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Cleaning Supplies

This morning my husband was trying to get rid of our nasty silverfish infestation by pouring a gallon of Clorox down or various drains around the house.  Then terrified I realized that somehow that same Clorox would eventually end up in our drinking water - along with the rest of the cleaning supplies I use and end up "pouring down the drain" (Ajax, Windex, Pine Sol, Lysol, etc.)
I told him not to and I would find a better environmentally friendly alternative to cleaning supplies.
I heard Target carries the METHOD brand but am not really sure if it is truly environmentally friendly.  Somebody suggested using vinegar to clean but the smell grosses me out.
Any suggestions?

:D
I just found this brand - you have to order it via mail if you don't live in California - it's VEGAN too!!!

http://www.begleysbest.com/

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Method is a great brand, actually.  Their products are biodegradable, their packaging is recyclable, and they don't test on animals.  If I wasn't sold on the miraculous powers of baking soda and vinegar, this is the brand I would buy.

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Thanks apstaats.

You said something about Baking Soda and Vinegar - is there a "recipe" for a cleaning supply? I'll definitely try the Method brand...

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Well, I think you're supposed to put a little bit of baking soda and a little bit of vinegar in a bunch of water, but I kind of go crazy and use straight vinegar or I put a little baking soda in the vinegar first for extra scrubbiness.  You have to be careful though because it will foam up when you first mix them together.  The best thing about using this is that I can clean the shower while I'm taking a shower and I don't worry about it getting on me.  I also use a paste of baking soda and water to polish stuff like the faucet and the toaster.

I've also fallen in love with microfiber cloths.  With a good one, you can clean your mirrors with no cleanser at all and they're great on tile, faucets, and sinks.

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This is what I use:

http://www.aspenclean.com/public.php?level=1&page_id=53

Plus seventh generation 'citrus cleaner and degreaser' for spot cleaning my carpets.

K^2

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For greasy stoves I use d'limonine.  It's the orange cleaner health food stores (from orange peels).  It's also effective on fleas.  It's not good for animals to get on themselves.  If I have any doubt about the flea-iness of my cat, I make sure he's out of the room and then spray down the areas where he lays.  You can't use it on fiberglass, though.  Other than that, I like baking soda and water.  Baking soda has just enough grit to work but not so much to scratch and water is a universal solvent.  A lot of times, all you need is a wet rag.  To clean my drains I use baking soda and vinegar.

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Thanks everyone - I tried the the vinegar/baking soda paste in my bathroom with great success...
No more damaging my cute little earth!!!

;)

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Yay!!!  :D

I first discovered baking soda and vinegar several months ago, and I could not believe I had been using that toxic crap for so long, and it didn't even work as well!

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P.S. I love Spongebob

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I have bought some METHOD items.  They are readily available at Shopper's Drug Mart in Canada.  Very nice hand soaps etc.  Haven't tried their cleaning products yet.

Two brands I love for dish soap are Ecover and Nature Clean.

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Sorry, but I have to hijack for a second...

DI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How the heck are you?  Good to see you!

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Sorry, but I have to hijack for a second...

DI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How the heck are you?  Good to see you!

You are so sweet Apstaats!!!!!! I am OK.  Stressed as per usual but OK!  I am still smoking but am winding down.  I am so trying to quit so am beating myself up. 
I would like to wake up one morning and have my place be finished, Cali be totally 100% and actually want to go to work.
I can't seem to get things accomplished because I am constantly exhausted.  Went for my physical 1 1/2 weeks ago and am going back to the doctor next week for results and more tests.  Although, I am probably exhausted because I become wide awake when I leave work so am not tired at a normal bed time.  Have to work on that!  I exist on two to 4 hours of sleep a night.  I know I need more.  My doctor does believe all of this is stress related and not actual disease or anything.  But she says stress can kill so I know I have to work on it. 
My renovations are going to start up again and there is an end in sight.  That will hugely help as my place is not a home right now and the huge expense is weighing heavily on me.  I can't even set up my exercise equipment while all of this is going on.  None the less, life is good and will get better.

How are you?

Hugs
Di

P.S.  Thanks for asking!

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Aww, I know just how it feels to have your house turned upside down like that.  It's horrible!  My house is still a bit like that too.  I hope your house feels like a home again soon. 

About the smoking, you've still got the determination to be a non-smoker, and remember, that is something to be proud of!

And I hope Cali is doing great!

I'm doing pretty well.  I am finally working a semi-normal schedule OUT of the house, and I think that makes me pretty happy.  I'm also teaching again, and that makes me really happy!

Keep popping by when you get the chance!  :-*

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