Alternative
Recipes
for common household products

CONTENTS
KITCHEN(888) Clean LA | CleanLA.com

Spray Disinfectant Cleaner
Abrasive Cleaner
Brass/Copper Tarnish Remover
Metal Cleaner
Silver Polish
Glassware/Crystal Spot Removal
Dishwasher Detergent
Window Cleaner
Drain Cleaner/Opener
Oven Cleaner

BATHROOM
Bathtub/Sink Stains
Soap Film on Fiberglass Surface
Soap Film/Mildew on Shower Curtains
Shower-Door Track Cleaning
Toilet Lime Deposit Removal
Toilet Bowl Cleaner

FURNITURE POLISH
Lemon Scented Polish
Dark Wood Polish
Unscented Polish
Oak Furniture Polish
Heat Blemish/Scratch Remover
Water Spot Treatment Polish

PAINTS/REMOVERS
Enamel Paint Drips/Spill Remover
Removing Paint from Skin
Arts and Crafts Paint

SPOT REMOVERS

Disclaimer: Results may vary. Test recipe effectiveness by applying a small
amount of product to an area before using.

All-purpose Spot RemoverClub Soda
Ink Spot Remover
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PETS
Pet Stains
Dog House Flea Repellant

PEST REPELLANT
Mouse Repellant
Ant Repellant
Roach Repellant
Insecticide
Moth Ball Alternative
Anti-Insect Air Spritzer
Bug Repellant, Body

GARDEN
Chili-Vinegar Spray for Fruit Trees
Aphids on Rose Bushes
Cucumber Beetles
Earwig Repellant
Fungus and Mildew (“Garlic Tea”)
Pest Spray
Deer Repellant for Fruit Trees
Snail Repellants
Fertilize Naturally
Dry Out Lawn Fungus
Beneficial Bugs
Beneficial Plants

BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Hair Dye Alternatives
Hair Shampoo Alternatives
Hair Spray
Jewelry Cleaning
Skin Freshener/Soother
Skin Astringents
Deodorant
Talcum Powder

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MISCELLANEOUS HOME MAINTENANCE
Homemade Glues
BleachAir Freshener
Car Wash Soap
Upholstery Cleaner and Rug Shampoo
Laundry Soap
Spray Starch
Carpet Deodorizer

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE

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Windshield Cleaner
Battery Cleaner
Cleaning Polish
Vinyl Smell Reducer andNatural Engine Degreaser
Leather Wash
Bug Remover

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Household Alternative Recipes

ADA and Title VI Accommodations: Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations,interpretation services, and materials in other languages or in an alternate format may contact
the Public Works coordinator at (626) 458-7901. Requests must be made one week in advanceof the scheduled meeting date. Individuals with hearing or speech impairment may use
California Relay Service 711.

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KITCHEN
Spray Disinfectant Cleaner• ½ cup borax• 1 gallon hot water
Dissolve borax in hot water. Wipe down areas to be disinfected.
Abrasive Cleaner• Baking soda or borax• Juice from ½ lemon
Sprinkle baking soda or borax, add lemon juice and scrub.
Brass/Copper Tarnish Remover• 1 part salt
• 1 part flour• 1 part white vinegar
Mix together equal parts salt and flour, then add white vinegar to
make a paste. Rub into the stain. Repeat if necessary.
Metal Cleaner• Juice from 2 lemons• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 6 tablespoons clay powder
Mix all ingredients together until pasty. Add water or more clay ifneeded. Rub paste onto metal with extremely fine steel wool andallow to sit for fifteen minutes. Wash off with a sponge and clear
water. Polish metal with a soft cloth. Do not use on aluminum.
Silver Polish
Rub with paste of baking soda and water.

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Glassware/Crystal Spot Removal

BATHROOM

Dip spotted glassware into water to which a splash of vinegar has
been added, dry with lint-free dishcloth.

Bathtub/Sink Stains

Dishwasher Detergent

Scrub with paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide.

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons borax

Soap Film on Fiberglass Surface

Mix baking soda and borax and put mixture in dishwasher.

