HOUSEHOLD: Herbal House Cleaners (HERBS)

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Herbal Vinegar for House Cleaning

 

Place the herbs of your choice in a bottle: wintergreen for a clean

scent; mint leaves for a fresh fragrance; lavender, rosemary or sage,

depending on your preference and what is in your garden. Cover with hot

vinegar and leave to steep till cool or store for months if you don't

get around to decanting it.

 

 

Herbal Bicarbonate of Soda

 

Bicarbonate of soda need not be scented if you are using herbal vinegar,

but if you do want a fragrance, add a few drops of lavender,

wintergreen, or other perfumed oil, or Teatree or thyme oil for a slight

disinfectant effect.

 

 

Dry Shampoo for Carpets

 

Cover the carpet with orris root powder and brush in with a stiff broom,

then vacuum or shake well (this will also repel moths and carpet

beetles, but it will not kill them).

 

 

Moth-proofing Carpets

 

The chemicals used in the commercial moth-proofing of carpets are one of

the major sources of organochloride pollution contaminating fish in

rives, seas and estuaries. Sprinkle carpets with lavender oil to repel

moths instead. Use pyrethrum spray when you discover and infestation.

Vacuum often and clean up dead flies by the windows, as these can

attract carpet beetles.

 

 

All-purpose Polish

 

Queen Victoria insisted that all wood in Balmoral Castle be polished

with lavender oil. However if you prefer a more conventional polish,

heat 1 part beeswax with 4 parts linseed oil until mixed. Cool and add a

few drops of lavender oil. Rub in to wood with a soft cloth. Leave half

an hour and polish again with a clean cloth.. This polish lasts well and

is good for sealing unlacquered wood. Don't use it outdoors unless you

are prepared for a deluge of bees - they love beeswax products.

 

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" Guide to Herbs " Jackie French