You’ve probably heard of Jojoba oil being used in cosmetics, but it’s also a great substitute for petroleum-based lubricants, which tend to be strong smelling and polluting. Jojoba is the best alternative because it is a natrual liquid wax that never goes rancid. Use it as you would a petroleum lubricating oil, such as for stuck doors, squeaky hinges and machine lubrication. Jojoba oil comes from the Simmondsia chinensis shrub native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of Arizona, California, and Mexico. The mature seed is a hard oval, dark brown in color and contains an oil (liquid wax) content of approximately 54%.

You can buy Jojoba oil in bulk from Horton Supply on eBay or from Amazon.

Based on an entry in Better Basics For The Home.

Citrus degreasers are powerful and much safer to use than traditional petroleum-based solvents like gasoline or kerosene. Citrus solvents are non-flammable and 100% biodegradeable. They are also strongly aromatic — so use them in a well-ventilated area or your house will smell like oranges! Best if used on metal parts like chains, bearings and some components.

More non-toxic bike cleaning supplies can be found at Pedro’s. Washing soda can also be used as a degreaser.

Available from: Bradford Bike

Made from thin ribbons of fine-grit sandpaper, these biodegradable scrubbers come from Japan. They are called “Sandclean Scrubbers” and they are said to outperform regular sponges and steel wool. They are quite durable and do not beak apart. They work well on tea or coffee stains in teapots and cups. Also shown here is a Tawashi Brush — it’s a natural scrub brush made from palm fibers which are tightly bound with thick wire. It is a great utensil for scrubbing root vegetables and other items without bruising the skins.

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Zeolite is a natural mineral which absorbs odors and excess moisture in the air. It can be used as a general deodorizer and to combat mildew or mould. When used in refrigerators and freezers, it can reduce electricity cost by up to 12% by maintaining optimum humidity, and it helps keep food fresher. Zeolite is usually sold in packets that can be hung in strategic locations.

Zeolite is formed over millions of years as volcanic ash slowly changed and crystallized when exposed to alkaline water.

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We always like to discover innovative, plant-based products that are being introduced into the marketplace. Take for example, Soap Nuts which are an organic, eco-effective alternative to detergent. The powder is made from the sun-dried fruit of Sapindus Trifoliatus trees in south eastern India which is ground into a fine powder. Nothing further is added to the powder, and it can be made into a paste, liquid or used as a powder.

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If you want a metaefficient lubriciant, a soy-based one is probably the best choice. We’re talking about the kind of lubricant you use on gears, valves and chains.

SoyClean makes a lubricant with all natural ingredients, and it penetrates just as well as more toxic lubricants. When using it, there are no harmful fumes or vapors involved. If you oil your bike with it, you won’t be polluting your yard.

It is priced at $6.49 for a 22oz spray bottle. A classic example of metaefficiency: a product that is competitively priced, works just as well, and is healthier all round.

SoyClean also makes soy-based paint strippers, strain removers, wood sealers and cleaners.

This attractive cleaning kit features biodegradeable components.

The ecological heavy duty counter cleaner takes out stains on a whole variety of surfaces, while the heavy duty home cleaner works wonders for floors, walls and furniture. The natural carpet deodorizer is specially designed to eliminate odors impregnated in carpets and thick fabrics, and it fills the room with a lavender mint scent, too. The botanical room and fabric deodorizer, on the other hand, has a blue lavender scent and does the same for cushions, curtains and upholstery. And finally, the microfiber wipe completes the set and can clean and polish all types of surfaces. The whole set fits in the handy wooden carrying box that you can reuse as a toolbox, toy box and more.

Available from: Uncommon Goods ($24)

Found via NOTCOT, which also has round-up of other green cleaners out there.