Biodegradable Ingredients:

Soap:
Soap without synthetic scents, colors or other additives biodegrades safely and completely, and is non-toxic and they dissolve more easily in hot water.

Baking Soda:
Baking Soda is a slightly alkaline mineral that cleans and deodorizes. Baking soda can be used as a gentle nonabrasive cleanser for kitchen counter tops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, and fiberglass. It will eliminate perspiration odors and even neutralize the smell of many chemicals if you add up to a cup per load to the laundry. It is a useful air freshener, a great teeth whitener, and a fine carpet deodorizer.

Washing Soda:
Washing Soda is a much more strongly alkaline product than its neighbor Baking Soda. Washing Soda cuts grease, removes stains, disinfects and softens water.

Borax:
Borax is an excellent disinfectant and laundry cleaner

White Vinegar and Lemon Juice:
Vinegar and Lemon Juice cut grease and freshen.

Cloudy Ammonia:
Cloudy ammonia cuts heavy grease. It must be used with CAUTION because its toxic fumes can irritate eyes and lungs. Use with only good ventilation.

All of the above products are readily available in your local supermarket.

TIPS:

Dishwashing:

• Rinsing dishes before food residue hardens makes cleaning them easier and uses less detergent.

• Dissolve pure soap flakes in hot water and use in place of your commercial detergent.

• Add vinegar for really tough, baked-on grease.

• Coat burnt pots and pans with a thick paste of bicarbonate and water and leave for several hours before washing.

The Laundry:

• Substitute detergents with washing soda and soap.

• Add 1/3 cup washing soda and soap to water before adding clothes. Soap in the form of flakes, bars, etc, may need to be dissolved in a little hot water before adding to the machine.

For Bleach:

• Use 1/2 cup borax per wash to whiten and brighten colors.

Fabrics Softener:

• Add 1/2 cup vinegar or 1/4 cup bicarbonate during final rinse.

Cleaning the Bathroom:

• Replace tile cleaners by spraying vinegar onto the mould, and leaving it overnight.

• Scrub surfaces with bicarbonate and hot water.

• Apply a strong solution of vinegar for toilets.

• Apply a mix of borax and lemon juice to stubborn areas.

Mirrors and Windows:

• First wash with warm soapy water If the glass is especially dirty.

• Apply 3 tablespoons of vinegar in 4 cups of warm water. Use newspaper for a streak free surface.

Sources:

Global Steward.com
Environmental Tips for Individuals: Your Home and Finances.

Home-made cleaning products and tips suggested by:Global Steward.com.

• Make Your Own Nontoxic Cleaning Kit

• All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

• Better Basics for the Home ( a great resource book)