Natural Cleaning Recipes - Page 2

chelsea · 05-09-2005, 08:22 PM

BTW ladies, I am nursing and have heard lots of precautions when it comes to tea-tree oil and babies/children. Do I need to wear gloves when I am cleaning with any recipes using it as it might be absorbed into my body? And also with the orange and tangerine oils, I have heard that you should avoid direct sunlight for a time after coming in contact with them? Anyone ever have any problems?
Signed:
Miss "I-Really-Should-Be-Using-My-Worries-On-Toxic-Commercial-Cleaners-But-I-Can't-Help-It-I-Am-Cynical-Of-EVERYTHING!!"

Mothering by Heart · 05-11-2005, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelsea

BTW ladies, I am nursing and have heard lots of precautions when it comes to tea-tree oil and babies/children. Do I need to wear gloves when I am cleaning with any recipes using it as it might be absorbed into my body? And also with the orange and tangerine oils, I have heard that you should avoid direct sunlight for a time after coming in contact with them? Anyone ever have any problems?
Signed:
Miss "I-Really-Should-Be-Using-My-Worries-On-Toxic-Commercial-Cleaners-But-I-Can't-Help-It-I-Am-Cynical-Of-EVERYTHING!!"

With the TTO, it is so diluted with the amount of water, I don't see that there would be a problem. A for the citrus, I have never heard of that. I'll look around and see if I can find out.

Lady TS · 05-11-2005, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mothering by Heart

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelsea

BTW ladies, I am nursing and have heard lots of precautions when it comes to tea-tree oil and babies/children. Do I need to wear gloves when I am cleaning with any recipes using it as it might be absorbed into my body? And also with the orange and tangerine oils, I have heard that you should avoid direct sunlight for a time after coming in contact with them? Anyone ever have any problems?
Signed:
Miss "I-Really-Should-Be-Using-My-Worries-On-Toxic-Commercial-Cleaners-But-I-Can't-Help-It-I-Am-Cynical-Of-EVERYTHING!!"

With the TTO, it is so diluted with the amount of water, I don't see that there would be a problem. A for the citrus, I have never heard of that. I'll look around and see if I can find out.

I think with the citrus coming into contact with skin/hair, you are just more likely to sunburn. Just something to be aware of.

chelsea · 05-12-2005, 08:02 PM

Quote:

With the TTO, it is so diluted with the amount of water, I don't see that there would be a problem. A for the citrus, I have never heard of that. I'll look around and see if I can find out.

I think with the citrus coming into contact with skin/hair, you are just more likely to sunburn. Just something to be aware of.

Thanks ladies! I'm just ultra-paranoid and triple-check everything before using it. I already got the tangerine oil and will be going back to get tea-tree! In the meantime, I've been using the vinegar/water/detergent etc but I do love my oils and can't wait to use them in cleaning!!
THANK-YOU!!

crunchymum · 05-19-2005, 08:38 AM

i'm so loving making cleaners! i never thought i would be into it, but here i am.

the best glass cleaner i've used is just plain old club soda in a spray bottle. yup. works great!

i LOVE the peppermint scrub, and the all purpose one i use looks alot like the one punkie posted.

Spirit of the Home · 05-26-2005, 03:42 AM

These recipes are the greatest

.
I have been mixing my own gentle cleaning hand soap for over 30+ years because of sensitive skin.
I buy concentrated pure gentle cleaner from a home based business company [whichever one I am involved in] and just mix it with 1/2 water and some eo, It works great. You can give bubble baths with it and it doesn't give bladder problems or leave the ring around the tub so you can just drain the tub after a bath. I buy the gentle cleaner in 1/2 gallons so it lasts a long time. It's also the only thing I shave my legs with, without getting a rash.
I think Trader Joes carries a type of gentle cleaner? I havn't tried it yet, nor checked out the ingredients but i think it would be less expensive.

For mopping the tile I just use 1/2 bucket of water and about 1/2 cup distilled vinegar. This works great without a strong smell

I'm off to try some of your ideas

Karmen

chelsea · 06-01-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Olive-Citrus Dusting Polish
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1?4 cup lemon juice or vinegar (lemon juice is much more fragrant)
2-4 drops tangerine or sweet orange essential oil

Hey Amanda! (or anyone else who knows the answer)

Can this polish be used on anything (plastic, fake wood, etc), or only on wood? Would it be too oily on a non-wood surface?

Thanks!!

(How much wood or non-wood would or could you polish with this wood polish?)

