mcark

March 4th, 2008 at 7:36 am

Have I missed a blog on laundry? Someone told me that they use bacon soda and …..something else.

mcark

March 4th, 2008 at 7:37 am

baking soda*** I’ve been a vegetarian for too long to make that slip. I know there are eco friendly soaps but what about make it yourself cleaners?

peahen

March 4th, 2008 at 9:28 am

If I am supposed to use warm water for the all-purpose cleaner, does that mean I have to mix it up fresh every time, or do I just use warm water to help the other ingredients mix, and can then keep the batch around?

What about adding essential oils? Honestly, a nice smell makes it so much more likely that I’ll actually clean. I occasionally spring for those Caldera products simply because they smell nice. I’d love to use these more household/eco-friendly options though.

Newby

March 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am

I have used these recipes for the last year and I think they are wonderful. In fact even better. I have no mysterious odors during or after cleaning. I can relax knowing my family and I are not full of unwanted toxic chemicals. I have saved so much money not investing in toxic cleaning products. I have had die hard friends who insist that they would never convert and now they realize it actually works.

mjak

March 4th, 2008 at 9:42 am

Add 1/2cup borax to the water in washing machine. It helps the laundry detergent to work more efficiently.

You can use much less detergent and clothes come out much cleaner.

CJStewart

March 4th, 2008 at 9:47 am

peahen, you can absolutely use essential oils in cleaning. I make my own scrubber for the bathroom and I use cinnamon, clove, tea tree, and sweet orange essential oils. In addition to smelling GREAT, it helps with fighting the germs.

CJStewart

March 4th, 2008 at 9:54 am

mcark, I don’t know about making your own laundry detergent. I use Biokleen powder and use a little Borax with it. I’ve recently heard about using soap nuts. They are apparently just picked off the tree and put into your washing machine. I thinking about trying them…

Lindsay

March 4th, 2008 at 11:41 am

I have to say I’m suprised at the recomendation of mineral oil in the furniture polish recipe. It is a petrolatum by-product and therefore inherently not “green”. Is there no alternative?

Caroline

March 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

I make my own fabric softener. I use a Downey Ball and put white vinegar to the fill line. Then add 3 drops of essential lavendar oil, this cuts the vinegar smell. Makes your clothes softer than Downey ever could. Also, your towels don’t loose their absorbtion, For furniture polish I use a 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Fabulously Green

March 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

Thanks for some great ideas. I actually have now EXCLUSIVELY started using a mix of distilled white vinegar and water (50/50) in a spray bottle and clean everything with it. It’s amazing. Stainless steel sparkles, it takes away soap scum.

For tougher stains I use a Pumice Stone and it works like a Magic Eraser.

Will try the polish ideas. Thanks!

mamajlu

March 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

There are several recipes for your own laundry detergent out there if you search the web.
I’ve been making my own now for awhile and I LOVE it. One batch costs about $1 to make and lasts my family of 4 for about a month. The process takes about 20 minutes.
I also make my own dishwasher detergent from equal parts borax and arm & hammer soap. lemon juice for a rinse aid.
Laundry Detergent-
3 pints water
1/3 bar Naptha soap, grated
Mix over low heat till disolved.
Add 1/2 cup Borax, and 1/2 cup Arm&Hammer soap.
Stir
Pour into 2 gallon bucket
Add 1 quart water
Stir
Fill bucket to top with water
Let sit for 24 hours
Use 1/2c for a large laod
Warning result is a gell. Works as well as if not bette then Tide

Carmen

March 4th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

I looked up the Naptha soap used in the recipe for making your own soap and it is actually a petro based chemical itself.

Maraya

March 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm

I purchased a sample of the soap nuts and they are not bad. You will see suds and the clothes are cleaned, but if I try the soap nuts again I will add an essential oil. A change in scent convinces me I cleaned my clothes. Once the sample ran out I went back to Ecos, which suddenly seemed like it had a stronger scent and more cleaning power. Anytime I feel like returning to Tide I’ll just switch between soap nuts and Ecos.

Jessica Jensen

March 4th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Hi all– excellent comments– thank you!

In regards to an earlier comment, no you don’t have to keep the all-purpose cleaner warm….just use warm water to mix it the first time and then you can keep it at room temp in a bottle for later use.

And, yes, adding essential oils is a great way to add some lovely scents to your cleaning mixes!

Carmen you are right to point out the concern re. naptha. I would recommend not using that as ingredient.

Here is one mix I found for a natural laundry detergent, althought I have to admit I have not tried it personally:

1/2 cup of Borax 1/4 cup baking soda 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds

I will try it and let you know how it works!

–Jessica, Low Impact Living

danielle

March 4th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

I also love using 50/50 distilled vinegar and water. The only problem i have is the smell. I have tried using essential oils to mask the oder but of course i can not get them to mix. Any ideas?

