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The “Never Ending” Dryer Sheets

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

1 Container with airtight lid  4-8 cheap sponges cut in half (Can get 4 pack for $1.00 at dollar store) 2 cups of your favorite fabric softener 4 cups water

METHOD: Mix water and fabric softener inside the a plastic container. Add cut sponges to soak in the mixture. When ready to use, squeeze excess liquid from 1 sponge and throw it into the dryer with your wet clothes. Start the dryer cycle. When finished, place the now dry sponge back into the container of liquid & repeat for next time. Clothes smell awesome, are so soft and there is no static just like the expensive throw away dryer sheets.
Courtesy of: http://jessicagilliard.blogspot.com/
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Your Antibacterial Arsenal

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antibacterial

Tea Tree Oil
Soap and Water
Lavender Oil
Vinegar

Tea Tree Oil – an antifungal and antibacterial that has been used for centuries. It is potent a little goes a long way. To make a strong anti-mold spray needs only 1 teaspoon tea tree oil to 2 cups of water. Look for “100% pure essential oil” rather than fragrant, aromatherapy or perfume oil, which may mean synthetic. The bottle should be glass of a dark color to lengthen shelf life.

Soap and Water – reduces surface tension of water and creates a thin film around dirt molecules, bacteria, and even viruses. Look for vegetable based, non-petroleum, fragrance, and detergent free soaps. Use warm water for fighting germs. Soap and water can effectively clean everything from your body and tabletops to carpet and fabric stains.

Lavender Oil – If you don’t like the smell of the tea tree oil, you may want to use lavender. Lavender scented cleansing products give you the added benefit of calming and mood-lifting aromatherapy. A few drops in the vaporizer to fight colds and infections. You can dilute with water and make an antibacterial spray.

Vinegar – Although not an EPAregistered pesticide, studies show that distilled white vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs. Keep a spray bottle of straight vinegar handy to clean up any problem area quickly and easily.

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1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710
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Home Made All Purpose Cleaner – For Laundry

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If you are new to green cleaning, here is a quick way to get you started.

 

Mix:

 

½ teaspoon of vegetable oil-based laundry detergent

1 teaspoon of borax (laundry detergent)

2 tablespoons of white vinegar

1 quart of hot water

 

 

 

1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

 

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Disinfect Properly

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hydrogen-peroxide

 

Soap and water cleaning is good at removing most germs from surfaces, properly disinfecting can effectively kill germs.  The kitchen, bathroom, and nursery area should be kept in mind.

 

Vinegar is the go-to product when it comes to disinfectants.  Add a little hydrogen peroxide in a dark colored spray bottle and store in a dark place and you are ready for any job.  This mixture is very effective at destroying salmonella and ecoli bacteria.

You can also mix vinegar and baking soda to in the dishwasher and this is a good way to remove streaks.

 

1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

 

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Now you can keep your gross sponge!

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sponge1

 

Ever wondered how to “clean” a sponge?

Microbes love to nestle down in small, damp spaces such as the inner cells of sponges or the pores between the fibers of wooden cutting boards.  Antibacterial soaps, detergents, sponges, cloths, boards, and utensils posses a chemical additive intended to deter bacterial growth, but they have not proved superior to regular products in tests.  You can reduce the microbes in sponges by washing in dishwasher or by treating them as suggested below.  Alternatively, save the sponges for car washing and other heavy cleaning chores and clean the kitchen with washable dishcloths and towels, and launder them often.

  1. To eliminate microbes with highly toxic chemicals such as bleach (one teaspoon per quart of water).  Chlorine kills most organisms.  However, chlorine is toxic to handle, can ruin clothing, and when washed down household drains into the water supply, it forms chemicals harmful to people and wildlife.
  2. Kill the microbes with heat.  Soapy water heated to 140⁰F kills most harmful organisms and washes most others away.  This method takes effort, though, since the water must be truly scalding hot, well beyond the temperature of the tap.
  3. Use an automatic dishwasher to combine both methods: it washes in water hotter than hands can tolerate and most dishwasher detergents contain chlorine.
  4. Use a microwave to kill microbes on sponges.  Place the wet sponge in a microwave oven and heat it until steaming hot (times vary).  Caution: heat only wet sponges in the microwave over and watch them carefully; dry sponges or those that contain metal can catch on fire.  Also, to prevent scalding your hands, use tongs to remove the steaming sponge.

 

The third and fourth options turned out to be the most effective for sanitizing sponges in an experiment by the USDA microbiologist.  Washing in a dishwasher and microwaving killed virtually all bacteria trapped in sponges, while soaking in a bleach solution missed over 10 percent.  The dishwasher may be preferable, however, for overall safety.

(Quoted in its entirety from Nutrition Concepts & Controversies, by Sizer / Whitney, Twelfth Edition, pages 454-455)

1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

Join 1st Green Clean on Facebook for all your natural and eco-friendly cleaning tips.

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Unclutter Your Desk – 5 Ways To Make Your Desk Neater

by A cluttered desk is more than just an eyesore. It wastes your time, and that costs you productivity and money. Here are five ways to get your desk neat and organized and keep it that way.

