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Becky Parker
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| Posted: Jan 19 2008 at 8:26am | IP Logged
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I don't know if "dechemacalizing" is a word, but that is what I am working at doing in my household. Last year we got into better eating habits. We're not "organic" but at least we have cut out all colors, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats. Recently, thanks to your advice here, I switched over to stainless steel cookware. I love it! So now, I am thinking I need to get rid of the harsh cleansers and other chemicals around here. I've actually been wanting to do this for a long time.
So, I am thinking about getting Better Basics to help me with this. Are there any books that you would recommend instead of this one? My other thought is to forget the book and just buy Mrs. Meyers products, or something like that. Any other tips or techniques you care to share?
Thanks!
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Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
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kingvozzo
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I use this book, and I've been veery pleased with all the recipes I've tried. Although, I use scented baking soda for almost everything. I just add 10-15 drops os an essential oil to a shaker of baking soda. (She recommends using a plastic parmesan cheese shaker  )
Hope that helps.
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Noreen
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Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms
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lilac hill
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| Posted: Jan 19 2008 at 10:11am | IP Logged
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I have been working at simplifiying the cleaning supplies here. It takes a very long time to get rid of all that I had accumulated.
I have just purchased Mrs. Meyers window cleaner. It works well and smells delicious--finally used up all the stray windex.
For occasonal animal problems I have switched to a Mrs. Meyers product as well and I am happy.
I use Murphy's oil soap occasionally because my husbannd likes it, vinegar, Charlie's soap powder for laundry, a non-chlorine bleach(whatever brand I can get locally), and Bon Ami and baking soda as a scouring powder. I have a large block of castile soap for most cleaning( it works fine on a scrub brush, diluted in water and for stubborn laundry stains).
I still have chlorine bleach for very occasional sink bleaching and on chicken butchering days.
I do a daily quick swipe of the commodes with a brush and use whatever odd shampooh or scented bubble bath that we tend to accumulate. With 3 girly girls we get enough to keepp the commodes clean.
I use whaever 'green" dishwasher and dishwashing stuff I can buy locally, although when we ran out the castile soap works fine on dishes washing in the sink.
I like the idea of making my own products but never get around to it. I do have the book Herbal Homkeeping and use it as a source for odd recipes (like when lemon juice/vinegar and a bit of baking soda does not work on the copper bird bath) I also prefer unscented cleaning products , but the Mrs. Meyers are lightly scented enough to tolerate.
When I look at this list, seems a bit extensive. I might simplify by switching to more castile for Murphy's or dishes, but with my husband and girls helping, having the products they like on hand makes sense.
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Viv
Wife to Rick (7/83), Mom to dd#1(6/87), dd#2(1/90), and dd#3(6/94) in central PA.
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aiereis
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What do you do about vomit or feces on the carpet or upholstery?  I have been using white vinegar, but I just don't feel comfortable using that alone. I don't want any lingering germs or bacteria but I don't want toxins either. 
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Christina
Mommy to a lively toddler and a sweet bambina.
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: Jan 19 2008 at 1:29pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for the book recommendation Noreen! And Viv, where do you buy castile soap?
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Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
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lilac hill
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| Posted: Jan 19 2008 at 2:09pm | IP Logged
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I bought my block of castile soap online about 7 years ago--it does last! I have a small piece near the sink in a daughter made ceramic dish which I can swish with a dish scrubber, and a hunk in the utility sink in the laundry for buckets for floor and wall washing and laundry stain scrubbing.
As far as stains on carpet--I have had good luck with Mrs. Meyers Oxygen Bleach stain remover. I mix 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water, wash with it, rinse and blot to dry. We have rugs so I can lift the rug to let it dry. Probably would work with upolstery.
I have the clary sage chamomile, not sure if they have the Stain remover in other scents.
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Viv
Wife to Rick (7/83), Mom to dd#1(6/87), dd#2(1/90), and dd#3(6/94) in central PA.
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: de-chemicalizing
