The Farmers' Market season is officially over so we are on a little break just in time for the holidays. In the meantime, feel free to purchase our products at Local Harvest, Maude's Market, Verde Kids, Sappington Farmers Market and Pets in the City. We will also be opening a store on Etsy so feel free to purchase our products through there as well.
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions be sure to drop us a line. simplesudsstl@gmail.com
Be sure to stay tuned to the blog as well. We look forward to experimenting more with green cleaning and passing our results along to you.
Thanks so much for your support!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Dusting, dusting and more dusting.
Another recipe for dusting!
Cedarwood Dusting Aid
The Naturally Clean Home
Karyn Siegel-Maier
Copyright 2008
1/2 c. oil soap (author recommends Murphy's Oil Soap)
3/4 c. water
5 drops sweet orange essential oil or patchouli essential oil
15-20 drops cedar essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto wood and wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Cedarwood Dusting Aid
The Naturally Clean Home
Karyn Siegel-Maier
Copyright 2008
1/2 c. oil soap (author recommends Murphy's Oil Soap)
3/4 c. water
5 drops sweet orange essential oil or patchouli essential oil
15-20 drops cedar essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto wood and wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Dusting... blech. Although I can't make it any more simpler than it is, I can make it easier on your pocket book.
Source: Clean House, Clean Planet
Author: Karen Logan
Copyright 1997
Dust to Dust
2 tsp. Olive Oil (the lighter the oil the better)
20 drops of pure Lemon Essential Oil
1/4 c. White Distilled Vinegar
Water (to fill rest of bottle)
16 oz. Spray Bottle
Be sure to shake bottle well before each use.
Spray this formula on your rag or directly onto furniture. Wipe it dry immediately. Good for cabinets, furniture, wood paneling and picture frames. The olive oil conditions and the vinegar cleans.
Average cost per fill of the 16 oz. bottle = .60 cents.
note: I really liked this stuff! I will definitely be making it again.
Source: Clean House, Clean Planet
Author: Karen Logan
Copyright 1997
Dust to Dust
2 tsp. Olive Oil (the lighter the oil the better)
20 drops of pure Lemon Essential Oil
1/4 c. White Distilled Vinegar
Water (to fill rest of bottle)
16 oz. Spray Bottle
Be sure to shake bottle well before each use.
Spray this formula on your rag or directly onto furniture. Wipe it dry immediately. Good for cabinets, furniture, wood paneling and picture frames. The olive oil conditions and the vinegar cleans.
Average cost per fill of the 16 oz. bottle = .60 cents.
note: I really liked this stuff! I will definitely be making it again.
Monday, August 2, 2010
SimpleSuds loves customer feedback!
Hello there.
My husband and I purchased some of your Heavy Duty Simple Suds about a month ago, and we really love it! We were skeptical that only 2 Tbsps were going to do the job on a large load of clothes, but it is great. The clothes came out smelling fresh and clean, and were softer to boot! Even today my husband asked if we had used it all, and said he was really missing it!
(BTW we got approx. 21 full loads out of the bag with our high-capacity load washer -- but I only marked down the full ones, there were probably a few smaller loads in there too!)
My husband and I purchased some of your Heavy Duty Simple Suds about a month ago, and we really love it! We were skeptical that only 2 Tbsps were going to do the job on a large load of clothes, but it is great. The clothes came out smelling fresh and clean, and were softer to boot! Even today my husband asked if we had used it all, and said he was really missing it!
(BTW we got approx. 21 full loads out of the bag with our high-capacity load washer -- but I only marked down the full ones, there were probably a few smaller loads in there too!)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Dingy Socks?
White damask napkins, linens, and even socks can be whitened on the stove!
1. Fill a pot with water and a few slices of lemon.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Turn off heat.
4. Add items (such as socks).
5. Let soak for up to 1 hour.
6. Wash as usual.
For extra brightening, spead them out in the sunlight to dry.
Source: Martha Stewart Living
1. Fill a pot with water and a few slices of lemon.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Turn off heat.
4. Add items (such as socks).
5. Let soak for up to 1 hour.
6. Wash as usual.
For extra brightening, spead them out in the sunlight to dry.
Source: Martha Stewart Living
Soap vs. Detergent
What is the difference between soap and detergent? Soap is made from natural ingredients (either plant- or animal-based ones), while detergent commonly refers to a synthetic product.
