| Household Cleaner |
Alternative |
| Drain cleaner |
Use a plunger or plumber's snake. |
| Oven cleaner |
Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda. For tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning ovens). |
| Glass cleaner |
Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to dry. |
| Toilet bowl cleaner |
Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar (these will clean but not disinfect). |
| Furniture polish |
Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil. Wipe on furniture. |
| Rug deodorizer |
Sprinkle liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat as necessary. |
| Silver polish |
Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a shallow pan with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for 2 or 3 more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat as necessary. (Do not use this method on antique silver knives. The blade will separate from the handle.) Another alternative is to use nonabrasive toothpaste. |
| Plant spray |
Wipe leaves with mild soap and water; rinse. |
| Mothballs |
Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint or white peppercorns. |
| Flea and tick products |
Put brewer's yeast or garlic in your pet's food; sprinkle fennel, rue, rosemary or eucalyptus seeds or leaves around animal sleeping areas. |
