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Cleaning Up:  Bleach alternative?  |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 4:52:47 PM
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I switched to all natural and "green" household cleaners about a year ago and recently posted on this forum about making my own laundry detergent. I got so many great ideas and answers I thought I'd try again.
I like my whites to stay white. I don't use bleach every time I wash whites but I do occasionally. I also use it when washing dog towels once in a while. My HE washer also recommends that I run a cleaning cycle using bleach only once a month.
What do you use to keep your whites white and as an HE washer cleaner? I'd love to make the switch.
I do use vinegar in my floor cleaner (but not counter top because we have granite). Wondering if vinegar is enough for both these jobs.
Thanks!
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
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Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 8:07:00 PM
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I use Mule team Borax. Works like a charm.
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2013 : 07:02:07 AM
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i use oxi-clean or you can also order sodium hexametaphosphate it is a food grade bleach.
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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teacups
Farmgirl in Training
31 Posts
terri
bryans road
maryland
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2013 : 08:42:58 AM
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| I have an HE washer. I make my own laundry detergent with a mix of borax, washing soda, Fels-naptha and essential oils. I switch up the oils each time to give it a different scent. I use vinegar for my fabric softener and I use peroxide in place of bleach. I have still been buying the tide washer cleaner and have wondered what else I could use in place of it. I am trying to go totally green, and I am going to need to try something soon. |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4737 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4737 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2013 : 09:08:06 AM
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I find Borax works like bleach, especially if used in hot water. Good luck finding what works best with your water.
Dawn in IL |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2013 : 09:25:49 AM
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I use Borax, too... but I think it's the combination of Borax and white vinegar - or Borax, baking soda and white vinegar...SOME combination of these has the effect of peroxide, right? I didn't realize that Borax bleaches on its own, though... Wouldn't that just ruin my colors? I've never had a problem with that... Bluing also makes whites whiter... And I love the sun, too, Heather! :) And why is it that if we dry our white canvas sneakers outside overnight the whites supposedly become brighter?? Maybe it's an old wives' tale, but it works... I wonder if maybe it'd be the same for white clothing? Although... I'd never leave anything hanging on the line out here overnight! LOL! Anyhow, Andee, 'looks like the farmgirls are giving you some great solutions! Good luck! - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9321 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9321 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2013 : 1:36:11 PM
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I use borax and baking soda or oxy-clean since it is basically dehydrated peroxide.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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TexasJo
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Jody
Berthoud
CO
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2013 : 1:44:02 PM
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Andee -- this is perfect timing! I was just wondering the same thing. I am trying out some alternative methods so I can make the switch to more natual products, and was wondering about bleach? What about bleach for cleaning countertops in the kitchen? I don't know what to use that is bacteria fighting? Anyone have ideas for this, too?
Jo
Farmgirl Sister #5000
We can do it! |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9321 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9321 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2013 : 3:55:56 PM
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I just want to add that bleach contributes to candida so it is much better to find an alternative for washing in especially for the under clothes.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2013 : 08:26:04 AM
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Borax works for me, too. Lots of good ideas for alternatives.
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington
My blog, The Review-anista Reads http://friendsfunfabric.blogspot.com/ |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2013 : 5:59:18 PM
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Questions for Farmgirls who use hydrogen peroxide in the laundry: how much do you use, and at what stage in the wash cycle?
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Edited by - Rosemary on Apr 28 2013 5:59:48 PM |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2013 : 5:59:59 PM
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Question for farmgirls who use hydrogen peroxide in the laundry: how much do you use, and at what stage in the wash cycle?
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9321 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9321 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2013 : 8:30:56 PM
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Jody~ Vinegar is excellent to use on your counter tops. I use it to disinfect counter tops, cutting boards and my sink.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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TexasJo
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Jody
Berthoud
CO
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2013 : 3:50:35 PM
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Thanks Denise! I apprecaite the help. I have tried vinegar, but honestly I don't like the smell of it. :/ I never have and I have a very hard time using it. While I have been using it with hydrogen peroxide as a wash for fruits and vegies, and I can wash it off of them, I have to be quick and can almost hold my breath! HAHA... I would prefer something fresh smelling for the counters as well as a whitening agent of some kind. I have white counters and cupboards, so bleach has been very helpful in keeping them clean. It doesn't smell good either, but it smells clean to me. It's so hard to give it up, but its so harsh too. I guess my sense of smell is very sensitive and I am huge on aromatherapy in all things, just not vinegar. LOL. Any other ideas anyone?
