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