Punkie · 06-13-2005, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelsea

Quote:

Olive-Citrus Dusting Polish
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1?4 cup lemon juice or vinegar (lemon juice is much more fragrant)
2-4 drops tangerine or sweet orange essential oil

Hey Amanda! (or anyone else who knows the answer)

Can this polish be used on anything (plastic, fake wood, etc), or only on wood? Would it be too oily on a non-wood surface?

Thanks!!

(How much wood or non-wood would or could you polish with this wood polish?)

I've used it on other things without problems, although I think just wood and fake wood... I don't know if I've tried plastic. For plastic stuff (like tvs, fans, etc), I always use a little bit of fabric softener mixed with water because it makes it so dust doesn't stick :P

herbalwriter · 07-01-2005, 09:57 AM

Can I substitute Fels-Naptha for Zote soap in the laundry detergent recipe?
I have found Borax and washing soda (finally), but I give up on Zote.

herbalwriter · 07-01-2005, 09:57 AM

...or can I substitute Kirk's Castille...?

Punkie · 07-01-2005, 10:57 AM

You can use the Fels Naptha

herbalwriter · 07-01-2005, 06:14 PM

Thank heavens. I will try that. I wish I could find Zote; it sounds more natural and safer, but this was the best I could do.

KarenBoo · 07-13-2005, 12:19 AM

Just FYI, according to Clean House, Clean Planet, you use distilled water or purified water because it makes your cleaner work better. It has something to do with the way the detergents/borax/baking soda/what have you actually dissolve into the water to become a "cleaner."

For windows and mirrors - my FAVORITE is simply 2 microfiber rags. Wet one with plain tap water and ring it out very well. Use that to clean with, and then go over it again with a dry rag. I do this ala "Karate Kid" wax on...wax off.

It leaves no streaks and it cleans very well!

Punkie · 07-14-2005, 09:44 AM

OK, I tried thisone and it really got the baked-on chili explosion out of my microwave!

Microwave Cleaner

1/4 c. baking soda
1 tsp vinegar
5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil (I used lemon)

Combine all ingredients and make a paste. Apply to the inside of the microwave using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open to air dry for 25 minutes

TrinMama · 09-17-2005, 06:30 AM

oooh, I am so excited to try some of these out! Here's another one to try for toilets:
pour about a cup of vinegar (more or less, i never measure!) into the bowl, then add baking soda, about 2 T (again, I never measure, I only wait for it to bubble up!) Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with the brush up and down the inside of the bowl, and it will sparkle.

Then, just flush!

I also use vinegar in water for the floors, but my dh complains of the smell...maybe I am using too much vinegar?

05-09-2005, 08:22 PM	#16
chelsea Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 7,256	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes BTW ladies, I am nursing and have heard lots of precautions when it comes to tea-tree oil and babies/children. Do I need to wear gloves when I am cleaning with any recipes using it as it might be absorbed into my body? And also with the orange and tangerine oils, I have heard that you should avoid direct sunlight for a time after coming in contact with them? Anyone ever have any problems? Signed: Miss "I-Really-Should-Be-Using-My-Worries-On-Toxic-Commercial-Cleaners-But-I-Can't-Help-It-I-Am-Cynical-Of-EVERYTHING!!" __________________ Single mama to my little men "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." "Crying is all right in it's way while it lasts; But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do." -C.S. Lewis from "The Silver Chair"

05-19-2005, 08:38 AM	#20
crunchymum Moderator speak softly and carry a big coffee Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 34,532	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes i'm so loving making cleaners! i never thought i would be into it, but here i am. the best glass cleaner i've used is just plain old club soda in a spray bottle. yup. works great! i LOVE the peppermint scrub, and the all purpose one i use looks alot like the one punkie posted. __________________ ~ jen wife to my first kiss mama to 12yo spreezy, 10yo jones, 5yo biggie, and our little greased lightning, 2yo ~ all born at home birth doula my waterbirth montage my etsy! "i did not want my children to love me because i had been an adequate mother, because i would never be one, this i already knew. i wanted my children to love me for the same reason i want my children themselves to be loved: because we are all irreducible, irreplaceable." -gina bria

