Handy Tips

I'm not sure why these lists of homemade cleaners and tips on purchasing green cleaners made it on the AP newswire, but I include them here, both to share and to store. They were adapted from Jennifer Taggart's new "Smart Mama's Green Guide."

Cleaner Recipes

All-purpose cleaner: Combine 2 cups distilled white vinegar with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil if desired. (Do not use on limestone or marble.)

Another all-purpose cleaner: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Transfer to a spray bottle to use.

All-purpose disinfectant and deodorizer: Mix 1/2 cup Borax with 1 gallon hot water.

Carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle with baking soda (or cornstarch), let sit 30 minutes and vacuum.

Kitchen cleaner: Use baking soda on non-scratch surfaces and a vinegar-water mixture on other surfaces. Apply to rag or directly to countertop for cleaning. (Do not use vinegar to clean limestone or marble surfaces.)

Microwave cleaner: Place lemon slices in a microwave-safe dish and at least 8 ounces of water. Heat on high for 3 minutes. Let sit for 3 minutes without opening microwave door, then open the door and wipe down the insides.

Oven cleaner: Make a paste of baking soda, salt and hot water.

Garbage disposal cleaner: Add citrus peel to eliminate odors. Or freeze vinegar in ice cube trays (1 cup of vinegar per tray, then filled with water) and drop a few down the disposal. The ice will sharpen the blades, too.

Wood floor cleaner: Apply a thin coat of 1:1 olive oil and vinegar and rub well.

Tile and tub cleaner: Mix 1-2/3 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap and 1/2 cup water, then add 2 tablespoons vinegar (add last or it will react to the baking soda).

Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle in some baking soda, let sit, then clean with toilet brush.

Window cleaner: 3 tablespoons vinegar per 1 quart water in a spray bottle.

Buying green cleaners

-- Read ingredient lists. Avoid petroleum-based solvents, chlorine, ammonia and phosphates.

-- Avoid products that have ''danger,'' ''poison'' or ''warning'' on the label.

-- Choose products that list all ingredients.

-- Look for products that make specific claims regarding biodegradability, e.g., such as within 14 days.

-- If a product is marketed as ''natural,'' read the label more closely (petroleum, too, is ''natural'').

-- Avoid products with synthetic fragrances. If you need a scented product, choose one that uses essential oils.

-- Buy in bulk or concentrated form (there's no reason to pay for added water).

-- Choose products that have the least packaging.

-- Try castile soap, a mild, liquid, vegetable-based soap traditionally made from olive oil. (Taggart likes the Dr. Bronner's brand.)

Some brands that make nontoxic cleaning products:

Seventh Generation

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Planet

Ecover

Method

Caldrea

Bright Green

ecostore USA

Clorox (Green Works)