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Photograph by Paul Myers
Sheila Tucker, program manager for the West Valley Clean Water Program, shows off 'Clean It,' the program's guide to safer housecleaning methods.
Ways to keep the house--and environment--clean
By Jean Newton
Grocery shelves are filled with an array of cleaning products designed to keep kitchens and bathrooms sparkling, but what happens when those often-toxic materials get washed down the drain?
One local organization hopes people will stop and think about how cleaning solutions affect the environment the next time they shop or clean their house. The West Valley Clean Water Program promotes alternative cleaning methods as one way to prevent water pollution in local creeks as well as the San Francisco Bay.
"Alternative products like baking soda, vinegar, lemons and good old-fashioned elbow grease are what our grandparents used for effective cleaning," said Sheila Tucker, program manger for West Valley Clean Water Program. "The truth is, there's really no need to move away from those tried and true methods. Harsh chemicals just aren't necessary for cleaning, and their potential to pollute the environment is great. Simple homemade cleaners are much safer for our waterways."
Established in 1994, the West Valley Clean Water Program encompasses the communities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos and Saratoga. The group was formed to reduce pollutants from storm drain discharges; comply with state and federal Clean Water Act regulations; and maximize the effectiveness, efficiency and cost benefit from the collaboration of the four West Valley communities in pollution prevention efforts.
Of greatest concern in the West Valley communities the organization represents are the watersheds of Calabazas, Los Gatos, Saratoga, San Tomas Aquino and several smaller tributary creeks. With the exception of San Tomas Aquino, the creeks have all been declared "impaired waters" due to a commonly used household pesticide, diazinon.
Toxic pollutants from commonly used household products, when poured down drains, pass through wastewater treatment plants and can end up in local waters, harming fish and wildlife. According to the West Valley Clean Water Program, treatment plants were designed to treat biological wastes and cannot remove all of the metals, solvents and other toxins from many common household products. Additionally, pollutants from storm water runoff can come from a variety of sources, including pesticides and fertilizer from yards and gardens, as well as household chemicals such as paint thinners, oil and water-based paint, drain cleaners, and pool and spa chemicals.
There are actions homeowners can take to keep pollutants out of creeks and ultimately the San Francisco Bay. In addition to never dumping any toxic or hazardous waste materials down an inside or outside drain, homeowners can change the way they clean their homes by switching to safer cleaning products.
According to the publication "Clean It! Safer Housecleaning Methods that Really Work!" distributed by the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program, it's easy to get started. The first step is to evaluate the cleaning products already in the cupboard and either use them up or dispose of them properly at a household hazardous waste drop location or event. Information on household hazardous waste disposal for Santa Clara County can be found at www.hhw.org or 408.299.7300.
Prevention is one of the best ways to avoid having to use strong toxic cleaning solutions. Wiping up spills and keeping things cleaned up on a daily basis prevents build up of dirt and grime. It's important to keep cleaning supplies organized and store all cleaning products out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet, not where food is stored.
The right cleaning tools are necessary, too. A less abrasive soft cloth or white nylon scrubber/sponge is recommended as a first choice with fine steel wool as an alternative for tougher cleaning jobs. Toothbrushes or scrub brushes also work well along with old-fashioned elbow grease for certain cleaning jobs.
An all-purpose cleaner, such as baking soda mixed with water, can be used for counters, cabinets, stove tops and other general areas. Some commercial all-purpose cleaning products that are not hazardous are available. Be sure to read labels carefully at the grocery store and choose nontoxic products whenever possible.
Other recommended safer products include: lemons for removing greasy fingerprints on windows; toothpaste for cleaning silver; vegetable-based liquid soap, such as castille soap that is diluted in water, for use as an all-purpose cleaner; white distilled vinegar diluted in water to rinse and remove baking soda residue; and borax to remove stains in toilet bowls. (Borax should not be taken internally and should not come into contact with eyes.) The "Clean It!" publication provides disclaimers for using the recommended products and advises testing cleaning tools and products as well as techniques in a small obscure area first to see if results are satisfactory.
Bathrooms can be a challenge since there are no proven alternatives to commercial disinfectants. At the grocery store, look for products that have a registration number from the Environmental Protection Agency on the label. Eliminating moisture through proper ventilation and by keeping surfaces dry can help keep bacteria, mildew and mold at bay. To clean the sink, shower, tub, tile and grout, soak with diluted liquid soap, sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a white nylon scrubbing pad and rinse. A stiff toothbrush or scrub brush can be used for tiles. Rinsing with vinegar and cold water will get rid of any residue. To remove soap scum from glass shower doors, soak surfaces with a diluted liquid soap and scrub with a white nylon scrubbing pad.
Vinegar and water can be used to clean vinyl floors or to damp mop sealed wood floors. Just plain water is recommend for cleaning windows with a cloth and squeegee or use a vinegar and water solution if windows are very dirty. Greasy fingerprints can be cleaned by using a solution of 1 tablespoon lemon juice mixed in a quart of warm water.
For more tips and ideas about how to prevent water pollution by using safer cleaning products, call 408.354.5385 for a free copy of "Clean It! Safer Housecleaning Methods that Really Work." For more information about the West Valley Clean Water Program, call 408.354.4734 for water pollution information in the West Valley.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
