I'm telling you, I think in rhymes and children's songs. The level of sophistication in my house is so low, it's probably like a black hole sucking all of the grown-up-ness up for miles around. Which explains a little about some of the neighbors, now that I think about it. Oh, wait, did you think the blog title was referring to my regular fantasy of a day without soiled diapers? The one that isn't likely to happen any time in the next two and a half years minimum?
Well, I currently "no-poo" (though my children certainly don't, heh), which actually refers to not using shampoo, and thought I'd share an update for other all-natural weirdos out there. The only shampoo that's touched my hair in the past year was one time when we were on vacation with friends and I got lazy. I just used what was in the shower. (It was a decent, at least middle of the road shampoo that you might have in your shower as well.) I could tell a HUGE difference, as my hair went totally limp and fine afterward and would hardly stay in a ponytail. That's been typical of my hair throughout my life, not wanting to stay up in any kind of style or hold a curl. With the "no-poo", though, the natural oils aren't washed out and it gives my hair awesome texture and shine. For me, it is win-win. I don't spend money on shampoo or hair product, and my hair is infinitely more manageable and very soft.
Oh and I was shampooed twice during my semi-annual haircuts. Same story as above, but with lots of hair product to scour out with my baking soda "no-poo"over the next few days.
If you are thinking of trying the "no-poo" system (you are totally dying to give up shampoo, right??), I have a few tips to help you give it a really fair trial:
1. Commit to doing no-poo only for 30 days. Your scalp will take a little while to adjust the amount of oil it makes, and yes, you might feel really oily for awhile. My first time around, I bailed after a couple of weeks because I was dying for some lather and felt like a grease pit (my second time around, I used more baking soda and had way more success; see #2 below). If you alternate between no-poo and shampoo, your scalp won't make the adjustment and you might always feel a little dissatisfied with your no-poo hair. It also helps you break your addiction to shampoo lather ;-). After that first month, it's smooth sailing! Like I said, I don't use any product, and my hair has great softness, shine and body. I am very amazed by this, even a year later. Please tell me if I'm delusional and my hair looks yucky, but I'm pretty sure nobody can tell.
2. Be flexible with your recipe. If you're a few weeks in and still feeling oily, add more than a tablespoon of baking soda to your cup of water. At this point, I eyeball how much baking soda I put in the bottom of my bottle, and fill it up with close to two cups of water. Shake before each use to dissolve the soda again. If your scalp seems a little too dry, you could try less baking soda. This is totally customizable! Same with your vinegar rinse. I would play with the baking soda ratio first, and stick with about 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup of water, and mess with the vinegar rinse later.
Here's the basic idea to get you started:
Add 1 Tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup water. Shake well, apply to hair and scrub your scalp like you were trying to lather it. Work into hair as well. Rinse well with water. It'll feel sticky when rinsed. Over time, instead of feeling weird, this will just make you look forward to the next step, which makes your hair so soft.
Add 2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water. Squirt over hair to saturate, rub in a little like a conditioner, and rinse well with water. Sometimes I let it sit on my scalp for a few minutes while I do other things. The vinegar rebalances the pH of your hair and scalp, which is vital to this process because baking soda is very basic. Plus, the sticky thing.
For dispensing, I have found that cheap condiment bottles from Walmart work well. The kind with long pointy spouts that you squeeze to dispense, and little caps to go on the tip of the spout, you know? I paid a buck each for them, and they squirt out at a rate that lets me get what I need all over my head. For faster dispensing, you can snip off the tip of the spout to make a bigger opening. I've used bottles with larger openings, and ended up dumping a ton of baking soda water in one spot on my head, and running out before I'd no-poo'ed my whole head. The condiment bottles hold close to 2 cups, I think, and last me two hair-washings.
I often mix up a big 64-cup batch of the baking soda and vinegar mixtures in larger containers with big flip top lids, and just refill from there before every other shower. When it gets to be routine, it's not a hassle at all. And no, I don't smell like a salad. The vinegar rinses away clean, and leaves my hair soft and shiny as I mentioned above. It won't be "squeaky clean" like it might be after shampoo, because the oils are still intact. But it also won't be limp and dirty looking right away like mine always is after I use conditioner (I have tried all kinds).
