No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #120 on: April 14, 2008, 10:02:06 AM » by ladyhen

Marilyn,

I think of raw apple cider vinegar used as a cleaner in the same way I think of good, active yoghurt cultures or other fermented foods in our diet. If the 'bad' bacterias and organisms are removed through environmental means or through chemical or pharmaceutical use then they need to be replaced with 'good' bacteria in order to promote and maintain a healthy environment that is strong and prevents overgrowth of 'bad' bacteria. The raw apple cider vinegar is full of good bacteria. It doesn't go bad or decay if it's used to clean and left on a surface. If orange or lemon peel are tinctured in the vinegar, then the oils in the peel are extracted by the vinegar and that is why the scent is transferred. Not a problem, really, unless you leave the fruit pulp on the peel.

In my opinion, there would be more problems with illness in a completely sterile environment, hence my preference for cleaning with vinegar or mild natural soaps. I believe I have seen studies that the overuse of antibacterial products has been shown to not be healthy.

GSE or GSC is grapefruit seed extract or crush, which is a concentrate that is antimicrobial. EO means essential oil.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #121 on: April 14, 2008, 10:35:20 AM » by Marilyn.

Hi Ladyhen,
You might be right about the vinegar. I don't have any experience with it. It seems to be well accepted by this group, so I would call it "field tested."

I think you're absolutely right about keeping good bacteria in our systems. I've seen a big difference now that I'm taking a probiotic. But, I'm not sure about good bacteria on my counter.

I, too, have read about the overuse of antibacterial products. I stopped using them a few years ago. I thought I was keeping my family healthy by eliminating all the germs and bacteria that I could. Now, I know better. We need the good bacteria we've been talking about.

Over the last 3 years, we've replaced all our cleaning products with non-toxic ones. And we haven't been sick - not even a little cold. The world is going green. It's impossible to ignore all the media coverage. And everyone I talk with seems to be changing their attitude and their habits.

Thanks for the gse and eo info.

~Marilyn

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #122 on: April 14, 2008, 11:37:42 AM » by mommie

by cleaning with non toxic cleaners most likely it is leaving the good bacteria on your counter...GSE and EO's kill the bad and leave the good...I would imagine your cleaners if not anti bacterial and natural do the same...Would you mind sharing what cleaners you use? If you're o.k with the price I would stick with what you are happy with...my cleaners that I make cost me roughly 25 cents to 75 per bottle and they are all natural...I love them...it helps save $ and the environment...if I bouht it at a store it would probably cost around 3-5 dollars...that is why I make mine rather than buying a natural one already made

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #123 on: April 14, 2008, 12:25:10 PM » by Marilyn.

Hi Chrissyjoy,
I use Shaklee products. In a way, I make mine, too. The bottle of Basic H2 is very concentrated. So, I can mix up the strength of cleaner that I need. Mostly, I use it as a general cleaner – 1/4 tsp to 16 oz filtered water.

So here’s the breakdown in my cost . . .

A 16 oz bottle of Basic H2 retails for $11.95.
It makes 384 pints of general cleaner for a cost of 3¢ a pint.

If I buy that same bottle at the member price of $10.15
My cost is about 2.5¢ a pint.

Since I order it online, I pay a shipping charge. But, I weigh the cost of shipping against the cost of gas and car expenses. Plus, it saves me time.

In the interest of full disclosure . . .
I not only use Shaklee products, I’m also a distributor.
But, we can still be friends.

~Marilyn

« Last Edit: April 14, 2008, 12:41:39 PM by Marilyn. »
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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #124 on: April 14, 2008, 04:09:18 PM » by mommie

I've heard the shaklee stuff was very good... Didn't realize it was so cost efficient...I'm assuming the link is to a site to buy from you? I might be interested at those prices.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #125 on: April 14, 2008, 04:29:33 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: chrissyjoy on April 14, 2008, 11:37:42 AM

I've been unable to substantiate what you've mentioned about GSE. There is some evidence to lend to the fact that GSE may be broad spectrum much like penicillin. I've been reluctant to use it regularly for this reason. I'm not so sure that it doesn't kill everything just like the other antibiotics on the market. Just something to look into. If you do happen to have some documentation that proves otherwise, I'd be interested to see it.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #126 on: April 14, 2008, 07:08:32 PM » by Marilyn.

Hi Chrissyjoy,
I believe Shaklee products are very good, too. And yes, the link is to my Shaklee site. You'll find my contact info there if you need it.

