Crescent Shadows On-Line Newsletter of the Hudson Valley Pagan Network, Inc.

Air freshner - Ventilate. Leave a bowl of vinegar out in open; baking soda in closed places; cinnamon and cloves boiled in water. Use cedar chips, dried lavendar, or peppercorns instead of moth balls.

All-purpose cleaner - Mix one teaspoon of liquid soap or borax in a quart of warm water. For tougher jobs, use 1/2 cup borax, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap, and a splash of vinegar in 2 gallons of warm water.

Aluminum cleaner - Brighten discolored pans by boiling them in a solution of one tbs. vinegar to one quart of water.

Bleach - Add 1/2 cup borax to washing machine with soap.

Brass cleaner - Rub with a slice of citrus fruit dipped in dry salt. Rinse with clear water.

Carpet stain remover - Apply 1/8 cup vinegar and 1/8 cup of water, let it soak for 10 minutes; club soda.

Chrome polish - Use vinegar, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

Copper cleaner - Rub with a paste of catsup, wash off quickly.

Disinfectant - Mix 1/4 cup borax in 1/2 gallon hot water.

Drain cleaner - Mix one cup each of baking soda, salt, and white vinegar. Pour mixture down the drain. After 15 minutes, flush with boiling water.

Fabric softener - Add 1/4 cup baking soda or 1 cup vinegar to final rinse cycle of wash.

Floor polish - Use the all-purpose cleaner listed above or polishes without petroleum distillates.

Garbage disposal cleaner - Run baking soda or cut up lemons through the disposal. Better yet - compost!

Oven cleaner - Pour salt immediately on spills; later soak with a paste of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water. The night before cleaning put 1/2 cup ammonia in a cold closed oven. This will soften grease.

Paint - Use latex or water-based paints. Avoid aerosols. Wrap up used brushes in plastic and store in freezer (without cleaning) to be ready for the next job.

Pest control: ants and roaches - Keep areas dry and clean; sprinkle borax in cabinets and corners; place bay leaves in cabinets; place sticks of wrapped gum in closets.

Pest control: fleas - Wash your pet in warm soapy water and then groom it with a flea comb. For the home, vacuum daily for 2 weeks, freezing vacuum bag after each use. Or steam-clean rugs and upholstery.

Souring powder - Use table salt, baking soda, or a soap-and-feldspar product like Bon Ami.

Shoe polish - Spread drop of olive oil with soft cloth; beeswax.

Silver cleaner - Soak silver for 5 to 10 minutes in warm water with 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, and a small piece of aluminum foil. Wipe with soft cloth.

Toilet, tub and tile cleaner - Mix 1/4 cup baking soda or borax in 2 cups water; add 1 tsp. liquid soap for extra strength.

Tops of appliances & switch plate cleaner - Use dry baking soda applied with a damp cloth. Rinse with clear water.

Wax stripper - Pour club soda on the floor. Allow it to soak for several minutes and then scrub.

Window/glass cleaner - Mix 1/4 cup vinegar and one quart water. Wipe on with a rag. Use newspapers in place of paper towels for wiping off (no lint).

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Last Updated: July 14, 2002
Copyright 2001-2002 - Hudson Valley Pagan Network