Household Hazardous Waste

Living Room

Glass Cleaner

  • 1/8 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup water

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake and apply. Wipe dry with crumpled newspaper.

Leather Cleaner

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar

Mix in a squirt bottle and shake before each application. Rub with cloth into leather for cleaning and conditioning.
DO NOT USE ON SUEDE.

Wood Furniture Polish

  • 3/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon oil (optional)

Mix thoroughly in a squirt bottle. Shake well and squirt on furniture or rag and rub into wood.

Note:  Most furniture is sealed with a plastic polyurethane coating so if you use oils, you are just smearing oil on plastic sealant.  A simple cloth dampened with water works fine.  If you have an antique, talk to an expert about how to clean your precious pieces.

Carpet Deodorizer

  • baking soda
  • a few drop of your favorite essential oil

Mix using a fork to work out lumps. Sprinkle on carpet. The amount of baking soda will depend on the size or your carpet.  It should be spread generously.  Vacuum after 1 hour or if it's a strong odor, leave it overnight.

Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover

Caution:  Stain remover success always depends upon the type of fabric, coatings on the fabric, type of stain, and minerals in your water.  Always do a small test site first.

  • 1/4 cup liquid detergent
  • 1/4 cup glycerin
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Mix and pour into a squirt bottle. Use sparingly and rub on stain.
--or--

  • Club soda
  • Dish detergent

Blot stain with club soda then scrub with a dab of dish detergent.
--or--

  • Equal parts vinegar and water

Mix and use to remove tough stains including grass, perspiration, rust, jam, coffee, orange juice, wine, beer, ketchup, barbeque sauce, chili, urine and pet stains.
TIP: Never use warm or hot water on stains containing sugar!

Mold & Mildew Eradicator

Combine 2 teaspoons tea tree oil with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray on problem areas (moldy ceiling, musty bureau, moldy shower curtain, old rug) and do not rinse.