Ideas for Home Ideas for the Garden Ideas for the Office Ideas for Kids
Comparable product: Tarnish remover/polisher for silver
#1: Soak in 1 qt warm water, 1 t baking soda, 1 t salt, small piece of aluminum foil.
#2: Rub with paste of baking soda and water (or toothpaste).

Comparable product: Tarnish remover/polisher for stainless steel
#1: Rub with paste of baking soda and water.

Comparable product: Floor cleaner
#1: Best for wood floors: 1/4 c Murphy's oil soap and 1 gal water.
#2: Best for tile or vinyl: 1 c white vinegar, 2 gal water: Mix.
(Optional: you many add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to soften vinegar smell.)

Comparable product: Oven cleaner
#1: Mix equal parts of Murphy's Oil Soap, Borax and water: Apply mixture; let set for 20 minutes. Scrub with mixture of baking soda and salt. For tough stains, scrub with very fine steel wool and baking soda.
#2: 1⁄4 c baking soda, 2 tb salt, hot water, as needed to make a paste: Let paste sit for 5 minutes. Caution: Keep off wires/heating elements.

Comparable product: Window/mirror cleaner
#1: 1/4 c lemon juice, 2 c water or club soda, 1/2 t peppermint essential oil (optional),
1 t cornstarch: Mix all ingredients and pour into plastic spray bottle. Shake well.
#2: 8 parts water, 1 part vinegar: mix ingredients, scrub and wipe with newspaper.

Comparable product: Furniture polish
#1: 1/4 c mineral oil, 1/8 c lemon juice: mix and apply with cloth.

Comparable product: Toilet cleaner
#1: Pour 1⁄4 c baking soda into bowl and drizzle with vinegar. Let sit for 1⁄2 hour. Scrub and flush. Add Borax or scrub with pumice for stains.

Comparable product: Dishwasher detergent
#1: Mix together 2 tb baking soda and 2 tb Borax: Mix and put in dishwasher.

Comparable product: Carpet cleaner
Note: always test mixture on a small section prior to using.
#1: 1⁄4 c Murphy's Oil Soap, 3 tb (or more) water. Whip ingredients in bowl with egg beater. Rub foam into problem areas of the rug. Rinse well with water.
#2: 1/8 c lemon juice, 1/4 c vinegar, 1/4 t water.

Comparable product: Tarnish remover/polisher for brass/copper
#1: Mix together equal parts salt and flour, then add white vinegar to make a paste. Rub into the stain. Repeat if necessary.
#2: 2 tb lemon juice, 1 tb vinegar.

Comparable product: Drain cleaner/opener
#1: 1/4 c vinegar, 1/4 c baking soda; Mix ingredients and pour mixture down drain. Let stand for a few minutes and rinse with boiling water.
Note: For tougher clogs, use a plumber's "snake" and boiling water.

Comparable product: Disinfectant
#1: 1/2 c Borax, 1 gal hot water: Dissolve Borax in hot water. Wipe down areas to be disinfected.

Comparable product: All purpose countertop cleaner
#1: 1 t liquid soap (Murphy's oil or castile), 1 t Borax, 2 t lemon juice, 1 qt. warm water.
#2: 1⁄4 c baking soda, 1⁄2 c borax, 1⁄2 c vinegar, 1 gal water.
Note: For surfaces that need scouring, try moist salt or baking soda and a green scouring pad.

Comparable product: Carpet freshener/deodorizer
#1: Baking soda: sprinkle over carpet, let sit overnight then vacuum.
#2: Dry cornstarch: sprinkle over carpet, let sit overnight then vacuum.


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