Soaps are made by mixing a fat (plant or animal) with a caustic soda (like lye or potassium hydroxide). Soaps require very little energy in the production process and can be made without having any leftover by-products. Soaps have been around for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands. Soaps do biodegrade in our waterways, which are better for your health and the environment. They are the most natural option.
The most widely-used detergent, sodium lauryl sulfate, is created by reacting sulfuric acid with dodecanol (a fatty alcohol), adding a few other chemicals, heating it up, and adding more chemicals. On the average, there are about 10 steps in the production of a detergent. Household detergents became widely available in the US in the 1940's as a result of wartime shortages of the fats and oils needed for soap production. Detergents can be very harmful and toxic to our waterways.
Soaps are made by mixing a fat (plant or animal) with a caustic soda (like lye or potassium hydroxide). Soaps require very little energy in the production process and can be made without having any leftover by-products. Soaps have been around for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands. Soaps do biodegrade in our waterways, which are better for your health and the environment. They are the most natural option.
The most widely-used detergent, sodium lauryl sulfate, is created by reacting sulfuric acid with dodecanol (a fatty alcohol), adding a few other chemicals, heating it up, and adding more chemicals. On the average, there are about 10 steps in the production of a detergent. Household detergents became widely available in the US in the 1940's as a result of wartime shortages of the fats and oils needed for soap production. Detergents can be very harmful and toxic to our waterways.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
New items coming your way.
SimpleSuds is currently working on some new stuff!
Soon we will have a new laundry soap formula specifically designed with your baby in mind.
On the K-9 front we will be introducing a carpet treatment to help repel pesky fleas and other six leggeds that bother your pooch.
Got any items you'd like to see produce. Drop us a line and we'll see what we can do.
Soon we will have a new laundry soap formula specifically designed with your baby in mind.
On the K-9 front we will be introducing a carpet treatment to help repel pesky fleas and other six leggeds that bother your pooch.
Got any items you'd like to see produce. Drop us a line and we'll see what we can do.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
SimpleSuds is now available at Local Harvest!
Thanks to the fine folks at Local Harvest you have another place to purchase SimpleSuds! Besides for their retail location listed below you should also check out their booth at the Tower Grove Farmers Market.
Location:
Location:
- Saint Louis, MO, 63116
- Phone:
- 314-865-5260
- Mon - Fri:
- 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sat - Sun:
- 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday, June 10, 2010
SimpleSuds K-9 Available at Pets in the City!
We produced a specialty blend of SimpleSuds that contains the citronella, cedarwood, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. Specially formulated to repel 6 legged creatures. Great for dog bedding and clothing or any other clothing for that matter. This formula can be found at Pets in the City, 1919 S. 12th St. in Soulard.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
We Are Bringing Buckets!
Hey Byrnes Mill and Old North City! We are coming back and we will be selling SimpleSuds by the cup! Bring your own re-usable container and receive your laundry soap at a discounted price. .25 cents less per cup!
Friday, June 4, 2010
North City Farmers' Market!
Don't forget to look for us at the North City Farmers' Market on Saturday, June 5th! For more info on the market visit their website at http://northcityfarmersmarket.org/
Stop by and visit Jenn and Debbi (filling in for Glenda) as they sing the praises of SimpleSuds and green cleaning!
Stop by and visit Jenn and Debbi (filling in for Glenda) as they sing the praises of SimpleSuds and green cleaning!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
You are using too much laundry detergent, YES, YOU!!
If you are filling the cap or scoop, yes, you probably are using too much laundry detergent. I was just as guilty as the next person, for years I was loyal to my favorite commercial laundry detergent and always filled the cap to the top. At times, I would remember to use a smaller amount; but after a wash or two, I returned to my old ways. Using too much detergent was killing my clothes and my machine. Recently, an article in the New York Times reports the over usage of detergents, by stating "most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need, and they’re pouring money down the drain." See the article.
With SimpleSuds laundry soap, you only use 1 tablespoon for HE or 2 tablespoons for a regular machine. It is easy to measure, just grab a measuring spoon from your kitchen. By using the correct amount, you ultimately save our waterways, reduce irritations, breathe easier, and save a little cash.
