Eco-friendly cleaners

In the garage

Battery cleaner
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 litre of water to clean battery terminals. Smear vaseline around the base of the terminals to prevent further build-up.

Chrome polish
Use flour or baking soda on a dry, clean cloth.

Car polish
Wash your car as usual on grass and allow it to dry - then sprinkle cornflour over the paint and polish to give that extra sheen.

Smell remover
Get rid of that new car smell by wiping vinyl surfaces with a strong solution of white vinegar, and air well. An open container of baking soda absorbs odours, especially doggy and stale cigarette smells.

Used oil
Never tip oil down drains, gutters or onto the ground. Take it to the HazMobile or a household hazardous waste drop-off facility.

Rust remover
Mix lemon juice and salt, apply and expose to sunlight.

Fuel use
Keep your car well tuned, this will increase engine life, uses less fuel and generates less pollution. Why not ride a bicycle instead of using the car? They don't use any fuel at all, generate no pollution and are a great way to keep fit!

Tar remover
Moisten a clean cloth with eucalyptus oil and rub.  Alternatively, rub butter onto the tar and wash off with a safe cleaner (thanks to Elizabeth Revell for this suggestion).

Paint
Choose water-based over oil-based paints. Never tip paint down drains, gutters or onto the ground. Take it to the HazMobile or a household hazardous waste drop-off facility.