We’re all beginning to realize that chemicals infuse our daily lives to a frightening, will-we-soon-be-sprouting-flippers degree. If you so choose, there are easy ways to begin cutting back on laboratory additives and we’ve collected some of them, specifically, the ones relating to housecleaning.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is your friend. Basically, this is the miracle substance. Where miracles can be had for cheap. Mix a paste of three parts warm water to one part baking soda and use it to scrub kitchen stains or clean the oven. Clean the bathroom by blending dish washing liquid with baking soda until it forms a thick paste.

• Distilled White Vinegar

Vinegar is another good chemical-free helper. The distilled white stuff cleans, deodorizes, and acts as a mild bleach. It even nixes that awful soap scum. Make a window- and mirror-cleaner by mixing equal parts vinegar and water and sticking it in a spray bottle. You can also spray the solution on carpet stains. Leave for a few minutes, then clean with a sponge and warm, soapy water.

• Put ‘em Together

If you put baking soda and vinegar together, you can safely declog gunky drains. Dump some baking soda into the drain and then pour vinegar down after it. Pour a little bit at a time until it stops foaming.

• Lose the Air Fresheners

For natural air fresheners, grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal. Or keep a small bowl of fresh coffee grounds on the counter. You can also rub that slice of lemon (well, not the same slice of lemon) (that one’s toast) across your chopping block to disinfect it.

Voila! You are an official earth goddess. But don’t worry. Just because you clean your house without chemicals doesn’t mean you ever have to call yourself an “earth goddess.”