Vessel Cleaning: Alternatives to Toxic Products
Product |
Alternative |
| Bleach | Borax |
| Detergent & Soap | Elbow grease |
| Scouring Powders | Baking soda, or rub area with one-half lemon dipped in borax, then rinse |
| General Cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar, or lemon juice combined with borax paste |
| Floor Cleaner | One cup vinegar in 2 gallons of water |
| Window Cleaner | One cup vinegar + 1 qt. warm water. Rinse and squeegee |
| Aluminum Cleaner | 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar + 1 qt. of hot water |
| Brass Cleaner | Worcestershire sauce, or paste made of equal amounts of salt, vinegar and water |
| Copper Cleaner | Lemon juice and water, or paste of lemon juice, salt, and flour |
| Chrome Cleaner/Polish | Apple cider vinegar to clean; baby oil to polish |
| Stainless Steel Cleaner | Baking soda or mineral oil for polishing, vinegar to remove spots |
| Fiberglass Stain Remover | Baking soda paste |
| Mildew Remover | Paste with equal amounts of lemon juice and salt, or white vinegar and salt |
| Drain Opener | Dissemble or use plumber’s snake, or flush with boiling water + one-quarter cup baking soda + one-quarter cup vinegar |
| Wood Polish | Olive or almond oil (interior walls only) |
| Hand Cleaner | Baby oil or margarine |
| Head & Shower | Baking soda; brush thoroughly |
| Rug/Upholstery Cleaner | Dry corn starch sprinkled on; vacuum |
Related Articles:
Clean Boating - Do Your Part
Maritime Environmental Regulations
by Chief Warrant Officer Jim Krzenski, Commanding Officer, U.S.C.G. Station Fort Pierce, FL