Johanna asked me in my comments from a while ago for an update on how I get on with natural cleaning.
Well, it's just business as usual around here and I'm not sure I've tweaked any of my routines a lot really. (Possibly due to being one of the world's worst housekeepers so that's not hard lol). I keep our home tidy at the end of the day, the kitchen is tidied daily and I'm on top of the laundry (wash every 2nd day) - but other housework, well, let's just say I we do it when it appears to need it or we're expecting visitors. ;)
Tools of the trade...
Baking Soda - an all round essential item in out house.
Gets used for washing hair (haven't used shampoo on my hair for almost 2yrs now and loving it).
A decent dollop gets dropped in the toilet and scrubbed around
It gets sprinkled in the handbasin, shower and bath and wiped with a wet microfibre cloth for a sparkling shine
Anti perspirant - it's an odour neutraliser and absorbs moisture. Love it. My only problem is forgetting to put it on at all, so if I stink it's not coz the BS has failed, it's beause I was too lazy or forgot to put it on! Great to have in a little container in the glovebox of the car when needed.
Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV is used as the conditioning component of my hair washing routine and stops my hair from being so frizzy and keeps it in better control.
Wet carpet cleaners - use white vinegar in place of the shampoo
I would like to say that I use vinegar in hot water to mop my floors (but is it worth mentioning a routine that only happens about twice a year?? oops).
I would also like to say that I use it as a spray (50/50 water/vinegar) as an all purpose spray for benchtops, tables, stovetops, toilet seats etc, but in reality I get away with a good wipe down with a microfibre cloth (not that same one for toilet and kitchen though!) and plain old water.
(And for the record, we are not a sickly family who suffer for my poor housekeeping). LOL
I don't make any homemade cleaners, I really fail to see where I can improve on the above except for dishwasher and laundry powders. I have found though that neither work so well for me and I haven't dabbled around enough to find one that I like yet. I would love some recommendations though for ones that work, without relying on tricky to source ingredients.
10 comments:
I got the baking soda out today in the bathroom as we'd finally used up the jif. Can't tell you how well it worked on the bath as after the basin (worked fine) I blinked a few times and found myself in the garden sowing carrots and harvesting slugs for the chooks!
Do you use any face moisturiser or cosmetics?
We use almost 100% handmade cleaning products. I haven't mastered laundry soap (ok, I've just been to lazy to cook some up), but we do make our own dish soap (regular liquid soap, the same we use for shampoo) and dishwasher soap (BS and borax with a vinegar rinse cycle)!
I love being able to control what goes in and on things in my home!
Can you explain washing and conditioning your hair a little more? How much to do you use? Is it dilluted with water?I am desperate to get away from using shampoo and conditioner.
Okay, that's it. I'm trying baking soda for hair and deodorant *today*. Thanks heaps for the update Nikki. Very inspiring.
LOL Sandra, I know that one! I used to use natural products for moisturiser and cleansing but now just use my ecostore soap for washing my face and I don't use moisturiser but do have a bottle of natural stuff if I feel I need some. Ah well, if I can still get ID'd at 36 for someone thinking I'm 17 then I can't have too many wrinkles eh? LOL. Make up, well, I used to be a make up every day girl until about a year ago but I'm now down to a light foundation (haven't found an eco one I like yet) a couple of times a week but do use a natural lip gloss if I want some (gave up my MAC lipglass for it even though I prefer the MAC).
Brittney, it seems all the homemade recipes require borax, maybe I should just try and find some (this is one of the things I need to order online). Thanks.
Teresa, I'll find you a link to my hair cleaning routine and post in the next comment.
Johanna, yeah, go the BS and vinegar!
Teresa, here is an old link.
http://satisfying-journey.blogspot.com/2007/03/natural-products-in-home.html
Funny, I read I used to use honey to wash my face (strange how I forgot about this). I used it for ages and it really was quite nice. Also doubled as a nice moisturiser too (all in one, not used separately). Was in no way sticky when applied mixed with water and just rinsed off.
I also use my baking soda as a facial scrub.
Oh, thank you! I guess I should have actually searched your blog before asking the question!
And just wanted to say, I just started reading your blog and I really enjoy it!
yeh like washing soda
i cant get it anywhere!!!
Thanks for the aditional tips on how to use vinegars and baking soda. I am working myself away from lots of commercial cleaning products and feeling very good about it.
A very late new comment on this post Nikki - but just wanted to thank you profusely for your baking soda recommendations!
I confess I haven't tried it for hair yet - but as an underarm thing it is incredible. I never would have believed it could be so good. Wow. I'm a total convert. Thanks!
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