Hints Natural Cleaning

Hints

organicmama 16 years ago

Sallyjo shared her secret to keeping her drains clean with me. Pour 2 Tablespoons of coffee grounds down your sink or tub every day to keep them clear. She says you can use unbrewed coffee too.

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mumtazcatering 16 years ago said:

thanks mama for the wonderful hint . my outside drain is slightly blocked
will be trying it today
warmest regards
mumtaz

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invisiblechef 16 years ago said:

Because if I haven't gotten to the coffee pot before him to dump his grounds he always dumps them down the sink, and we had a huge disaster and coffee grounds were coming out of the dishwasher which had clogged up and also out of the valves. I think maybe it may be because it was more than 2 tbsp or something.

But here is another alternative - after making tea I always pour the left over boiling hot water down the sink drain - sometimes I add baking soda. Just remember never to dump grease down the drain.

On the subject of sinks, sticking ice-cubes or half a used lemon down there and grinding it up a bit will remove gross odors.

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

Ok,I am hoping the grounds work, I went and bought a big can of coffee today to use. I know Sallyjo said it will take time, but will soon have the pipes free of anything. I'm hoping it doesn't clog anything, I will update on how it comes out.

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organicmama 16 years ago said:

I have to tell you, I love the smell of coffee and the whole house smells of coffee, the kids even asked me why they could smell coffee. So that is one good thing.

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invisiblechef 16 years ago said:

Almost time for that spring cleaning we all love, so this should be the perfect time to start using safe non toxic ingredients, and throw out your toxic ones.

Here are some tips for using safe natural cleaning.

First some Information on toxic cleaners, concerns, and then non toxic alternatives to use.

Ammonia and all-purpose synthetic cleaners, can or are skin irritants, and also the aerosol spray is a concern. A non toxic alternative could be 1 quart hot water in a pump-spray bottle with liquid soap like castile liquid soap, readily available through on line catalogs or also you can use a liquid soap like seventh generation, non toxic. Also you could add borax.

Drain Cleaners, contain lye which is poisonous.( and harmful to the environment) Instead use baking soda vinegar mix or 1/2 cup each salt and baking soda, followed by hot water and using a plunger.

Dish washing liquid, often has ammonia, artificial fragrance, dyes. Look for environmentally safe products or use liquid castile soap, with a few drops of your favorite mix of essential oil or oils.

Dishwasher detergent, chlorine! use Green products instead, you can add a bit of borax to boost cleaning/ and to keep your product lasting longer. So it's great for your budget too.

Germ Killing disinfectants, contain Cresol, ethanol, formaldehyde, phenol. Bad for asthma suffers, and anxiety sufferers, also bad for the environment and your home environment.

Glass cleaners, Ammonia, blue dye. Instead you can use half water.half vinegar in pump spray bottle, of course I like to add a few drops of lemon essential oil, or even squeeze a half a lemon in.

Mold and Mildew cleaners, Contain Formaldehyde, kerosene, pentachlorophenol, phenol. Instead you can use Borax, or Vinegar and Water. In the bathroom always crack your window a bit before taking a shower too for prevention.

Why Green clean? well only about 2,000 of the chemicals in commercial use have even been evaluated by the national toxicology program, some spray cleaners ( for example) contain the neurotoxin butyl cellosolve, which can be absorbed by the skin. Carpet shampoos and upholstery cleaners emit ammonia, ethanol, and other toxins that can disrupt endocrine and nervous system activity. I know I can tell when I used to use bleach, that something wasn't right, i was very lightheaded, and would get very dizzy and have to lay down for awhile.
Many detergents and fabric softeners can cause allergies and eye irritations, while some air fresheners contain toxins that can disrupt liver metabolism and lung capacity. Not good at all if your child has asthma, or if you suffer from serious illness.

An Environmental Protection Agency study finds that toxins in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions are most at risk from these toxins.... I think this is reason enough to switch to natural, non abrasive, non toxic cleaners, read this. Petroleum-based products are made from a nonrenewable resource, approximately 500,000 tons of commercial cleaners are washed down American drains every year, contributing to water pollution.

To avoid petroleum products, use vegetable based castile liquid soaps. Here is a simple recipe.

1 cup liquid castile soap

1/4 tsp baking soda

4-5 drops tea tree essential oil

2 tbsp witch hazel

Other safe, natural cleaning- like the ones listed above under alternatives, include of course Vinegar, borax, baking soda, lemon juice.

Although natural cleaning products ( may, depending on how your up keep is ) require a bit more 'elbow grease' it's well worth the effort, for you family, yourself and the environments health. Also your home will be much more welcoming and smell so much fresher!

This is a collaboration of a bunch of different reading and research that I've been doing.

For further reading, check out Essential Environments, by Janie Quinn

The living Beauty Detox program, by Ann Louise

"Petrochemicals in Cleaners?" by Emily Main, Green Guide.

Toxic Overload, by Paula Baille-Hamilton PhD

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