Getting Rid Of Slugs

A great tip for getting rid of slugs in your garden is to fill a container with beer. Cut a small hole in the lid, and bury it in your garden. The lid should be flush with the ground! The slugs are drawn to the smell of the hops in the beer! Check occasionally, dump out and replace beer!

More Honey

Honey mixed with ground almonds makes an excellent facial cleansing scrub.
Here are some more benefits of Honey!

Honey also makes a great lotion for dry patches of skin on hands, elbows, or other parts. Just mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to hands, elbows, heels of your foot, etc., and wash off after 15 minutes. Fast relief!

Because it has antibacterial properties, Honey works well on chapped lips and for acne

Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with a cup of warm water. Use it as a mouthwash. Honey cleans teeth and dentures, and kills germs in the mouth.

Honey Lustrous Shine

To give your hair.. lustrous shine, mix 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse. And if you're a blond, add the juice of 1 lemon, too.

Honey Moisturizing pack

To make a great moisturizing pack. Just mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat, and let it do its job for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish splashing with cold water.

Honey Firming Mask

A tablespoon of honey whisked together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4 cup of flour makes an excellent firming mask. Just smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. You will be pleased with the results.

SCOURING POWDER

SCOURING POWDER Use the following mixture anywhere you would use a powdered cleanser.
1-1/2 cups Baking Soda
5 to 6 drops disinfectant essential oil (like thyme, clary sage, tea tree and grapefruit seed extract which have antibacterial properties).
1 Tbsp Borax for extra whitening, optional

Mix ingredients in an empty Parmesan cheese shaker or similar container. Label the container clearly and store it where it cannot be confused with food.

Furniture Polish

FURNITURE POLISH

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup Vinegar

2 tsp lemon juice

Mix in spray bottle. Apply liberally to wood surfaces.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Ceramic Tile Cleaner

CERAMIC TILE CLEANER An inexpensive cleaner for ceramic tile can be made by dissolving 1 tablespoon of trisodium phosphate (found in hardware stores) in 1/2 gallon of water. Store in a glass container. Always wear rubber gloves when preparing or applying the solution.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Carpet Cleaner

CARPET CLEANER Blend equal amounts of Salt and Baking Soda. Add several drops of white Vinegar to each 8 ounces of the dry mixture. Stir in sufficient water to form a paste. Spread the paste on the soiled area, and let it dry completely. Then brush away the powdery cleanser along with the dirt. In the case of stubborn stains, gently scrub the rug when the cleanser is first applied. Test in an inconspicuous place before use.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Lemon Oil Furniture Polish

LEMON OIL FURNITURE POLISH In 1 quart of mineral oil, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon oil (available at drugstores). Use a spray bottle to apply the polish. Wipe clean.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Flypaper

FLYPAPER Mix equal amounts of castor oil and melted resin. Spread the gooey mixture on nonporous paper (for example, magazine and catalog covers) with a warm knife. Leave the edges clear so that you can fasten the paper down wherever flies are a nuisance.

Remember that although the mixtures presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Creamy Furniture Polish

CREAMY FURNITURE POLISH Grate 2 1/2 ounces of beeswax into a tin can. Melt the wax by placing the can in a pan of preheated water. Blend 1 cup of turpentine with the melted wax. Using a separate vessel, dissolve 2 tablespoons of powdered rosin and 1 ounce of Castile soap in 2 cups of water. Add this to the turpentine mixture. Store the creamy polish in a glass jar. For use, rub a little at a time on furniture and polish with a dry soft cloth.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Leather Cleaner

LEATHER CLEANER To maintain leather articles in a clean, supple condition, combine these ingredients: 3/4 cup of Isopropyl Alcohol, 1/2 cup of white Vinegar, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir to blend. Keep the cleaner in a glass container. Rub it on leather with a damp sponge or cloth.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Lemon All Purpose Cleaner

LEMON ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
1-1/2 tsp Borax
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup hot water

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.
The lemon scent lingers.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Aromatic All Purpose Cleaner

AROMATIC ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

1/2 cup Vinegar
1 tsp Salt
4 cups water
2 to 3 drops of essential oil (thyme, clary sage, tea tree and grapefruit seed extract have antibacterial properties.)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Makes a large quantity of scented cleaner. Test in an inconspicuous place before use.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Rust Preventative

RUST PREVENTATIVE Combine raw linseed oil and about 30% turpentine. Coat steel tools like spades, chisels, etc, with the mixture. It will dry quickly, forming a longlasting, waterproof finish. When the coating eventually wears off, smear on another. Make sure that the steel is completely dry before applying the mixture, and never apply on wood.