Jessica Jensen

March 5th, 2008 at 9:39 am

Danielle, have you tried adding lemon juice? It might help with the odor.

stephanie

March 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

what does everyone think about method products? are they as environmentally friendly as they market themselves to be? i’ve tried to research some of the ingredients such as corn-alcohol, potassium hydrate, etc., and cannot find anything offensive (ingredients are not listed on the bottles, but can be found at methodhome.com). i’m wondering if i should stop using these products and switch to the ideas listed here…

peahen

March 19th, 2008 at 8:26 am

Heya. Thanks for the updates on adding essential oils and not having to cook the stuff up each time. Very helpful - can’t wait to get mixing (although I can wait on the actual cleaning part…)

Green Potions

March 29th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

I am so impressed with the above ingredients. I am now producing my eco friendly cleaning products. I have come up with a product that cuts grease, oil and grime with a wet cloth and no elbow grease. In addition to this I have come up with a product that removes soap scum and calcium build up on shower screens and also a shower spray used each time in the shower that leaves your shower screen dry clean each time.

Lori H

May 6th, 2008 at 9:28 am

For wood furniture, I use 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part jojoba oil. I read that it’s better to use the jojoba oil because olive oil can go rancid if you leave it mixed too long. The first time I tried it on my ktichen table I almost cried. You would not believe the dirt the vinegar pulled out of the wood! I always thought it was clean but I was definitely wrong! It also leaves a great shine but doesn’t build up like a regular cleaner.

Zelda Rose

May 15th, 2008 at 5:06 am

jojoba oil is terrific used with vinegar, the jojoba penetrates the wood and protects it against drying out. works great on healing dry skin. Great trips thanks for all the info. Got to get to work now.

Let’s go green! Only, can I do it from indoors? « Thoughts on life by mother&wife

May 20th, 2008 at 10:26 am

[...] going green doesn’t have to be extreme. It doesn’t have to be expensive. In some cases, it can save you money. It is more of a change in lifestyle than going out and buying a hybrid car (even though I really, [...]

Benjamin H

June 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 pm

Hi… First time posting to this site, wanted to let Lori know that I tries her furniture polish mixture… and WOW! Not only do I use it at home but I use it in my housecleaning clients home as well.. and they love it. Thank you

debi anne

July 15th, 2008 at 10:09 am

My jacuzzi/tub had gotten greasy-from the bath oils used over a period of time
I needed to clean the jacuzzi jets, as well as the tub

With no windows-I used a mask to cover my nose-for breathing
to be on the safe side; it has no harmful chemicals

I used ’simple green’, an all purpose cleaner
and carefully sprayed all areas
Let it sit for 20 minutes/so-to dissolve the grease

Then, diluted the small, remaining amount in the container with water
and rinsed
Then, I used plain, luke warm water to rinse again

Like new !

Sherry M

July 15th, 2008 at 11:29 am

I have a question about mamajlu’s recipe for laundry detergent. What is “Arm & Hammer Soap”? I assume its not their laundry detergent. I’ve seen other recipes that call for Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. Could this be what is referred to in this recipe? I haven’t been able to find it locally.

Thanks.

Green Home Cleaners « Simple Stewardship

July 15th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

[...] http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2008/03/03/how-to-make-green-home-cleaners/ [...]

bluesguy

July 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm

We have used home made cleaners for a number of years. It was mostly for saving $s. We use the vinegar & water for mirrors & windows. We also use a small amount of bleach with a lot of water as a bathroom (especially toilet) cleaner and then get a spray bottle to spray it on surfaces for cleaning.

We do have a drain that has been giving us problems I am going to try the drain cleaner that the article suggested.

Pen

July 17th, 2008 at 6:59 am

My question is what about dish washer cleaners. All of them leave a while film on all my dishes and glass. Is there a cleaner out there, or something I can do other than washing all by hand.

deb s

July 17th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

great ideas for clothes washing! I have been using vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning my home for many years. Vinegar to whiten whites, and using it as a fabric softener…any ideas to reduce static?I do keep a bottle of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water to clean glass and mirrors and countertop surfaces, etc. FYI-bleach was invented in the late 40’s (chlorine) to kill our troups! Peroxide was invented during WW1 in the 20’s to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitols. I also spray my 50/50 mix of HP on my wet hair after a shower for my dirty blonde hair to have a naturally highlighted look, just run a comb through it and it lightens gradually over time. Tere are so many uses for that little brown bottle!

javier torrano

August 7th, 2008 at 9:49 am

we are so interested in promote a better planet, safe and clean, protect the wildlife and environment, we invite to other people with this interests
feel free to contact us at planetasaludable@yahoo.com

Carla

October 15th, 2008 at 12:14 am

I use vinegar and water for cleaning our hardwood floors and its perfect.
Vinegar and baking soda to scrub the tub.
Vinegar in the fabric softener section of the washer.
Vinegar and baking soda to clean the stove and oven.
I tried using vinegar and baking soda for the shower drains, but it doesnt work very well. I think hair is clogging the drain so we do need something stronger.

