Thursday, April 9, 2009

I think I have been in California too long.

Recently, I have been pondering the effects that household cleaning products could be having on the little lovey.

Fact, my mother used bleach, ammonia and everything...and I took it to excess despite her warnings.

Fact, my grandparents made it past the 90 year mark and were exposed to these toxins for years.

But, my liberal state (of California that is) and the "eco" trend has gotten a hold of me.

Not to mention that these "green" products (truly green, not store bought organic concoctions) really assist in padding the wallet for better purchases...say a new pair of Tory Burch 'Caylan' Huarache toe ring sandals (and yes, I will not wear them if in Dallas to for go my brother's making fun of).

So I tried it.

For your personal cleaning product recipe repertoire:

I used a vinegar/water (equal portions) mixture in lieu of Windex, 409, Tilex, etc. If you spray it, I used it. Floors, glass, basins, counters, granite, etc. The results...FANTASTIC.

If you scour it, I scoured it with Borax. I allowed it to sit in my toilet basins for three to four hours....PERFECTION...I also use this to soak soiled clothing from little toddlers overnight...results are amazing. It can harden the fiber, but nothing a little toxic fabric softener can not remedy.

Dusting I used a vegetable oil concoction that made my wood products gleam and trust me a little goes a long way. If I say use it sparingly, you know to use it SPARINGLY. I am the QUEEN of overdoing it.

So, the results...yes, I will switch to homemade cleaning products.

The concern: My house smells like vinegar. I have read that using a few drops of essential oils can do the trick...so, I think I will NOT use it sparingly and douse my vinegar/water concoction with essential oils...and I will update you then.

Until then, I am going to spray the air with Febreeze air freshener...uh-oh, I think it's toxic.

3 comments:

katie said...

hey alison,

just wanted to let you know that if you're ever interested in going to bombay (I was born in the states but my husband is from that area), you'll find hundreds upon hundreds of these exact toe-ring sandals for $8-$10. even with the same neutral color and pops of other colors. i have a bunch of pairs.

kind of a ripoff when you think about it! and not quite eco, since i doubt the indian people who make these sandals are sharing the profit margin! just a thought.

Amanda said...

Interesting! Maybe I'll try that.

Tricia said...

I love the smell of bleach. I just don't think I will ever be green enough to love vinegar smell over bleach smell. You all can personally blame me for killing the enviornment! And you just watch, in, like, ten years there will be some study that vinegar in high amounts causes some weird disease!!