Why am I sharing the details of my non-shampoo regimen? Because I failed the first time I tried it. And because with any new process or product, I've found greatest success when I had the most knowledge about how to go about it and what to expect. So in case you've been curious about trying it, or just a little voyeuristic about the kind of weirdos who "no-poo", now you know!
Confession: One of my favorite things about using homemade face wash, no-poo in clearish bottles, and nice bar soap for washing is the look of total purity and simplicity in my shower. Is it weird that I enjoy not looking at labels or illustrations of flowers and fruit? This teeters on the brink of a pride issue for me, I think, evidenced by my relegating Joel's store-bought body wash and shampoo to the other shower shelf, the one behind my back. You can lead 'em to water, but you can't make 'em drink.
I'm looking for a recipe for some kind of natural baby wash. If one doesn't come along soon, I think I might splurge on something for this new baby and use it on the toddlers as well. I've read things about store-bought baby washes that make me uncomfortable; even if they aren't causing babies to mutate before our eyes, I like the idea of knowing all the ingredients and that I'm putting safe, healthy substances all over my children's bodies. Do you know of a recipe, or a good natural brand I could try?
Thanks for stopping by!
Showing posts with label Natural Solutions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural Solutions. Show all posts
Homemade Diaper Cream and Deodorant Update and Recipes
Since I know you love context, I'll first tell you that my soundtrack while typing this blog post is my daughter upstairs directing a duet of Judy Rogers' "What will you say today, with your tongue?" (whatever it's called) when she and little brother should be napping. And now, "Mommy, my mirror fell off the wall!" repeatedly through the monitor. Hmm, I wonder how that happened when both of them are theoretically tucked snugly in their beds?
Next, of course, the urgent pitter patter of "We're totally justified at getting out of bed for this!" footsteps on the stairs. It must be the notification brigade, one of whom managed to do this with his shirt while he was "sleeping":
Now for the content. Perhaps you remember when I went all gung-ho natural last year and posted about various natural cleaners and personal products I planned to try. I've been so happy with the diaper cream, face wash, and deodorant that they are definitely part of my permanent regimen. I've also been using a rose water and glycerin face moisturizer, but bought it already mixed so I can't tout it as homemade.
Since we are going to be taking just bare essentials with us when we move next month, and will be without our full range of supplies for up to six months, I figured I should refill my diaper cream and deodorant before we move (face wash I make every 4-6 weeks). I haven't refilled since I made the original recipes - when was that, last summer sometime? So these go a long way! I expect the diaper cream to be used up a little faster with a newborn, as Isaac is pretty well established in his cloth diapers and doesn't have issues too frequently. But when he does, they have either been super mild, or this diaper cream is a magic charm! It's also been seemingly safe for my cloth diapers, no repelling issues here.
If you're interested, here is my diaper cream recipe:
[makes about 1 cup, or a small jelly jar]
1/8 cup coconut oil (room temperature, soft or liquid)
1/4 cup raw shea butter (softened)
3-4 Tbs cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional - for thickness)
Several drops lavender essential oil (optional, for scent)
Mix oil and butter with stick blender or mixer (it gets a great whipped texture!) then stir in powder 1 Tbs at a time til desired consistency.
I think the powder would also help with some odor absorbency in the diaper. I didn't add it the first time, but will try it this time around. The texture/consistency was fine without it, very spreadable and softened immediately with body heat. I wouldn't be opposed to having it a little thicker and with some odor-fighting properties. I also left it unscented the first time, and it was fine, but I'd love to give it a little lavender fragrance. I'm sure you could use whatever scent you would find enjoyable on your baby's bottom.
And deodorant:
[fills two small jelly jars, so about 2 cups?]
5-6 Tbs coconut oil (room temperature, soft or liquid)
1/8 cup arrowroot powder
1/8 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
Several drops bergamot oil (optional, for scent)
Mix powders together, then slowly add oil until you have a "pomade" consistency.
