Alternative Cleaning Products

Try these easy alternatives to minimize household hazardous products. Most of these products are very common and are found in most household cabinets*:

*Disclaimer: Please note that this recipes page was developed and tested by a previous consultant. However, since results may vary, we recommend you test the recipes on a small area before applying to the whole.

Spray Disinfectant Cleaner

½ cup borax
1 gallon hot water

Dissolve borax in hot water. Wipe down areas to be disinfected.

Abrasive Cleaner for Counter Tops

Sprinkle baking soda or borax, add juice of ½ lemon and scrub.

Drain Cleaner/Opener

¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup baking soda

Mix ingredients and pour mixture down drain. Let stand for a few minutes and rinse with boiling water.

Oven Cleaner

Mix equal parts of castille soap, borax and water. Let mixture set for 20 minutes and scrub with mixture of baking soda and salt.

Window Wash

Juice from one fresh lemon
2 cups water or club soda
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Mix all ingredients and pour into plastic spray bottle. Shake well.

Bathtub/Sink Stains

Scrub with paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide.

Soap Film on Fiberglass Surface

Spot Remover

Club Soda

Pour on fresh spots and stains to remove wine and foods from clothing, carpets and liners.

Water Spot Treatment Polish

Toothpaste (not gel)
Baking Soda
Pecan

Apply equal parts of toothpaste and baking soda with soft, damp cloth. Rinse out the cloth and wipe off any residue. When the finish is smooth, buff with a clean soft cloth. Restore color and shine by rubbing the spot with the meat of a half pecan, then buff.

Dark Wood Polish

1 tsp. lemon oil
Juice of one lemon
1 tsp. brandy or whisky
1 tsp. water

Mix and apply with soft cloth. Must be made fresh each time.

Unscented Polish

3 parts olive oil
1 part vinegar
Mix and apply with soft cloth.

Pet Stains

Soak stained area in warm soapy water. Sponge with equal parts of water and white vinegar. Blot dry.

Dog House Flea Repellent

Wash dog house with salt water. Scatter fresh pine needles or cedar shavings under your pet’s sleeping pad. Keep bedding clean.

Insecticide

Mix dishwashing liquid and water and spray on infected area.

Ant Repellant

Option 1:
Sprinkle cucumber peelings near ant infestations.

Option 2:
Sprinkle red chili powder, cream of tartar powder, salt or sage near ant infestations.