With SimpleSuds laundry soap, you only use 1 tablespoon for HE or 2 tablespoons for a regular machine. It is easy to measure, just grab a measuring spoon from your kitchen. By using the correct amount, you ultimately save our waterways, reduce irritations, breathe easier, and save a little cash.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Vinegar as a Fabric Softener
Glenda and I went to our first farmers market in Byrnes Mill. We had a great time meeting the community that visits the market. While discussing our laundry soaps we also encouraged the use of white vinegar as a fabric softener. Why? Because it's natural, earth friendly, great for people with sensitive skin and it's economical.
Most liquid fabric softeners coat the fibers of your clothing, towels and sheets with chemicals that are meant to stay on your clothes to make them feel soft. These chemicals may dull your clothing as well as cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin. Vinegar naturally softens the water and helps to remove residues left on your clothing by your laundry soap or detergent leaving your laundry naturally soft.
You can add anywhere from 1/4 c. to 1 c. of white vinegar depending on size of load and color of laundry. Larger quantities of vinegar are best used on lighter or white laundry. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser or directly into the rinse water. You can also use a downy ball. If you are adventurous in your green cleaning you can also make your own fabric softener using a combination of white vinegar, essential oils and/or baking soda.
It may take a couple of washes using white vinegar to remove the residues left by your previous softener so don't get disheartened if you don't get the best results on the first wash. Don't worry about your clothes smelling like vinegar either. Once they are dry you won't be able to smell it.
Most liquid fabric softeners coat the fibers of your clothing, towels and sheets with chemicals that are meant to stay on your clothes to make them feel soft. These chemicals may dull your clothing as well as cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin. Vinegar naturally softens the water and helps to remove residues left on your clothing by your laundry soap or detergent leaving your laundry naturally soft.
You can add anywhere from 1/4 c. to 1 c. of white vinegar depending on size of load and color of laundry. Larger quantities of vinegar are best used on lighter or white laundry. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser or directly into the rinse water. You can also use a downy ball. If you are adventurous in your green cleaning you can also make your own fabric softener using a combination of white vinegar, essential oils and/or baking soda.
It may take a couple of washes using white vinegar to remove the residues left by your previous softener so don't get disheartened if you don't get the best results on the first wash. Don't worry about your clothes smelling like vinegar either. Once they are dry you won't be able to smell it.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ta Da! Old North City Farmers Market!
Find us at North City Farmer's Market on Saturday, June 5th, for THE INAUGURAL EAT.RIGHT.NOW! PARADE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR. More information can be found at http://northcityfarmersmarket.org/
SimpleSuds is on the move!
This Friday, May 21st you will be able to find SimpleSuds at the Byrne's Mill Farmers Market!
http://www.byrnesmill.org/farmersmarket/index.html
Coming soon.... Old North City. Stay tuned for details!
http://www.byrnesmill.org/farmersmarket/index.html
Coming soon.... Old North City. Stay tuned for details!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Super Heroes of Green Cleaning
Instead of having a cabinet full of products that contain chemicals whose names you cannot even pronounce why not switch to a healthier and simpler cleaning regimen? Store bought cleaners contain VOC's, Volatile Organic Compounds, that when used regularly can build up in the air you breathe. Concentrations of VOC's can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors increasing your risk of respiratory and allergic reactions. Although you may not be able to minimize your risk in the work place you definitely can within your own home. By purchasing 7 simple items found in most any grocery or big box store you can improve your environment and promote healthier living.
What are these 7 items? Odds are you have 50% of them already in your home.
1. Baking Soda, normally used in the kitchen for cooking and eliminating refrigerator odors, baking soda is also an effective mild abrasive, water softener, and small cooking fire extinguisher. It is safe for cleaning food surfaces and baby equipment. The most economical way I have found for purchasing baking soda is at Sam's Club. You can purchase a resealable 11lb. bag for roughly $6. You can fill an old spice container or salt and pepper shaker with baking soda and leave in a handy place for small cleaning jobs.
2. Borax, around since 1891 it is used for disinfecting, deodorizing and water softening. It is used in general purpose and bathroom cleaning as well as trash can deodorizing. Of the Super 7, Borax is one that should be handled with care. It has been shown to cause skin irritation and should not be ingested or inhaled. I am overly paranoid and I typically put the contents of the box in a re-usable plastic container so that I can scoop instead of pour, thus eliminating dust. I have been know to stand outside and wear a mask when doing this. BUT!, 20 Mule Team Borax has recently gone through a packaging re-design and now offers a flip top box which I did see at Target (Hampton at Chippewa).
3. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%), not just for gargling and wound disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide can be used around the house as a bleach alternative, stain remover and disinfectant. It can be used in all purpose cleaners and when doing laundry.
4. Lemon Juice, when life hands you lemons... Lemon juice is a clean smelling alternative to bleach that is good for cutting grease and removing stains. Another great thing about lemons, everything is usable! Once you squeeze the juice you can either save the rinds for other projects or put them in your garbage disposal to help degrease and remove odors. Look Mom, No waste!
5. White Vinegar has a over 1001 uses. Many of them because it is a cost effective anti-fungal that kills germs and bacteria. White vinegar is also a water softener, grease cutter and deodorizer. It makes for an effective fabric softener which is great for people who tend to be allergic to the ingredients in commercial laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Some people do not like the smell of vinegar. Although the smell does quickly dissipate once dry, essential oils and or lemon juice can be combined with vinegar to make the cleaning experience more enjoyable.
6. Washing Soda is an all natural laundry booster and general purpose cleaner. It does have a high PH which makes it caustic so you should wear gloves when cleaning with it. It can be used in your laundry and it is contained in several recipes for heavy duty cleaners dealing with heavily soiled and greasy items. It can be used to strip paint and wax and should not be used on aluminum, fiberglass or waxed flooring. Arm and Hammer Washing Soda can be found in most laundry aisles.
7. Liquid Castile Soap is a vegetable based soap used in all purpose, kitchen, bathroom and floor cleaner recipes. The most common castile soap on the market is Dr. Bronner's. I have heard that Trader Joe's has a store branded castile soap too. Dr. Bronner's makes a product called Sal's Suds that is specifically designed to be an all purpose cleaner. Dr. Bronner's may seem pricey, but since you are only adding a teaspoon to a tablespoon to the recipes one bottle will go a long way.
8. Essential Oils. Yes, I know I said only 7 items, but essential oils can be used to make your cleaners made from the original 7 items more fragrant and many essential oils have inherent properties that boost cleaning and disinfecting power. For example, Tea Tree oil is commonly used because of its anti-fungal properties. Unfortunately, they are not easily found in your average market and may require a trip to the health food store. They may seem pricey, a bottle of Tea Tree oil will run you approx. $8. I have been using my current bottle for about three months now and it's barely half empty. Essential Oils also need to be handled with caution. They are highly concentrated and most of them should not come in direct contact with skin. For this reason it is a good idea to wear gloves when measuring into your recipes. I also suggest that your research your essential oils so that you can make a more informed decision. The ones I have used the most are Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Sweet Orange and Lemon.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tough Dirt and Grease Formula Floor Cleaner
Source: The Natually Clean Home
Author: Karyn Siegel-Maier
Copyright: 2008
Tough Dirt and Grease Formula
Original Recipe:
1 Gal. Hot Water
2 Tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 c. Washing Soda
1 c. Vinegar
20 Drops Eucalyptus, Peppermint or Tea Tree Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a large bucket. Dip a mop into the bucket and squeeze out excess liquid. Clean the floor by working in sections, using the short strokes and dipping the mop as needed. Rinsing is not necessary.
I have this horrible 30 year old 4x4 terracotta tile flooring. I hate it and have never felt like I could keep it adquately clean enough to walk barefooted on. This recipe appealed to me because of the vinegar and the washing soda, something the other recipes in the book didn't have. The only thing I changed about this recipe was the Essential Oils. I used 10 Peppermint and 10 Tea Tree Oil. I can't even imagine what it would have been like had I used a full 20 drops of Peppermint. That stuff is STRONG! My result was a nice, fragrant, super minty, soapy cleaning solution that was completely dirty once I finished cleaning my floor. I used a clean towel instead of a mop so I know the dirt came from my floor and not a previously used mop. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked on it this morning and didn't instantly feel like hunting down my slippers.
