March 22, 2012Hello Everyone,The flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, and I'm
sure almost everyone's house still feels like it's stuck with winter blues.
After being cooped up in a stuffy house all winter long, it?s finally time to fling open the windows, shoo away the cobwebs, and take on your annual spring cleaning. But often, the chemicals found in conventional cleaning products can be more dangerous than the dirt they?re intended to clean. And the way we clean (with lots of disposable paper towels) isn?t exactly earth-friendly. Thankfully, there are many alternatives available that can help you make your home squeaky clean?and green.
Handy Hints Holly PS... Are you on Facebook?
If you are, check out the Deal of the Day fan page. You get exclusive offers and a new deal every day. It is easy to
become a fan, just click here and hit the like button... Like Us On Facebook _________________________________________________
Hint 1: Ditch the paper towels. Save trees, cash and landfill
waste.
You can buy specially-made, washable cleaning and dusting
cloths (in all types of fabrics from cotton to microfiber).
But better yet? Use what you already have and give an old
piece of cloth (stained towels, ratty sheets and pillowcases, too-small T-shirts, etc.) a new life. Simply cut or tear your old item into smaller squares (if you want to get fancy, finish the edges with a sewing machine), and voila! Pop them in the washing machine with your laundry to clean, and use them again and again.
_________________________________________________
Hint 2: Here are a few 'green' recipes to help you with your spring cleaning...Happy cleaning :)
Glass: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 quart of water in a spray
bottle. Spray on glass and wipe clean with old newspaper or
a lint-free cloth.
Countertops and bathroom tile: Mix 2 parts vinegar and 1 part baking soda with 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scour, and wipe away.
Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about a gallon of hot water. If desired, add a few drops of pure peppermint or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. After damp mopping the floors, the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, leaving behind only the scent of the oil.
Wood furniture: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive and oil. Apply a small amount to a cloth, and rub onto the furniture in long, even strokes.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle a toilet brush with baking soda and scrub away! Occasionally disinfect your toilet by scrubbing with borax instead. Wipe the outside of the toilet clean with straight vinegar.
Mold and mildew: Wipe with straight vinegar.
Air freshener: Sprinkle essential oil on a cotton ball, and stash it in a corner of the room. If you have kids, make sure it is out of their reach as essential oils are very strong and could irritate their skin. Lavender is a relaxing scent that is great for bedrooms, and cinnamon, clove, and citrus oils are great for the rest of the house. You can stash a few in the car too?try peppermint, which may help you to stay alert.