Remember that although the mixture presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Ant Remedy

ANT REMEDY Save cucumber peelings and mix them with Salt. Wherever ants are a problem, place the mixture.

Remember that although the mixtures presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Glass Cleaner

GLASS CLEANERS Mix a handful of cornstarch in a pail of lukewarm water. Wash windows and mirrors with the solution, and wipe them dry. They will be clean and shiny.

Or mix 1 cup of Isopropyl Alcohol in 2 cups of water. Add 5 drops of Lactic Acid (found in paint or hardware stores). Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.

Another excellent window cleaner is made by stirring 2 tablespoons of Ethylene Glycol into 3 cups of water. (Ethylene glycol can be bought at service stations.) Put the solution in a spray bottle for use. Another safe window cleaner is made by mixing 1/4 cup Vinegar and 4 cups warm water. Pour ingredients into a leftover pump spray bottle. For best results, spray the mixture on the glass surface and rub with crumpled newspapers.


Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Herbal Deodorant

HERBAL DEODORANT Vinegar Fill a 1-pint jar with an aromatic material (flower blossoms, leaves, dried herbs, etc.). Heat 2 cups of white Vinegar. When it reaches the boiling point, add it to the jar. Put on the lid, and allow the mixture to stand for several weeks, shaking it daily. After two weeks, check the scent. If it is satisfactory, strain the jar's contents into a decorative container. Set it wherever odors are a problem.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Copper Cleaner

COPPER CLEANER Combine Vinegar and Salt. Apply the mixture to copper surfaces with a rag, and rub clean.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

Fabric Softener

FABRIC SOFTENER / CLOTHES FRESHENER

4 Tbsp Baking Soda
3 to 4 drops essential oil

Add to final rinse cycle in washing machine.

4 Tbsp = 60 mL

All Purpose Disinfectant

ALL-PURPOSE DISINFECTANT
2 tsp Borax
1/4 cup Vinegar
2 tsp disinfecting essential oil (thyme, clary sage, tea tree and grapefruit seed extract have antibacterial properties.)

4 cups hot water

Mix ingredients and store in a pump spray bottle.Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Fly Remedy

FLY REMEDY To keep flies out of the house, mix equal amounts of bay leaf pieces, coarsely ground cloves, broken eucalyptus leaves, and clover blossoms.

Put this blend in small bags of mesh or some loosely woven material, Hang them just inside entrance doors to repel flies.

Roach Control

ROACH CONTROL Place shallow pans or fruit jar lids containing powdered Borax in dark corners of the house, especially around the kitchen sink and cabinets. Replace with fresh Borax once a week. Do not allow any food waste or pet food to accumulate in infested areas.

Remember that although the mixtures presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Mice Control

MICE CONTROL Mix corn meal and dry Portland cement, half-and-half. Place in shallow containers where mice run.

Mice are said to have an aversion to spearmint, and some people have reported that placing some of the dried herb in areas where mice were a problem has sent them to other areas.

Remember that although the mixtures presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Fire Extingusihing Powder

FIRE-EXTINGUSIHING POWDER Make a low cost, effective fire extinguishing powder by combining 6 pounds of fine silica mason sand (available from building supplies dealer) and 2 pounds of sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda). Mix them thoroughly, and keep the powder in 1 pound glass or metal containers. Locate them in strategic places. When extinguishing flames, scatter the mixture onto the base of the fire.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Floor Cleaner

FLOOR CLEANER

3/4 cup Vinegar
5 drops citrus essential oil (thyme, clary sage, tea tree and grapefruit seed extract also have antibacterial properties.)

