Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

[Guest guest]

herbal remedies , " Roxy " <my4by4forus@m...>

wrote:

> For twenty years I've worked with cleaning chemicals. Un

>protected. so what type of cleansing do you recommend. Roxy

 

********

Roxy,

 

I recommend making your own cleansers. That way, you know exactly

what is in them.

 

Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for making my homemade

cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've just

copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!

 

Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans houses for a living,

and after trying these recipes, she won't use anything else either.

(she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)

 

 

 

For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several different colored spray

bottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can tell by the color

of the bottle, which one I need by just a glance. Mine are about 16

oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the bottles, on which I

write the type of cleaner it contains, so other household members

know which cleaner is which too. You can re-use these bottles over &

over again too, which eliminates all those store-bought cleaner

containers going to the landfill all the time.

 

All of these cleaners can be made without using any scents at all,

but essential oils can be added for those that like a nice scent to

their cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a bit of

extra " disinfectant " or " deodorizing " properties too, if desired.

(IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make sure they are

pure " essential oils " , as there are several " synthetic " oils around,

that are just more chemicals. The label should read " essential oil " ,

NOT " fragrance oil " as those are chemically derived.

 

You can use a white vinegar/water combination for many cleaning

jobs. I put in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar, and fill the rest

with water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror cleaner, but can

also be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You can add your

favorite EO for scent if you like. Some white vinegars can be made

from petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find one that is 100%

derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for cleaning, as it

does not contain petroleum distillates) White Vinegar does kill many

types of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit mold/mildew

growth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100% vinegar in the

bottle for really tough jobs.

 

For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and

then about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill the rest with

water. I like to use either Lemon Essential Oil or Tangerine

Essential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake the bottle during

use, to keep the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or it will separate

from the water. The olive oil helps to keep the woodwork/furniture

moisturised.

 

For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup vinegar, and

then about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid castile soap (or eco-

friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (available at

most health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several scented

varieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild as it isn't

scented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO scents. Fill the rest

with water, and whatever EO you want. I like peppermint for this

recipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties that can use a

bit of soap suds (countertops, inside the fridge etc). This makes a

pretty good " spot " remover for most carpeting too. (Test it in a

hidden area first)

 

For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot water

bucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit of the liquid soap (or

eco-friendly dishsoap) if floors are especially dirty/greasy.

 

For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I use a

metal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it sprinkles easier, than

right out of the box, which sometimes " clumps up " . You can layer it

with EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking Soda, add a few

drops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker, then the 3/4 mark,

then to the top. You can use this for scouring sinks/tubs or " baked-

on " dirty pots/pans. I usually use one of those handmade scrubbies

you find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If there's lots of soap

scum on sink/tub, just spray down with the vinegar/water first, let

set a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and scrub with

scrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue leftover after

rinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it will dissolve it.

 

To keep drains running clear, pour down some baking soda, then follow

with the vinegar. After it gets done fizzing/bubbling, pour in some

boiling water. Do this about once a month, and it should keep your

drain pipes from clogging, as it will help dissolve the scum/soap etc

that collects in them.

 

As a fabric " softener " , you can use about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of baking

soda in the rinse cycle (depending on size of the load). Or, you can

use about 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle, whichever one you

prefer. If you " have " to have scented clothes (like those dryer

sheets), you can just add a couple drops of EO to a clean cloth and

throw it into the dryer with the clothes. (Fabric Softeners have

some really, really nasty chems in them, so its best to avoid them)

Try wearing natural type fabrics (IE: cotton, ramie, hemp, silk,

linen) rather than petro/plastics like acrylic/polyester, and you

won't have to worry about " static-cling " ...the synthetics are the

static producers.

 

I use eco-friendly laundry detergent (which is expensive), so I only

use about 1/2 the recommended amount. I then add about 1/4 cup of

Arm & Hammer Washing Soda to the detergent amount as a

laundry " booster " . The Washing Soda is also all natural (just like

their baking soda), and it helps to keep the expense of the detergent

down. To clarify my laundry detergent " booster " , in case any aren't

familiar with this product... I use the Arm & Hammer Super Washing

Soda (all natural), which is NOT the A & H " laundry detergent " . (big

difference between the 2) You can usually find the Washing Soda at

the end of the detergent aisles.

 

If you do " steam clean " your carpeting, you can just add a bit of

white vinegar to the hot water (add a bit of non-toxic liquid soap or

dishwashing liquid if especially soiled) and it does a pretty good

job on the carpets.

 

For the toilet, just pour in vinegar, baking soda, and a bit of a

disinfecting EO, and let it set overnight. If you get mineral

deposits in the toilet bowl, use a pumice stone to remove them. Just

make sure the stone is wet, before scrubbing with it, so it won't

scratch the porcelain.

 

If you do purchase store-bought sponges, look for untreated 100%

cellulose sponges. Many sponges are treated with anti-bacterial/anti-

microbial " pesticides " nowadays, which you probably don't want to use

in your home. You can usually find the non-treated sponges at

hardware stores. The " pesticided " sponges usually say: Mold/Mildew

Resistant, or Odor Resistant or something on them, and will say in

very fine print " Not for use on Aquariums " on the label somewhere.

 

You can substitute lemon juice for the white vinegar in the recipes

if desired. (most " conventional " lemon juices contain petrochemical

preservatives in them, so organic is really safest to use. Its a bit

expensive for cleaning tho, which is why I mostly use vinegar)

However, if you do use the lemon juice, it should be stored in the

fridge to keep it fresh, and should be used up in a shorter amount of

time. The white vinegar recipes don't need refrigeration, as the

vinegar itself, is a " preservative " .

