CLEANSERS:

An all-purpose cleanser results from combining 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 quart of water. This will do for windows, glass and plastic. For deeper cleaning, or to wash no-wax linoleum, increase the vinegar concentration.

Salt will scour and disinfect sinks, and baking soda cleans and freshens ovens and refrigerators.

DRAIN CLEANERS:

Try a plunger or a small metal snake, available at hardware stores. For stubborn clogs, pour a little hydrogen peroxide down the drain, wait a few minutes, and plunge. Also recommended: Use two handfuls of salt followed by boiling water; or two handfuls of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Let the mixture sit for an hour before running hot water.

Mayonnaise on a soft cloth works fine as a furniture and floor polish. Also suggested: Mix 3 parts olive oil with 1 part vinegar; or 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice. To remove fingerprints from wood and painted surfaces, rub a slice of potato quickly over the surface.

METAL CLEANERS:

Rub chrome and stainless steel with a dry cloth dipped in flour. As a cleaning paste for copper, mix equal parts of salt and flour. Heat an equal amount of white vinegar, then add to the mixture to form a paste. To clean brass, cover its surface with the copper paste; allow to dry, then rinse quickly.