Borax

• Borax, or sodium borate, is an anti-fungicidal mineral compound, used as a general household disinfectant and laundry whitener. Mix with water and use in a spray bottle -- 8 parts water to 1 borax -- to disinfect bathrooms. Make it into a paste with a little water to remove stains from fabric. It has much less environmental impact than commercial cleaners but is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children, pets and food.
  
  

White Vinegar

• Distilled white vinegar is 5 percent acetic acid and is anti-microbial, so you can use it as a mild disinfectant all round the house. Used full-strength, it is effective at killing and removing mold spores. Mixed in equal parts with water, it will clean floors, windows and woodwork. Use it for cleaning your coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator, as well as washing produce and even the dog.
  
  

Baking Soda

• Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda, is a mild sodium alkali. It has anti-fungal and some mild antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has a multitude of applications as a home cleaner and deodorizer. Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize and remove pet odors -- it will freshen the vacuum cleaner at the same time. Make into a paste with a little water and use it to remove stains from laundry, scour cooking pans and clean the oven.
  
  

Castile Soap

• Soaps are surfactants that clean by "grabbing" grease and dirt molecules and then both soap and dirt are rinsed away by clean water. All soaps are mildly antibacterial and those with added triclosan are no more effective than plain soaps. Castile soap is a gentle soap made from olive or other vegetable oil. It is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Use in liquid form by diluting with water and keeping in a spray bottle, or grate it into flakes to use as a household cleaner ingredient and laundry soap. You can even make your own castile soap at home.
  
  

Cleaning Solution Recipes

• These natural cleaners and disinfectants work well on their own, but they are even more effective when used together. Try an all-purpose recipe for large surface areas. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup white vinegar into a gallon of water. Wipe surfaces with a clean cloth dampened in the solution, fill spray bottles or use to mop floors. For smaller areas, mix 1 tsp. liquid castile soap, 1 tsp. borax and a squeeze of lemon in 1 qt. warm water. Spray, wipe and rinse with clean water.