Notes: I split my oil amount between coconut oil and a little raw shea butter when I made it last year, and loved it. The nice thing about coconut oil is even though it gets firm in the jar, as soon as you get a little pea-sized amount on your fingertips to rub into your underarm, it softens right up and rubs in. I left this unscented last year too and it's been fine (a little coconut-y!), but the original recipe website suggested bergamot oil. I could go for a little fragrance, I think, especially as I'll be surrounded by lots of bodily fluids and earthy smells this summer with the arrival of baby brother (you're welcome for the imagery!).
I'm debating whether to cut the deodorant recipe in half this time, as it made two jelly-jar pots full and we are just now down to the last half jar. It's kind of nice to only have to make super-cheap non-toxic deodorant once in an entire year though! I think I spent a total of...totally guessing here...three dollars on all of the deodorant I used in the past ten months. A few tablespoons of shea butter, coconut oil, and the powders...I spent maybe $15 on everything that wasn't already in my pantry when I first mixed up a batch. I already had cornstarch and baking soda, which are both inexpensive anyway. And this recipe barely dips into any of the ingredients!
So there you go. If you're interested in spending all of $5 at the most on both diaper cream and deodorant for the year, try these recipes. You'll invest a little more than that for your ingredients, but they will apparently last for years if you're not using them for other things!
If you are wondering about the face wash, I'll include it here too:
Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea. Allow to cool.
Combine:
1/4 cup cooled tea
1/4 cup castile soap
3/4 tsp grapeseed, almond, hazlenut, avocado or olive oil (I use grapeseed)
8 drops essential oils (I have used tea tree and orange but might try the lavender I got for my diaper cream)
I actually cut this recipe in half, and just dump all these ingredients into the small jelly jar I use for my face wash, and shake it up to combine. Shake before each use, as the ingredients separate. I use this for shaving as well, because the oil makes my skin so soft and gives a smooth shave. That also helps me use it up in my 4-6 week time frame; since it has no preservatives, I feel like much longer than that and it could get a little gross. Maybe that's just me being paranoid?
How about you? Have you tried any of these, or other, homemade recipes for personal care products? I'm always looking to learn more and make them even more user-friendly. Though I'm not sure how to get more user-friendly than stick-blending a few ingredients once a year!
Upcoming posts: "No-poo" for your hair, and homemade laundry detergent update
Next, of course, the urgent pitter patter of "We're totally justified at getting out of bed for this!" footsteps on the stairs. It must be the notification brigade, one of whom managed to do this with his shirt while he was "sleeping":
Now for the content. Perhaps you remember when I went all gung-ho natural last year and posted about various natural cleaners and personal products I planned to try. I've been so happy with the diaper cream, face wash, and deodorant that they are definitely part of my permanent regimen. I've also been using a rose water and glycerin face moisturizer, but bought it already mixed so I can't tout it as homemade.
Since we are going to be taking just bare essentials with us when we move next month, and will be without our full range of supplies for up to six months, I figured I should refill my diaper cream and deodorant before we move (face wash I make every 4-6 weeks). I haven't refilled since I made the original recipes - when was that, last summer sometime? So these go a long way! I expect the diaper cream to be used up a little faster with a newborn, as Isaac is pretty well established in his cloth diapers and doesn't have issues too frequently. But when he does, they have either been super mild, or this diaper cream is a magic charm! It's also been seemingly safe for my cloth diapers, no repelling issues here.
If you're interested, here is my diaper cream recipe:
[makes about 1 cup, or a small jelly jar]
1/8 cup coconut oil (room temperature, soft or liquid)
1/4 cup raw shea butter (softened)
3-4 Tbs cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional - for thickness)
Several drops lavender essential oil (optional, for scent)
Mix oil and butter with stick blender or mixer (it gets a great whipped texture!) then stir in powder 1 Tbs at a time til desired consistency.