 

A baking soda/water " paste " can be made to use on those baked-

on " spills " in the oven. Just make the paste, and allow it to set on

the mess for awhile (or overnight), before scrubbing with a scrubbie.

(you can also use a " wet " pumice stone for scrubbing it too) The

chemical oven cleaner products are also very toxic, as are the " self-

cleaning " modes that many ovens provide. You can put a cookie sheet

(or tinfoil) on the lowest rack in the oven to catch spills before

they happen, and prevent many of the baked-on messes in the first

place too.

 

The baking soda paste is also great for cleaning stove-top drip pans

and/or burnt-on pots/pans. Vinegar is also a good pot/pan cleaner,

if you add it to some hot water and a bit of dishsoap, and let it

soak for awhile before scrubbing it out. For those who have given up

the toxic " non-stick cookware " , these recipes make cleaning the " old

fashioned " pots/pans much easier!!!

 

The above homemade cleaners cost only pennies to make, they are non-

toxic, non-polluting, and they are still effective. We share our

home will several " critter-kids " (dogs,cats,birds,fish) and first-

time visitors always tell me that they would never guess we have so

many critters, as they never " smell " any animals when they come into

the house.

[Guest guest]

Wow this is great. Thank you. Roxy

 

----

 

 

zoomom9

08/17/05 07:33:47

herbal remedies

Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

herbal remedies , "Roxy" <my4by4forus@m...> wrote:> For twenty years I've worked with cleaning chemicals. Un >protected. so what type of cleansing do you recommend. Roxy********Roxy,I recommend making your own cleansers. That way, you know exactly what is in them. :)Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for making my homemade cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've just copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans houses for a living, and after trying these recipes, she won't use anything else either. (she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several different colored spraybottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can tell by the colorof the bottle, which one I need by just a glance. Mine are about 16oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the bottles, on which Iwrite the type of cleaner it contains, so other household membersknow which cleaner is which too. You can re-use these bottles over & over again too, which eliminates all those store-bought cleanercontainers going to the landfill all the time. :)All of these cleaners can be made without using any scents at all,but essential oils can be added for those that like a nice scent totheir cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a bit ofextra "disinfectant" or "deodorizing" properties too, if desired.(IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make sure they arepure "essential oils", as there are several "synthetic" oils around,that are just more chemicals. The label should read "essential oil",NOT "fragrance oil" as those are chemically derived.You can use a white vinegar/water combination for many cleaningjobs. I put in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar, and fill the restwith water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror cleaner, but canalso be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You can add yourfavorite EO for scent if you like. Some white vinegars can be madefrom petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find one that is 100%derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for cleaning, as itdoes not contain petroleum distillates) White Vinegar does kill manytypes of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit mold/mildewgrowth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100% vinegar in thebottle for really tough jobs.For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar, andthen about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill the rest withwater. I like to use either Lemon Essential Oil or TangerineEssential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake the bottle duringuse, to keep the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or it will separatefrom the water. The olive oil helps to keep the woodwork/furnituremoisturised.For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup vinegar, andthen about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid castile soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (available atmost health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several scentedvarieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild as it isn'tscented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO scents. Fill the restwith water, and whatever EO you want. I like peppermint for thisrecipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties that can use abit of soap suds (countertops, inside the fridge etc). This makes apretty good "spot" remover for most carpeting too. (Test it in a hidden area first)For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot waterbucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap) if floors are especially dirty/greasy.For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I use ametal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it sprinkles easier, thanright out of the box, which sometimes "clumps up". You can layer itwith EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking Soda, add a fewdrops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker, then the 3/4 mark,then to the top. You can use this for scouring sinks/tubs or "baked-on" dirty pots/pans. I usually use one of those handmade scrubbiesyou find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If there's lots of soapscum on sink/tub, just spray down with the vinegar/water first, letset a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and scrub withscrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue leftover afterrinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it will dissolve it.To keep drains running clear, pour down some baking soda, then followwith the vinegar. After it gets done fizzing/bubbling, pour in someboiling water. Do this about once a month, and it should keep yourdrain pipes from clogging, as it will help dissolve the scum/soap etcthat collects in them.As a fabric "softener", you can use about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of bakingsoda in the rinse cycle (depending on size of the load). Or, you canuse about 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle, whichever one youprefer. If you "have" to have scented clothes (like those dryersheets), you can just add a couple drops of EO to a clean cloth andthrow it into the dryer with the clothes. (Fabric Softeners havesome really, really nasty chems in them, so its best to avoid them)Try wearing natural type fabrics (IE: cotton, ramie, hemp, silk,linen) rather than petro/plastics like acrylic/polyester, and youwon't have to worry about "static-cling"...the synthetics are thestatic producers.I use eco-friendly laundry detergent (which is expensive), so I onlyuse about 1/2 the recommended amount. I then add about 1/4 cup ofArm & Hammer Washing Soda to the detergent amount as alaundry "booster". The Washing Soda is also all natural (just liketheir baking soda), and it helps to keep the expense of the detergentdown. To clarify my laundry detergent "booster", in case any aren't familiar with this product... I use the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (all natural), which is NOT the A & H "laundry detergent". (big difference between the 2) You can usually find the Washing Soda at the end of the detergent aisles.If you do "steam clean" your carpeting, you can just add a bit ofwhite vinegar to the hot water (add a bit of non-toxic liquid soap ordishwashing liquid if especially soiled) and it does a pretty good job on the carpets.For the toilet, just pour in vinegar, baking soda, and a bit of adisinfecting EO, and let it set overnight. If you get mineraldeposits in the toilet bowl, use a pumice stone to remove them. Justmake sure the stone is wet, before scrubbing with it, so it won'tscratch the porcelain.If you do purchase store-bought sponges, look for untreated 100%cellulose sponges. Many sponges are treated with anti-bacterial/anti-microbial "pesticides" nowadays, which you probably don't want to usein your home. You can usually find the non-treated sponges athardware stores. The "pesticided" sponges usually say: Mold/MildewResistant, or Odor Resistant or something on them, and will say invery fine print "Not for use on Aquariums" on the label somewhere.You can substitute lemon juice for the white vinegar in the recipesif desired. (most "conventional" lemon juices contain petrochemicalpreservatives in them, so organic is really safest to use. Its a bitexpensive for cleaning tho, which is why I mostly use vinegar)However, if you do use the lemon juice, it should be stored in thefridge to keep it fresh, and should be used up in a shorter amount oftime. The white vinegar recipes don't need refrigeration, as thevinegar itself, is a "preservative".A baking soda/water "paste" can be made to use on those baked-on "spills" in the oven. Just make the paste, and allow it to set onthe mess for awhile (or overnight), before scrubbing with a scrubbie. (you can also use a "wet" pumice stone for scrubbing it too) The chemical oven cleaner products are also very toxic, as are the "self-cleaning" modes that many ovens provide. You can put a cookie sheet (or tinfoil) on the lowest rack in the oven to catch spills before they happen, and prevent many of the baked-on messes in the first place too.The baking soda paste is also great for cleaning stove-top drip pansand/or burnt-on pots/pans. Vinegar is also a good pot/pan cleaner,if you add it to some hot water and a bit of dishsoap, and let itsoak for awhile before scrubbing it out. For those who have given upthe toxic "non-stick cookware", these recipes make cleaning the "oldfashioned" pots/pans much easier!!! :)The above homemade cleaners cost only pennies to make, they are non-toxic, non-polluting, and they are still effective. We share ourhome will several "critter-kids" (dogs,cats,birds,fish) and first-time visitors always tell me that they would never guess we have somany critters, as they never "smell" any animals when they come intothe house.