Apply baking soda with damp cloth, rub and rinse off residue well.
Soap Film/Mildew on Shower Curtains

Window Cleaner

Pour full-strength white vinegar on the shower curtain to remove
soap film and mildew.

Option 1:• Juice from one lemon• 2 cups water or club soda
• ½ teaspoon peppermint essential oil (optional)• 1 teaspoon cornstarchShower-Door Track Cleaning
Pour full-strength white vinegar into the track, let soak for a few
minutes, rinse.

Mix all ingredients and pour into plastic spray bottle. Shake well.
Option 2:

Toilet Lime Deposit Removal
Pour full strength white vinegar in the bowl, let sit for several hours.
Scrub with sturdy brush.

• 8 parts water• 1 part vinegar
Mix ingredients, scrub and wipe with newspaper.
Drain Cleaner/Opener• ¼ cup vinegar• ¼ cup baking soda
Mix ingredients and pour mixture down drain. Let stand for a few
minutes and rinse with boiling water.
Oven Cleaner• 1 part Castile soap
• 1 part Borax• 1 part Water

Toilet Bowl Cleaner• ½ teaspoon sodium lauryl sulfate• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons vinegar• 1 teaspoon orange essential oil or 1 teaspoon• grapefruit essential oil (optional)• 2 cups waterMix all ingredients. Vinegar and baking soda will foam whenmixed. Let mixture stand for 10 minutes before pouring into aspray bottle.

Mix ingredients. Apply mixture, let set for 20 minutes. Scrub with
mixture of baking soda and salt.
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FURNITURE POLISH

Water Spot Treatment Polish

Lemon Scented Polish• Toothpaste (not gel)
• Baking soda
• Pecan• 1 teaspoon lemon oil• 2 cups mineral oil

Apply equal parts toothpaste and baking soda with a soft, damp
cloth. Rinse out the cloth and wipe off any residue. When the finish
is smooth, buff with a clean soft cloth. Restore color and shine byrubbing the spot with the meat of half a pecan, then buff.

Mix and apply with soft cloth.
Dark Wood Polish• 1 teaspoon olive oil• Juice from one lemon• 1 teaspoon brandy or whiskey• 1 teaspoon water

PAINTS/REMOVERSMix and apply with soft cloth. Must be made fresh each time.

Enamel Paint Drips/Spill Remover

Unscented Polish

Wipe up spills and drips with a soft wet towel lathered with pumicesoap (the sooner the better).

• 3 parts olive oil• 1 part vinegar

Removing Paint from Skin

Mix and apply with soft cloth.

Rub with mineral oil. Wash with soap and water.

Oak Furniture Polish

Arts and Crafts Paint• 1 quart of beer
• 1 tablespoon sugar• 2 tablespoons beeswax• ½ cup cornstarch• 2 cups cold water• Food coloring

Boil beer with sugar and beeswax. When cool, wipe mixture onwood, allow to dry and polish with soft cloth.

Mix cornstarch and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil
and continue to boil until it thickens. Let cool slightly. Pour into jars
and color each with food coloring.

Heat Blemish/Scratch Remover
Rub in mayonnaise and wipe off. Buff with clean cloth.

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SPOT REMOVERSPEST REPELLANT

All-purpose Spot Remover

Mouse Repellant• ¼ cup borax• 2 cups cold water

Stuff all cracks around gas and water pipes with steel wool to keep
mice out.

Dissolve borax in cold water. Sponge it on and let it sit until dry.
Wash with soap and water to completely remove spot. Works wellon blood, chocolate, coffee, mildew, mud and urine.
Club Soda
Pour club soda on fresh spots and stains to remove wine and foodsfrom clothing, carpets and linens.

Ant Repellant
Sprinkle red chili powder, cream of tartar powder, salt or sage near
ant infestations.
Roach Repellant
Place bay leaves in cracks around room.

Ink Spot Remover

Insecticide• Cream of tartar• Lemon juice• Warm waterMix dishwashing liquid and water, spray infected area.

