Spick and Span: A Guide to Natural Cleaning Products

Put these everyday household items to new use as natural cleaners or look for these ingredients when you're buying natural, nontoxic cleaning products.

Baking Soda
What it is: Slightly alkaline sodium bicarbonate is a mineral.
Uses: Nonabrasive soft scrub that removes and prevents odors
Where to get it: Grocery store

Beeswax
What it is: Solid, pliable wax made by bees
Uses: Furniture polish, floor wax, candles, healing balms and salves
Where to get it: Candle-making, soap-making and art-supply shops or beekeepers' apiaries
Precautions: Because of the heating process, supervise children.

Borax
What it is: Natural mineral compound. Disinfects, deodorizes, softens water, inhibits mold growth.
Uses: For use in the kitchen, bath, garbage, basement, ovens and other heavily soiled areas.
Where to get it: Grocery store
Precautions: Protective gloves for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to allergic reactions.

Castille Soap
What it is: Olive oil-based soap
Uses: A gentle, natural cleaner in cleaning solutions, shampoo
Where to get it: Soap suppliers, natural foods and health stores
Precautions: Remove soap scum or buildup that may occur. Follow with a vinegar rinse.

Celery
What it is: Vegetable stalk
Uses: Rub on cutting boards to absorb odors
Where to get it: Grocery store, farmer's market

Citrus Peel
What it is: From oranges, lemons, limes
Uses: Solvent, disinfectant, deodorizer, fragrance and air freshener
Where to get it: Grocery store

Cornmeal
What it is: Dried, ground corn
Uses: Abraisve quality can be used to spot clean and scour pots and pans, appliances, bathroom, kitchen
Where to get it: Grocery store