 

[Guest guest]

Would apple cider vinegar work?

 

GinaRoxy <my4by4forus wrote:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow this is great. Thank you. Roxy

 

----

 

 

zoomom9

08/17/05 07:33:47

herbal remedies

Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

herbal remedies , "Roxy" <my4by4forus@m...> wrote:> For twenty years I've worked with cleaning chemicals. Un >protected. so what type of cleansing do you recommend. Roxy********Roxy,I recommend making your own cleansers. That way, you know exactly what is in them. :)Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for making my homemade cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've just copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans houses for a living, and after trying these recipes, she won't use anything else either. (she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several different colored spraybottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can tell by the colorof the bottle, which one I need

by just a glance. Mine are about 16oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the bottles, on which Iwrite the type of cleaner it contains, so other household membersknow which cleaner is which too. You can re-use these bottles over & over again too, which eliminates all those store-bought cleanercontainers going to the landfill all the time. :)All of these cleaners can be made without using any scents at all,but essential oils can be added for those that like a nice scent totheir cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a bit ofextra "disinfectant" or "deodorizing" properties too, if desired.(IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make sure they arepure "essential oils", as there are several "synthetic" oils around,that are just more chemicals. The label should read "essential oil",NOT "fragrance oil" as those are chemically derived.You can use a white vinegar/water combination for many cleaningjobs. I put

in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar, and fill the restwith water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror cleaner, but canalso be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You can add yourfavorite EO for scent if you like. Some white vinegars can be madefrom petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find one that is 100%derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for cleaning, as itdoes not contain petroleum distillates) White Vinegar does kill manytypes of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit mold/mildewgrowth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100% vinegar in thebottle for really tough jobs.For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar, andthen about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill the rest withwater. I like to use either Lemon Essential Oil or TangerineEssential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake the bottle duringuse, to keep the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or it will

separatefrom the water. The olive oil helps to keep the woodwork/furnituremoisturised.For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup vinegar, andthen about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid castile soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (available atmost health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several scentedvarieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild as it isn'tscented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO scents. Fill the restwith water, and whatever EO you want. I like peppermint for thisrecipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties that can use abit of soap suds (countertops, inside the fridge etc). This makes apretty good "spot" remover for most carpeting too. (Test it in a hidden area first)For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot waterbucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly

dishsoap) if floors are especially dirty/greasy.For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I use ametal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it sprinkles easier, thanright out of the box, which sometimes "clumps up". You can layer itwith EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking Soda, add a fewdrops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker, then the 3/4 mark,then to the top. You can use this for scouring sinks/tubs or "baked-on" dirty pots/pans. I usually use one of those handmade scrubbiesyou find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If there's lots of soapscum on sink/tub, just spray down with the vinegar/water first, letset a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and scrub withscrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue leftover afterrinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it will dissolve it.To keep drains running clear, pour down some baking soda, then followwith the

vinegar. After it gets done fizzing/bubbling, pour in someboiling water. Do this about once a month, and it should keep yourdrain pipes from clogging, as it will help dissolve the scum/soap etcthat collects in them.As a fabric "softener", you can use about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of bakingsoda in the rinse cycle (depending on size of the load). Or, you canuse about 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle, whichever one youprefer. If you "have" to have scented clothes (like those dryersheets), you can just add a couple drops of EO to a clean cloth andthrow it into the dryer with the clothes. (Fabric Softeners havesome really, really nasty chems in them, so its best to avoid them)Try wearing natural type fabrics (IE: cotton, ramie, hemp, silk,linen) rather than petro/plastics like acrylic/polyester, and youwon't have to worry about "static-cling"...the synthetics are thestatic producers.I use eco-friendly laundry detergent (which

