Basic Cleaning Tools and How to Use Them

These simple, inexpensive ingredients can be found in most supermarkets or natural foods stores. More tools and tips can be found in Annie's books and Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan (Pocket Books, 1997).

1. White Distilled Vinegar: Acidic vinegar disinfects, deodorizes, and dissolves hard water scale, gummy substances, and tarnish. It also pulls dirt from wood.

+ For an air freshener, add 20 to 30 drops of an essential oil (lemon, mint, lavender) to 1 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle.

+ As a fabric rinse, 1/4 cup of vinegar added to the washing machine's rinse cycle removes detergent completely from clothes, eliminating that scratchy feel.

2. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice, also acidic, lightens stains and cuts grease.

+ For a laundry brightener, add 1/2 cup of strained lemon juice to the rinse cycle.

+ To remove tarnish, rub sliced lemons on brass, copper, bronze and aluminum.

3. Baking Soda: Slightly abrasive and alkaline, this soda ash (a mineral) byproduct neutralizes odors and makes a good sink, tub, oven and countertop scourer.

+ Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming. Line kitty's litter box with about 1 cup before adding litter.

+ To de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar; let bubble for 15 minutes; rinse with hot water.

+ To polish silver, scrub with a paste of water and baking soda.

+ For a "soft scrub," mix together baking soda and liquid soap. Make only as much as you need, as it dries up quickly.

4. Washing soda: Found in the supermarket laundry aisle, washing soda is baking soda's more caustic cousin. It's stronger and also requires the use of gloves and more rinsing, so save for extra-stubborn stains.

+ To clean extra-greasy ovens, apply a paste of 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup washing soda, and water; soak overnight. The next morning, lift off soda mixture and grime; rinse well. (Use just baking soda for light stains.)

+ For an extra-strength scrub, mix washing soda and liquid soap.

+ Add 1/2 cup washing soda to laundry as a detergent booster.

5. Natural Disinfectants: Oils from tea tree and the stronger eucalyptus, vinegar and borax are thought to be antibacterial and antifungal. While not registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as disinfectants, they've been used for years to kill germs. Annie recommends adding up to 1/2 teaspoon of one of the oils to homemade cleaners.

6. Borax: This alkaline mineral can be used like washing soda as a cleaner. It's also a mold-killer but can be toxic when swallowed, so take care in using and storing it. You can find it in the laundry aisle of the supermarket.

+ For an extra-strength toilet bowl cleaner, pour 1 cup of borax into the toilet before going to bed and, in the morning, scrub and flush.