Put cream of tartar on the stain and squeeze a few drops of lemon
juice on top. Rub into the stain for a minute, brush off the powder
with a clean brush and sponge immediately with warm water.
Repeat if needed.

Place cedar chips or cedar blocks in desired area.

Moth Ball Alternative

PETS
Pet Stains
Soak stained area in warm soapy water. Sponge with equal parts ofwater and white vinegar. Blot dry.

Anti-Insect Air Spritzer• 2 cups vodka• 1 tablespoon citronella essential oil• 1 tablespoon eucalyptus essential oil• 1 teaspoon geranium essential oil• 1 teaspoon rosemary essential oil• 1 teaspoon orange essential oil• 1 teaspoon lemon essential oil
Mix all ingredients and shake well. Mist into air to keep bugs away.

Dog House Flea Repellant
Wash dog houses with salt water. Scatter fresh pine needles or cedar
shavings under your pet’s sleeping pad. Keep bedding clean.

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Bug Repellant, Body

Earwig Repellant• 2 tablespoons citronella essential oil• 2 tablespoons rosemary essential oil• 2 tablespoons geranium essential oil• 2 tablespoons eucalyptus essential oil• ½ cup olive oil

Option 1:

Mix all oils together. Dab on clothing and skin. Avoid eyes andmouth.

Make rolls out of newspaper, soak them in water then set themout overnight. First thing in the morning, the rolls will be full of
earwigs. Put the rolls in a tightly sealed bag and out with the trash.
Keep at this for a while and you will be rid of your problem.
Option 2:

Fill old tuna or pet food cans with ½ inch of vegetable oil; place
several cans around the infested area. When full, dump bodies intrash and refill with oil.

GARDEN

Fungus and Mildew (“Garlic Tea”)
Chili-Vinegar Spray for Fruit Trees• 4 jalapenos, habaneros or other hot chili peppers, seeded and• chopped• 2 cloves garlic• 1½ quarts water• 2 oz. Beer
• ½ cup vinegar
Mix chopped chili peppers, garlic, water and beer. Cover and bringto a boil for 5 minutes, then let the mixture steep in the pot for 24hours. Add the vinegar, strain well and pour into a sprayer. Sprayleaves (but not blossoms). Will help keep birds away.

• 1 bulb of garlic (about 20 cloves), chopped• 1 quart of hot water
Place chopped garlic in water and let steep for at least 24 hours.
Strain and spray on plants to eliminate fungus and mildew.
Pest Spray• 1 cup grated castile soap
• 1 cup coarsely chopped tobacco leaves, fresh or cured• 3 cups boiling water, divided• 1 entire bulb garlic, peeled and crushed or chopped• 1 cup of chopped fresh tansy (optional)

Make beetle traps from open cans or milk cartons baited with melon
or other garden targets. Place the traps around the garden andcheck them early in the morning and discard.

In a bowl, dissolve soap in 1 cup boiling water and set aside. In a
blender, pour remainder of boiling water over tobacco leaves andlet set for ten minutes or so. Add garlic and tansy (if available) andwhirl until smooth. Strain through cheesecloth and discard solidmaterials. Add herbal liquid soap to mixture and stir; pour into aspray bottle. To use, spray the herbal liquid on insects and theirenvironments at early morning and dusk for three days in a row.
Because this mix drives most bugs away, but does not kill them,
apply as needed.

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Aphids on Rose Bushes
Mulch banana peels into the soil at the base of the rose bushes.
This will strengthen them and ward off disease-bearing aphids.
Cucumber Beetles

Household Alternative Recipes

9Deer Repellant for Fruit Trees

Beneficial Plants

To repel deer, roll several pounds of soft, scented herbal soap into
balls. Tie the balls into small bundles, using cloth or net and string.
Hang several bundles from each fruit tree. The deer won’t comenear the trees. As a bonus, rain will eventually melt the soap bundles and lend a bit of alkalinity to the soil below.
Snail Repellants
Bury a small bowl or can flush with the ground and fill it with beer
to attract and trap snails.

