In honor of Going Green, I thought I would share some of my recent findings.
I have struggled with housing cleaning supplies that can potentially harm my children. As many times as I've considered giving up cleaning all together for the sake of the kids health, I know deep down that the cleaning show must go on! Every cleaning product is placed so far out of read, for the sake of the kids, that even I cannot reach them. Thankfully, my husband was thoughtful and purchased me my very own step stool. He's a romantic.
I am not completely organic, nor am I all natural, but I am trying to make wiser choices. My former 'convenience' is being challanged.
Here are a few tips I've used for a while, as well as a few of my most recent findings.
Whiter Whites
I pour vinegar in with my load of whites. It is great for keeping the whites stark and removing dinginess. I don't do this each time, but more often than not, I do. With a large load (is there anything other than a large load?) I probably pour close to 1/4 cup. Better yet, I give the bottle a 3ish second pour. How is that for being exact? :) I'm just estimating because I never measure it. You cannot smell in on the clothes once cleaned.
Great Window Cleaner
12-16oz. water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
My mother-in-law found this recipe and it works great!
Shining Hardwood Floors
Equal parts Vegetable Oil and Vinegar
Toothpaste
Equal parts peroxide and baking soda
Hand Soap
Use bubble bath for hand soap. Simply refill your soap dispenser with great smelling bubble bath.
I have not done this yet because I haven't needed hand soap since I read this tip, but I think it would be fun, especially in the kids bathroom.
I've also found several recipe for making your own laundry detergent. Has anyone ever done this? If not, does anyone want to be the guine pig and try it? Just curious :) From what I have read you can make a batch for less than a dollar. Just think of all the people we could bless with the money we normally would spend on detergent! Check out the recipe here. I say we all give it a shot. I am almost out of detergent!
Environmentally safe does not mean child safe, make sure to thoroughly label all bottles and keep all supplies out of reach. Do it for the sake of the kids!
11 comments:
well... sorry I'm such a slow reply! Things are chaos here and I'm just covered in boxes! One more week and I'd love to get together!! When? Maybe us and Sarah? umm... I got my layout from suckmylolly.com (gross sounding, I know... but really cute layouts!!)
Very good tips here... think I'll try 'em once we get settled!
I came to your blog through another blog with a picture of your son in it. I don't want to alarm you or give you any undue stress, but when I noticed his eyes in the photo I saw, one eye reflected the light back white. I have a child of my own, and I would never intentionally scare anyone, but this could indicate eye disease. I am only telling you so you can potentially have it checked out. God bless!
Thanks for all the great tips! I have already started using vinegar when cleaning my dishes. My mom gave me this advice because I was sick of the spots on my sliverwear and drinking glasses. It really gets things clean and your right it doesn't smell! I think I'll try out the window cleaner too! See you Later!
Thank you to the person who left the comment about the picture of Noah.
I'm not going to lie..I did panic a wee bit, but the Lord has really calmed my heart about this.
I looked back through ALL the pictures of him on my computer and there is not another picture where this type of thing happens. I looked very closely at the light reflections, they all seem normal.
I've called a friend who's husband is an optometrist to ask him. Thank you for your concern...I do appreciate it.
Oooo....all of this looks interesting. I have heard of some of this, but not about the vinegar in the washer. I would also like to check into making the detergent. Think of all the money you could save by doing this!
Hi Ashley I love reading your blog through Sara's site, (I have really become a blog stalker). Your kids are precious and I love reading your thoughts. Can I add you to my blog? Mine is www.jettandjaxmeek.blogspot.com
Ok, I want to know more about the veg oil and vinegar for hardwood floors. You just sweep or vacuum, then mop with this mixture . . . right? I may have to try it!
You make me laugh! I think I, too, will give up cleaning for the sake of my children!!!! :)
I have heard of the make your own laundry detergent, but have not been brave enough to try it myself! :)
I am definitely intrigued by the bubble bath for hand soap. Some of that stuff really does smell great!
Blessngs!
I am so going to try some of these-thanks!- Oh, and the post below...I just have to say it again- POWERFUL! I think it's my favorite- that you've done so far! Blessings!
I just love your blog site. I am happy to know that I am not the only one who thinks this way. I am going to try to vinegar for my whites. I have not heard of that one. I also took your idea for eye makeup remover and have been greatly impressed. I have spent so much money on eye makeup remover. This is awesome. It was good to see you and your family at Easter. We will have to get Ella, Breckin, and Noah together again when we are in town. Talk to you soon.
Kendra Brashears
I kept hearing people comment on your green tips this weekend, but I am just now getting them!! Good thoughts and tips - I will have to try them! Vinegar here I come!!!
Its funny too b/c last night I was reading about going green and thinking of all the things that I could do. I changed cleaners awhile back...I don't make my own, but I use all natural and I love it. I feel so much better about it. I want to try the floor cleaner that you suggested though b/c my cleaner is not all natural there.
I have also heard of the detergent, but I think I am too lazy to try this; maybe one day!!
Post a Comment