Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Magic Soap! Great for hair, clothes, dog... it comes in a vaiety of scents, but this is my long time standby. I also like the lavendar and the tea tree. 
Another of Bronner's creations, but this one is for hard surfaces. I do dishes with this, clean our floors, kitchen counters, etc... It's not soap, but it does have suds. Amazing stuff ~ SAL Suds. 
Nature's Gate has come a long way. Their new scents are luscious, but this is one that I repeatedly find myself gravitating toward. Madarine Orange Patchouli. My other fave is Grapefruit Wild Ginger. Natural Antibacterials.In the dishwasher I use ECOS Wave powder tabs. I tried making my own dishwasher soap, but it just didn't get the dishes as clean or disolve well, so I am doing the next best thing ~ non-toxic, plant-based, free of phosphates, chlorine, petroleum chemicals, 100% biodegradable and the containers are easily recycled.
That's really all that isn't homemade around here. Here's a link to many of the recipes I use for glass, toilet, shower, carpet, & wood.
One wasteful product that I have not been able to get away from are dryer sheets. In the summer, I try to let things dry on a line, but winter and the static are BEARS where I live. Grizzly style - if you know what I mean?! Dryer sheets are toxic, however. Gives new meaning o "killing me softly", eh? Unlike some, I could care less whether any scent is left on the clothes, just keep away the static creep and crackle! The only natural alternative that works is Mrs. Meyer's, I've found. 
I reuse the sheets several ways. 1st use sheets are saved in a pile on top of my dryer. When there are 2 per load for the remaining loads, I begin putting 2 - 1st use sheets in for a 2nd time to make up the equivalent. After their 2nd run I save them in a container for dust cloths, computer screen wipes, & over the top of a cloth as a 'swiffer' for the hard floors. Mrs. Meyer's are biodegradable.
10 comments:
Yay for natural cleaners! Woo! One idea for you to consider...instead of dryer sheets, you could use a washcloth with essential oils on it. A few drops, throw it in, and voila! Nice smelling laundry. And the smells are endless...how about lavender/lemon? Lavender/mint? There are so many.
Smells, yes, but it is the static cling I use them for. I can't get away from them for that one reason.
question: would you say that using the products you use saves you money, costs more, or about evens out?
Saves!! Without a doubt! I think the initial outlay of dough was a substantial chunk (when we first made the switch) but since then the upkeep has been minimal. I only have to buy SAL suds every 3 months. It runs 8.95 a bottle. The other Dr. Bonner's runs about $11 a bottle and I buy it about every 2.5 months. That works out to be about $8 a month total for dish soap, floor cleaner, shampoo, dog shampoo and laundry detergent! The dishwasher tabs are even with what I was paying before. The dryer sheets are a bit more, but I don't have to buy pledge or special wipes for the computer screen and I buy fewer swiffers, so it evens out that way.
Of course the cleaners I make are cheap! Vinegar, Baking Soda, Borax... those things cost pennies per gallon, so no extra costs there and I can add a drop or two of essential oil to the cleaner for aroma. (I usually get these as gifts so I haven't had to buy any myself yet.) Hope that answered your questions, Naomi! You know where to find me if you have more!
:O)
Deea,
First of all, thank you for leaving the recipes and ideas on my exchange post. I will have to try the lentils as a side dish with our Mexican dishes. I forwarded your other recipes to Monica and Meredith, respectively.
Secondly, thanks for sharing what works for you in the way of natural cleansers. I wasn't familiar with several of these.
I hope you love them as much as we do Carrie! Lentils are a serious staple around here!
I love reading both your's and Monica's blogs. You bless my heart with your pursuit of the Lord and being faithful stewards of all He's given!
I found your blog through Sara's at Walk Slowly....I am wondering what mixture you use for Dr. Bronner's shampoo. Is there a place on line that tells you what mixture to use for which purpose?? Thanks! I love, love, love the mint smell when cleaning. It actually makes me want to clean my kitchen.
Hi Deanna!
I use 3/4 Bronner's to 1/4 water mix for shampoo, and it takes about as much as a nickle for my really long hair. I still have to use a conditioner ( http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2882&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5332#moreInfo )which I only buy once a year.
I use it concentrated for the laundry, but only use a cap full for the entire load. 2-3 caps full for the floor and just a squirt for a sink load of dishes. It was trial and error to find what worked. I am by no means the authority, I just do what works for us!
I should have said that the floor dilution is in a 5 gallon bucket of water. And also, don't use the magic soap on hard surfaces - use the SAL suds or you'll have a residue. SAL doesn't have to be rinsed if it is diluted properly.
I've heard that tennis balls work well as a replacement for dryer sheets. I haven't tried it myself. And I have also heard of "dryer balls." You could try either of those.
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