Islanders 4 Clean Water
Natural eco-friendly cleaning products including vinegar and baking soda

Try some alternatives to hazardous household products

Simple, eco-friendly swaps that protect Anna Maria Island's waterways.

Alternatives to Hazardous Household Products infographic

Many common household cleaners contain chemicals that — when washed down drains or disposed of improperly — end up in our stormwater system and eventually in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.

The good news: most of these products have simple, inexpensive alternatives made from everyday ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and borax. Try the recipes below and help keep our Gulf Coast waters clean.

Eco-Friendly Recipes

Aerosols

Use pump spray or other non-aerosol versions of cleaning and grooming products.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix the following ingredients together:

  • ½ cup ammonia
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • A handful of baking soda
  • 1 gallon warm water

Note: Do not use on wood surfaces.

Disinfectant and Germicide

Wash surfaces with:

  • ½ cup borax dissolved in 1 gallon hot water

Drain Cleaner

Mix the following, pour down the drain, wait 10 minutes, then flush thoroughly with boiling water. Use a rubber plunger if the drain is seriously clogged.

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup white vinegar

Proper Disposal Reminder

If you do have hazardous materials, please dispose of them properly.

Additional reference — contains embedded text, displayed as-is

Alternatives to Hazardous Household Products — vinegar and baking soda reference guide