Accidental poisoning in young children remains the second most common cause of injury and hospitalisation for children in Australia today. So why not opt for a better solution?

Accidental poisoning is most common in children in the one-to three-year-old age bracket when natural curiosities prompt them to explore the world around them. Children are particularly attracted to cupboards and closets where chemical cleaners, medicines or other potentially hazardous household products are stored.

But mounting concern about the dangers of chemical cleaners combined with a growing environmental awareness has caused a surge of interest in alternative cleaning products — many of them were likely used by your grandmother. So what were her favourite household cleaning solutions?

Top five green alternatives for the kitchen:

• All-purpose cleaner: Mix two heaped tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with one tablespoon of white vinegar. Store in an air-tight container. For really stubborn spots, use with an old toothbrush and scrub well.
• Chrome: Polish with apple cider vinegar.
• Fridge cleaning and deodorising: After cleaning with warm water and soap, wipe down with vanilla essence or leave an open packet of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge.
• Kettle: To remove hard water encrustation, boil equal parts of vinegar and water in the kettle.
• Ovens: Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Apply with a spatula to the inside of the warmed oven. Leave to dry, then clean off with a stiff brush or scourer and very hot water. For racks, use the laundry sink to soak racks in washing soda dissolved in hot water.

Top five green alternatives for the laundry:

• Coffee stains: Wash out with cool water, then vinegar. Finally, rinse in cool water.
• Mildew: This fungus can be killed by hanging fabric in the hot sun or outside on a frosty night.
• Red wine stains: Pour salt on immediately, let it stand for a while then soak in cold water and rub out.
• Wax and chewing gum: To remove from fabric, place a block of ice onto wax or gum or place fabric in a plastic bag in the freezer. After two hours, scrape off and sponge with eucalyptus oil.
• Blood stains: soak in cold water for ten minutes then wash with soap.

Top five green alternatives for the bathroom:

• Tiles and basin: use all-purpose cleaner (see kitchen).
• Mould removal: wipe vinegar onto surfaces, leave overnight, then scrub off.
• Toilet cleaner: Use vinegar and leave to soak for 10 minutes.
• Toilet deodoriser: Open windows to draw in fresh air. Place a small bowl of pot pourri or a pot of mint essence in the bathroom. Wipe floors with vanilla essence.
• Bathing: Put 1/2 cup of rolled oats in the toe of a discarded stocking or sock and run it under the tap as the bath fills. The oat-treated water will pamper your skin.

If you suspect a child has been exposed to a poison contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126. If the child has collapsed or stopped breathing, call 000 for an ambulance.

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