05-26-2005, 03:42 AM	#21
Spirit of the Home Rosebud Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 75	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes These recipes are the greatest . I have been mixing my own gentle cleaning hand soap for over 30+ years because of sensitive skin. I buy concentrated pure gentle cleaner from a home based business company [whichever one I am involved in] and just mix it with 1/2 water and some eo, It works great. You can give bubble baths with it and it doesn't give bladder problems or leave the ring around the tub so you can just drain the tub after a bath. I buy the gentle cleaner in 1/2 gallons so it lasts a long time. It's also the only thing I shave my legs with, without getting a rash. I think Trader Joes carries a type of gentle cleaner? I havn't tried it yet, nor checked out the ingredients but i think it would be less expensive. For mopping the tile I just use 1/2 bucket of water and about 1/2 cup distilled vinegar. This works great without a strong smell I'm off to try some of your ideas Karmen __________________ Karmen wife to Bob mom to Crystal and her brothers mil to their loves grandma to 11 unique individuals (even with two sets of identical twins

07-01-2005, 09:57 AM	#24
herbalwriter Rose Garden a nun in love with her herbs! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Virginia (Almost Heaven!) Posts: 12,026	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes Can I substitute Fels-Naptha for Zote soap in the laundry detergent recipe? I have found Borax and washing soda (finally), but I give up on Zote. __________________ Formerly Leah Elizabeth Battle Single, homeschooling mama to 7yo ds, born at home Freelance writer battlescribe.com Aspiring Herbalist currently studying with Vintage Remedies I blog about herbs and mountain life here.

07-01-2005, 09:57 AM	#25
herbalwriter Rose Garden a nun in love with her herbs! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Virginia (Almost Heaven!) Posts: 12,026	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes ...or can I substitute Kirk's Castille...? __________________ Formerly Leah Elizabeth Battle Single, homeschooling mama to 7yo ds, born at home Freelance writer battlescribe.com Aspiring Herbalist currently studying with Vintage Remedies I blog about herbs and mountain life here.

07-01-2005, 10:57 AM	#26
Punkie Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 19,933	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes You can use the Fels Naptha __________________ GCM Admin and Moderator in Questions About the Message Board, Drawing Closer, Let's Talk, Weight Management, In the News, and Electronics. Homeschooling mom to 1 son (11) and 3 daughters (9, 5 and 3), student midwife, herbalist, and overly ambitious crafter

07-01-2005, 06:14 PM	#27
herbalwriter Rose Garden a nun in love with her herbs! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Virginia (Almost Heaven!) Posts: 12,026	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes Thank heavens. I will try that. I wish I could find Zote; it sounds more natural and safer, but this was the best I could do. __________________ Formerly Leah Elizabeth Battle Single, homeschooling mama to 7yo ds, born at home Freelance writer battlescribe.com Aspiring Herbalist currently studying with Vintage Remedies I blog about herbs and mountain life here.

07-13-2005, 12:19 AM	#28
KarenBoo Rose Trellis Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland, OR (temporary or permanent? We don't know!) Posts: 3,195	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes Just FYI, according to Clean House, Clean Planet, you use distilled water or purified water because it makes your cleaner work better. It has something to do with the way the detergents/borax/baking soda/what have you actually dissolve into the water to become a "cleaner." For windows and mirrors - my FAVORITE is simply 2 microfiber rags. Wet one with plain tap water and ring it out very well. Use that to clean with, and then go over it again with a dry rag. I do this ala "Karate Kid" wax on...wax off. It leaves no streaks and it cleans very well! __________________ Married to DH for 20 years. Mama to very sweet DD1 "Kitten" 5/03 (asthmatic, food, animal, environmental, and chemical allergies) and our "firecracker" DD2 "Monkey" 1/08 (also food allergies) crunchy, homeschooling, and eating Primal/Paleo, and seemingly never quite settled down anywhere.

07-14-2005, 09:44 AM	#29
Punkie Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 19,933	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes OK, I tried thisone and it really got the baked-on chili explosion out of my microwave! Microwave Cleaner 1/4 c. baking soda 1 tsp vinegar 5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil (I used lemon) Combine all ingredients and make a paste. Apply to the inside of the microwave using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open to air dry for 25 minutes __________________ GCM Admin and Moderator in Questions About the Message Board, Drawing Closer, Let's Talk, Weight Management, In the News, and Electronics. Homeschooling mom to 1 son (11) and 3 daughters (9, 5 and 3), student midwife, herbalist, and overly ambitious crafter

09-17-2005, 06:30 AM	#30
TrinMama Deactivated Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: California Posts: 9,436	Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes oooh, I am so excited to try some of these out! Here's another one to try for toilets: pour about a cup of vinegar (more or less, i never measure!) into the bowl, then add baking soda, about 2 T (again, I never measure, I only wait for it to bubble up!) Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with the brush up and down the inside of the bowl, and it will sparkle. Then, just flush! I also use vinegar in water for the floors, but my dh complains of the smell...maybe I am using too much vinegar?

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