Chlorine bleach | | Use borax to whiten. If you use bleach, choose non-chlorine dry bleach. Never mix chlorine bleach with other products. |
Deodorizer / air freshener | | Open windows. Place an open box of baking soda in closets and refrigerator. Simmer cloves and cinnamon in water. For carpets: Mix 1 part borax with 2 parts commeal; sprinkle liberally, wait 1 hour, and vacuum up. For litter box: Sprinkle baking soda in bottom of box before adding litter. |
Disinfectant | | To discourage mold or mildew, use ½ cup borax in 1 gallon hot water. Do not rinse off the borax solution. Borax is not a disinfectant. |
Medicine | | Substances in medicines vary; call Recycling Hotline for more information. |
Mercury | | Collect spilled metal in glass bottle. Obtain medical assistance is exposure is significant. Choose a flex-tape, electronic or other non-mercury thermometer. |
Nail Polish Remover | | Leave your nails unpolished. |
Shoe dye | | Apply beeswax of cold-pressed nut oils to leather. Test oils first in an inconspicuous place to determine whether they will stain the leather. Buff to a shine with a chamois cloth. |
Toilet, tub and tile cleaner | | Use baking soda or non-chlorine based scouring powder. |