Spring Cleaning - Alternative Methods for Household Cleaners

Common Non-Toxic Products are Safer and Less Expensive: Vinegar, baking soda key ingredients in cleaning green - madison.com 

This is a lot cheaper method than hoarding bottles of 409 or whatever.  Multiple Uses for Each Ingredient.

Here are some examples to concoct your own arsenal of cleaning supplies:

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup baking soda (or more, as needed)
Water
A couple squirts liquid detergent
Spray water generously on the oven bottom, then sprinkle with enough baking soda so the surface is entirely white. Spray on more water and let it sit overnight. Grime and grease will be loose by then and you can easily wipe it off (a spatula works well). Then put some soap on a damp sponge to scrub off the remaining residue.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax)
1/2 gallon water
Store and use indefinitely. Good for removing water deposit stains in showers, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, mirrors

METAL CLEANERS AND POLISHES
Silver: Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with a soft cloth.
Brass or bronze: Mix equal parts lemon and baking soda, or equal parts vinegar and salt. Polish with a soft cloth. Rub a dab of ketchup on tough tarnish spots.
Copper: Boil a pot of water and add 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Using a cloth, apply to copper while the liquid is hot; let it cool and then wipe. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. Rub a dab of ketchup on tarnished spots.
Aluminum: Make a solution of equal parts cream of tartar and water. Rub with a soft cloth.

MOLD KILLERS
“Tea Tree Treasure”
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend and spray on mold. Do not rinse. The strong smell of tea tree oil will dissipate in a few days

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