Cruelty-Free Household Cleaners

Many conventional cleaners are still tested on animals, and that's no guarantee that they are safe. Even if a product has blinded an animal, it can still be marketed to you! Don't spend a fortune on dozens of different chemical-laden cleaners for every type of stain, spill, and spot in your house. It's easy to whip up your own homemade, environmentally safe, and animal-friendly cleaning potions with ingredients that you probably already have around the house.

All-Purpose Cleaner

• Mix vinegar and salt to make a good surface cleaner.
• Pour some baking soda and vinegar on a damp sponge to clean and deodorize all kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Deodorizer

• Place partially filled saucers of vinegar around the room.
• Boil one teaspoon of vinegar in one cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.
• Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odors.

Removing Grease Spots

• Immediately pour salt on grease spots to absorb the grease and prevent stains.

Removing Scratches From Wood

• Mix equal parts of lemon juice and vegetable oil and rub into scratches with a soft cloth until they disappear.

Oven Cleaner

• While the oven is still warm, pour some salt on grimy areas. If the areas are dry, dampen with water before applying the salt. When the oven cools down, scrape the grime off and wash clean.
• Spray grimy areas with water or vinegar water and apply a layer of baking soda. Rub gently with fine steel wool and wipe off. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

Toilet-Bowl Cleaner

• Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then drizzle with vinegar and scour with a toilet brush. This combination both cleans and deodorizes. Note: Do NOT mix this combination with store-bought toilet cleaners. It will create toxic fumes.

Glass Cleaner

• Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Wipe the glass with newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Drain Cleaner

• For a clogged drain, pour a handful of baking soda down the drain, add half a cup of vinegar, and close with a plug for 20 seconds. Rinse with hot water.

If making your own cleaners isn't for you, there are plenty of cruelty-free products available in health food stores, as well as in mainstream grocery and department stores. Method products—including laundry detergents and softeners, dishwashing liquids, all-purpose cleaners, home fragrances, hand soaps, and more—are available at Target and many other stores and are easy on animals and the environment, but they're tough when it comes to fighting grime! Seventh Generation household cleaners, laundry and dishwashing soaps, and baby and feminine-care products are never tested on animals and are always environmentally friendly. Check out PETA's searchable database for a full listing of the best cruelty-free cleaners available!