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Glass Cleaner
Most glass cleaners are made of ammonia, a strong irritant, and coal tar dyes. Some contain butyl cellusolve, a neurotoxin, alchohol, naphtha, and glycol ethers. Some contain wax. Aerosol products create small particles which are more likely to be inhaled or irritate eyes. Consumer Reports found plain water to be more effective than half the glass cleaners on the market.
Less-toxic Alternatives
• Down East - All purpose cleaner
• Microfibre cleaning cloth -Cleans with water only.
• Nature Clean - Natural Window and Glass Cleaner
Make your own Less-toxic Alternatives
| Window Cleaner A |
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Window Cleaner B |
1/2 tsp. liquid castile soap
3 Tbsp. vinegar
2 cups water |
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A half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar (or lemon juice). Pour into a refillable non-aerosol spray bottle. Label bottle. |
| Add ingredients to non-aerosol spray bottle and mix gently. Label bottle. |
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Leather Protector
Less-toxic Alternatives
• Clapham’s - Leather Protector
• Clapham’s - Beeswax Salad Bowl Finish (a possible leather protector for people with sensitivities)
• Newfoundland Bee Company - Leather Waterproofer and Conditioner www.newfoundlandbeecompany.com/products.htm
• Dubbin - Shoe Protector
Make your own Less-toxic Alternatives
1 ounce (weight) beeswax
1/2 cup safflower oil, almond, walnut, or olive oil , or food grade mineral oil (petroleum based).
Place beeswax with oil in a glass jar, and place in microwave on low or in a double boiler. Never put directly on burner, beeswax is very flammable. When wax is melted, remove the mixture from heat and stir. Apply to shoes when mixture is warm. Using a hair dryer or heat lamp as you apply protector will help keep it soft enough to apply and help it sink into leather.
Safflower oil is more polymerizing than other oils, but others can be used successfully (e.g.: Grapeseed oil).
Shoe Cleaners and Conditioners
Shoe polishes often contain neurotoxic petroleum products that can be absorbed through skin or inhaled. These neurotoxins may include turpentine, which can also cause allergic sensitization and serious irritation of kidneys, Stoddard solvent, also an irritant, and heptane. These products may also include carcinogenic dyes, as well as butyl acetate and dipropylen glycol methyl ether, both of which are eye and skin irritants.
 Less toxic shoe polishes are almost non-existent. If using conventional polishes, apply in a well ventilated area, keep newly polished shoes in a well ventilated area until smell decreases, and keep polishes and brushes in a closed container. Dispose of rags after use.
Make your own Less-toxic Alternatives
Shoe Shine
• For a spur-of-the-moment job, rub leather shoes with the inside of a banana peel; then clean and buff with a paper towel or napkin.
• To remove dirt and salt - Use a slightly damp cloth, then rub shoes with olive oil or Vaseline
• Leather care - rub with olive oil to reduce drying and cracking
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