Thyme – plant with cabbage, it helps control flea beetles, cabbage worm and white cabbage butterflies.
Marigold – plant in vegetable gardens, it produces a scent that
repels many garden pests.
Mint – repels mosquitoes and produces an odor that aphids
and cabbage pests dislike.

Fertilize Naturally
Use compost to return needed bacteria, enzymes and nutrients tothe soil. Include clover or other nitrogen fixing plants in the lawn
to make it self-fertilizing.
Dry Out Lawn Fungus
Dethatch; add soil bacteria and re-seed. Fungus grows only in wet,thatchy, over-fertilized lawns.
Beneficial Bugs
Ladybugs (Ladybird beetles) – eat aphids and eggs of the Colorado Potato Beetle and Psyllids.
Green lacewings – eat aphids, mites, mealybugs and other small
insects.
Ground beetles (Carabid beetles) – eat cutworms, grubs, root
maggots and other soft-bodied pests.
Parasitic wasps – kill whiteflies, moths and Mexican bean beetles.

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Basil – plant with tomato plants, it helps control tomato hornworms.

Household Alternative Recipes

Garlic – when planted close to roses, it can protect bushes
from a fungal disease called black spot; can be grown in rings
around a crop to repel aphids; can eliminate fungus and mildew when “garlic tea” (see above) is sprayed on plants

BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Hair Dye Alternatives
Lighten hair:• 1 tablespoon lemon juice• 1 gallon warm water
Rinse hair with mixture.
Red tones:
Rinse with strong tea of rosehips or cloves, or use strong black coffee.

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Cover gray:Jewelry Cleaning• ½ cup dried sage
• 2 cups water

Rub a small amount of toothpaste on jewelry with finger, rinse well andpolish with a soft cloth.

Boil sage for thirty minutes, then steep for several hours. Apply
tea to hair after it cools. Allow to dry, then rinse and dry hair again.
Apply weekly until you have the shade you want and then monthly
to maintain color.
Darken hair:
Rinse hair with a strong black tea or black coffee.
Hair Shampoo Alternatives

Add pulp-free aloe vera juice to water in a spray bottle and spritz arms,
legs, back and face.
Skin Astringents
Option 1:• Lettuce leaves• Water

Everyday shampoo:

Boil green lettuce leaves for 10 minutes in enough water to cover. Let
cool and strain.

• Castile bar soap
• Water• ¼ cup olive oil, almond oil or avocado oil• ½ cup distilled water

Option 2:

Grate castile bar soap and mix it with water in a blender or foodprocessor. Blend 1 cup of castile liquid with distilled water andolive oil, avocado or almond oil.
Dandruff remedy:
Wet hair and rub in a handful of dry baking soda, then rinse.
Hair Spray• Vodka• Strong chamomile or mint tea
Mix 1 part vodka with 9 parts strong chamomile or mint tea.
Option 3:• 2/3 cup pure water• 2 tablespoons vodka• ¾ cup borax
Combine ingredients in a blender until borax is dissolved.

• 1 chopped lemon (or 1 orange for dry hair)• 2 cups pure hot water• 1 ounce vodka

Option 4:

Place lemon and hot water in a pot, and boil until only half remains. Cool and strain. Place in a fine spray bottle and test on hair.
If too sticky, add more water. Store in the refrigerator, or add 1
ounce vodka per cup of hair spray as a preservative (with vodka,
hair spray may be stored unrefrigerated for up to two weeks).

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Skin Freshener/SootherHousehold Alternative Recipes• ¼ cup lemon juice• ¼ cup lime juice• ¼ cup pure water• 1/8 cup vodka
Blend ingredients. Strain to remove pulp.

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DeodorantBleachPat baking soda under arms after showering. Skin should be slightly
damp, but not wet. If too abrasive, mix with cornstarch or white clay.

Use vinegar or baking soda as a substitute.

Talcum Powder

Set potpourri or fresh oranges with cloves in a dish.

Use cornstarch, rice starch or oat flour on skin.

