#saferproducts — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #saferproducts, aggregated by home.social.
-
How to Clean Your #ToiletBowl With #BakingSoda and Get Rid of Everything From Stains to Odors
By Asia London Palomba, 11/21/25
Key Points
- Baking soda offers a chemical-free, cheap, and effective way to clean a toilet bowl.
- It can help remove stains and residue while deodorizing your toilet bowl.
- You can combine it with additional solutions like lemon juice or borax to tackle tougher stains. [I do this!]Learn more:
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-a-toilet-bowl-with-baking-soda-11853679#SaferProducts #HouseholdProducts #HouseholdCleaners #SolarPunkSunday
-
10 Natural And Non-Toxic #FabricSofteners For #HealthyLaundry
July 10, 2024
"One of the often-overlooked avenues of exposure is our laundry process, where conventional fabric softeners can introduce an array of #SyntheticChemicals to our clothes—chemicals that come in direct contact with our skin.
Whether you’re looking to prioritize your health, protect the environment, or both, transitioning to natural and non-toxic fabric softeners is an excellent step forward. Here’s our list of 10 remarkable alternatives to soften your fabrics, leaving them comfortable and fragrant without compromising on your well-being or the planet’s health.
The Problem With Conventional Fabric Softeners
Conventional fabric softeners, whether they are liquid softeners or #DryerSheets, are formulated to deliver multiple effects, such as making clothes feel softer, reducing static cling, and imparting a pleasant fragrance. To achieve these outcomes, they contain a mixture of chemicals, many of which can potentially be harmful. Here’s how conventional softeners can contain allergens and preservatives:
Fragrance: One of the most notable features of fabric softeners is the scent they leave on clothes. The term “fragrance” on an ingredient label can be a composite of numerous chemicals, many of which are undisclosed due to trade secrets. Some of these chemicals, like #phthalates (used to prolong the life of the scent) or synthetic musks, can be allergenic or even toxic. For example, some individuals can develop allergic reactions to specific fragrance components like Limonene, Linalool, and more.
#Quats (Quaternary ammonium compounds): These are used in fabric softeners for their softening properties. They can coat the fabric to make it feel softer. However, some quats are known to be potential allergens and can be harmful to the respiratory and reproductive systems.
#Preservatives: To extend the shelf life of fabric softeners and prevent the growth of bacteria or mold, preservatives are added. Some common preservatives in fabric softeners include #isothiazolinones, which are known to be potent #SkinAllergens. These compounds can cause skin reactions in some people, especially with prolonged exposure.
Colors or Dyes: To make the product visually appealing, some fabric softeners might contain artificial colors. Some of these dyes can be allergenic to certain individuals and might contain impurities linked to health concerns.
Other ingredients: Depending on the brand and formulation, fabric softeners may contain other chemicals or ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Problematic Preservatives
#Isothiazolinones are known allergens found in many consumer products, including conventional liquid detergents. Notable isothiazolinones to avoid include:
benzisothiazolinone
méthylisothiazolinone
méthylchloroisothiazolinone
octylisothiazolinoneHow Can You Make Your Clothes Soft Without Risk?
#WoolDryerBalls: They are cost-effective, reusable, and help soften clothes by lightly agitating them in the dryer. They can also smooth out clumps in pillow fillings.
Water Softening Systems: Installing one can alleviate the hardness of the water, which can make clothes feel softer after washing.
Use Natural & Non-Toxic Fabric Softeners
Learn more:
https://theconsciousinsider.com/natural-non-toxic-fabric-softeners/#SolarPunkSunday #Laundry #SaferProducts #AnimalProducts #Wool #HouseholdProducts
-
#WhiteVinegar and #WoolDryerBalls are two of my favorites!
7 Natural, Homemade Alternatives to #FabricSoftener
"Fabric softeners might make our clothes feel cozy and fresh, but that comes at a cost. They contain harmful #petrochemicals that don't biodegrade easily and come packaged in single-use plastic.
These chemicals build up on your clothes over time, reducing fabric absorbency, which makes it harder to get them clean over time. Plus, traditional fabric softener can damage washing machines or compromise the flame-retardant properties of safety wear.
But you don't have to live without soft, fresh-smelling laundry. Here are some natural, homemade fabric softeners that get the job done without the downsides..."
Learn more:
https://www.thecommons.earth/blog/7-natural-homemade-alternatives-to-fabric-softener#SolarPunkSunday #Laundry #DIY #SaferProducts #HouseholdProducts
-
I've always wanted to try using #MilkPaint, but it's not cheap! I *might* try and make my own at some point... This is one recipe, but I'm sure there are others out there... When using milk paint, one should probably use a finish to protect the surface. I've read about recipes involving beeswax that I'll look around for...
