Guest guest Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 Jan, THANK YOU for taking the time to write all this! It’s very valuable to me. I’ve never put together my own cleaners before and wouldn’t have known how to start. Now I see how easy it is! J Carole herbal remedies [herbal remedies ] On Behalf Of zoomom9 Monday, May 09, 2005 12:19 PM herbal remedies Herbal Remedies - Homemade 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. For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot water bucket, and a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). 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. If you do " steam clean " your carpeting, you can just add a bit of white vinegar to the hot water (and a bit of non-toxic liquid soap or dishwashing liquid) 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. 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. Hope these tips help!!! Jan (in Michigan) Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to prescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian Shillington Doctor of Naturopathy Dr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 These are such wonderful ideas. You could even make these as gifts for people. - zoomom9 herbal remedies Monday, May 09, 2005 12:18 PM Herbal Remedies - Homemade 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. :)For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot water bucket, and a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap).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.If you do "steam clean" your carpeting, you can just add a bit of white vinegar to the hot water (and a bit of non-toxic liquid soap or dishwashing liquid) 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.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. :)Hope these tips help!!!Jan (in Michigan)Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 Jan, you are wonderful! Thank you so much for taking the time to write these up for us :-)) love Lisa - zoomom9 herbal remedies Monday, May 09, 2005 6:18 PM Herbal Remedies - Homemade 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 herbal remedies , " Dawn Hunt " <dawnhunt1@m...> wrote: > These are such wonderful ideas. You could even make these as gifts for people. ********** Hi Dawn, Yes! They do make WONDERFUL gift ideas. I have done it. I purchased some decorative baskets, and filled up the sprayers and shaker cans with the homemade cleaners, and gave them to people for Christmas. I also included little recipe cards for each cleaner type, so they could then make their own. I found those little stickers they sell for crafts, and put them on the labels to dress the bottles up a bit. (you can use stickers of birds, cats, smiley faces, peace signs, flowers, butterflies etc. depending on what the person likes, you are giving the gift to) Everyone I gave them to really liked them. My mom always coughs and gets a stuffy nose from commercial cleaners, and says she doesn't get that with the homemade types. My sister gets alot of headaches from chemical cleaners, and doesn't get headaches from these. My aunt said she couldn't use Pledge anymore, as it always hurts her lungs, but she has no problems with the homemade furniture polish. A friend of mine cleans houses for other people as a " side-job " . I recently talked her into trying the homemade cleaners. She loves them too, and is now making all her own cleaners for her own home, and to use for the people she works for. Her only regret, is that she didn't know how to do it years ago, to avoid inhaling and absorbing thru the skin, all those cleaning chemicals she has been using for years. A friend of hers, gets rashes whenever she touches anything cleaned with chemical furniture polish. So, she took the homemade one over to her house, cleaned the dining room table with it, and they sat there for over a half an hour, and NO RASH! They are starting to find the cleaning chemical residues in water around the globe (including city tap water). So even if one doesn't notice health problems from the store-bought chemical-laden cleaners, using these non-toxic homemade types, will be much kinder on the environment, instead of helping to destroy it. They also save a bundle of $$$ on the " budget " !!! Jan (in Michigan) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 Thank you so much for sharing this information! Deana zoomom9 wrote: > 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. > > For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot water > bucket, and a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). > > 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. > > If you do " steam clean " your carpeting, you can just add a bit of > white vinegar to the hot water (and a bit of non-toxic liquid soap or > dishwashing liquid) 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. > > 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. > > Hope these tips help!!! > > Jan (in Michigan) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 herbal remedies [herbal remedies ] On Behalf Of Dawn Hunt Tuesday, May 10, 2005 4:06 AM herbal remedies Re: Herbal Remedies - Homemade Cleaners..... Even I, Mr. “not” mom, have saved these. My lord woman, thank you very much! Sincerely, Zeb 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. For mopping floors, just add about 1 cup vinegar to the hot water bucket, and a bit of the liquid soap (or eco-friendly dishsoap). 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. If you do " steam clean " your carpeting, you can just add a bit of white vinegar to the hot water (and a bit of non-toxic liquid soap or dishwashing liquid) 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. 