And here's a video clip from
Oprah's Earth Day show last year. She featured Shaklee Get Clean products. Oprah recommends and uses them.

I'll be interested to know how this compares to the homemade products you're using now.

~Marilyn

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #127 on: April 15, 2008, 12:12:05 AM » by mommie

Ya know I read it in a book about GSE I rented from the library...I will have to look into this more and see what I can come up with and post it...Thanks for bringing that up...I believe my midwife also told me it only killed the good in regards to taking it internally...of course this is again only hear say...I'll have to look up some solid documentation...I can say I take it internally quite a bit and don't seem to have problems as far as what it would be like to be on a reg antibiotic that often ( yeast infections, getting sick more often, etc... )

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #128 on: April 15, 2008, 09:29:03 AM » by ladyhen

Aura Cacia is having a discussion about nontoxic cleaners this week. Just received this notice from one of my suppliers.
*******************************
"Expert Chat on Natural
Spring Cleaning

Your customers are looking for alternatives to cleaning products loaded with toxic chemicals. Chat with Tim Blakley and Aura Cacia's other aromatherapy experts to learn how pure essential oils and other natural ingredients can be used to effectively clean the home. Specific home-cleaning solutions will be shared --and we'll review the ingredients in common cleaning products that should be avoided. Go to http://www.auracacia.com/chat/index.html on April 17 at 7 pm CST to log on -- or anytime before then to get more information."

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #129 on: April 17, 2008, 08:40:33 PM » by mommie

http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128023

here is a article about GSE and its antibacterial properties...it talks about ratios of 1:512 being bacteri\cidal and completely non toxic...i still need to look into the good/bad bacteria thing but if there are 200 drops of water in an oz...than 1 drop per oz would way more than work...of course it didn't state the ratio of GSE they were using I assumed it was straight citradel so if you had nutribiotics it would already be diluted 1:2 I believe...it says it can be toxic up to 1:128...am i doing my math here correctly ladies? 1 drop per oz should be good? for those of you who read it I'd like your feed back...it mentions things being 'disrupted w/i 15 mins of contact...do you guys think it mean 15 after contact or it must sit for 15 mins??

« Last Edit: April 17, 2008, 08:43:21 PM by chrissyjoy »
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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #130 on: April 23, 2008, 04:56:47 PM » by mommie

http://books.google.com/books?id=XvTU7WAmTQ0C&pg=PA12&dq=grapefruit+seed+extract+friendly+bacteria&lr=&source=gbs_toc_s&cad=1&sig=6XRxqtqQDURoeGGcecdsZSGPuro#PPA24,M1
This is not the book I read it in initially and its not a documented research study but here's something about it...so far all I've found is one person says it does and another it doesn't..no hard fast studies...this is about internally as well not cleaning...

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #131 on: April 24, 2008, 01:00:34 AM » by herbalmom

Does anyone know a non toxic way of getting the green stuff off of copper? I have a copper fire bowl with stand that I bought second hand & I love it but it apparently had water sitting in it before I got it & the inside bowl portion is green. Not slimy algae green, turned copper green. I'm hoping that someone knows an easy, non toxic way to clean it. Thanks. Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #132 on: April 24, 2008, 10:08:56 AM » by MamaSong

Quote from: herbalmom on April 24, 2008, 01:00:34 AM

Any acid, like vinegar or lemon juice should be able to get the green off the copper.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #133 on: April 24, 2008, 10:23:32 AM » by mommyoftwins

I cleaned some ketchup off of my copper-bottom pot and found that the copper was like new! Cheesy

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #134 on: April 24, 2008, 11:28:53 AM » by beverett

Quote from: healthybratt on April 14, 2008, 04:29:33 PM

Quote from: chrissyjoy on April 14, 2008, 11:37:42 AM

I have never posted here before so I am not sure I am doing this right, but, there was some questioning on the properties of gse and whether or not it kills good/bad or both. I read in Herbal Antibiotcs that it is "of all herbs, it is perhaps the only true 'antibiotic',the literal meaning of which is antilife...gse can kill of all intestinal or skin bacteria..gsehas been found to be more pawerful as a cleaning disinfectant than most hospital preperations." It was shown to be 100% effective in disinfecting, I would think that to mean good and bad. Also, I am pretty sure that I read an article from beeyoutiful in which they reccomend a probiotic when taking gse internally. Also in Hebal Antibiotics the author says "Extensive internal doses can kill of all intestinal bacteria much as broad-spectrum antibiotics will, with the same problematic side effects." Sorry this is so much

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #135 on: May 01, 2008, 10:21:05 AM » by Siege

I am fulfilling a request for this wonderful toilet cleaner recipe that I used last night:

From The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier

No-Scrub Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1 Cup Borax
1Cup Vinegar
10 drops pine OR lavendar EO
5 drops lemon OR lime EO

Combine all ingredients in a plastic bowl or bottle and pour all at once into the toilet bowl. Allow to sit overnight. In the morning, just flush!

