VINEGAR

This acidic wonder can wipe out tarnish, soap scum, mineral deposits, and more. Among natural cleaners, it's the clear champ. Distilled white vinegar creates an environment that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, says Jeffrey Hollender, author of Naturally Clean (New Society Publishers, $18, amazon.com). Price: About $1.80 for a quart at supermarkets.
Use It to Clean Your…
COFFEEMAKER :

Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the machine's water chamber, then switch on the brew cycle. Halfway through, turn off the coffeemaker and let the solution sit for about an hour. Turn it on again to complete the cycle, then run several cycles with clean water.
DISHWASHER :

To disinfect the interior of the machine, pour 1/2 cup vinegar into the reservoir and run an empty cycle, says Hunter. Or place a small bowl filled with vinegar on the bottom rack and run an empty cycle.
DRAINS:

Clean drains―and the pipes they're attached to―by pouring vinegar down them. After 30 minutes, flush with cold water.
FLOORS:

Add 1/4 cup vinegar to a bucket of warm water to clean almost any type of floor except marble (vinegar can scratch it) or wood (vinegar can strip it).
GLASSWARE:

For spotless hand-washed glasses, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water.
MOLDY WALLS:

Spray vinegar on the affected areas. After about 15 minutes, rinse and let dry thoroughly.
SHOWER HEADS:

To combat mineral deposits, pour vinegar into a plastic grocery bag and knot the handles over the neck of the showerhead, securing with rubber bands. Let soak overnight. Rinse with water in the morning.
STEAM IRONS:

To get rid of mineral deposits, fill the iron with equal parts vinegar and water; press the steam button. Turn off, let cool, empty, and rinse.
WINDOWS:

Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and a squirt of liquid Castile soap in a spray bottle. Spritz windows and wipe with a sheet of newspaper.

Baking and Washing

SODA

Baking soda (a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate) and its close cousin, washing soda (sodium carbonate), both absorb odors. But unlike baking soda, slightly stronger washing soda can't be ingested; wear rubber gloves when handling it.
Price: About $1.08 for a pound of baking soda; $7 for 4 pounds of washing soda; both available at supermarkets.
Use Them to Clean Your…
CAN OPENER:

Dip a toothbrush in a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and use it to dislodge gunk.
GARAGE FLOORS (and other concrete surfaces):

Pour washing soda generously on oil and grease spots and sprinkle with water until a paste forms. Let stand overnight. The next day, scrub with a damp brush, hose down, and wipe clean.
GARDEN TOOLS:

Dip a moist stiff-bristled brush in washing soda to scrub trimmers, clippers, and more. Rinse, then place in a sunny area to dry. (Don't use washing soda on aluminum tools.)
GRILLS AND BARBECUE UTENSILS :

To combat tough grease stains, dip a moist stiff- bristled brush in washing soda and scrub away.
STOVE BURNER GRATES:

In a dishpan, soak them in 1 gallon warm water and 1/2 cup washing soda for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry.
STAINED COFFEE AND TEA CUPS:

Fill with 1 part baking soda and 2 parts water and soak overnight; rub with a sponge and rinse.
UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE:

To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, then vacuum.
SCUFFED WALLS:

Erase crayon marks by applying a baking-soda paste (equal parts baking soda and water) to white painted walls (baking soda may dull colored walls). Let dry before brushing it off with a clean cloth.


TABLE SALT

Salt's granular texture makes it perfectly suited for scouring. Table salt, sea salt, and kosher salt can all be used, but table salt is the cheapest choice. Price: About 69 cents a pound.
Use It to Clean Your…
ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS:

Place the fake blooms inside a paper bag and pour in salt. Close the bag and shake vigorously. The salt will dislodge accumulated dust and dirt.
GLASSWARE:

Salt won't scratch the way a scouring pad can. To get out stubborn stains, add some salt for extra abrasion and scrub.
GREASY POTS AND PANS:

Sprinkle salt on cookware to absorb excess grease. Dump out the salt before washing as usual. (Not recommended for nonstick cookware.)
SPILLS AND DRIPS:

If that casserole bubbles over as you take it out of the oven, pour salt on the spill to soak it up. When the oven is cool, wipe with a damp sponge.
STAINED TEA AND COFFEE CUPS:

Sprinkle salt on the outside of a lemon peel; rub the affected area till clean.
WOODEN TABLES AND COUNTER TOPS:

Cover grease splatters with salt to absorb as much as possible. Wait an hour, then brush away the salt.