is expensive), so I onlyuse about 1/2 the recommended amount. I then add about 1/4 cup ofArm & Hammer Washing Soda to the detergent amount as alaundry "booster". The Washing Soda is also all natural (just liketheir baking soda), and it helps to keep the expense of the detergentdown. To clarify my laundry detergent "booster", in case any aren't familiar with this product... I use the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (all natural), which is NOT the A & H "laundry detergent". (big difference between the 2) You can usually find the Washing Soda at the end of the detergent aisles.If you do "steam clean" your carpeting, you can just add a bit ofwhite vinegar to the hot water (add a bit of non-toxic liquid soap ordishwashing liquid if especially soiled) and it does a pretty good job on the carpets.For the toilet, just pour in vinegar, baking soda, and a bit of adisinfecting EO, and let it set overnight. If

you get mineraldeposits in the toilet bowl, use a pumice stone to remove them. Justmake sure the stone is wet, before scrubbing with it, so it won'tscratch the porcelain.If you do purchase store-bought sponges, look for untreated 100%cellulose sponges. Many sponges are treated with anti-bacterial/anti-microbial "pesticides" nowadays, which you probably don't want to usein your home. You can usually find the non-treated sponges athardware stores. The "pesticided" sponges usually say: Mold/MildewResistant, or Odor Resistant or something on them, and will say invery fine print "Not for use on Aquariums" on the label somewhere.You can substitute lemon juice for the white vinegar in the recipesif desired. (most "conventional" lemon juices contain petrochemicalpreservatives in them, so organic is really safest to use. Its a bitexpensive for cleaning tho, which is why I mostly use vinegar)However, if you do use the lemon

juice, it should be stored in thefridge to keep it fresh, and should be used up in a shorter amount oftime. The white vinegar recipes don't need refrigeration, as thevinegar itself, is a "preservative".A baking soda/water "paste" can be made to use on those baked-on "spills" in the oven. Just make the paste, and allow it to set onthe mess for awhile (or overnight), before scrubbing with a scrubbie. (you can also use a "wet" pumice stone for scrubbing it too) The chemical oven cleaner products are also very toxic, as are the "self-cleaning" modes that many ovens provide. You can put a cookie sheet (or tinfoil) on the lowest rack in the oven to catch spills before they happen, and prevent many of the baked-on messes in the first place too.The baking soda paste is also great for cleaning stove-top drip pansand/or burnt-on pots/pans. Vinegar is also a good pot/pan cleaner,if you add it to some hot water and a bit of

dishsoap, and let itsoak for awhile before scrubbing it out. For those who have given upthe toxic "non-stick cookware", these recipes make cleaning the "oldfashioned" pots/pans much easier!!! :)The above homemade cleaners cost only pennies to make, they are non-toxic, non-polluting, and they are still effective. We share ourhome will several "critter-kids" (dogs,cats,birds,fish) and first-time visitors always tell me that they would never guess we have somany critters, as they never "smell" any animals when they come intothe house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Certainly, but regular White Wine Vinegar would work too with less odor.

 

Love,

 

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

 

-

Gina Kopera

herbal remedies

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:36 PM

Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

 

Would apple cider vinegar work?

 

GinaRoxy <my4by4forus wrote:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow this is great. Thank you. Roxy

 

----

 

 