We can do it! |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2013 : 4:11:37 PM
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| Jody, you can make a very effective surface cleaner with white vinegar, several drops of dishwashing liquid and enough essential oil (in a fragrance you love) to mask the scent of the vinegar. It's worth a try! |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2013 : 7:19:25 PM
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Remember not to use vinegar to clean granite.
I use a mixture of 1 cup alcohol, 1 cup water, and a few drops of dish soap to clean my granite counter tops.
I mix 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup alcohol, 1 cup water and a few drops of dish soap on my floors.
Both work great and now the smell of vinegar and alcohol are the 'clean scent' to me.
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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TexasJo
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Jody
Berthoud
CO
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2013 : 1:34:24 PM
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Thank you ladies for your ideas. Everyone is so awesome about sharing!
Andee -- sounds like mixing the vinegar with alcohol might (hopefully) make a different fragrance and hopefully mask the vinegar enough. I tried using vinegar recently and the smell was so bad to me that I had to rewash everything I used it on to get rid of the smell. When you use water, are you using distilled water?
Mara - I like the idea of adding essential oils to the mix. I wonder if I combined the two ideas and use alcohol, water, dish soap and essential oils...hmmm... I think I might have to leave out vinegar.
Hugs,
Jo
Farmgirl Sister #5000
We can do it! |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2013 : 06:31:33 AM
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Thanks levisgranny and Rosemary. I have used vinegar alot in the past, but the smell bothered my family. I will have to experiment with using it with essential oils. My family doesn't like lavender. Any other recommendations for essential oils? Is there anything that smell lemon-y, they wouldn't mind that.
@levisgranny, I like your recipe with the alcohol for additional disinfection.
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington
My blog, The Review-anista Reads http://friendsfunfabric.blogspot.com/ |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2013 : 8:30:16 PM
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| Judy, I think one of the nicest essential oils is Lemon Grass. It's wonderfully fresh-smelling -- a little lemony, a little grassy. |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9321 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9321 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2013 : 12:31:50 PM
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@ Judy, I think it was Andee who posted about the alcohol. I only use vinegar for a disinfectant though I may try the alcohol and essential oils.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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jollyquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
251 Posts
WV
USA
251 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2013 : 3:47:57 PM
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Judy, I add 2 cups white vinegar to a quart jar and add orange peels and put the lid on it. i let them soak a few days and then use the vinegar. I bet you could do the same thing with lemon peels.
www.StuffByKim.etsy.com
http://fiberandflea.blogspot.com |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2013 : 7:29:51 PM
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Jody- yes, mixing the vinegar and alcohol does cut down on the vinegar smell but adds an alcohol smell. Though vinegar isn't my favorite scent, it doesn't last once it dries. I use it on my floors every day and my house doesn't smell like vinegar. :) It takes getting used to, but now those scents are the smell of clean to me.
I also use regular city tap water. I figure it's such a small amount used on the floors it won't cause any buildup. I've been using it on my floors for over a year and haven't had an issue.
Here are my recipes:
Counter top cleaner: 1 cup alcohol, 2 cups water, a few drops of dish soap. (You could certainly add essential oils)
Floor cleaner: 1 cup alcohol, 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, a few drops dish soap. (Again, you could add oils)
If you don't have granite counters, you could use the floor cleaner on countertops as well. One cleaner that does it all would be super easy.
:)
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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TexasJo
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Jody
Berthoud
CO
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2013 : 2:27:50 PM
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Hi Andee,
I have noticed that the vinegar scent doesn't last too long, but it lasts long enough to make me scrunch up my nose! LOL.... I am soooo picky about fragrance of any kind that I am not sure I can get used to it for cleaning everything. I do use it when washing fruits and vegies now -- and because it washes away so quickly, I don't mind that. But after using it on the counters, I had to wash and rewash it again to quickly get rid of the smell. Doesn't seem like it's for me..?? I don't mind the smell of alcohol actually, so I will try blending it for counters or just use the recipe you have above -- water and alcohol with soap and maybe EO's. Thanks so much for sharing!! I am glad to be moving in a direction where I can discontinue the other types of cleaners that are not good for us. Everyone is so helpful!
I just love being part of this! :) Thanks for being out there ladies!
Hugs to all!!
Jo
We can do it! |
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Jess_Quinn
Farmgirl in Training
36 Posts
Jessica
Gleason
TN
USA
36 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2013 : 07:50:31 AM
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I use vinegar in my fabric softener. I haven't had a problem with a vinegar-y smell, but of course I add some pretty smelling hair conditioner in it as well:)
"He makes the grass to
grow for the cattle, and herb for
the service of man, that he
may bring forth food out
of the earth" Psalms 104:14
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Cleaning Up: Bleach alternative? |
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Bleach alternative?