I think the powder would also help with some odor absorbency in the diaper. I didn't add it the first time, but will try it this time around. The texture/consistency was fine without it, very spreadable and softened immediately with body heat. I wouldn't be opposed to having it a little thicker and with some odor-fighting properties. I also left it unscented the first time, and it was fine, but I'd love to give it a little lavender fragrance. I'm sure you could use whatever scent you would find enjoyable on your baby's bottom.
And deodorant:
[fills two small jelly jars, so about 2 cups?]
5-6 Tbs coconut oil (room temperature, soft or liquid)
1/8 cup arrowroot powder
1/8 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
Several drops bergamot oil (optional, for scent)
Mix powders together, then slowly add oil until you have a "pomade" consistency.
Notes: I split my oil amount between coconut oil and a little raw shea butter when I made it last year, and loved it. The nice thing about coconut oil is even though it gets firm in the jar, as soon as you get a little pea-sized amount on your fingertips to rub into your underarm, it softens right up and rubs in. I left this unscented last year too and it's been fine (a little coconut-y!), but the original recipe website suggested bergamot oil. I could go for a little fragrance, I think, especially as I'll be surrounded by lots of bodily fluids and earthy smells this summer with the arrival of baby brother (you're welcome for the imagery!).
I'm debating whether to cut the deodorant recipe in half this time, as it made two jelly-jar pots full and we are just now down to the last half jar. It's kind of nice to only have to make super-cheap non-toxic deodorant once in an entire year though! I think I spent a total of...totally guessing here...three dollars on all of the deodorant I used in the past ten months. A few tablespoons of shea butter, coconut oil, and the powders...I spent maybe $15 on everything that wasn't already in my pantry when I first mixed up a batch. I already had cornstarch and baking soda, which are both inexpensive anyway. And this recipe barely dips into any of the ingredients!
So there you go. If you're interested in spending all of $5 at the most on both diaper cream and deodorant for the year, try these recipes. You'll invest a little more than that for your ingredients, but they will apparently last for years if you're not using them for other things!
If you are wondering about the face wash, I'll include it here too:
Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea. Allow to cool.
Combine:
1/4 cup cooled tea
1/4 cup castile soap
3/4 tsp grapeseed, almond, hazlenut, avocado or olive oil (I use grapeseed)
8 drops essential oils (I have used tea tree and orange but might try the lavender I got for my diaper cream)
I actually cut this recipe in half, and just dump all these ingredients into the small jelly jar I use for my face wash, and shake it up to combine. Shake before each use, as the ingredients separate. I use this for shaving as well, because the oil makes my skin so soft and gives a smooth shave. That also helps me use it up in my 4-6 week time frame; since it has no preservatives, I feel like much longer than that and it could get a little gross. Maybe that's just me being paranoid?
How about you? Have you tried any of these, or other, homemade recipes for personal care products? I'm always looking to learn more and make them even more user-friendly. Though I'm not sure how to get more user-friendly than stick-blending a few ingredients once a year!
Upcoming posts: "No-poo" for your hair, and homemade laundry detergent update
Dessert For Your Legs
This is the body scrub I've been completely adoring for the past few weeks. It's 100% as luxe as the ones I've enjoyed from Bath and Body Works in the past. You can trust me on that one, I used to work there. Their products are nice, but this one is made of just three ingredients you already have in your kitchen and optional essential oil for fragrance.
Recipe:
2 parts exfoliant (sugar or salt) to 1 part oil
Honey to smooth to desired consistency, if needed
Essential oil for fragrance, if desired
This link served as my general recipe and helped me decide what kind of exfoliant and which oil to use. I opted for sugar instead of salt because it just seems dumb to involve salt within 5-10 minutes in either direction of taking a razor to your skin. I chose white sugar because I love a good coarse scrub. I went with grapeseed oil because I had purchased it for my face wash and knew my skin liked it already. Mine needed just the tiniest bit of honey stirred in at the end. And of course I added some of my sweet orange essential oil for refreshing fragrance.
