LA County DPW Household Hazardous Waste Guide

(En Español)

Alternative Cleaning Products

Try these easy alternatives to minimize household hazardous products. Most of these products are very common and are found in most household cabinets (your results may vary, we recommend you test the recipes on a small area before applying to the whole).

Kitchen Spray Disinfectant Cleaner ½ cup borax 1 gallon hot water Dissolve borax in hot water. Wipe down areas to be disinfected. Abrasive Cleaner for Counter Tops Sprinkle baking soda or borax, add juice of ½ lemon and scrub. Drain Cleaner/Opener ¼ cup vinegar ¼ cup baking soda Mix ingredients and pour mixture down drain. Let stand for a few minutes and rinse with boiling water. Oven Cleaner Mix equal parts of castille soap, borax and water. Let mixture set for 20 minutes and scrub with mixture of baking soda and salt.		Bathroom Bathtub/Sink Stains Scrub with paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Soap Film on Fiberglass Surface Apply baking soda with damp cloth, rub and rinse off residue. Soap Film/Mildew on Shower Curtains Pour full-strength vinegar on the shower curtain to remove soap film and mildew. Shower-Door Track Cleaning Pour full-strength vinegar into the track, let soak for a few minutes, rinse. Toilet Lime Deposit Removal Pour full strength white vinegar in the bowl, let sit for several hours. Scrub with sturdy brush.
Around the Home
Pet Stains Soak stained area in warm soapy water. Sponge with equal parts of water and white vinegar. Blot dry. Water Spot Treatment Polish Toothpaste (not gel) Baking Soda Pecan Apply equal parts of toothpaste and baking soda with soft, damp cloth. Rinse out the cloth and wipe off any residue. When the finish is smooth, buff with a clean soft cloth. Restore color and shine by rubbing the spot with the meat of a half pecan, then buff. Unscented Polish 3 parts olive oil 1 part vinegar Mix and apply with soft cloth.		Window Wash Juice from one fresh lemon 2 cups water or club soda 1 teaspoon cornstarch Mix ingredients and pour into plastic spray bottle. Shake well. Dark Wood Polish 1 tsp. lemon oil Juice of one lemon 1 tsp. brandy or whisky 1 tsp. water Mix and apply with soft cloth. Must be made fresh each time. Spot Remover Club Soda Pour on fresh spots and stains to remove wine and foods from clothing, carpets and liners.
Pest Repellent
Dog House Flea Repellent Wash dog house with salt water. Scatter fresh pine needles or cedar shavings under your pet's sleeping pad. Keep bedding clean. Insecticide Mix dishwashing liquid and water and spray on infected area.		Ant Repellant Option 1: Sprinkle cucumber peelings near ant infestations. Option 2: Sprinkle red chili powder, cream of tartar powder, salt or sage near ant infestations.