Messy desk

 

Do you feel like you’re buried under a mound of paper by the end of the day? If so, join the crowd. According to the Smead Corporation, which manufactures filing systems and records management products , the average office in the US spits out more than 45 paper missives each day – adding up to a whopping 1300 sheets of paper each month. Where does it all go?

good chance that where that paper is “going” now is on top of your desk. And in the hutch over your desk.. and next to the printer…And, Oh no! The cat just jumped up on your filing cabinet and knocked a big pile of papers onto the floor.

What can you do to put an end to the clutter when paper seems to clone itself when you’re not looking? Here are several suggestions:

1) Start with a plan
Sort through and categorize the papers on your desk. Consider which you’ll need close at hand, which you need to save only for archival value and what you can read and toss. Give each of those categories of paper a “home.” Make a list of your categories if necessary so you remember whether proposal samples get filed under “Samples” or under “Proposals“. Store that list on your computer – and resist the temptation to print it out!

2) Start with the filling cabinet, not the desk
The rationale for that is simple. If you don’t have an orderly system for filing papers – and room in your filing cabinet to put those files – you’ll never get your desk cleaned. Toss out old files and review your overall system. Set up your filing system so files you need regularly are near at hand. Consider color-coding to group similar files together and make them easily identifiable. Move files you don’t need often to an out-of-the way location.

 

1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

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BATHTUB, SHOWER AND SINK

Clean your bathtub or sink with a wet, used dryer sheet to leave a nice shine and remove the ring.

 

toto-sprino-small-bathroom-9

Remove no-slip decals from the bathtub with hot vinegar. Use a cloth or sponge to saturate them, wait, and they will come off easily with a plastic scrubber.

A bathtub or shower can be cleaned with white vinegar. Spray it on, let it set for 15 minutes, wipe, rinse, and dry.

“Oxygen Bleach” Cleanser will “scrub” away dirt and rust from just about any type of surface (even clothes), but it doesn’t scratch. It is also environmentally safe and contains no hazardous chemicals, not even bleach.

Scrub tile grout with a mixture of 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of borax, and enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste, scrub, rinse, and dry. A used toothbrush makes a good grout scrubber. After the grout has been cleaned, spread the paste over the surrounding tiles, wipe, rinse, and dry.

If you wash your face every morning or every night, use the wet washcloth to wipe the sink and counter. Doing this daily should prevent any dirt build-up. Wipe dry for a spot-free shine.

Most shower curtains can be put through the washer, then hang them back up to drip dry.

1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

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Removing Mold And Mildew In Your Home

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By Leah Gillis

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) website, molds are a part of our natural environment – but that doesn’t mean we want them to run amuck in our homes. The types of mold that cause damage in homes can also cause infection, allergies, skin irritation, headaches and asthma.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a word that people throw around often times without really understanding what it is. It sounds downright disgusting, and to be sure it isn’t pleasant, but it is a rather simple thing.

mold1 mold2

  • Outside, mold is a part of nature’s order, consuming dead plant matter, but inside mold is not so useful and should not be allowed to grow.
  • Mold only needs one thing to grow and prosper: moisture.

Removing Mold And Mildew

You should be able to get rid of mold yourself if the area isn’t very large, otherwise do seek professional help. Remember that you can’t get rid of all mold because some is natural and will exist in a home. Here are some guidelines recommended by the EPA to help you rid your home of mold.

  • Chemicals that remove mold include: bleach, borax, vinegar, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
  • Before you begin mold clean-up, make sure you are wearing the proper gear.
  • You will want to wear long gloves that extend up the arm, and make sure the material they are made out of can withstand the cleaning products you use.
  • You should also wear goggles without ventilation holes so you don’t get it in your eyes.
  • Since you don’t want to breathe in mold, the EPA suggests an N-95 respirator. You can check with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for their guidelines.
  • If you have mold in rugs, the ceiling or tiles (anything absorbent or porous,) you might have to throw it way. Since mold grows and can get into crevices it might be impossible to remove it completely from the material.
  • Don’t paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the area first before you do work.
  • If you are unsure of how to clean an item, get professional help.
  • If you have a leaking faucet, pipe or roof that is supplying the water that grew the mold, get it fixed immediately.

Mold is a naturally occurring substance,but with awareness and persistence to keep moisture out of your home, you can reduce the chances of having mold in your home.

 

 

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Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

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24 Cleaning And Cosmetic Uses For Baking Soda By Alexandra Kerr

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You may know that baking soda is great for absorbing odors in your refrigerator or putting out small grease fires, but there’s more to this inexpensive and readily available ingredient that you may not have heard of. From clearing drains to clearing your acne, try these 24 ways to use baking soda for a cheap and easy replacement for expensive cleaners and cosmetics.

Cleaning

Clean Countertops: Sprinkle baking soda over your entire countertop, or on stains and spills. Allow to sit for five to 15 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth or sponge.

Clean Brushes: Soak household and cosmetic brushes in a solution of baking soda and water to cleanse.

Kitchen Surface Cleaner: Make a paste by combining baking soda and water, then cover your stove, oven, kitchen counter and sink. Allow to sit for five to 15 minutes, then wipe or scrub away.