Author: Karyn Siegel-Maier
Copyright: 2008
Tough Dirt and Grease Formula
Original Recipe:
1 Gal. Hot Water
2 Tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 c. Washing Soda
1 c. Vinegar
20 Drops Eucalyptus, Peppermint or Tea Tree Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a large bucket. Dip a mop into the bucket and squeeze out excess liquid. Clean the floor by working in sections, using the short strokes and dipping the mop as needed. Rinsing is not necessary.
I have this horrible 30 year old 4x4 terracotta tile flooring. I hate it and have never felt like I could keep it adquately clean enough to walk barefooted on. This recipe appealed to me because of the vinegar and the washing soda, something the other recipes in the book didn't have. The only thing I changed about this recipe was the Essential Oils. I used 10 Peppermint and 10 Tea Tree Oil. I can't even imagine what it would have been like had I used a full 20 drops of Peppermint. That stuff is STRONG! My result was a nice, fragrant, super minty, soapy cleaning solution that was completely dirty once I finished cleaning my floor. I used a clean towel instead of a mop so I know the dirt came from my floor and not a previously used mop. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked on it this morning and didn't instantly feel like hunting down my slippers.
Notes of Caution When Using Essential Oils
When making your own home cleaners it's always a good idea to do a little research on the oils and products you intend to use. Some oils may have adverse affects on people with certain health conditions and some oils are not good for use around pets. Always keep cleaners and oils away from children and pets. Below you will find links to get you started on researching which Essential Oils may be best for use in your home. Some of these links are for companies who sell essential oils. We have not purchased any oils from these sites nor do we endorse them, however we do find the information they provide to be very useful.
http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/safety.asp
http://www.naturesgift.com/warnings.htm
http://www.thewholedog.org/EOCats.html
http://cats.about.com/od/housekeeping/a/aromatherapy.htm
http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/safety.asp
http://www.naturesgift.com/warnings.htm
http://www.thewholedog.org/EOCats.html
http://cats.about.com/od/housekeeping/a/aromatherapy.htm
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Gorgeously Green All-Purpose Spray
from: Oprah.com credit given to Sophie Uliano, author of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life
Gorgeously Green All-Purpose Spray
32-ounce plastic spray bottle
2 cups water
Gorgeously Green All-Purpose Spray
32-ounce plastic spray bottle
2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure castile soap (I use Sal's Suds)
3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
20 drops tea tree oil
20 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil
Simply fill a large 32-ounce plastic spray bottle with the water. Add the vinegar, castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil and lavender or lemongrass essential oil. Lavender is lovely for the bathroom spray and lemongrass for the kitchen, so make two separate bottles at the same time. In the hot summer months, add about 10 drops of citronella essential oil to the spray, as it is an excellent insect repellent. This spray is suitable for acrylic, ceramic tile, wood, marble and granite.
I've made this formula several times and I LOVE it! I actually enjoy cleaning because of it. It leaves a pleasant scent that carries over without any medicinal or bleachy scent. I typically use eucalyptus and or lavender and have been very happy with the results. I do question the use of the hydrogen peroxide unless you use an opaque bottle. I know that it breaks down quicker when exposed to light, but I'm not sure how quickly this process happens. So, in a round about way, for best results use an opaque bottle when making this recipe. I usually have to make a new batch every other week, I love using it THAT much!
Update: 4/20/2010- I made this recipe again using the lemongrass EO. Holy Lemons Batman. Very strong scent. If you want a milder scent I would suggest cutting back on the EO a little, or possibly cutting it with some orange EO. That might mellow it a little.
J
3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
20 drops tea tree oil
20 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil
Simply fill a large 32-ounce plastic spray bottle with the water. Add the vinegar, castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil and lavender or lemongrass essential oil. Lavender is lovely for the bathroom spray and lemongrass for the kitchen, so make two separate bottles at the same time. In the hot summer months, add about 10 drops of citronella essential oil to the spray, as it is an excellent insect repellent. This spray is suitable for acrylic, ceramic tile, wood, marble and granite.
I've made this formula several times and I LOVE it! I actually enjoy cleaning because of it. It leaves a pleasant scent that carries over without any medicinal or bleachy scent. I typically use eucalyptus and or lavender and have been very happy with the results. I do question the use of the hydrogen peroxide unless you use an opaque bottle. I know that it breaks down quicker when exposed to light, but I'm not sure how quickly this process happens. So, in a round about way, for best results use an opaque bottle when making this recipe. I usually have to make a new batch every other week, I love using it THAT much!
