Keep a Clean House with the Eco Expert

Debra Lynn Dadd discusses termites, green cleaning, fabric protectors and lead in dinnerware.

September/October 2001
By Debra Lynn Dadd 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

Termite Treatment

RELATED CONTENT

I have a heavy termite infestation in my home, and I’ve been told that I need to tent and fumigate. How can I find out about the toxicity of pesticides the exterminators want to use?

—David Anderson, Woodacre, CA

The best place to start is the website for the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (www.pesticide.org/). The website includes free fact sheets on a number of frequently used pesticides (www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html) and on less toxic ways to manage pests. If you don’t find what you need, there are links to about two dozen other sites that give information on pesticide toxicity and alternatives.

Using Vinegar for Cleaning

I downloaded two articles from the Internet on the subject of vinegar for cleaning. One of them stated that there was no need to rinse when using vinegar as a polish. Another suggested spraying with a one-to-one water-vinegar mixture and then wiping it off. The article does not specify whether you should wipe with a damp cloth, dry cloth, or sponge. Can you clarify?

—Edward Hirsh, via email

I recommend diluting vinegar with equal parts of water. I wipe it up with a sponge or a soft, dry cloth. When cleaning windows, I use an old newspaper, which really makes glass surfaces sparkle. I never have found the need to rinse.

Annie Berthold-Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home (Three Rivers Press, 1999) and Clean & Green (Ceres Press, 1994), states that, according to the Heinz company, numerous studies show that a straight 5 percent solution of white vinegar kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of molds, and 80 percent of germs. Heinz can’t claim that vinegar is a disinfectant on its labels because that would require registering it as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency. Berthold-Bond maintains, however, that vinegar is generally accepted in the industry as a powerful antibacterial. The Good Housekeeping Institute has verified this.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe today and save 50%
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to Natural Home

Welcome to Natural Home, the authority on green lifestyle and design. With an up-to-date outlook on current trends in sustainable building and wholesome living, Natural Home gives today’s eco-conscious homeowners the information they need to live in nurturing, healthy homes. Subscribe to Natural Home today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

Save money and a few trees by paying with your credit card now. Take advantage of our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You’ll save an additional $5 and get six issues of Natural Home for just $14.95! (Offer valid only in the U.S.)

Or, choose Bill Me Later and pay just $19.95