Clean Drains: For clogged drains, pour three quarters of a cup of baking soda down them, followed by one cup of vinegar. The two ingredients will combine and fizz, helping to clear the drain. After 15 minutes, flush with very hot to boiling water.

Laundry Booster: Pour one half cup to one full cup of baking soda into your washing machine to help clean and freshen clothing.

Clean Pots, Pans & Dishes: Remove tough stuck-on food stains by making a paste of baking soda and water. Allow to set for several minutes, then wipe or scrub away.

Freshen Carpets: Sprinkle one box of baking soda over your carpet, and allow to sit for at least one hour. Vacuum when finished.

Freshen Cat Litter Boxes: Pour baking soda into your cat litter box to help fight smells.

 

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Air Freshener: Place an open box of baking soda, or a decorative jar filled with baking soda, anywhere you’d like to freshen the air. Place an open box in the back of your refrigerator and freezer to remove bad food smells as well.

Deodorize Trashcans: Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of trashcans around your home to keep garbage from smelling.

Clean Children’s Toys: Avoid using dangerous chemical cleaners on your kids’ toys by soaking them in a mixture of baking soda and water instead.

Clean Your Grill: Sprinkle baking soda and water on your grill to help remove burnt on food.

Clean Silver: Fill your sink with water, then place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom. Sprinkle baking soda and two teaspoons of salt into the water, then place silver items on the foil. Tarnish will be removed or easily wiped off.

Cleanse Produce: Make sure your fruits and vegetables are clean before eating them by soaking them in a mixture of water and one-quarter cup of baking soda. Rinse thoroughly.

Remove Tough Odors From Skin: To get rid of smelly foods from your hands, clean with a paste of baking soda and water.

Beauty

Facial Scrub: Mix baking soda with oatmeal, lemon juice, orange juice or honey for a DIY facemask to cleanse and moisturize (with honey).

Tooth Whitening: Sprinkle baking soda onto your toothbrush, then brush normally for whiter teeth and fresh breath.

Mouthwash: Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water for DIY mouthwash.

Shampoo: Skip the expense and chemicals of store-bought shampoo by making your own. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda for every eight ounces of water, and put in a bottle of your choice. Shake until thoroughly mixed, then use in place of your regular shampoo.

Exfoliate: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Spread on your body wherever you would like to exfoliate.

Clear Acne: Make a paste of baking soda and water, then place on acne to gently dry it out. Wash off after five to 10 minutes, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.

Soften Skin: Pour baking soda into your bath for clean and soft skin without chemical filled cosmetics.

Soothe Skin: To calm itchy or burning skin, make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply to the affected area. Allow to sit for five to 15 minutes, depending on your skin’s sensitivity, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

Antacid: To fight heartburn and indigestion, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one glass of water. Sip until your stomach is calmed.

Using baking soda around your home is an easy way to replace expensive and potentially dangerous chemical cleaners and chemical filled cosmetics. Try replacing some of your current products and enjoy the many benefits baking soda.

 

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Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

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The Sweet and Sour Side of Lemons

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lemons-bowl-b_300

 

Lemons

The acid in lemon juice removes dirt and rust stains. It’s especially effective when mixed with salt, which makes “an excellent scouring paste,” says Karyn Siegel-Maier, author ofThe Naturally Clean Home ($9,amazon.com).

Price: About 50 cents a lemon.
Use Them to Clean Your…

Countertops: Dip the cut side of a lemon half in baking soda to tackle countertops; wipe with a wet sponge and dry. Don’t use on delicate stone, like marble, or stainless steel (it may discolor).

Cutting boards: To remove tough food stains from light wood and plastic cutting boards, slice a lemon in half, squeeze onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Dishes: To increase the grease-cutting power of your dishwashing detergent, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Faucets: Combat lime scale by rubbing lemon juice onto the taps and letting it sit overnight. Wipe with a damp cloth.

Garbage disposal: Cut a lemon in half, then run both pieces through the disposal. “The lemon cleans it and makes it smell great,” says Linda Mason Hunter, a coauthor of Green Clean ($13.50, amazon.com).

Grout: Spilled morning coffee on your tile countertop or backsplash? Here’s how to tackle grout stains: Add lemon juice to 1 or 2 teaspoons cream of tartar (an acidic salt that acts as a natural bleaching agent) to make a paste. Apply with a toothbrush, then rinse.

Hands: When you touch raw fish, the smell can linger on your fingers. Rub your hands with lemon juice, which will neutralize the odor.

Laundry: To brighten whites, add 1/2 cup lemon juice to the rinse cycle for a normal-size load.

Plastic food-storage containers: To bleach stains from tomato soup and other acidic foods on dishwasher-safe items, rub lemon juice on the spots, let dry in a sunny place, then wash as usual.

 

 

1st Green Clean
Bladensburg, MD 20710

 

Toll Free Phone and Fax: (866) 905-9002 ext. 104#

 

Join 1st Green Clean on Facebook for all your natural and eco-friendly cleaning tips.  Don’t forget to follow our Blog.

 

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