#Appropedia - "Curdled milk paint recipe
The following is a recipe for quark, or curdled milk, based paint. Quark is a Casein Paint. The recipe is very specific but casein paints last a long time, are fungi resistant and compostable. Casein paints can be used inside or outside, on wood, stone, drywall, wallpaper, earthen plaster, masonry and to cover existing painted surfaces.
Milk paint is suggested for areas that will be subject to moisture. Milk paint is good for these areas because the borax (or lime) has antibacterial and anti-molding properties. When milk paint is dried it has a glassy surface that is wipeable.
There is a lot of preparation that goes into making milk paint. Both the chalk and the pigment must be slaked the night before. #Slaking is soaking a dry powder in water overnight so that the ingredient will mix with water in a more consistent smooth manner."
Learn more:
https://www.appropedia.org/Curdled_milk_paint_recipe#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies
#SaferProducts #DIY #Crafts #ToxicFreeFuture #Paint #Painting -
"Natural paint is often a safer and more local alternative to conventional paints that can be high in VOCs and emboddied energy.
This page describes natural paints as a potential component of United States of America home construction. Only a few decades ago, the petrochemical industry largely took over the production of oil-based and water-based paints. The idea that paint should be able to breath was abandoned. Also, added synthetic chemicals are very harmful to humans and animals. Natural paints derived from plant and mineral materials have subtle, soothing colors, pleasant scents, and help create a healthy environment. Natural paints avoid indoor air pollution and can have an unusual, attractive appearance.
Advantages:
- Using natural paint can reduce the amount of VOCs present in the home, improving indoor air quality.
- Natural paints are microporous, allowing the walls to breathe. Because moisture is not trapped between the wall and the layer of paint, there is no blistering or peeling.
- Natural paints do not use petroleum products and contain ingredients from sustainable sources.
- Because of their non-toxic, natural ingredients, many natural paints are biodegradable, easily disposed of and even fit for a household compost pile once dried. This reduces landfill mass, environmental pollution and disposal costs compared to synthetic paints.Disadvantages:
- Natural paints, especially store bought, may be more expensive than synthetic paints.
- Natural paints may be more difficult to work with than synthetic paints because of texture, rate of drying and inconsistent coloring from batch to batch.
- Although anecdotally durable and resistant, there is a lack of performance data on natural paints, so it is important to test natural paint before committing to a contract."Learn more (includes links to recipes):
https://www.appropedia.org/Natural_paints#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies
#SaferProducts #Crafts #ToxicFreeFuture -
Earth Friendly #PlayDough
October 25, 2010, Teachnet Staff
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (white, not self-rising)
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartarMix in saucepan over low heat. (It does not have to heat long.) Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep dough fresh in an airtight container. If you need to make different colors, add food coloring while mixing over heat.
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/earth-friendly-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
Earth Friendly #PlayDough
October 25, 2010, Teachnet Staff
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (white, not self-rising)
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartarMix in saucepan over low heat. (It does not have to heat long.) Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep dough fresh in an airtight container. If you need to make different colors, add food coloring while mixing over heat.
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/earth-friendly-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
Earth Friendly #PlayDough
October 25, 2010, Teachnet Staff
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (white, not self-rising)
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartarMix in saucepan over low heat. (It does not have to heat long.) Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep dough fresh in an airtight container. If you need to make different colors, add food coloring while mixing over heat.
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/earth-friendly-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
Earth Friendly #PlayDough
October 25, 2010, Teachnet Staff
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (white, not self-rising)
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartarMix in saucepan over low heat. (It does not have to heat long.) Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep dough fresh in an airtight container. If you need to make different colors, add food coloring while mixing over heat.
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/earth-friendly-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
Earth Friendly #PlayDough
October 25, 2010, Teachnet Staff
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (white, not self-rising)
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartarMix in saucepan over low heat. (It does not have to heat long.) Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep dough fresh in an airtight container. If you need to make different colors, add food coloring while mixing over heat.
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/earth-friendly-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
#MisterRogers’ Easy #PlayDough
October 25, 2010 Teachnet Staff
"A fast, easy, simple recipe for non-toxic play dough.
* 2 cups flour
* 1 cup waterMix together well and turn out onto a flat, clean work surface. Pat the dough into a ball and knead it well, until you have a smooth mass of dough that is pliable.
You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough, or use liquid food coloring.
Store tightly covered in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge (or even freeze it if you have too much) but this can lead to condensation making the dough wet when you bring it back to room temperature. Try to keep the exterior of the dough ball and your storage container free of water droplets. Be sure to remove dough from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to play with it."
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/mister-rogers-easy-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
#MisterRogers’ Easy #PlayDough
October 25, 2010 Teachnet Staff
"A fast, easy, simple recipe for non-toxic play dough.
* 2 cups flour
* 1 cup waterMix together well and turn out onto a flat, clean work surface. Pat the dough into a ball and knead it well, until you have a smooth mass of dough that is pliable.
