Monday, June 30, 2008

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

Sunday, June 29, 2008

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

Saturday, June 28, 2008

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

Friday, June 27, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

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.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

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

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

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

Monday, June 23, 2008

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.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

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

Saturday, June 21, 2008

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

Friday, June 20, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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

Monday, June 16, 2008

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

Sunday, June 15, 2008

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

Saturday, June 14, 2008

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.

Friday, June 13, 2008

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!