This stuff? Feels like the best back scratch ever, all over your body. I scoop it out with my fingers and scrub it over my skin with a wash cloth. LOVE LOVE LOVE. My skin is SO smooth and dewy afterward. If you are going to shave after scrubbing, I would use a body wash between steps because this will leave your skin oily enough to gunk up the razor. If not, finish your shower and allow the oil to soak into your skin for maximum emollient effect. I don't need lotion after a sugar-scrub shower. And I honestly feel like my skin is glowing for the rest of the day. I have never raved about a body product like this before. You will love it!
Oh, and it took about one minute to mix up. I did it right in the jar, measured a cup of sugar and a half cup of grapeseed oil, a squirt of honey and a little essential oil, and shook up the jar to mix. I might have stirred a little first. It says to refrigerate this between uses and keep just 2-3 days' worth in the shower. I've had mine in the shower for a week and it hasn't gone funny at all. I'd say the amount I made lasts me for 4-5 showers, using it generously all over my body. And I'm honestly not sure whether I doubled the recipe or not...it seems like I sure have more than 1 cup of sugar in there, but I could be wrong.
If you don't try any other natural product, try this one! Compared with the cost of store-bought sugar scrubs, you can do it for super cheap and even tailor it to suit your skin type and scrub preference.
Bonus points if you spotted the white plastic lid underneath the jar in the photo. I told you I'd switch out the metal one!
Recipe:
2 parts exfoliant (sugar or salt) to 1 part oil
Honey to smooth to desired consistency, if needed
Essential oil for fragrance, if desired
This link served as my general recipe and helped me decide what kind of exfoliant and which oil to use. I opted for sugar instead of salt because it just seems dumb to involve salt within 5-10 minutes in either direction of taking a razor to your skin. I chose white sugar because I love a good coarse scrub. I went with grapeseed oil because I had purchased it for my face wash and knew my skin liked it already. Mine needed just the tiniest bit of honey stirred in at the end. And of course I added some of my sweet orange essential oil for refreshing fragrance.
This stuff? Feels like the best back scratch ever, all over your body. I scoop it out with my fingers and scrub it over my skin with a wash cloth. LOVE LOVE LOVE. My skin is SO smooth and dewy afterward. If you are going to shave after scrubbing, I would use a body wash between steps because this will leave your skin oily enough to gunk up the razor. If not, finish your shower and allow the oil to soak into your skin for maximum emollient effect. I don't need lotion after a sugar-scrub shower. And I honestly feel like my skin is glowing for the rest of the day. I have never raved about a body product like this before. You will love it!
Oh, and it took about one minute to mix up. I did it right in the jar, measured a cup of sugar and a half cup of grapeseed oil, a squirt of honey and a little essential oil, and shook up the jar to mix. I might have stirred a little first. It says to refrigerate this between uses and keep just 2-3 days' worth in the shower. I've had mine in the shower for a week and it hasn't gone funny at all. I'd say the amount I made lasts me for 4-5 showers, using it generously all over my body. And I'm honestly not sure whether I doubled the recipe or not...it seems like I sure have more than 1 cup of sugar in there, but I could be wrong.
If you don't try any other natural product, try this one! Compared with the cost of store-bought sugar scrubs, you can do it for super cheap and even tailor it to suit your skin type and scrub preference.
Bonus points if you spotted the white plastic lid underneath the jar in the photo. I told you I'd switch out the metal one!
My Face Loves Chamomile Tea and a Heaping Dose of Grapeseed Oil
I've been trialling a new home-mixed face wash for the past few weeks and thought I'd share. I mixed it up using some Dr. Bronner's castille soap, grapeseed oil from the grocery store, and some strong-brewed chamomile tea. It feels very smooth and only slightly soapy. I was initially concerned that my face wouldn't get clean smearing actual oil on it every day.
But?
It turns out different kinds of oils have different effects on the skin. Just like you can get face products for different skin types. So grapeseed oil seems to actually dry my skin just slightly - not too much, but I usually look forward to moisturizing afterward. The chamomile is very soothing and the castille soap is super mild. I added a few drops of orange essential oil for fragrance, and I love it! I'm such a fruity, especially citrusy, body product girl. I used to adore Bath and Body Works mandarin whatever that fragrance was, until I realized the body wash left my skin itchy.
