Aerosol Cans (empty) | | Use non-aerosol containers, such as pump spray, roll on, or liquid. | |
Aluminum cleaner with acid | | Place item in pot with a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water, bring to boil, then let stand overnight. Rinse and dry. | |
Ammonia-based cleaner | | Mix 1 qt. warm water with 1 tsp. borax, and 1 tsp. liquid soap. If soaking baked on food, try filling the dish with 3 tbsp. baking soda mixed with 1 qt. water. | |
Drain opener with lye* | | To prevent clogging, use a drain strainer. To unclog: First, try plunger. Second, pour ½ cup baking soda, followed by ½ cup vinegar. Cover drain tightly, wait 5 minutes. Then pour teakettle of boiling water down drain. Repeat if needed. Lastly, use a drain snake. | *Flush small quantities with water. For larger quantities, use the Household Hazardous Waste Program. |
Floor care products with Solvent | | For vinyl floors, mix ½ cup white vinegar or ¼ cup borax with 1 gallon warm water. For wood floors, mix ¼ cup oil soap with 1 gallon warm water. | |
Furniture polish | | Mix 1 part lemon juice to 1 part olive or vegetable oil, and apply with rag. Or use oil soap to clean and a soft cloth to polish. Rub a paste of salt and vegetable oil on wood furniture to remove water stains, wipe off. | |
Metal polish | | Call the Recycling Hotline for information about non-toxic metal polishes. | |
Oven cleaner (lye base) | | Mix 3 tbsp. baking soda with 1 qt. warm water. Sponge on. Don’t let the substance touch electric elements. Wait 20 minutes, and then clean. For tough stains, scrub with non-steel-wool pads and baking soda. Caution: Some oven surfaces are harmed by abrasives. | |
Rodent Poison | | Use traps, seal holes, and remove food sources. | |