LOLA

October 29th, 2008 at 11:53 am

The comments posted by “deb s” are unbeleiveable…and incorrect. First, there are quite a few chemically challeged posters on this board. As a natural products development consultant in the cosmetics industry for over 20 years, I have to warn everyone out there about her rediculous advice about spraying a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water on your hair after every washing. I can’t imagine the amount of damage this has done to the integrity of her hair and scalp! Talk about dandruff! Well, if you want hair that looks and feels like steel wool, and a scalp that’s red and irritated, go for it! This must be something new she’s just recently started doing, as repeated treatments will eventually convince her to stop doing this. As for Hydrogen Peroxide being “invented” in WWI, in the 20’s, (FYI: WWI ended Nov 11, 1918) spare me. Hydrogen Peroxide was “discovered” (not “invented”) by Louis-Jacques Thenard as the accidental result of burning barium salts to create barium peroxides in 1818, almost an entire century earlier! That’s like saying that water was “invented,” or that Al Gore “invented the internet!” And here’s another doozie that deb s claims. Deb s tells us the following: “bleach was invented in the late 40’s (chlorine)…” Guess what? Wrong again. Chlorine is a chemical ELEMENT! Who is this self-proclaimed chemistry guru? She should know what she’s talking about, before putting on the net for others to join in her folly. Cholring bleach, was DISCOVERED in 1774, by Swedish chemist Karl Wilhelm Scheele. In fact, so you know, the practice of “bleaching” goes all the way back to at least 300BC (although not “chlorine”.) Chlorine was first manufactured in France, in powder form, to be used for household applications, somewhere between 1895-1899. Yes, chlorine (not the liquid laudry additive or pool chemical) was first used during WWI in 1915, not upon US troops in WWII in the 40’s, as deb s claims. It was used in GAS form by the Germans upon French troops. Deb, do yourself a favor, stay away from chemicals….and the internet….assuming you’ve been released from the burn unit by now.

LOLA

October 29th, 2008 at 12:12 pm

I inadvertently typed in the years 1895-1899 as the first manufacturing of powdered chloring bleach. What I meant to type was “between 1795-1799.” So much for the 1940’s being the first use during in warfare.
But, having said that, be cautious with both chlorine bleach AND Hydrogen Peroxide. If you decide to go wild and use either of these substances for something new that you just came up with, or even soething claimed to be tried and true by others, there are a few things to keep in mind. One, is to be extremely careful which chemicals you are mixing together. If you’re not sure, don’t do it. Poisonous gases, expolsions, and other disasterous results could occur. Two, don’t be an idot and start trying out chemical concoctions by applying it all over anything you are not willing to destroy. ALWAYS test them on an inconspicuous area FIRST! Well, at least Deb’s hair will grow back, but your antique chair’s upholstery could be a done deal, if caution is not used. Remember what mom always told you about an ounce of prevention…

shelley

November 20th, 2008 at 9:02 pm

Just wondering what a dishwasher detergent recipe woudl consist of? I’d be eager to stop using the chemical stuff we have. Thanks.

NMP

March 25th, 2009 at 9:34 am

I have found unbelievable amounts of chemicals in all my cleaners. Did you know that there is a warning label on nutra air that is is hazardous to spray around kids and animals. But there are products available that you don’t have to make yourself but are safe. I got mine at saferisbetter.com/npierron. Read your labels before you clean anything.

Nancy B

April 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 am

I am not sure that borax is safe

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+1303-96-4
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The incidence of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and abnormalities of chest radiographs to estimated exposures of borax dust was studied in 629 actively employed borax workers. The subjects, who had worked in this field for at least 5 years, were interviewed to obtain information on persistent respiratory symptoms and smoking habits. Occupational histories were reviewed to assess occupational exposure, and pulmonary function tests and chest radiographs were performed. Estimated exposure ranged from 1.1 to 14.6 mg/cu m. Symptoms of acute respiratory irritation such as dryness of the mouth, nose, or throat, dry cough, nose bleeds, sore throat, productive cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness were related to exposure of 4.0 mg/cu m or more. Symptoms of persistent respiratory irritation meeting the definition of chronic simple bronchitis were related to exposure among nonsmokers. Radiographic abnormalities were uncommon and were not related to dust exposure. /Data suggests/ that borax dust appears to act as a simple respiratory irritant

Juli

June 21st, 2009 at 8:10 am

Thanks to all you posters - I’m loving mixing my own and being part of your community!