Update: 4/20/2010- I made this recipe again using the lemongrass EO. Holy Lemons Batman. Very strong scent. If you want a milder scent I would suggest cutting back on the EO a little, or possibly cutting it with some orange EO. That might mellow it a little.
J
Lemony Fresh Fabric Softner
Source: The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier
Original Recipe
6c. Vinegar
1c. Water
1c. Baking Soda
15 drops lemon or lemongrass Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a heavy-duty plastic container. Add 1 cup to the rinse cycle of each load for truly lemon-fresh clothes.
What I actually did (I didn't have the gallon container, I only had a 32oz. bottle)
1 c. Vinegar
2 tbsp. water
2 tbsp baking soda
6 drops lemongrass Essential Oil
Can someone please tell me the best way to mix this without causing volcanic activity? Again, I started with the water and baking soda then added the vinegar. When all was said and done I added another cup of vinegar and a cup of water because most of the stuff bubbled out and I pretty much gave up. Ultimately I ended up with enough for 4 uses. It smells fantastic and I will definitely try it again when I have an open gallon container that I can use.
As with the Orange Glow I mixed up a couple of weeks ago the scent does not carry over after being dried in the dryer. Maybe line drying will yield a more fragrant result.
J
Original Recipe
6c. Vinegar
1c. Water
1c. Baking Soda
15 drops lemon or lemongrass Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a heavy-duty plastic container. Add 1 cup to the rinse cycle of each load for truly lemon-fresh clothes.
What I actually did (I didn't have the gallon container, I only had a 32oz. bottle)
1 c. Vinegar
2 tbsp. water
2 tbsp baking soda
6 drops lemongrass Essential Oil
Can someone please tell me the best way to mix this without causing volcanic activity? Again, I started with the water and baking soda then added the vinegar. When all was said and done I added another cup of vinegar and a cup of water because most of the stuff bubbled out and I pretty much gave up. Ultimately I ended up with enough for 4 uses. It smells fantastic and I will definitely try it again when I have an open gallon container that I can use.
As with the Orange Glow I mixed up a couple of weeks ago the scent does not carry over after being dried in the dryer. Maybe line drying will yield a more fragrant result.
J
Monday, March 29, 2010
Orange Glow Fabric Softener
Source: "The Naturally Clean Home" by Karen Siegel-Maier copyright 2008
Orange Glow Fabric Softener
8 c. Water
6 c. White Vinegar
1 c. Baking soda
25 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a large plastic jug. Shake well before adding 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle.
Okay, so I made this recipe earlier tonight and to avoid the bubbling caused by adding vinegar to baking soda I tried to dilute the baking soda in the water first. It doesn't matter. It bubbled as I added the vinegar and I've had to burp the container several times. For entertainment alone I put the cap on and gave it a good shake. It's still sitting on the counter percolating. I used a version of this recipe minus the baking soda and was very happy with the results. Looking forward to this one. I'll report my findings later. :)
results: I have been using white vinegar as a fabric softener for a while now so I didn't really notice any difference when it came to softness. I have also found that no matter how much Essential Oil I put in the vinegar, the scent really does not carry over once the clothes are dry. It basically makes the 'application process' more pleasant if sniffing vinegar is not your cup of tea.
I know that both baking soda and vinegar are considered water softeners and that adding one or both to the rinse cycle will improve your rinse results. Baking soda is also good in the rinse cycle for some additional help with removing odors. Vinegar is good for eliminating soap residue which will prevent your clothes from being 'soft'.
I did let the bottle initially sit over night with the cap off to make sure all the bubbling had finished before I put the cap on it. There have been no explosions so I'm assuming that all is good.
J
Orange Glow Fabric Softener
8 c. Water
6 c. White Vinegar
1 c. Baking soda
25 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a large plastic jug. Shake well before adding 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle.
Okay, so I made this recipe earlier tonight and to avoid the bubbling caused by adding vinegar to baking soda I tried to dilute the baking soda in the water first. It doesn't matter. It bubbled as I added the vinegar and I've had to burp the container several times. For entertainment alone I put the cap on and gave it a good shake. It's still sitting on the counter percolating. I used a version of this recipe minus the baking soda and was very happy with the results. Looking forward to this one. I'll report my findings later. :)
results: I have been using white vinegar as a fabric softener for a while now so I didn't really notice any difference when it came to softness. I have also found that no matter how much Essential Oil I put in the vinegar, the scent really does not carry over once the clothes are dry. It basically makes the 'application process' more pleasant if sniffing vinegar is not your cup of tea.