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. Hope these tips help!!! Jan (in Michigan) Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to prescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian Shillington Doctor of Naturopathy Dr.IanShillington Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to prescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian Shillington Doctor of Naturopathy Dr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 To those who thanked me for the cleaning recipes... You are most welcome! After reading my original post, I see I left out a few things. I should 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. 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, 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!!! I would also like to extend a " Thank You! " , to anyone who does make the switch to the homemade cleaners (or to non-toxic eco-friendly products), from the chemical store-bought ones. I'm sure that Mother Nature will appreciate it, and you will feel better, knowing that you aren't supporting the use of poisons (and thus, profiting the " brainwashing " Chemical Industries) with your hard-earned $$$. You may even be one of many, who begin to see health improvements, and never suspected/connected their symptoms to the use of those nasty chemical brews. Jan (in Michigan) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2005 Report Share Posted May 13, 2005 For those who have given up the toxic " non-stick cookware " , I would like more info on this please links and stuff would b egreat as I still use my non-stick cook ware Blessings Brandy - " zoomom9 " <zoomom9 <herbal remedies > Wednesday, May 11, 2005 8:40 AM Re: Herbal Remedies - Homemade Cleaners..... : To those who thanked me for the cleaning recipes... You are most : welcome! : : After reading my original post, I see I left out a few things. : : I should 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. : : 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, 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!!! : : I would also like to extend a " Thank You! " , to anyone who does make : the switch to the homemade cleaners (or to non-toxic eco-friendly : products), from the chemical store-bought ones. I'm sure that Mother : Nature will appreciate it, and you will feel better, knowing that you : aren't supporting the use of poisons (and thus, profiting : the " brainwashing " Chemical Industries) with your hard-earned $$$. : You may even be one of many, who begin to see health improvements, : and never suspected/connected their symptoms to the use of those : nasty chemical brews. : : Jan (in Michigan) : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: : 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. : 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. : 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to : prescribe for your own health. : We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as : they behave themselves. : Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person : following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. : It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to : be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. : : Dr. Ian Shillington : Doctor of Naturopathy : Dr.IanShillington : : : : -- : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 I have a friend who got Teflon flu. I think Teflon is really bad. It peals off the bottom of the pan. Breathing the fumes form Teflon is really toxic. - Walkin'ByFaith herbal remedies Friday, May 13, 2005 11:44 AM Re: Herbal Remedies - Homemade Cleaners..... For those who have given upthe toxic "non-stick cookware",I would like more info on this please links and stuff would b egreat as I still use my non-stick cook wareBlessingsBrandy- "zoomom9" <zoomom9<herbal remedies >Wednesday, May 11, 2005 8:40 AMRe: Herbal Remedies - Homemade Cleaners.....: To those who thanked me for the cleaning recipes... You are most: welcome!:: After reading my original post, I see I left out a few things.:: I should 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.:: 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, 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!!! :: I would also like to extend a "Thank You!", to anyone who does make: the switch to the homemade cleaners (or to non-toxic eco-friendly: products), from the chemical store-bought ones. I'm sure that Mother: Nature will appreciate it, and you will feel better, knowing that you: aren't supporting the use of poisons (and thus, profiting: the "brainwashing" Chemical Industries) with your hard-earned $$$.: You may even be one of many, who begin to see health improvements,: and never suspected/connected their symptoms to the use of those: nasty chemical brews. :: Jan (in Michigan)::::::::::::::::::::: Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following:: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire.: 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy.: 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to: prescribe for your own health.: We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as: they behave themselves.: Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person: following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk.: It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to: be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability.:: Dr. Ian Shillington: Doctor of Naturopathy: Dr.IanShillington:::: --: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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