You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough, or use liquid food coloring.
Store tightly covered in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge (or even freeze it if you have too much) but this can lead to condensation making the dough wet when you bring it back to room temperature. Try to keep the exterior of the dough ball and your storage container free of water droplets. Be sure to remove dough from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to play with it."
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/mister-rogers-easy-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
#MisterRogers’ Easy #PlayDough
October 25, 2010 Teachnet Staff
"A fast, easy, simple recipe for non-toxic play dough.
* 2 cups flour
* 1 cup waterMix together well and turn out onto a flat, clean work surface. Pat the dough into a ball and knead it well, until you have a smooth mass of dough that is pliable.
You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough, or use liquid food coloring.
Store tightly covered in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge (or even freeze it if you have too much) but this can lead to condensation making the dough wet when you bring it back to room temperature. Try to keep the exterior of the dough ball and your storage container free of water droplets. Be sure to remove dough from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to play with it."
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/mister-rogers-easy-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
#MisterRogers’ Easy #PlayDough
October 25, 2010 Teachnet Staff
"A fast, easy, simple recipe for non-toxic play dough.
* 2 cups flour
* 1 cup waterMix together well and turn out onto a flat, clean work surface. Pat the dough into a ball and knead it well, until you have a smooth mass of dough that is pliable.
You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough, or use liquid food coloring.
Store tightly covered in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge (or even freeze it if you have too much) but this can lead to condensation making the dough wet when you bring it back to room temperature. Try to keep the exterior of the dough ball and your storage container free of water droplets. Be sure to remove dough from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to play with it."
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/mister-rogers-easy-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
#MisterRogers’ Easy #PlayDough
October 25, 2010 Teachnet Staff
"A fast, easy, simple recipe for non-toxic play dough.
* 2 cups flour
* 1 cup waterMix together well and turn out onto a flat, clean work surface. Pat the dough into a ball and knead it well, until you have a smooth mass of dough that is pliable.
You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough, or use liquid food coloring.
Store tightly covered in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge (or even freeze it if you have too much) but this can lead to condensation making the dough wet when you bring it back to room temperature. Try to keep the exterior of the dough ball and your storage container free of water droplets. Be sure to remove dough from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to play with it."
https://teachnet.com/lessonplans/art/mister-rogers-easy-play-dough/
#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
Choosing Safer Products: Art and Craft Supplies from A Toxic Free Future
"A Sample Healthy Craft Kit for Kids:
Children’s crayons
Colored pencils
Glue stick and/or white glue
Water-based markers
Water-based children’s paints
Colored paper
Fabric pieces [preferably natural cloth]
Yarn [wool is better than acrylic]
Stamps and water-based ink pads
Scissors (age-appropriate)
Adhesive tape"Learn more:
https://toxicfreefuture.org/healthy-choices/choosing-safer-products-art-and-craft-supplies/#SolarPunkSunday #CraftSupplies #SaferProducts #Crafts #KidsCrafts #ToxicFreeFuture
-
I've made this with leftover soap scraps (we sometimes make our own soap). If one buys soap wrapped in paper (or make their own), the borax and washing soda come in cardboard boxes -- no plastic involved! As for essentials oils, one could make a lavender or rosemary "tea" using dried leaves (and be careful using EOs if you have cats). Also, I use lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in the final rinse, which helps remove soap residue and softens clothes.
How to Make Your Own #LaundryDetergent
It’s cheap, easy, and quick. Did we mention cheap? (And doesn't involve plastic containers! Though one could store the home-made detergent in old containers, which is what I do)
by Sandra Gutierrez G.
Everyone wears clothes, everybody’s clothes get dirty, and even though you hate it, everyone needs to do laundry. And unless you’re fortunate enough to have a washer and dryer at home, washing your clothes may be more than annoying—it can also be expensive.
If this is your situation, or you simply enjoy making things from scratch—because why not—you can try making your own laundry detergent. Just as effective with your dirty socks as whatever you buy in stores, it is not only easy to make and incredibly cheap, but can also be hypoallergenic, custom-scented, and environmentally friendly.
It’s important to note that you’ll need a lot of containers for the finished product. DIY laundry detergent is a go-big-or-go-home kind of deal, yielding up to 2 gallons per batch. You said you wanted some savings, right?
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- ½ cup borax
- 1 bar of soap
- ½ cup sodium carbonate (washing soda, a stronger version of baking soda)
- 2 gallons of water
- 1 ounce of essential oils (optional)Tools
- Large bucket (must hold more than 2 gallons)Preparation time
- About 20 minutes (plus 24 hours of resting)Learn more:
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us
#DIY #LaundryDetergent #Degrowth #Anticonsumerism #Clothes #SolarPunkSunday #SaferProducts