Car Wash Soap

MISCELLANEOUS HOME MAINTENANCE
Homemade Glues
Option 1:• 3 cups grated castile soap
• ½ cup sodium lauryl sulfate• 3 cups boiling water• 1 tablespoon borax• 1 tablespoon balsam fir essential oil (optional)
Dissolve castile soap and sodium lauryl sulfate in boiling water; add
borax and essential oil and mix well.

• 6 tablespoons gum arabic• 1 cup water• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons natural glycerin

Upholstery Cleaner and Rug Shampoo

Dissolve gum arabic in water, add glycerin, and mix well. Apply to both
surfaces with a toothpick or tongue depressor. Hold together for 5
minutes. Make fresh batch each time.
Option 2:• 4 tablespoons wheat flour• 6 tablespoons cold water• 1 ½ cups boiling water
Blend flour into enough cold water to make a smooth paste. Boil waterand stir into flour mixture until mixture is translucent. Use when cold.
Option 3:• 3 tablespoons cornstarch• 4 tablespoons cold water• 2 cups boiling water
Blend cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth paste. Stir paste
into boiling water, continue to stir until mixture becomes translucent.
Use when cold.

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Air Freshener

Household Alternative Recipes• 4 cups water• 1 cup white vinegar• 3 tablespoons sodium lauryl sulfate• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon lavender essential oil (optional)• 1/8 teaspoon ginger essential oil (optional)
Mix all ingredients together and fill a handheld rug/upholstery shampoo bottle half full. Shake the bottle vigorously and shampoo furnitureusing small circular motions. Scrub sudsy area well.
Laundry Soap
• ¼ cup clay powder• 2-3 tablespoons essential oil of choice (optional)• 13 cups borax• 12 cups baking soda
• 4 cups sodium lauryl sulfate
Mix clay powder and essential oil. Add remaining ingredients and mix
well in a 2-3 gallon pail. Use 1/8 cup of laundry powder per load.

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Spray Starch

Cleaning Polish (shiny, protective finish similar to wax)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch• 1 pint cold water• ½ cup flakes of grated hand soap
• ½ cup water• ½ ounce beeswax• ½ cup jojoba oil

Dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle andsquirt to apply (shake before each use).
Carpet Deodorizer• Baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on area for treatment. Wait fifteen
minutes or longer, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary. Carpet should becompletely dry before application.
Please note: several pounds of baking soda are needed for a nine-bytwelve-foot room.
Removing Grease Spots from Walls
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply thick paste to the grease stain
and let it dry. Brush the residue off with a soft brush or cloth.

Vinyl Smell Reducer and Natural Engine Degreaser• ¼ cup washing soda
• 1 gallon warm water
Dissolve washing soda in warm water. Saturate a sponge with the mixture and wash the vinyl or pour on engine areas that need degreasing.
Rinse thoroughly. Excess should not be stored -- discard all leftovers.
Leather Wash

AUTOMOTIVE CARE

• ¼ cup vodka• ¼ cup distilled vinegar• 3-4 drops of jojoba or olive oil

Windshield Cleaner• Club soda
Spray on the windshield and wipe dry. Not recommended for use in
the vehicle’s windshield-spray reservoir because it could freeze.
Battery Cleaner (Removes built-up battery acid)• Baking soda
• Water
Sprinkle baking soda onto battery terminals. Spritz with water todampen. Let set for about one hour. While wearing protective gloves,sponge off with water. Air dry.

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Mix soap flakes and water in a bowl or jar and allow the soap todissolve overnight. Combine the beeswax and jojoba oil in a double
boiler over medium heat until the wax is melted. Remove from theheat and add the soapy water. Mix with an electric hand mixer until
creamy. Dab some onto a soft cloth, then buff to a shine with a soft
cloth. Excess polish can be stored in a container for future use.

Household Alternative Recipes

Combine all ingredients in container. Shake to blend. Pour mixture
onto a soft rag and rub into leather. Do not rinse.
Bug Remover• ½ cup baking soda
• Liquid soap
Combine baking soda with enough liquid soap to make a paste. Scoop
the paste onto a sponge and scrub over splattered bugs until they areloosened. Rinse well. Safe to use on painted surfaces and chrome.

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