Probably the number one reason for going all natural in my beauty products: sensitive skin. I never thought of my skin as overly sensitive, but I couldn't deny that it didn't feel good after a shower using my favorite store-bought products. I had better success with store-bought super-moisturizing varieties like those containing oatmeal or aloe. But still felt my skin wasn't super clean.
If you're interested in trying your own face wash, here's the recipe:
http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-natural-facial-cleanser/
(Visit the link for notes on which oils to try based on your skin type.)
Basic recipe:
Brew a cup of strong chamomile tea and allow to cool.
Mix:
1/4 cup of your cooled chamomile tea
1/4 cup castille soap
3/4 teaspoon oil (I used grapeseed, see link for other ideas)
8 drops essential oil (probably optional; I used sweet orange because I had it on hand)
This took all of a minute to mix up, and it seems like it will last me forever. A little goes a LONG way. I measured my ingredients into a bowl, whisked, and poured into a little half-pint jar. I'm still waiting for someone to give me an old soap pump but until then, I dip a little out with my fingers. I do shake it up before using because the ingredients separate a bit. Ah, the inconveniences of banishing preserving and stabilizing chemicals from my beauty regimen! But I do get to enjoy the simple beauty of glass jars lining my counter and shower. (I would probably use something plastic if I were sharing the shower with the kiddos, but I trust myself not to drop them. So far.)
Also, reviewing the recipe, I am pretty sure I added way too much oil to mine. I may or may not have added 3/4 cup instead of 3/4 teaspoon. (Not an isolated incident when cooking and creating with toddlers. Sometimes they switch my measuring cups on purpose, or better yet, hide them. Also I get very distracted making sure nobody falls off of a kitchen chair or opens the knife drawer.)
Well I guess that would explain why it made enough to last me six months. And yet it still cleans my face. In fact it leaves my skin nice and dewy. I've also been using a body scrub (also pictured above) made with grapeseed oil, white sugar, and a dab of honey, and LOVE how glowy my whole body has been. So apparently my skin just adores the grapeseed oil!
Nothing like sharing your beauty secrets on the internets and realizing you've been doing it wrong.
And yes, I have a metal lid on my body scrub. In my shower. I like to flirt with danger, or at least the possibility that my body products could rust shut. Sigh...I guess I'll go replace that with a plastic one, now that you're all making me feel super guilty about it.
Have you tried anything like this? Any tips or variations you'd recommend, other than actually following the recipe?
But?
It turns out different kinds of oils have different effects on the skin. Just like you can get face products for different skin types. So grapeseed oil seems to actually dry my skin just slightly - not too much, but I usually look forward to moisturizing afterward. The chamomile is very soothing and the castille soap is super mild. I added a few drops of orange essential oil for fragrance, and I love it! I'm such a fruity, especially citrusy, body product girl. I used to adore Bath and Body Works mandarin whatever that fragrance was, until I realized the body wash left my skin itchy.
Probably the number one reason for going all natural in my beauty products: sensitive skin. I never thought of my skin as overly sensitive, but I couldn't deny that it didn't feel good after a shower using my favorite store-bought products. I had better success with store-bought super-moisturizing varieties like those containing oatmeal or aloe. But still felt my skin wasn't super clean.
If you're interested in trying your own face wash, here's the recipe:
http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-natural-facial-cleanser/
(Visit the link for notes on which oils to try based on your skin type.)
Basic recipe:
Brew a cup of strong chamomile tea and allow to cool.
Mix:
1/4 cup of your cooled chamomile tea
1/4 cup castille soap
3/4 teaspoon oil (I used grapeseed, see link for other ideas)
8 drops essential oil (probably optional; I used sweet orange because I had it on hand)
This took all of a minute to mix up, and it seems like it will last me forever. A little goes a LONG way. I measured my ingredients into a bowl, whisked, and poured into a little half-pint jar. I'm still waiting for someone to give me an old soap pump but until then, I dip a little out with my fingers. I do shake it up before using because the ingredients separate a bit. Ah, the inconveniences of banishing preserving and stabilizing chemicals from my beauty regimen! But I do get to enjoy the simple beauty of glass jars lining my counter and shower. (I would probably use something plastic if I were sharing the shower with the kiddos, but I trust myself not to drop them. So far.)