zoomom9

08/17/05 07:33:47

herbal remedies

Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

herbal remedies , "Roxy" <my4by4forus@m...> wrote:> For twenty years I've worked with cleaning chemicals. Un >protected. so what type of cleansing do you recommend. Roxy********Roxy,I recommend making your own cleansers. That way, you know exactly what is in them. :)Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for making my homemade cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've just copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans houses for a living, and after trying these recipes, she won't use anything else either. (she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several different colored spraybottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can tell by the colorof the bottle, which one I need by just a glance. Mine are about 16oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the bottles, on which Iwrite the type of cleaner it contains, so other household membersknow which cleaner is which too. You can re-use these bottles over & over again too, which eliminates all those store-bought cleanercontainers going to the landfill all the time. :)All of these cleaners can be made without using any scents at all,but essential oils can be added for those that like a nice scent totheir cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a bit ofextra "disinfectant" or "deodorizing" properties too, if desired.(IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make sure they arepure "essential oils", as there are several "synthetic" oils around,that are just more chemicals. The label should read "essential oil",NOT "fragrance oil" as those are chemically derived.You can use a white vinegar/water combination for many cleaningjobs. I put in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar, and fill the restwith water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror cleaner, but canalso be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You can add yourfavorite EO for scent if you like. Some white vinegars can be madefrom petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find one that is 100%derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for cleaning, as itdoes not contain petroleum distillates) White Vinegar does kill manytypes of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit mold/mildewgrowth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100% vinegar in thebottle for really tough jobs.For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar, andthen about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill the rest withwater. I like to use either Lemon Essential Oil or TangerineEssential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake the bottle duringuse, to keep the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or it will separatefrom the water. The olive oil helps to keep the woodwork/furnituremoisturised.For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup vinegar, andthen about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid castile soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (available atmost health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several scentedvarieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild as it isn'tscented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO scents. Fill the restwith water, and whatever EO you want. I like peppermint for thisrecipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties that can use abit of soap suds (countertops, inside the fridge etc). This makes apretty good "spot" remover for most carpeting too. (Test it in a hidden area first)For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot waterbucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap) if floors are especially dirty/greasy.For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I use ametal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it sprinkles easier, thanright out of the box, which sometimes "clumps up". You can layer itwith EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking Soda, add a fewdrops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker, then the 3/4 mark,then to the top. You can use this for scouring sinks/tubs or "baked-on" dirty pots/pans. I usually use one of those handmade scrubbiesyou find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If there's lots of soapscum on sink/tub, just spray down with the vinegar/water first, letset a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and scrub withscrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue leftover afterrinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it will dissolve it.To keep drains running clear, pour down some baking soda, then followwith the vinegar. After it gets done fizzing/bubbling, pour in someboiling water. Do this about once a month, and it should keep yourdrain pipes from clogging, as it will help dissolve the scum/soap etcthat collects in them.As a fabric "softener", you can use about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of bakingsoda in the rinse cycle (depending on size of the load). Or, you canuse about 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle, whichever one youprefer. If you "have" to have scented clothes (like those dryersheets), you can just add a couple drops of EO to a clean cloth andthrow it into the dryer with the clothes. (Fabric Softeners havesome really, really nasty chems in them, so its best to avoid them)Try wearing natural type fabrics (IE: cotton, ramie, hemp, silk,linen) rather than petro/plastics like acrylic/polyester, and youwon't have to worry about "static-cling"...the synthetics are thestatic producers.I use eco-friendly laundry detergent (which is expensive), so I onlyuse about 1/2 the recommended amount. I then add about 1/4 cup ofArm & Hammer Washing Soda to the detergent amount as alaundry "booster". The Washing Soda is also all natural (just liketheir baking soda), and it helps to keep the expense of the detergentdown. To clarify my laundry detergent "booster", in case any aren't familiar with this product... I use the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (all natural), which is NOT the A & H "laundry detergent". (big difference between the 2) You can usually find the Washing Soda at the end of the detergent aisles.If you do "steam clean" your carpeting, you can just add a bit ofwhite vinegar to the hot water (add a bit of non-toxic liquid soap ordishwashing liquid if especially soiled) and it does a pretty good job on the carpets.For the toilet, just pour in vinegar, baking soda, and a bit of adisinfecting EO, and let it set overnight. If you get mineraldeposits in the toilet bowl, use a pumice stone to remove them. Justmake sure the stone is wet, before scrubbing with it, so it won'tscratch the porcelain.If you do purchase store-bought sponges, look for untreated 100%cellulose sponges. Many sponges are treated with anti-bacterial/anti-microbial "pesticides" nowadays, which you probably don't want to usein your home. You can usually find the non-treated sponges athardware stores. The "pesticided" sponges usually say: Mold/MildewResistant, or Odor Resistant or something on them, and will say invery fine print "Not for use on Aquariums" on the label somewhere.You can substitute lemon juice for the white vinegar in the recipesif desired. (most "conventional" lemon juices contain petrochemicalpreservatives in them, so organic is really safest to use. Its a bitexpensive for cleaning tho, which is why I mostly use vinegar)However, if you do use the lemon juice, it should be stored in thefridge to keep it fresh, and should be used up in a shorter amount oftime. The white vinegar recipes don't need refrigeration, as thevinegar itself, is a "preservative".A baking soda/water "paste" can be made to use on those baked-on "spills" in the oven. Just make the paste, and allow it to set onthe mess for awhile (or overnight), before scrubbing with a scrubbie. (you can also use a "wet" pumice stone for scrubbing it too) The chemical oven cleaner products are also very toxic, as are the "self-cleaning" modes that many ovens provide. You can put a cookie sheet (or tinfoil) on the lowest rack in the oven to catch spills before they happen, and prevent many of the baked-on messes in the first place too.The baking soda paste is also great for cleaning stove-top drip pansand/or burnt-on pots/pans. Vinegar is also a good pot/pan cleaner,if you add it to some hot water and a bit of dishsoap, and let itsoak for awhile before scrubbing it out. For those who have given upthe toxic "non-stick cookware", these recipes make cleaning the "oldfashioned" pots/pans much easier!!! :)The above homemade cleaners cost only pennies to make, they are non-toxic, non-polluting, and they are still effective. We share ourhome will several "critter-kids" (dogs,cats,birds,fish) and first-time visitors always tell me that they would never guess we have somany critters, as they never "smell" any animals when they come intothe house.

 

[Guest guest]

I made my own laundry detergent also:

1 part of baking soda

1 part of borax

1 part of washing soda

and Pine needle EO, or some other.

It works great

Jasmina"Dr. Ian Shillington" <DocShillington wrote:

 

Certainly, but regular White Wine Vinegar would work too with less odor.

 

Love,

 

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

 

-

Gina Kopera

herbal remedies

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:36 PM

Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

 

Would apple cider vinegar work?

 

GinaRoxy <my4by4forus wrote:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow this is great. Thank you. Roxy

 

----

 

 

zoomom9

08/17/05 07:33:47

herbal remedies

Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

herbal remedies , "Roxy" <my4by4forus@m...> wrote:> For twenty years I've worked with cleaning chemicals. Un >protected. so what type of cleansing do you recommend. Roxy********Roxy,I recommend making your own cleansers. That way, you know exactly what is in them. :)Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for making my homemade cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've just copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans houses for a living, and after trying these recipes, she won't use anything else either. (she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several different colored spraybottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can

tell by the colorof the bottle, which one I need by just a glance. Mine are about 16oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the bottles, on which Iwrite the type of cleaner it contains, so other household membersknow which cleaner is which too. You can re-use these bottles over & over again too, which eliminates all those store-bought cleanercontainers going to the landfill all the time. :)All of these cleaners can be made without using any scents at all,but essential oils can be added for those that like a nice scent totheir cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a bit ofextra "disinfectant" or "deodorizing" properties too, if desired.(IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make sure they arepure "essential oils", as there are several "synthetic" oils around,that are just more chemicals. The label should read "essential oil",NOT "fragrance oil" as those are chemically derived.You can use a white

