Pantry staples have long been the safest way to tackle minor fixes and cleanups around the house, plus they have the benefit of being free.
5 of the Best Chemical-Free Household Cleaners
These solutions recall a time when Grandma dusted with old socks and clucked her tongue at wasting pennies. Her remedies might help keep our rivers a little cleaner, too.
Clean Copper with Hot Sauce
Rub it on dulled copper, rinse with water, and polish clean with a soft rag.
Olive Oil Brightens Up Wood
Use a thin coat of olive oil to hydrate worn, dried-out wood, as long as it was originally treated with an oil finish. Finish by buffing it in.
White Wine Removes Red Wine
Spilled red wine on the carpet? Use white wine to clean it! The first step in removing red wine stains is dousing the spot with white wine. Just blot with a clean rag to absorb the spill.
Vinegar Cleans Paint Brushes
Boil a cup of white vinegar and rest hardened bristles in it overnight.
Cornmeal Soaks Up Grease
Cover a fresh grease stain with cornmeal, let it sit a few hours, and sweep it up.
