Guest guest Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 HERBAL HOUSEKEEPING According to the National Academy of Science, about 15% of the American population suffers from multi-chemical sensitivity due to chronic exposure to household products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that at least 150 chemicals found in household products are responsible for allergies, various cancers and birth defects. You can easily make your own cleaning formulas that are made from natural materials, including herbal essential oils. Most herbs contain antibacterial properties and some are antiviral and antifungal as well. ----------------------- All-Purpose Spray Cleaner 1 tsp liquid castile soap 1/4 cup white vinegar 3 tbls lemon or grapefruit juice 2 cups water 10 drops lavender, sweet orange or thyme oil Combine in a spray bottle. Shake before using. ----------------------- Disinfectant Spray Cleaner 2 cups water 2 tsp tea tree 1 tsp lemon juice 2 drops rosemary 2 drops lavender ----------------------- Dishwashing Liquid To a 22 oz. container of liquid castile soap add: 10 drops lemon 8 drops orange 20 drops grapefruit ----------------------- Super Sink Scrubber This formula is excellent to use on stained porcelain. 1/4 cup borax 1/4 cup baking soda 1/2 cup vinegar 4 drops lemon 2 drops rosemary ----------------------- Scented Scouring Powder 1 cup baking soda 1/4 cup borax 1/4 cup dried sage leaves, finely ground 1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves, finely ground ----------------------- Pine Cleaner 2 tsp borax 10 drops pine oil 8 drops patchouli or cedar oil Add all ingredients to a gallon-sized bucket of hotwater. ----------------------- Wood Furniture Cleaner In a clean spray bottle combine: 1 cup vegetable-based soap (such as Murphy's)* 2 tsps lemon oil6 drops lemongrass * Dilute with water if purhased in concentrate form. ----------------------- Rosemary-Lavender Carpet Shampoo ** This recipe makes enough for a 10' x 13' room. If you can't find soap flakes, you can use 1/4 cup borax instead, but test the outcome of this substitution on a small area first. 2 cups baking soda 1/2 cups soap flakes 20 drops lavender essential oil 8 drops rosemary essential oil 1/2 cup vinegar 2 cups warm water 1. Sweep carpet to be cleaned with a broom or carpet sweeper to loosen dirt, then vacuum the entire area. 2. Combine the baking soda and soap flakes in a plastic bowl. Add the essential oils and mix well, breaking up any clumps with a fork. Sprinkle themixture on the carpet. 3. Add the vinegar to the warm water in a bucket or pail. Dip a clean sponge mop into the bucket and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can. Gently go over carpet with the sponge mop, working in sections. Wait at least an hour and then vacuum again. ** Excerpted from The Naturally Clean Home © 1999 byKaryn Siegel-Maier The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.~ Albert Einstein ~ -- Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.6/257 - Release 2/10/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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