Alternative products really do work. Try these non-toxic, or less toxic products as alternatives to hazardous household chemicals. You'll benefit from improved indoor air quality, decreased exposure to chemicals, and fewer disposal concerns. Best of all, you can find most of these items in your house, so it's convenient and you'll save money.
General Cleaning
Simmer cinnamon and cloves
2 tbsp cream of tartar and 1 quart hot water
Worcestershire sauce
Club soda
Clean with apple cider vinegar, polish with baby oil
Lemon juice and salt
Soak in white vinegar
1 tbsp lemon oil in 1 pint of mineral water
Baking soda
Cold water plus 1 tbsp cream of tartar and 1 tbsp lemon juice
Basic soap
Make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply to spots
1 cup of white vinegar in 2 gallons of water
Mix 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 gallon of water
White chalk rubbed into the stain before laundering
2 tbsp liquid soap plus 2 tsp borax and warm water
Baking soda
Cider vinegar
Grated onion
Baking soda
Club soda, lemon juice, or salt
Mineral oil
Paste of borax and lemon juice
1/4 cup baking soda plus 1/2 cup white vinegar in warm water
Club soda
Toothpaste
1/4 cup vinegar
Salt
1/2 cup vinegar in 1 gallon warm water
Kitchen Cleaning
Moist salt
Vinegar
1/2 cup baking soda & liquid detergent
Plunger followed by 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 2 cups boiling water
Used lemons
Douse with baking soda
Borax on damp cloth
Mix a paste of baking soda and water, let sit, rub, clean, and rinse
Open box of baking soda
Banana peel
1 quart warm water, 1 tbsp baking soda, and 1 tbsp salt
Yard Alternatives
Red chili powder at entry point
Compost
Scatter pine needles, fennel, rye, or rosemary on pet's bed
Feed brewer's yeast, vitamin B, or garlic tablets
Well watered pot of basil
Soapy water on leaves then rinse
Burn citronella candles
Plant marigolds
Onion and marigold plants
Garage Alternatives
Baking soda and water
Baby oil
Equal parts vinegar and salt
Hot vinegar
Chopped bay leaves and cucumber skins
Lemon juice, salt, and sunlight
Carbonated beverage
3 parts olive oil, 1 part white vinegar