vinegar/water combination for many cleaningjobs. I put in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar, and fill the restwith water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror cleaner, but canalso be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You can add yourfavorite EO for scent if you like. Some white vinegars can be madefrom petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find one that is 100%derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for cleaning, as itdoes not contain petroleum distillates) White Vinegar does kill manytypes of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit mold/mildewgrowth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100% vinegar in thebottle for really tough jobs.For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar, andthen about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill the rest withwater. I like to use either Lemon Essential Oil or TangerineEssential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake the bottle duringuse, to keep

the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or it will separatefrom the water. The olive oil helps to keep the woodwork/furnituremoisturised.For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup vinegar, andthen about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid castile soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (available atmost health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several scentedvarieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild as it isn'tscented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO scents. Fill the restwith water, and whatever EO you want. I like peppermint for thisrecipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties that can use abit of soap suds (countertops, inside the fridge etc). This makes apretty good "spot" remover for most carpeting too. (Test it in a hidden area first)For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot waterbucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit

of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap) if floors are especially dirty/greasy.For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I use ametal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it sprinkles easier, thanright out of the box, which sometimes "clumps up". You can layer itwith EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking Soda, add a fewdrops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker, then the 3/4 mark,then to the top. You can use this for scouring sinks/tubs or "baked-on" dirty pots/pans. I usually use one of those handmade scrubbiesyou find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If there's lots of soapscum on sink/tub, just spray down with the vinegar/water first, letset a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and scrub withscrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue leftover afterrinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it will dissolve it.To keep drains running clear, pour down some

baking soda, then followwith the vinegar. After it gets done fizzing/bubbling, pour in someboiling water. Do this about once a month, and it should keep yourdrain pipes from clogging, as it will help dissolve the scum/soap etcthat collects in them.As a fabric "softener", you can use about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of bakingsoda in the rinse cycle (depending on size of the load). Or, you canuse about 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle, whichever one youprefer. If you "have" to have scented clothes (like those dryersheets), you can just add a couple drops of EO to a clean cloth andthrow it into the dryer with the clothes. (Fabric Softeners havesome really, really nasty chems in them, so its best to avoid them)Try wearing natural type fabrics (IE: cotton, ramie, hemp, silk,linen) rather than petro/plastics like acrylic/polyester, and youwon't have to worry about "static-cling"...the synthetics are thestatic producers.I use

eco-friendly laundry detergent (which is expensive), so I onlyuse about 1/2 the recommended amount. I then add about 1/4 cup ofArm & Hammer Washing Soda to the detergent amount as alaundry "booster". The Washing Soda is also all natural (just liketheir baking soda), and it helps to keep the expense of the detergentdown. To clarify my laundry detergent "booster", in case any aren't familiar with this product... I use the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (all natural), which is NOT the A & H "laundry detergent". (big difference between the 2) You can usually find the Washing Soda at the end of the detergent aisles.If you do "steam clean" your carpeting, you can just add a bit ofwhite vinegar to the hot water (add a bit of non-toxic liquid soap ordishwashing liquid if especially soiled) and it does a pretty good job on the carpets.For the toilet, just pour in vinegar, baking soda, and a bit of

adisinfecting EO, and let it set overnight. If you get mineraldeposits in the toilet bowl, use a pumice stone to remove them. Justmake sure the stone is wet, before scrubbing with it, so it won'tscratch the porcelain.If you do purchase store-bought sponges, look for untreated 100%cellulose sponges. Many sponges are treated with anti-bacterial/anti-microbial "pesticides" nowadays, which you probably don't want to usein your home. You can usually find the non-treated sponges athardware stores. The "pesticided" sponges usually say: Mold/MildewResistant, or Odor Resistant or something on them, and will say invery fine print "Not for use on Aquariums" on the label somewhere.You can substitute lemon juice for the white vinegar in the recipesif desired. (most "conventional" lemon juices contain petrochemicalpreservatives in them, so organic is really safest to use. Its a bitexpensive for cleaning tho, which is why I mostly

use vinegar)However, if you do use the lemon juice, it should be stored in thefridge to keep it fresh, and should be used up in a shorter amount oftime. The white vinegar recipes don't need refrigeration, as thevinegar itself, is a "preservative".A baking soda/water "paste" can be made to use on those baked-on "spills" in the oven. Just make the paste, and allow it to set onthe mess for awhile (or overnight), before scrubbing with a scrubbie. (you can also use a "wet" pumice stone for scrubbing it too) The chemical oven cleaner products are also very toxic, as are the "self-cleaning" modes that many ovens provide. You can put a cookie sheet (or tinfoil) on the lowest rack in the oven to catch spills before they happen, and prevent many of the baked-on messes in the first place too.The baking soda paste is also great for cleaning stove-top drip pansand/or burnt-on pots/pans. Vinegar is also a good pot/pan

cleaner,if you add it to some hot water and a bit of dishsoap, and let itsoak for awhile before scrubbing it out. For those who have given upthe toxic "non-stick cookware", these recipes make cleaning the "oldfashioned" pots/pans much easier!!! :)The above homemade cleaners cost only pennies to make, they are non-toxic, non-polluting, and they are still effective. We share ourhome will several "critter-kids" (dogs,cats,birds,fish) and first-time visitors always tell me that they would never guess we have somany critters, as they never "smell" any animals when they come intothe house.

