Don't support the testing on animals!

A surprising number of natural, non-chemical alternatives to many commercial household products can be found in our kitchen cupboards. Here are some helpful household hints:



water softener
1/4 cup vinegar in final rinse

oil stain remover
white chalk rubbed in before wash

glass cleaner
paste of lemon juice, salt & flour or rub vinegar & salt. or wipe with damp cloth or sponge sprinkled with dry baking soda (remember that arm&hammer tests on animals). rinse with water or dry soft towel.

household cleaner
3 tbsp. baking soda mixed into 1 qt. warm water

stainless steel polish
baking soda (remember that arm&hammer tests on animals) mixed into 1 qt. warm water

toilet bowl cleaner
white vinegar

coffee/wine stain remover
blot with club soda

mildew remover
lemon juice & salt, or white vinegar & salt

linoleum floor cleaner/wax
mop with 1 cup white vinegar mixed with 2 gallons of water to remove dull greasy film. polish with club soda

mothballs
cedar chips or dried lavender sachets

ant insecticide
wash countertops, cabinets and floors with equal parts of vinegar and water, or pour a line of cream of tartar where the ants enter the house

drain opener
prevent clogging by flushing drain weekly with boiling water. if clogged pour 1/2 baking soda (remember that arm&hammer tests on animals), then 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain.

air freshener
leave open box of baking soda in room, or add cloves & cinnamon to boiling water and simmer, or use fresh flowers or herbs. toss dried orange & lemon rinds into fireplace for spicy aroma

flea & tick repellent
feed 2 tbsp. of brewers yeast & 1 clove garlic to companion animal daily. sprinkle fennel, rue & rosemary on carpets & bedding areas to repel fleas. place eucalyptus seeds & leaves & cedar ships around animal sleeping areas.

chemical fertilizer
compost

scouring pads
let pots & pans soak in a baking powder solution before washing.

furniture polish
mix 3 parts olive oil & 1 part vinegar or 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive oil use soft cloth.

stains in washable fabrics
apply lemon juice & then lay fabric in hot sun

windshield cleaner
apply baking soda (remember that arm&hammer tests on animals) on damp sponge & wipe. rinse with water.

carpet brightener
sprinkle a generous amount or cornstarch & vacuum in 1 hour

grease & oil stains on upholstery
rub with cornstarch, then brush off & wipe with a damp cloth

ballpoint ink on washable fabrics
apply rubbing alcohol on stain before laundering






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