|
Information Line : Alternatives to Household Chemicals : How You Can Help : Speakers Bureau
Alternatives to Household Chemicals
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
General Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 gallon of warm water.
General Cleaner: 2 TBS baking with 1 pint warm water in a spray bottle.
Cooper Cleaner: Lemon juice and salt.
Disinfectant: Mix 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon of water.
Drain Cleaner: Prevent a clogged drain by pouring boiling water down the drain periodically, or use 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by two cups of boiling water, 1/4 cup vinegar, followed by two cups of boiling water.
Floor Cleaner: 1 cup vinegar and 2 gallons of water.
Floor and Furniture Polish: Mix 1 tablespoon Carbauba wax into two cups mineral oil or mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive or vegetable oil.
Garbage Disposal Deodorizers: Put chopped up citrus rinds in the disposal
Grease removal: Borax on a damp cloth
Mold and Mildew Removal: Mix equal parts vinegar and salt.
Oven Cleaner: Sprinkle salt or baking soda on spills when they are warm, then scrub. For baked-on grease, put 1/4 cup of ammonia in oven overnight to loosen, then scrub with baking soda. Or use add 2 tablespoons liquid soap, 2 teaspoons borax and warm water.
Rug and Upholstery Cleaner: Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on rug and vacuum.
Scouring Powder: Use baking soda for a nonabrasive cleaner.
Silver Cleaner: Soak silver in 1 quart warm water with 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt and a small piece of aluminum foil, or apply paste of calcium carbonate and olive oil. Allow to dry and polish with soft cloth.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Clean regularly with baking soda OR Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Borax, wait 30 minutes and scrub.
Tub and Tile Cleaner: 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup white vinegar and warm water.
Window Cleaner: Mix 1 quart of warm water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
Wood Polish: 3 parts olive oil, 1 part vinegar or almond OR olive old (interior unvarnished wood only) OR linseed oil.
DEODORIZERS
Air Freshener: Use herbal bouquets OR pure vanilla on cotton ball OR simmer cinnamon and cloves.
Pet Odor Remover: Use cider vinegar.
Refrigerator Deodorizer: Open box of baking soda.
Rug Deodorizer: Apply baking soda liberally and leave 15 minutes before vacuuming.
Mothballs: Place cedar chips around clothes.
LAUNDRY
Ink Spot Remover: Cold water, 1 tablespoon cream of tarter and lemon juice.
Perspiration Stain Remover: Use white vinegar and water.
Pre-soak: Paste of washing soda and water applied to spots.
Spot Remover: Soak garment in cornmeal and water, club soda or lemon juice.
Water Softener: Use 1/4 cup of vinegar.
Wine stain removal: Use salt or club soda.
PAINT
Hand cleaner for paint/grease: baby oil.
Paint: Use latex or water-based paints whenever possible.
Strippers: Use heat gun and sander.
PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS
Ant Control: Pour a line of cream of tartar or sprinkle red chili pepper, paprika or dried peppermint where ants enter house.
Fertilizer: Use Nature's Blend Compost.
Flea and Tick Repellant: Feed pets tablets of brewer's yeast, vitamin B and garlic. Or scatter pine needles, fennel, rye or rosemary in pet's bed. However, it always wise to check with your veterinarian first.
Household Plant Insecticide: Spray dilute solution of bar soap and water on plants.
Mosquito Repellent: Burn citronella candles.
Moth Control: Place cedar chips or dried lavender in cotton sachets around clothes.
Nematode (parasite worm) Repellent: Plant Marigolds.
Roach Control: Spread mixture of boric acid and powdered sugar.
Snails and Slug Control: Fill a shallow pan with stale beer and place in an infested area.
|
