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ARMY EARTH DAY Recipes for a Healthy Environment Have you ever thought about how many chemicals you use every day? Do you wonder how they may be affecting the environment? Some disinfectants, cleaners and even air fresheners contain chemicals that can potentially damage your health, as well as the environment. However, by substituting chemical with natural ingredients you can clean up your home, office, clothes, and the environment. These Earth-friendly products are made with readily available ingredients that work as well or, in some cases, better than traditional cleaners Just implementing a few of these at a time will go a long way toward creating a chemical-free house, a safer environment and a healthier family. Floor and Rug Cleaners  Ceramic Tile: Clean using a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. This solution also works well as a general cleaner.  Linoleum/Vinyl Floors:  Polish with a mix of 1 part thick boiled starch with 1 part soap suds. Rub this mixture on the floor and polish with a clean, soft, dry cloth.  To strip commercial floor wax, pour club soda on the surface, scrub, let soak for a few minutes and wipe clean.  Wood Floors: Damp-mop with a mild vegetable-oil soap; dry immediately.  Rugs/Carpets  Mixing 1/2 cup dishwashing detergent and 1 pint boiling water.  Cool and whip into a stiff foam with an electric mixer.  Apply the solution to 4-by-4-foot sections with a damp sponge.  Wipe off the suds and rinse with a solution of 1 cup vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water, changing the rinse water frequently.  Clean your rug on a dry, warm day so you can open the windows to facilitate drying. Spot Remover  Butter, Coffee, Gravy, or Chocolate Stains: Scrape off or sponge up as much of the spot as possible. Then dab with a cloth dampened in a mixture of 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 1 quart cold water.  Grease Spots:  Apply a paste of cornstarch and water.  Cover with baking soda or cornmeal, let dry, and brush off.  Scrub the spot with toothpaste.  On rugs, sprinkle dry cornstarch on the spot and vacuum.

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