Chemical Alternatives
There are safer, and usually cheaper alternatives to many products, such as the easy and effective cleaning substitutes outlined below. Download our Deep Green Clean Brochure PDF
- Wood polish: Mixture of one teaspoon lemon oil to one pint vegetable or mineral oil.
- No-wax floors: Vinegar and water or ammonia and water
- Wood floors: Oil soap or soap and water.
- Rug deodorizer: Baking soda, or two parts cornmeal to one part Borax (let sit an hour before vacuuming).
- Mothballs: Substitute dried lavender or cedar shavings.
- Metal cleaners:Sink, tub and tile: Scour with baking soda or Borax.
- For aluminum, use lemon juice. Rub and rinse, or soak overnight in vinegar and water;
- For stainless steel, use baking soda paste;
- For copper, use ketchup or lemon juice and salt;
- For gold, use a warm soap and water mixture;
- For chrome, use vinegar;
- For brass, use salt, flour and vinegar mixture;
- For silver, mix 1.5 quarts of hot water, a half tablespoon of baking soda, a half tablespoon of salt, and soak in aluminum pan lined with aluminum foil, polish with cloth.
- Disinfectants: Borax or vinegar.
- Chlorine bleach: White vinegar, baking soda, Borax, or non-chlorine bleach.
Transporting Chemicals
Before you load up the car to take your chemicals to the Fairgrounds Pollutant Disposal, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Wear gloves and use caution when handling substances
- Place pollutants in the trunk or as far away from passengers as possible.
- Do not smoke while handling or transporting chemicals, or while at the pollutant collection.
- Do not remove the materials from your car once you arrive at the pollutant collection. A worker will remove them for you.
For more information, send us an email or give us a call at 918-584-0584
Storing Chemicals
Improper storage of chemicals and cleaners can lead to fires, explosions and dangerous fumes. Remember to always keep chemicals and cleaners out of reach of children. Take the following precautions to prevent an accident:
- Keep substances in original container and make sure label is attached.
- If the container starts to leak, enclose it in a larger container, and label it.
- Maintain a list of stored hazardous products with name of product and date of purchase.
- Most items should be stored in a cool, dry place, but read label for instructions.
- Keep incompatible chemical products away from each other.
- Periodically check containers for deterioration.
If you are unsure of your storage situation, call the experts:
- Tulsa Fire Department Hazmat Unit: 918-596-1255
- Tulsa City-County Health Dept.: 918-582-9355
- Industrial Pretreatment: 918-591-4378