Also, reviewing the recipe, I am pretty sure I added way too much oil to mine. I may or may not have added 3/4 cup instead of 3/4 teaspoon. (Not an isolated incident when cooking and creating with toddlers. Sometimes they switch my measuring cups on purpose, or better yet, hide them. Also I get very distracted making sure nobody falls off of a kitchen chair or opens the knife drawer.)
Well I guess that would explain why it made enough to last me six months. And yet it still cleans my face. In fact it leaves my skin nice and dewy. I've also been using a body scrub (also pictured above) made with grapeseed oil, white sugar, and a dab of honey, and LOVE how glowy my whole body has been. So apparently my skin just adores the grapeseed oil!
Nothing like sharing your beauty secrets on the internets and realizing you've been doing it wrong.
And yes, I have a metal lid on my body scrub. In my shower. I like to flirt with danger, or at least the possibility that my body products could rust shut. Sigh...I guess I'll go replace that with a plastic one, now that you're all making me feel super guilty about it.
Have you tried anything like this? Any tips or variations you'd recommend, other than actually following the recipe?
Natural Cleaners Revisit
You know how those makeover TV shows often do a re-visit? I'm thinking Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, Nanny 911, Hoarders, etc. (this may or may not be a Who's Who of my recent Netflix queue, but that's irrelevant).
Consider this the day that we go knocking on my door to find out whether the natural cleaners are living up to the reviews they earned in the first week of use. Just like a TV revisit only with more honesty and less feigned shock (Seriously, you already have half the camera crew inside your house to capture the stunned look on your face. That and you are not wearing sweatpants. Does anybody hang out at home, not expecting company, and not wear sweatpants? Am I tipping my hand too much here?)
With no ado whatsoever:
Laundry detergent - 5/5, love this!
Ingredients: borax, washing soda, ivory soap, oxy clean
Comments: Still takes everything out of my laundry with no need for fabric softener. I might add a few drops of essential oil to a few loads to give it a fragrance, i.e. on sheets and colds. I like that I can use the same detergent on diapers and everything else because it is so basic and gentle.
Special thanks to Pam H. for your comment on stain removal tricks! I just spotted it not long ago on the original natural cleaner post. I can't wait for an opportunity to try them; and with the way things go around here, it shan't be long.
Dish soap - 4.5/5
Ingredients: ivory soap grated and melted with boiling water, borax
Comments: It's still hard to tell where the soap is because it doesn't suds like store-bought dish soap, but it cuts through everything, and fast. A little dab of this soaking in a pot will have it clean in no time.
Dishwasher detergent - 1/5
Ingredients: borax, washing soda, citric acid, kosher salt
Comments: This continued to leave the glasses filmy no matter what proportions and rinse aids we tried. It has been pulled from the rotation and replaced with a store-bought powder detergent. Maybe we'll try a different recipe sometime.
All-Purpose Cleaner: 5/5
Ingredients: vinegar, water, tea tree oil
Comments: Continues to clean like a breeze. I add a sprinkle of baking soda beforehand when cleaning sinks or other grimy spots like the bottom of my kids' bath mat. Cuts through soap scum and hard water deposits pretty well, too.
Glass Cleaner: 5/5
Ingredients: grain alcohol (vodka), vinegar, dab of dish soap, water
Comments: Great on mirrors or any place you'd want a streak-free surface cleaner.
Toilet cleaner: 4.5/5
Ingredients: vinegar, tea tree oil
Comments: Still cleans sparkling clean all over the commode; generous sprinkle of baking soda inside first guarantees a gentle scrubbing power that leaves the bowl crystal clean.
So the dishwasher detergent is the only one we've decided not to use anymore. Overall that's a pretty good success rate! I'm amazed at how effectively I can clean using mainly vinegar and baking soda. If one doesn't do the trick, combine them. Even in laundry - a vinegar soak or rinse does wonders on my dish rags.