I used lavendar with lemon cuz that is what I had. I put it in one toilet that had a ring and most the ring is gone (the other part of the ring is a chemical burn I think). The other toilet I did it to had stains in the very bottom that you could see but not reach with a brush (where it starts to become a tube) and this morning they were gone! Even my dh, who often thinks I am crazy, was impressed!

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #136 on: May 01, 2008, 10:48:43 AM » by ArmyWife

I wonder if this would work as well for bathtub stains, esp. under the rubber mat where it stays wet; maybe mix with water and spray on, then wash off the next morning. Any thoughts?

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #137 on: May 01, 2008, 11:14:45 AM » by Siege

The book has TONS of ideas in it for things like that. I recommend borrowing the book or buying it (I got it on sale from the company in my signature, click on my sig to see). I love the book! CJ

P.S. I am not posting more recipes because there are SO many that I use! Get the book, it is GREAT!

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #138 on: August 14, 2008, 10:14:31 AM » by hi_itsgwen

Quote

if there are 200 drops of water in an oz...than 1 drop per oz would way more than work...of course it didn't state the ratio of GSE they were using I assumed it was straight citradel so if you had nutribiotics it would already be diluted 1:2 I believe...it says it can be toxic up to 1:128...am i doing my math here correctly ladies? -chrissyjoy

My research suggests that there are 600 drops per ounce. That is the standard measurement used in pharmeceutical/apothecary preparations. It does depend on what you're using to 'drop' with. The standard medicine dropper (big plastic kind) is closer to 200 drops. The little pipette bottle droppers are closer to 600.

HTH!
Gwen

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #139 on: August 16, 2008, 08:30:58 AM » by homesteadmommy

what are the dangers of bleach. while canning with a friend she wanted to wash her jars with cleach to bleach to clean them out. I know that can't be good for you but I need some info to substantiate my opinion. Thanks for any help!

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #140 on: June 02, 2009, 02:26:33 PM » by orcuttranch

I don't know if I'm posting this in the right place, but . . . I have switched my household cleaners to vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. My kitchen sink is white and I can't seem to get that nice white "bleached" look anymore with just these products. Would the lemon essential oil in my cleaner work better than straight lemon juice?

Also, I was in the health food store the other day and asked the guy there about oils. I thought Lavender was the one that was a disinfectant. He said that he would use GSE. I couldn't remember because I have read so much on oils lately that it has all become a blur. I ended up with Grapefruit EO - which I am sure is not GSE? Would grapefruit eo do the same thing as lemon eo? Trying to find out before I return it.

Plus, from what I have read, I don't necessarily want to use gse because it kills the good bacteria, too? Should I definitely get lavender instead? Are there other oils that are disinfectant? I'm a little overwhelmed here. I just want something for a general all purpose cleaner.

Thanks

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #141 on: June 02, 2009, 04:10:45 PM » by lovingmomof2

Here is what I do for my all purpose cleaner. I fill a spray bottle with water leaving enough room for about 2-3 TBSP's of vinegar, a few drops of dish soap and any EO you like for sent. It works great. I usually use lemon EO, because I love the smell of lemon.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #142 on: June 02, 2009, 04:33:58 PM » by ladyhen

Quote from: orcuttranch on June 02, 2009, 02:26:33 PM

My kitchen sink is white and I can't seem to get that nice white "bleached" look anymore with just these products.

I'm assuming your sink is porcelain?

You may be happiest with scouring the sink with a paste of baking soda and a little water; scrubbing in small circles. This would act as a mild rubbing compound. If needed, add a little soap to this or salt for extra scouring action.

I generally don't use anything in my sink other than the dishcloth with the dishwashing water or a shake of salt, if needed. Sometimes wipe it out with the vinegar water when I'm wiping things off.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #143 on: June 02, 2009, 05:43:40 PM » by orcuttranch

Quote from: ladyhen on June 02, 2009, 04:33:58 PM

Quote from: orcuttranch on June 02, 2009, 02:26:33 PM

My kitchen sink is white and I can't seem to get that nice white "bleached" look anymore with just these products.

