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
Monday, March 29, 2010
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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