HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM (HHW)

Recipes for less hazardous cleaners

All Purpose Cleaner
4 tablespoons baking soda
1 quart warm water
Dissolve baking soda in the warm water. Apply with a sponge or spray with a spray bottle. Use as a general cleaner to clean and deodorize all kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Rinse with clear water.

Drain Cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
boiling water
Pour baking soda down the drain. Add white vinegar and cover the drain if possible. Let stand for 5 minutes, then pour a pot of hot water down the drain. The vinegar and baking soda will break down fatty acids into soap and glycerin, letting the clog wash down the drain.
** Don't use this method if you have used a commercial drain opener which may still be present in the drain.

Drain Opener
Use a plunger or a flexible metal snake to loosen clogged drains. Do not use in the presence of other harsh or toxic chemicals.

Lime and Mineral Deposit Remover
Soak cleaning cloths in vinegar then apply the cloths to the lime deposits around faucets. Leave the cloths there for approximately one hour. The deposits will soften and can be wiped easily.

Oven Cleaner
Baking soda
Very fine steel wool
Sprinkle water on oven surface. Apply baking soda and rub using a very fine steel wool. Wipe off with a damp sponge. Rinse well and dry.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then pour some vinegar in and scour with a toilet brush. This combination cleans and deodorizes.

Furniture Polish
3 cups olive oil
1 cup vinegar
Mix well. Use a clean, soft cloth to apply to furniture.

Disinfectant
1 cup borax
1 gallon hot water
Mix together to clean and disinfect household surfaces.
**Borax is a toxic ingredient. Handle it with care and store safely.

References: N.C. Agricultural Extension Service