eco-craftalong

[Ashling]

I've heard that you shouldn't use tea tree oil or lavendar oil for cleaning if you have young children in the house.  Apparently it can cause hormone imbalances in kids, because they're more sensitive to it.  Just something to check into first. 

[marcusandila]

hmmm im not sure where else to post this, but do ya'll know of any homemade all-purpose liquid cleaners that do not require vinegar. I hate the smell of vinegar [even apple cider vinegar] & lately I can't stand cleaning with it. Any ideas? It probably was asked already but honestly I didnt read through all 64 pages....

Thanks so much, I'll have to try these out as soon as I get some oils...

I haven't tried these out yet, as I only just ran across them in an e-care newsletter, but they sound excellent:

Tea Tree Treasure

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof,_on a musty bureau, a musty rug and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes about 2 cups, lasts indefinitely.


Grapefruit Seed Extract
The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract instead of tea tree oil for killing mold is that it is odorless.

20 drops grapefruit seed extract
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes about 2 cups, lasts indefinitely.

[marcusandila]

I've heard that you shouldn't use tea tree oil or lavendar oil for cleaning if you have young children in the house.  Apparently it can cause hormone imbalances in kids, because they're more sensitive to it.  Just something to check into first. 

I don't have any small children around all the time at the moment, but I'll definitely have to keep that in mind. Thanks!

[auroravioletta]

hmmm im not sure where else to post this, but do ya'll know of any homemade all-purpose liquid cleaners that do not require vinegar. I hate the smell of vinegar [even apple cider vinegar] & lately I can't stand cleaning with it. Any ideas? It probably was asked already but honestly I didnt read through all 64 pages....

You can replace it with lemon juice for single applications. Generally if a recipe calls for vinegar, it's because you need the acid so lemon juice should work. It just might be a little stickier after and require rinsing...

[Ruby Copperhead]

Instead of lemon juice, try citric acid. I use it a lot for cleaning, it's cheap and effective.

About the tea trea and lavender oil problem: They certainly affect the hormonal systems (that's waht makes them so effective), but I haven't heard about that imbalance thing so far. I'd not recommend tea tree around small children though, for the simple reason that it is toxic when it's overdosed (that's what makes it so effective ). Lavender, on the other hand, is non-toxic and one of the few essential oils that can't be overdosed.
If you feel uncomfortable about it still, then maybe it'd be better not to use essential oils at all because they are so highly concentrated (that's what makes them so effective ). If you can get hold of some dried lavender, make tea of it and use this for cleaning.

Against mold, I usually just use window cleaner which contains a lot of alcohol, but I think adding some tea tree oil would be even better - thanks!
I already use a little tea tree with the washing powder for the special hygienic calls when a family member is sick.

[nataluna]

hi sorry for jumping back in here after a long absence, but i have just posted this elsewhere and i wondered does anyone from this thread have any ideas for making a tree out of ... something else?  http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=328672.0  thank you!

[Riechan]

I'd love to be a part of this!

[pinokeeo]

The great thing about this craftalong is that you just jump in and do it.  Show us what you've  made.

[cattus]

HI! i am new here and this is my very 1st post 
I use MUSTARD POWDER to clean grease, it's absolutely the best.
Also nothing washes soap residue better than plain cold water.