I know that both baking soda and vinegar are considered water softeners and that adding one or both to the rinse cycle will improve your rinse results. Baking soda is also good in the rinse cycle for some additional help with removing odors. Vinegar is good for eliminating soap residue which will prevent your clothes from being 'soft'.
I did let the bottle initially sit over night with the cap off to make sure all the bubbling had finished before I put the cap on it. There have been no explosions so I'm assuming that all is good.
J
Where are the suds?
Contrary to popular belief that bubbles mean clean, our soap is low suds and will get your clothes just as clean, if not more clean than your favorite store bought detergent. Our laundry soap doesn't contain the additives and fillers that give you a layer of bubbles at the top of your wash. We don't need them. Our laundry soaps contain three different laundry boosters meant to soften water and provide you with cleaner clothes. Our product also has soap to help remove tough stains. It's pretty simple and we like it that way.
J
J
Friday, March 19, 2010
Eucalyptus
I love Eucalyptus! Not only for the way it smells but the fact that it is a great natural disinfectant. It has been shown to kill dust mites and its effective against bacteria, especially staphylococci. It's fragrance has a refreshing and stimulating effect that can also improve concentration. Plus, it makes my time cleaning 'enjoyable' if you could call it that.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be found at health food stores and online. A 1/2 oz bottle for around $8 that will last you at least a year.
Herbal Mist: Clean container thoroughly. If the mist will come in contact with food or skin use distilled water instead of tap water. Use 5-7 drops of essential oil for every 8 ounces of water. (Although I love Eucalyptus feel free to experiment. Lavender, orange and mint all make good air fresheners too.)
Room Freshener: Mix 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with a half teaspoon of vodka, place in a spray bottle and add 2 cups of water. You can add more EO if the fragrance is too subtle for you.
Dust Mite Killer: Make a spray of 1 cup vodka and 20-30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Spray your pillows and bedding a couple times per week or if you are as lazy as I am, every time you change your bedding. Use the spray on upholstery and carpets as well.
Alcohol Free Dust Mite Killer: Make a spray of 2 c. distilled water and 15 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. When changing your sheets spray mattress until damp with spray and let air dry before putting clean bedding back on to mattress.
http://www.purehealthmd.com/conditions/upper-respiratory/sinus/eliminating-dust-mites.html
Notes: Although I have not used all the recipes listed above, I have made an air freshener based on the 'Alcohol Free Dust Mite Killer' recipe. Every week when I change my sheets I spray the top of the mattress with it. I believe that I have noticed a difference in the way my sinuses feel in the morning. This is definitely something I will continue to use.
J
Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be found at health food stores and online. A 1/2 oz bottle for around $8 that will last you at least a year.
Herbal Mist: Clean container thoroughly. If the mist will come in contact with food or skin use distilled water instead of tap water. Use 5-7 drops of essential oil for every 8 ounces of water. (Although I love Eucalyptus feel free to experiment. Lavender, orange and mint all make good air fresheners too.)
Room Freshener: Mix 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with a half teaspoon of vodka, place in a spray bottle and add 2 cups of water. You can add more EO if the fragrance is too subtle for you.
Dust Mite Killer: Make a spray of 1 cup vodka and 20-30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Spray your pillows and bedding a couple times per week or if you are as lazy as I am, every time you change your bedding. Use the spray on upholstery and carpets as well.
Alcohol Free Dust Mite Killer: Make a spray of 2 c. distilled water and 15 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. When changing your sheets spray mattress until damp with spray and let air dry before putting clean bedding back on to mattress.
http://www.purehealthmd.com/conditions/upper-respiratory/sinus/eliminating-dust-mites.html
Notes: Although I have not used all the recipes listed above, I have made an air freshener based on the 'Alcohol Free Dust Mite Killer' recipe. Every week when I change my sheets I spray the top of the mattress with it. I believe that I have noticed a difference in the way my sinuses feel in the morning. This is definitely something I will continue to use.
J
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