Keep Our
Water Clean ...
by Sharon LaPlante
Avoid using household products with hazardous ingredients. When possible buy 'green' products that are less toxic, or non-toxic. Better yet, make your own household cleaners:
Air freshener A small bowl of lemon juice or vinegar set out in a warm place.
All-purpose cleaner To one quart of warm water add 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, 1 teaspoon of borax, and 1/4 cup of vinegar.
Carpet deodorizer Sprinkle the carpet with a mixture of 1 cup of borax and 2 cups of baking soda. Let stand at least an hour before vacuuming.
Disinfectant Ammonia
Drain cleaner Use the plunger followed by a handful of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Pour in 2 quarts of boiling hot water.
Floor cleaner Mop the floors with a solution of 1 cup of vinegar to 2 gallons of warm water.
Furniture polish On unfinished surfaces use natural oils such as almond oil, or olive oil. On finished surfaces, dust with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
Glass cleaner Use a solution of 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 1 quart of warm water
Grease remover Baking soda
Mildew remover Vinegar solution
Mothballs Cedar chips
Oven cleaner Put salt on fresh spills and then scrape when the oven is cool. Ammonia can be applied to tough stains.
Pest control Use chili powder to keep ants out of your kitchen.
Scouring powder Baking soda
Stain remover Cornstarch paste
Surface cleaner Vinegar and salt mixture
Tile cleaner Baking soda
Toilet bowl cleaner Baking soda or borax
Window cleaner Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar, or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, with 1 quart of warm water.
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