Try these easy-to-mix home remedies, which can be alternatives to hazardous household products. Most of the cleaning products you hide from your children and pets can be replaced with the mixtures below. You probably already have the ingredients somewhere in your home.

All-purpose cleaner

Mix one-quarter cup of vinegar with one gallon of hot water. Keep on hand in a spray bottle.

Abrasive cleaner

Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda. Scrub with mixture and wet sponge. Rinse with all-purpose cleaner and then warm water.

Ant repellents

Place chili powder, talcum powder or powdered chalk at points of entry.

Bathroom cleanser

Scrub are with baking soda and wet sponge. Rinse with all-purpose cleaner (shown above).

Brass or copper polish

Mix one teaspoon salt, one tablespoon flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Rub paste on surface and let dry completely. Rinse in warm soapy water and buff with clean, soft cloth.

Drain Cleaner

Pour one-quarter cup of baking soda down the drain: follow with one-half cup of vinegar. After "fizzing" stops, flush with boiling water.

Floor cleaner

Mix one-half cup of white vinegar with one-half gallon of warm water.

Furniture Polish

Mix together one-half cup of lemon juice with one cup of mineral oil. Rub on wood furniture with a soft cloth.

Pet stain cleaner

Mix together one-quarter cup of white vinegar and one-quarter cup of liquid soap. Rub into stain and then blot. Rinse with warm water.

Silver Polish

Put a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom of the kitchen sink and fill with two to three inches of warm water. Add one tablespoon each of salt and baking soda. Place silver in water, touching foil. Soak for one hour. Rinse in soapy water. Buff with soft, dry cloth.

Window cleaner

Mix together three tablespoons of vinegar and one quart of hot water. Put in spray bottle. Spray on windows and glass. Wipe off with crumpled newspaper or a squeegee.

As with other products in your home, try these first in areas not easily seen. Always follow manufacturers’ cleaning recommendations on furniture, fixtures, and carpets.