By James and Morris Carey
The Associated Press

Cleaning is the least-expensive home improvement, and one you can manage on your own. Some examples:

Brass

Brass is a very soft metal that easily oxidizes (tarnishes). Slightly tarnished brass can be cleaned with any number of household ingredients, such as a paste made from table salt and vinegar, or ketchup - by itself. Just wipe on, then wipe off. We don't have anything against commercial metal polishes. But, if you can get it clean without making a special purchase, why not do so?

Marble

COPPER, RUST

Copper pots look stunning when clean, but keeping them that way can be a nightmare, unless you know this trick: First, sprinkle a thick layer of table salt onto the copper. Next, use a spray bottle to apply a small amount of vinegar. The copper will brighten before your eyes. Getting rust stains out of porcelain and china plumbing fixtures is just about as easy. You'll need a pumice stick and a small container of turpentine (not paint thinner). For gratifying results, just dip the pumice stick in the turpentine and rub the rusty area.

Marble can be easily dissolved with a mild acid. Orange juice, grapefruit juice and lemon juice are high in citric acid and can etch marble. This is why we oppose using marble as a surface in the kitchen; it is susceptible to damage from many common foods. Vinegar contains acetic acid and can eat a hole in a marble surface, and alcohol also will dissolve marble.

But some types of marble are denser than others and not all react to acid attack. In this case, experts suggest using a mild acid in combination with a mild abrasive, such as salt crystals. We recommend you slice an orange or grapefruit in half (you can use a lemon, but it's smaller), dip it in a plate of salt and rub it onto the marble. Flood the area with fresh water to rinse. Then, pat dry with a soft towel.

Ceramic and porcelain tile

Never use scouring powder on tile. Pure lemon oil is our favorite. Use a nylon scrubbing pad soaked in the oil to get the surface clean. Keep in mind that lemonade (the juice) is for drinking, not cleaning tile. Lemon oil (from the skin of the lemon) is what should be used.

Tile grout is extremely porous. Whitening chemicals are best used on grout. One that does a good job is hydrogen peroxide. A standard 3 percent solution can be poured right onto the affected area and the cleaning-foaming action can make light work of your grout-cleaning job. Chlorine bleach also works well. The problem with tile grout is that it must be regularly cleaned. Once dirt is allowed to sink deep into grout's pores, getting it out can become impossible.

Mildew

Both chlorine bleach and alcohol work well on mildew. If you try these chemicals and neither works, you might have algae growing where you think mildew exists. Keep in mind that algae is not affected by alcohol or bleach and can be eradicated only with a proper algaecide (pesticide for algae).

For mildew removal: mix 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent and 1 quart liquid chlorine bleach into 3 quarts warm water. Add the bleach to the water first, and then the detergent. Although this formula is relatively mild, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection and make sure that there is plenty of ventilation. Transfer the thoroughly blended concoction into a sprayer and soak the affected area. Continue to re-spray the area, keeping it wet until the black mildew turns white. Then rinse with fresh water and pat dry with a towel.

Polished metal

Polished metal (faucets, shower heads, etc.) never should be scrubbed with an abrasive. Even a nylon scrubbing pad can scratch a polished metal surface. Instead, soak a rag or towel in pure vinegar. Gently wring out the excess liquid and lay it over the affected surface. Keep the rag wet by covering it with plastic wrap (this prevents evaporation). In one to eight hours, lime deposits will disappear with a gentle wipe.

Drains

To prevent clogs, you will need 1 cup table salt, 1 cup baking soda, a cup of vinegar and 2 or 3 quarts boiling water. Add the dry chemicals to the drain, pouring slowly, and then add the vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a minute or so, then pour in the boiling water. Do this once a month.