groundwater feeds your drinking water and Torch Lake through cold springs.
What are the benefits to you and our water?
- Keeps you and your family away from toxic fumes and liquids that can cause health issues
- Does not harm your septic system
- Keep your drinking water safe from toxins
- Keeps toxins out of Torch Lake where they could harm fish and aquatic creatures
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 Counter Cleaner
(Granite, marble, stone)
- Pour 1 cup hot water in a spray bottle.
- Add 1 teaspoon castile soap
Apply and rub off with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
Do not use vinegar on stone counters – it pits them.
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 Cleaner
- Remove Oven Racks
- In a bowl, make a baking powder paste.
½ cup baking soda
2-3 Tablespoons water - Coat the interior surfaces of the oven with paste.
Avoid the heating elements.
The paste will turn brown as it is rubbed in. - Allow it to sit 12 hours or overnight.
- Wipe clean with damp cloth.
Use a plastic spatula to scrape paste as needed. - Put white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Spray remaining baking soda residue - Wipe down with damp cloth
- Replace oven racks.
A reusable non-stick oven liner costs $20 and makes it easier to clean the bottom of the oven with a damp cloth.
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 Drain Cleaner
-
Add ½ cup of baking soda to drain.
-
Pour 1 cup white vinegar into the drain
Let it sit and foam. -
Rinse with a pot of boiling water.
-
Optional: Initially add 1/4 cup table salt.
If this doesn’t work, try a plunger. If it that doesn’t work, use a plumber’s snake.
Call a plumber if these methods don’t work.
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.
TRUE BLUE Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Put ¼- 1 cup of baking soda in the toilet bowl.
- Add 1 cup white vinegar.
- Scrub with brush after fizzing.
Don't just wish that Torch Lake will stay blue.
Choose a water-friendly lifestyle - make a difference!