 

[Guest guest]

Ooooooooo, gotta try that one.

Sounds great!!!

In Health and Love,

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

 

-

Jasmina Alisic

herbal remedies

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 3:40 PM

Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: Household Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any suggestions?

 

I made my own laundry detergent also:

1 part of baking soda

1 part of borax

1 part of washing soda

and Pine needle EO, or some other.

It works great

Jasmina"Dr. Ian Shillington" <DocShillington wrote:

 

Certainly, but regular White Wine Vinegar would work too with less odor.

 

Love,

 

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

[Guest guest]

Let me know how do you like.

Did you get my message with order.

regards"Dr. Ian Shillington" <DocShillington wrote:

 

Ooooooooo, gotta try that one.

Sounds great!!!

In Health and Love,

Doc

 

Doc Shillington727-447-5282Doc

 

[Guest guest]

where do you find washing soda? or does it come in

another name

ty

 

--- Jasmina Alisic <jalisic579 wrote:

 

> I made my own laundry detergent also:

> 1 part of baking soda

> 1 part of borax

> 1 part of washing soda

> and Pine needle EO, or some other.

> It works great

> Jasmina

>

> " Dr. Ian Shillington " <DocShillington

> wrote:

> Certainly, but regular White Wine Vinegar would work

> too with less odor.

>

> Love,

>

> Doc

>

> Doc Shillington

> 727-447-5282

> Doc

> -

> Gina Kopera

> herbal remedies

> Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:36 PM

> Re: Herbal Remedies - Re: Household

> Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any

> suggestions?

>

>

> Would apple cider vinegar work?

>

> Gina

>

> Roxy <my4by4forus wrote:

>

>

> Wow this is great. Thank you. Roxy

>

> ----

>

> zoomom9

> 08/17/05 07:33:47

> herbal remedies

> Herbal Remedies - Re: Household

> Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any

> suggestions?

>

>

> herbal remedies , " Roxy "

> <my4by4forus@m...>

> wrote:

> > For twenty years I've worked with cleaning

> chemicals. Un

> >protected. so what type of cleansing do you

> recommend. Roxy

>

> ********

> Roxy,

>

> I recommend making your own cleansers. That way,

> you know exactly

> what is in them.

>

> Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for

> making my homemade

> cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've

> just

> copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!

>

> Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans

> houses for a living,

> and after trying these recipes, she won't use

> anything else either.

> (she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)

>

>

>

> For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several

> different colored spray

> bottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can

> tell by the color

> of the bottle, which one I need by just a glance.

> Mine are about 16

> oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the

> bottles, on which I

> write the type of cleaner it contains, so other

> household members

> know which cleaner is which too. You can re-use

> these bottles over &

> over again too, which eliminates all those

> store-bought cleaner

> containers going to the landfill all the time.

>

> All of these cleaners can be made without using any

> scents at all,

> but essential oils can be added for those that like

> a nice scent to

> their cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a

> bit of

> extra " disinfectant " or " deodorizing " properties

> too, if desired.

> (IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make

> sure they are

> pure " essential oils " , as there are several

> " synthetic " oils around,

> that are just more chemicals. The label should read

> " essential oil " ,

> NOT " fragrance oil " as those are chemically derived.

>

> You can use a white vinegar/water combination for

> many cleaning

> jobs. I put in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar,

> and fill the rest

> with water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror

> cleaner, but can

> also be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You

> can add your

> favorite EO for scent if you like. Some white

> vinegars can be made

> from petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find

> one that is 100%

> derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for

> cleaning, as it

> does not contain petroleum distillates) White

> Vinegar does kill many

> types of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit

> mold/mildew

> growth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100%

> vinegar in the

> bottle for really tough jobs.

>

> For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of

> white vinegar, and

> then about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill

> the rest with

> water. I like to use either Lemon Essential Oil or

> Tangerine

> Essential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake

> the bottle during

> use, to keep the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or

> it will separate

> from the water. The olive oil helps to keep the

> woodwork/furniture

> moisturised.

>

> For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup

> vinegar, and

> then about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid

> castile soap (or eco-

> friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile

> Soap (available at

> most health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several

> scented

> varieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild

> as it isn't

> scented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO

> scents. Fill the rest

> with water, and whatever EO you want. I like

> peppermint for this

> recipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties

> that can use a

> bit of soap suds (countertops, inside the fridge

> etc). This makes a

> pretty good " spot " remover for most carpeting too.

> (Test it in a

> hidden area first)

>

> For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to

> the hot water

> bucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit of

> the liquid soap (or

> eco-friendly dishsoap) if floors are especially

> dirty/greasy.

>

> For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking

> Soda. I use a

> metal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it

> sprinkles easier, than

> right out of the box, which sometimes " clumps up " .

> You can layer it

> with EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking

> Soda, add a few

> drops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker,

> then the 3/4 mark,

> then to the top. You can use this for scouring

> sinks/tubs or " baked-

> on " dirty pots/pans. I usually use one of those

> handmade scrubbies

> you find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If

> there's lots of soap

> scum on sink/tub, just spray down with the

> vinegar/water first, let

> set a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and

> scrub with

> scrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue

> leftover after

> rinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it

> will dissolve it.

>

> To keep drains running clear, pour down some baking

> soda, then follow

>

=== message truncated ===

 

 

 

 

__

Start your day with - make it your home page

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

herbal remedies , Gina Kopera

<ginakopera1> wrote:

> Would apple cider vinegar work?

>

> Gina

 

********

I believe the ACV would have the same cleaning properties as White

(disinfecting/deodorizing/mold inhibiting) but I wondered if it would

possibly leave stains (over time) on some types of surfaces, and/or

light colored fabrics/uph/carpets, and/or light colored floor tile

grout.....

