Do it Yourself Green Cleaning

I love making my own cleaners....it is inexpensive, better for your family, and I feel like I have accomplished something cool when I am done and when I am using them. These amazing recipes for cleaners come from Women's Voices For The Earth (www.womenandenvironment.org)!

All Purpose Cleaner
suggested uses: hard surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors, windows & mirrors.
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops essential oil (optional)
Tip: warming in microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Only microwave in a glass container.

Creamy Soft Scrub
suggested uses: kitchen counters, stoves, bathroom sinks, etc.
*I LOVE this stuff!
2 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid castile soap (I like the almond)
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (preservative)
5 or more drops essential oil (Note: you don't need if you buy the castile soap with fragrance)
Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar for up to 2 years.
Tip: for exceptionally tough jobs, spray with vinegar first--full strenth or diluted. Let sit and follow with scrub.

Drain Opener
**This really works!
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar
Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.

Laundry Detergent
***This is all I use now and I have three boys...it works great!
1 cup soap flakes
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
Soap flakes can be made by grating your favorite pure vegetable soap with a cheese grater. Mix ingredients together and store in a glass container. Use 1 tablespoon per load (2 for heavy soiled loads).

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Option 1
Sprinkle toilet bowl with baking soda, drizzle with white distilled vinegar, let soak for 30 minutes and scrub with toilet brush.
Option 2
Add 1/4 cup borax to toilet bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Swish with a toilet brush and then scrub. A few drops of pine oil can be added for increased disinfecting.

To blog or not to blog

I have been thinking about starting a blog for years and after convincing a friend it would be a great idea, I have decided to do it too! More to come........