1. White Vinegar. Everyone knows about this one. I use it for windows, brass and cat pee. But did you know that you can pour it down drains once a week for antibacterial cleaning? It’s also a mold and mildew killer. Just add water and spray.

2. Potatoes. I’ve mentioned the tin foil trick to remove rust from chrome, but here’s another rusty FYI: Potatoes can remove rust from baking pans or tinware. Dip a halved potato into salt and scrub. No need to cook it.

3. Lemon Juice. Removes grease from stoves and counter tops. Mix 2 Tbsp lemon juice with 10 drops of lemon oil and a few drops of jojoba oil to make a wood furniture polish.

4. Olive Oil. Now here’s something I always have in the house even though I refuse to cook. May as well do something with it. Add three parts olive oil to one part vinegar or two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice and viola (!): It’s a wood polish. Pour the leftover batch on your salad.

5. Baking Soda. Like vinegar, baking soda is a cure all. Even for the common cold! It can remove red-wine and tea stains, shine stainless steel and silver. Heck, my dentist uses it to clean my teeth. (Which reminds me, I have to make an appointment). Anyway,  use baking soda mixed with castile or vegetable-based liquid soap plus a drop of essential oil (tea tree or lavender) to clean kitchen and bath. To unclog a drain, pour 1 cup down followed by 3 cups of boiling water. To strip paint off antique hardware: Boil and add some baking soda.

6. Don’t forget the Bronner’s.

Most of these tips came from Dr. Weil.