4 quarts warm water

For wood, linoleum and vinyl floors.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

TOILET BOWL CLEANER

1 cup Vinegar
Baking soda

Pour the Vinegar directly into the toilet bowl and let stand for 3° minutes. Sprinkle Baking Soda onto toilet brush and scour. From now on, pour 1 cup of Vinegar into the toilet bowl once a month and let stand overnight. This keeps the bowl fresh. Alternatively you can pour 1 cup of Borax into the toilet bowl before going to bed. In the morning, scrub and flush. For extra strength, add 1/4 cup Vinegar to the Borax.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Laundry Soap

LAUNDRY SOAP
8 cups Baking Soda
6 cups Borax
1 Tbsp essential oil of lavender, lemon or grapefruit

Mix all four ingredients in a large ice cream pail or similar container and keep in the laundry room. Use only 2 Tbsp (30mL) of powder per load of washing.

Remember that although the cleansers presented here are homemade and environmentally friendly, they must be properly labelled, kept out of the reach of children and stored safely at all times.

Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous place before use.

1 tsp = 5 mL
1-1/2 tsp = 8 mL
2 tsp = 10 mL
1 Tbsp = 15 mL
2 Tbsp = 30 mL
4 Tbsp = 60 mL

1/4 cup = 60 mL
1/2 cup = 120 mL
3/4 cup = 180 mL
1 cup = 240 mL
1-1/2 cups = 360 mL
4 cups = 1 L
6 cups = 1.5 L

4 quarts= 4 L

Drain Opener

DRAIN OPENER
1-1/2 cups Vinegar
2 Tbsp Baking Soda.

Pour the ingredients into the clogged drain. Wait five minutes and pour in hot water. Repeat, if necessary.

I don't pay any attention or believe the commercials that I see on the television or any of the ads in print. No, my world would not fall apart without the latest household cleaning product that promise me (us) whiter-than-white, brighter-than bright and cleaner-than-clean. There are hundreds of them on grocery store shelves available in powders, foams and sprays, Liquids and Gels. Specially formula products for every household surface like toilets, sinks, countertops, floors, woodwork, etc. Even the air that in my home can be treated with spray cleanser that claims to kill germs and yet leave a fresh scent.

The truth is that any number of these products are so much hype. Sure the majority of them work well enough, but at what cost? Some are costly in an economic sense; or we pay an enivironmental price for others. Air refresheners routinely contain formaldehyde; furniture polish might contain Nitrobenzene. Some toilet cleaners have Hydrochloric Acid in them. And there are plenty of other commercial products that contain Phospates, Bleach or Ammonia. Considering the large quantities of these products that are sold, these active ingredients do little for our health or our environment.

It's enough to make anyone with a concern for their environment to reconsider their weekly house cleaning routine. So what is a "environmentally concerned person" (like me)to do?

Fortunately, there are really only six main ingedients needed for most household cleaning task. All of them have been around for years and have proven themselves effective, but they don't get a lot of the advertisng. They are
(1)White Vinegar,
(2)Lemon juice, (
3)Water,
(4)Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate), used as a cleanser and to absorb odors. The leavening agent in baking bread.
(5)BoraxSodium borate, a mineral Salt that has been used as an antiseptic since the Middle ages.
(6)Castille bar soap True Castile is a mild, olive oil-based pure soap. In fact, any all-natural, all-vegetable, biodegradable and phosphate-free bar soap makes a good "green" cleanser. For the recipes in which it is called for, simply grate the soap bar with a cheese grater.
Note: Be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that a product called "Castille" or "all-natural" is genuine and doesn't contain sodium laurel sulphates, synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring or scent or foaming agents.

With these basic ingredients, you can make household cleaners to take care of most everyday cleaning needs.

Add Salt, Club Soda and your favorite essential oils to the list and your are ready for any stubborn stains or cleaning problems. Not only using homemade cleansers are economical, they are relatively environmentally benign and safer for everyone in your house!