That's what I was afraid of. I did make a paste with the baking soda. Then used the vinegar and even straight lemon juice and scrubbed and scrubbed. It got most of the stains, but there is still a faint tannish tinge to the sink and I have a tea stain that will not budge with it. Maybe I'll see if the salt will help. I thought too that maybe I should make the paste out of baking soda and lemon juice and let it sit overnight?

I don't really know what kind of sink it is except that it is not porcelain or fiberglass. I have porcelain in the bathroom and it isn't like that. I had fiberglass in our old house and it isn't like that either. It came with the solid surface counters that we have, although it is more porous than the counters themselves. I think that is why I seem to have problems. I was thinking that I should just keep on like I am, but maybe when company's coming over give in and break out the soft scrub with bleach. I just don't like the dingy look even if I know it is germ free.

I am glad to find out that the eo is just for scent really. I don't mind the vinegar smell at all and as long as that will disinfect, I'm happy. Maybe I'll try some eo for the kids' sake, though when they're doing the cleaning. They run out of the bathroom gagging when I have them use the vinegar.

One more question - isn't lavender supposed to disinfect? I have since asked two different store managers at our local health food store and they both said no. Maybe I read something wrong?

Oh - I have noticed, though that my sink stays cleaner longer since I've been using the vinegar and lemon juice than when I used to use bleach. I thought that was interesting. Then I read the post on here about the good bacteria lingering . . . I'm convinced.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #144 on: June 02, 2009, 06:02:47 PM » by ladyhen

Here's an article from an essential oil manufacturer about using eo's for cleaning;

Aura Cacia cleaning

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #145 on: June 02, 2009, 08:32:22 PM » by orcuttranch

Quote from: ladyhen on June 02, 2009, 06:02:47 PM

Here's an article from an essential oil manufacturer about using eo's for cleaning;

Aura Cacia cleaning

Thank you for that! I was beginning to think I lost my mind and was delusional about lavender being a natural disinfectant.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #146 on: June 02, 2009, 09:23:08 PM » by mommie

yeah, EO's are not just for scent...If you have a true EO and not a perfume or something of that nature. i use NOW's brand EO's. I do 1 drop of GSE (grapefruit seed extract) per oz. Then Tea tree oil is another great disinfectant...So i use 1/2 a drop TTO per oz and 1/2 drop Lemon oil per oz I find this to be the best ALL PURPOSE disinfectant..Cuts grease in the kitchen yet can still do mirrors w/o streaking ... your first bath on the mirrors need to include a squirt of detergent dishsoap or something of the detergent nature to get the windex film off..other wise it will streak.
lemon, orange, eucalyptus and peppermint all have some antibacterial qualities, but Lavendar, tea tree, oregano, thyme and rosemary seem to be the best from what I can remember of my studies. but Lav and TT are safe while preggo and nursing so I have stuck with them. lav and tt are also safe to be put directly on skin which makes me feel more comfortable too (I put oregano on my lip the other day w/o diluting it..BIG MISTAKE!...I do this w/ tto all the time)

GSE isn't an essiential oil....but is GREAT internally, externally and gets rid of ALL the bad stuff...Some say it kills everything, some say no...my experience is its GREAT...so I use it! Wink

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #147 on: June 03, 2009, 01:49:14 PM » by orcuttranch

Thank you so much for all the info. I have really been researching a lot lately on just being more healthy in general. I love this site because I can find so many answers easily!

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #148 on: June 11, 2009, 10:11:08 AM » by T

Quote from: orcuttranch on June 02, 2009, 02:26:33 PM

I My kitchen sink is white and I can't seem to get that nice white "bleached" look anymore with just these products.

Try a paste of salt and lemon juice. Let it sit for a while then scrub or even just rinse if you're concerned about pitting the finish. That is a great bleach for clothing stains (especially mildew) that we used to rub on and then set in the sun. Both ingredients are natural bleaching agents. Bon Ami is also only made of ground egg shells and is non-toxic.

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Re: No Chemicals/Non Toxic Household Cleaners
« Reply #149 on: June 11, 2009, 03:35:57 PM » by MommabyHisgrace

Someone just sent me an email about using hydrogen peroxide for this very thing. I used half a squirt bottle of water and the other half hydrogen peroxide. Sprayed it all over the counters and into the sink--let it sit for about 15 -30 min. and it was actually white. Oh, and you could use the Bon Ami for any harsher stains. Just a thought!

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