But First, More Odds and Ends
:- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
I use old toothbrushes to clean in the cracks instead of throwing them away. Toothpaste can be used effectively to clean silver, too. I wouldn't want Phugly to eat it though because it could be toxic.
- IamKLS - Another Safe Silver Polish
The next time you need to polish silver, instead of buying expensive metal polish, make a paste of baking soda and water and use that--it removes tarnish without scratching and it leaves no residue on the silver. I was taught that by an Uncle who collects coins. He told me that's the ONLY safe way to polish silver.
- Susannah (suayres1) - A Popular All-Purpose Concoction
For several years I have been using a recipe I found on the internet:- 1/2 cup Ammonia (I use suds free)
1 pint 70% Alcohol
1 tsp. hand dishwashing liquid
Put these ingredients in a 1 gallon jug and fill with water. I use in spray bottles.This has been very satisfactory for our household. I use it for everything: kitchen counters, windows, appliances and everything else. It is a disinfectant with the alcohol in it.
- Pauline1101Franny's Note: Ammonia is toxic if ingested, and can cause lung irritation in humans and cats if inhaled excessively, so keep cats out of the room while it is being used, and store the mixture safely.
- More on the "Concoction"
I use the 91% Alcohol from Kroger which makes it even better, IMO. I put the ammonia and alcohol in the gallon container first, then fill almost to the top with water, then I add the dishwashing soap last so it doesn't suds up so much. If you add the dishwashing soap first and then the water you will have lots of suds.
- Rose (10cats)
Commercial Products and "Green" Manufacturers
Many companies have been founded on the premise of respect for our environment, including the animals who populate it. One of the oldest (at close to 50 years) is the Shaklee Corporation, which still produces environmentally safe cleaning products, "biodegradable; free of phosphates, chlorine, borates, and nitrates." Other, newer "Green" companies include:
- Gaiam
Producers of Seventh Generation Products, which are sold in Whole Food stores, and many other fine natural food stores. - Ecover
Manufactures environmentally friendly products and is actively involved in environmental groups. - Earth Friendly Products
Their policy on antibacterial products is a must-read.
Other Cat-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Murphy's Oil Soap
This product (now apparently owned by Colgate), has been around for more than half a century, and is loved by every forum member who has used it. I've personally used it for years, and swear by it. As GalensGranny mentioned, it is diluted with water, and a little goes a long way. - Fels Naptha and Bon Ami
Of course, some of the oldest and most basic cleaning products are still good--ammonia, baking soda, even good, old-fashioned Fels Naphtha soap. I also like "Bon Ami" scouring powder. It's basically just finely ground talc with soap added, and works as well as it ever did. I sometimes think that a lot of the newer, "technically advanced" products have too many drawbacks to make them a viable alternative, at least for me.
- Susannah - Steam!
When Jerry and Jed were only kitties (a while ago) and they got ringworm I bought a Steam Buggy. It was a wonderful investment, and what I've saved on buying cleaning supplies has paid for it over the past few years. It uses only steam, no chemicals at all and santitizes everything. I use it in the bathroom, kitchen, oven, litterboxes, windows, EVERYTHING.
- Vet2B (ShannaMarie) Fuller's Earth
This can be purchased from a pharmacy. It's a type of clay, which will absorb greasy matter from fabric, and which can then be vacuumed away. You'd leave either the paper or the Fuller's earth on the grease for several hours. If necessary, you can repeat the process until the last of the stain is gone.
- Susannah
This topic is too large and too important to cover in just one article. I'll be expanding it to include a series of Quick Tips for Cleaning Green with Cats. Meanwhile, see the next page for a list of resources and suggested reading.
