Substitute and Save!
| Commercial Item | Environmentally Safe Substitute | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Drain Cleaners | Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar |
| 2. | Mothballs | Replace with: Cedar Chips or sachets of dry lavender |
| 3. | Flea Collars | Add fennel, rue and rosemary to pet food. Soak cloth collar in crushed eucalyptus leaves. Cedar chips |
| 4. | Floor cleaners | Add 1 cup of White Vinegar to 2 gallons of water |
| 5. | Stainless Steel Polishers | Make a paste out of baking soda and water |
| 6. | Jewelry Polishers | Toothpaste |
| 7. | Mildew Removers | Make a liquidly paste of lemon juice. OR white vinegar and salt |
| 8. | Toilet Bowl Cleaner | Vinegar |
| 9. | Furniture Polish | Mix 3 parts olive oil and 1 part vinegar OR 2 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon juice. |
| 10. | Ant Insecticide | Wash countertops with equal parts of vinegar and water. Outside of the house, pour a line of cream of tartar to prevent ants getting to the house. |
Vinegar and baking soda have been used in many of the above substitutions. Vinegar is simply acetic acid while baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and both are commonly found in many commercial products. If you are unsure whether vinegar (or any other substance) might help in cleaning a particular item, look to see if commercial products contain that substance. When trying anything new, first test in an inconspicuous spot, let dry, then check in 24 hours for the results. Rinsing is often recommended.
These substitutions should, besides taking care of the environment, help save you money. They are often items that most people have a t home, and collectively are cheaper, just as effective, and them the perfumes, emulsifiers, and surfactants that are put in commercial products.
L.A. Times
Don’t throw it away – Give to a friend!