Natural products can replace cleaning agents at home

As you walk down the cleaning aisle of your grocery store, you might have a hard time imagining that people once cared for their floors, windows and clothes without the convenience of commercial products. Instead, they created cleaners from lemon juice, vinegar and other natural materials.

Cleaning with household staples such as these still works, and there are advantages to using them. The ingredients are inexpensive, and you know exactly what you're using. In addition, you eliminate the clutter of supermarket cleansers.

Here are several tips and mixtures that will make your house sparkle. Be aware that even ingredients you find in your kitchen cupboard can be strong. Dilute when indicated and wear rubber gloves, especially if you'll be using the cleaners in concentrated form or working for a long stretch of time.

Water, soda, hydrogen peroxide

Water is surprisingly effective on its own and is a safe addition to cleaning solutions, all of which need a solvent to carry away dirt. Hydrogen peroxide, which is chemically similar to water but is a potent oxidizer, will bleach many stains. And soda water, which is simply water mixed with carbonic acid to give it bubbles, will help eject dirt and spills.

Both water and soda water can be used safely on any surface that won't be damaged if it gets wet. Hydrogen peroxide (sold in drugstores in a mild 3 percent solution) is generally safe, but check that fabrics are colorfast.

TREAT CARPET STAINS: Pour a small amount of soda water onto a fresh spill, and blot with a towel. Don't rub; you may mat the fibers. If stains are set, try hydrogen peroxide: Pour some onto a clean, white cloth and press cloth to carpet. Wait about 15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. No need to rinse.

BLEACH STAINS FROM FABRIC: Hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to chlorine bleach. Place stained area in a bowl and pour peroxide onto the fabric. Let soak at least 1 hour, then launder as usual.

Distilled white vinegar and lemon juice

These two items are excellent for cleaning, deodorizing and mild bleaching. Both are acids — chemicals with a low pH — so they can be used to neutralize high-pH, or alkaline, substances such as soap scum. It's best to wear rubber gloves for any but the quickest of tasks.