 

So, I just use the White (for cleaning), which is clear, so no

staining.

 

Jan / Michigan

[Guest guest]

In every grocery store, next to Boraxwerner stanek <douwanadancewithme wrote:

where do you find washing soda? or does it come inanother namety--- Jasmina Alisic <jalisic579 wrote:> I made my own laundry detergent also:> 1 part of baking soda> 1 part of borax> 1 part of washing soda> and Pine needle EO, or some other.> It works great> Jasmina> > "Dr. Ian Shillington" <DocShillington> wrote:> Certainly, but regular White Wine Vinegar would work> too with less odor.> > Love,> > Doc> > Doc Shillington> 727-447-5282> Doc - > Gina Kopera > herbal remedies > Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:36 PM> Re: Herbal Remedies - Re:

Household> Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any> suggestions?> > > Would apple cider vinegar work?> > Gina> > Roxy <my4by4forus wrote:> > > Wow this is great. Thank you. Roxy > > ----> > zoomom9> 08/17/05 07:33:47> herbal remedies > Herbal Remedies - Re: Household> Cleaners...was... Want to Lose Weight - any> suggestions?> > > herbal remedies , "Roxy"> <my4by4forus@m...> > wrote:> > For twenty years I've worked with cleaning> chemicals. Un > >protected. so what type of cleansing do you> recommend. Roxy> > ********> Roxy,> > I recommend making your own

cleansers. That way,> you know exactly > what is in them. > > Several months ago, I posted the recipes I use for> making my homemade > cleaners.... rather than type it all out again, I've> just > copied/pasted them below... hope this helps!> > Jan / Michigan P.S. A friend of mine cleans> houses for a living, > and after trying these recipes, she won't use> anything else either. > (she got rid of all her chemical cleaners.....)> > > > For my liquid cleaners, I purchased several> different colored spray> bottles (like those for misting plants)...so I can> tell by the color> of the bottle, which one I need by just a glance.> Mine are about 16> oz. bottles. I also apply sticky labels to the> bottles, on which I> write the type of cleaner it contains, so

other> household members> know which cleaner is which too. You can re-use> these bottles over & > over again too, which eliminates all those> store-bought cleaner> containers going to the landfill all the time. > > All of these cleaners can be made without using any> scents at all,> but essential oils can be added for those that like> a nice scent to> their cleaners. Many essential oils can also add a> bit of> extra "disinfectant" or "deodorizing" properties> too, if desired.> (IE: tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil etc) Just make> sure they are> pure "essential oils", as there are several> "synthetic" oils around,> that are just more chemicals. The label should read> "essential oil",> NOT "fragrance oil" as those are chemically derived.> > You can use a white vinegar/water combination for> many cleaning>

jobs. I put in about 1/3 of the bottle as vinegar,> and fill the rest> with water. This makes a great Window/Glass/Mirror> cleaner, but can> also be used for lots of other clean-ups too. You> can add your> favorite EO for scent if you like. Some white> vinegars can be made> from petroleum distillates/alcohols, so try to find> one that is 100%> derived from grains. (I use Heinz White Vinegar for> cleaning, as it> does not contain petroleum distillates) White> Vinegar does kill many> types of bacteria/germs, and also helps to inhibit> mold/mildew> growth, so I use it alot! You can also use 100%> vinegar in the> bottle for really tough jobs.> > For my Furniture Polish, I pour about 1/2 cup of> white vinegar, and> then about 2-3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, then fill> the rest with> water. I like to use either Lemon

Essential Oil or> Tangerine> Essential Oil in this recipe. You do have to shake> the bottle during> use, to keep the olive oil dispersed evenly tho, or> it will separate> from the water. The olive oil helps to keep the> woodwork/furniture> moisturised.> > For my All Purpose type cleaner, I use about 1/2 cup> vinegar, and> then about 1/4 cup of a good non-toxic liquid> castile soap (or eco-> friendly dishsoap). I like Dr. Bronner's Castile> Soap (available at> most health stores). Dr. Bronner's comes in several> scented> varieties, but I usually use the Aloe Vera Baby Mild> as it isn't> scented, therefore doesn't compete with my EO> scents. Fill the rest> with water, and whatever EO you want. I like> peppermint for this> recipe. This you can use for heavier cleaning duties> that can use a> bit of soap

suds (countertops, inside the fridge> etc). This makes a> pretty good "spot" remover for most carpeting too.> (Test it in a > hidden area first)> > For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to> the hot water> bucket and EO if desired for scent. Add a bit of> the liquid soap (or > eco-friendly dishsoap) if floors are especially> dirty/greasy.> > For scouring powder, I just use Arm & Hammer Baking> Soda. I use a> metal shaker can (with holes at the top) so it> sprinkles easier, than> right out of the box, which sometimes "clumps up".> You can layer it> with EO by filling 1/4 of the shaker with Baking> Soda, add a few> drops EO, then to the halfway mark on the shaker,> then the 3/4 mark,> then to the top. You can use this for scouring> sinks/tubs or "baked-> on" dirty pots/pans. I usually

use one of those> handmade scrubbies> you find at craft booths for the scrubbing. If> there's lots of soap> scum on sink/tub, just spray down with the> vinegar/water first, let> set a few minutes, then apply the baking soda and> scrub with> scrubbie. If you end up with any baking soda residue> leftover after> rinsing, just spray with the vinegar/water, and it> will dissolve it.> > To keep drains running clear, pour down some baking> soda, then follow> === message truncated === __Start your day with - make it your home page http://www./r/hs