Alternative disinfectant

Some disinfectants have a very strong chemical odor and harmful ingredients. To make a safer cleaner, mix 1 cup of water and 20 drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle and shake well. Mist any areas that need to be disinfected, and wipe with a dry cloth. Lavender oil contains naturally occurring alcohol that kills bacteria and viruses more effectively than some commercial products.

Polishing furniture

Sometimes furniture polishes have an unpleasant and persistent smell that can even cause irritability or depression. Try this safer and more natural way to polish wood: combine in a bowl a few drops of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon (or ¼ cup of bottled lemon juice). Dip a dry soft cloth in the mixture and polish your furniture as usual. Lemon juice will draw the dirt out of wood fibers, and olive oil will keep the moisture in.

Alternative oven cleaner

If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your oven, try this homemade recipe. Combine 2 tbsp each of baking soda and liquid castile soap, and 1/2 cup of hot water in a spray bottle. Preheat oven to 250F, then turn off and spritz the interior. Let sit about 20 minutes and wipe with a clean damp sponge. Baking soda will help to dissolve grease and get rid of odors, while the soap will help to remove the grime.

Remove stains from a car seat

Cover the stain with a palm-size amount of foam from a shaving cream and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a damp cloth and wipe clean. On stubborn stains, use a toothbrush for more scrubbing power. The foaming action breaks down the pigment in the stain and lifts it from the cloth fibers.

Trapping fruit flies

Fill a glass 3/4 full with vinegar or cider vinegar, then add 6 to 8 drops of dishwashing liquid, and fill to the top with warm water. Place it in the area that fruit flies hang out.

Cleaning hard-to-reach dirt

In a spray bottle, mix 1 part fabric softener and 4 parts water and spritz a firm short-bristle paintbrush with the mixture. Work the brush into the dirty area, wiping it clean. The paintbrush will reach narrow gaps, while the lubricant will help to pick up the loose particles, instead of just pushing them around, and will leave behind an antistatic residue that prevents dust and debris from settling in the future.

Controlling dust mites

Mix several drops of cinnamon bark oil into a 50/50 solution of water and denatured alcohol. Spray bedding, carpets, and any other places dust collects. Besides controlling dust mites, you will provide a nice smell to your house.

Wax splatters on furniture

Remove wax splatters from furniture and countertop by melting the wax with a hair dryer set on low, then wipe it up with a paper towel. Apply 1tsp vinegar to a damp sponge and wipe the area. The heat softens wax, while the vinegar’s acetic acid dissolves any remaining residue.