Make homemade cleaners using common, inexpensive and less toxic ingredients

1. Baking Soda – eliminated odors and gentle scouring powder, freshen drains

2. White vinegar – an anti-fungal and germicide

3. Borax – eliminates odors, removed dirt, possible disinfectant

4. Hydrogen peroxide – nontoxic bleach and stain remover, disinfectant

5. Club soda – stain remover and polisher

6. Lemon juice – nontoxic bleach, grease-cutter, stain remover

7. Liquid castile soap – all purpose cleaner, grease cutter, vegetable-based

8. Corn meal – picks up carpet spills

9. Olive oil – furniture polish

10. Essential oils – lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass – antibacterial, anti-fungal or insect repelling properties, peppermint repels mice and ants

11. Hard floor cleaner:  Author and Care2.com healthy living editor Annie Bond recommends this solution for all hard floors (except when directed by the manufacturer to avoid even mild detergents)  combine ¼ cup liquid castile soap, up to ½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice, and 2 galions of warm water in a large bucket.  Use a mop or sponge.

Credits: “Ten Simple Ways to Clean Green”, Green American newsletter feature article july/aug 2006