Many individuals look for ways to eliminate the amount and toxicity of waste around their home. Using alternative methods or products without hazardous constituents to clean a certain area helps the environment and our health. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Although the suggested mixtures have less hazardous ingredients than many commercial cleaners and pesticides, they should be used and stored with similar caution. Please follow these guidelines for any household cleaner or pesticide.

Household Cleaners and Alternatives

• 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 of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.
  Toilet bowl cleaner Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar. (This will clean but not disinfect.)
• Furniture polish Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil, and wipe furniture.
• Rug deodorizer Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
• Silver polish Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a shallow pan with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for 2 to 3 more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat if 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 sprays 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.
  
  TAKE CAUTION:

DO NOT mix anything with a commercial cleaning agent.

If you do store a homemade mixture, make sure it is properly labeled and do not store it in a container that could be mistaken for food or beverage. When preparing alternatives, mix only what is needed for the job at hand and mix them in clean, reusable containers. This avoids waste and the need to store any cleaning mixture.