I just made my first batch of face wash using grapeseed oil, castile soap, and a few essential oils. I'm excited and slightly nervous to try it out. Also in the queue are a face moisturizer and hair gel. I've read good reviews on all of these recipes but as always, the proof is in the pudding. We'll see how they work!
There you have it. Hope you found this at least somewhat interesting. I felt it was my duty as a responsible blogger to get back to you and let you know at least that the dishwasher detergent was a bomb. Because you have all been struggling to sleep at night wondering how that was working out. I just always hate trying something that I've found online and has great reviews, only to end up wondering if I have remedial instruction-following skills because mine is nothing like what is described or pictured. If you tried the dishwashing detergent but became frustrated with the results, you are not alone.
1995 called; it wants its pop culture reference back. Anyone else spot it?
Have a great Friday, everyone! Check back again soon, I am hoping to keep up with much more frequent posting. Of course, saying that is like the kiss of death but I figure if I put it out there, I might feel some modicum of accountability to follow through.
In fact, I already have my next post planned: The kids modeling their new aprons, courtesy of our dear friends the Kornmans, who graciously hosted us when we passed through Virginia Beach last week. You won't want to miss the cuteness!
Consider this the day that we go knocking on my door to find out whether the natural cleaners are living up to the reviews they earned in the first week of use. Just like a TV revisit only with more honesty and less feigned shock (Seriously, you already have half the camera crew inside your house to capture the stunned look on your face. That and you are not wearing sweatpants. Does anybody hang out at home, not expecting company, and not wear sweatpants? Am I tipping my hand too much here?)
With no ado whatsoever:
Laundry detergent - 5/5, love this!
Ingredients: borax, washing soda, ivory soap, oxy clean
Comments: Still takes everything out of my laundry with no need for fabric softener. I might add a few drops of essential oil to a few loads to give it a fragrance, i.e. on sheets and colds. I like that I can use the same detergent on diapers and everything else because it is so basic and gentle.
Special thanks to Pam H. for your comment on stain removal tricks! I just spotted it not long ago on the original natural cleaner post. I can't wait for an opportunity to try them; and with the way things go around here, it shan't be long.
Dish soap - 4.5/5
Ingredients: ivory soap grated and melted with boiling water, borax
Comments: It's still hard to tell where the soap is because it doesn't suds like store-bought dish soap, but it cuts through everything, and fast. A little dab of this soaking in a pot will have it clean in no time.
Dishwasher detergent - 1/5
Ingredients: borax, washing soda, citric acid, kosher salt
Comments: This continued to leave the glasses filmy no matter what proportions and rinse aids we tried. It has been pulled from the rotation and replaced with a store-bought powder detergent. Maybe we'll try a different recipe sometime.
All-Purpose Cleaner: 5/5
Ingredients: vinegar, water, tea tree oil
Comments: Continues to clean like a breeze. I add a sprinkle of baking soda beforehand when cleaning sinks or other grimy spots like the bottom of my kids' bath mat. Cuts through soap scum and hard water deposits pretty well, too.
Glass Cleaner: 5/5
Ingredients: grain alcohol (vodka), vinegar, dab of dish soap, water
Comments: Great on mirrors or any place you'd want a streak-free surface cleaner.
Toilet cleaner: 4.5/5
Ingredients: vinegar, tea tree oil
Comments: Still cleans sparkling clean all over the commode; generous sprinkle of baking soda inside first guarantees a gentle scrubbing power that leaves the bowl crystal clean.
So the dishwasher detergent is the only one we've decided not to use anymore. Overall that's a pretty good success rate! I'm amazed at how effectively I can clean using mainly vinegar and baking soda. If one doesn't do the trick, combine them. Even in laundry - a vinegar soak or rinse does wonders on my dish rags.
I just made my first batch of face wash using grapeseed oil, castile soap, and a few essential oils. I'm excited and slightly nervous to try it out. Also in the queue are a face moisturizer and hair gel. I've read good reviews on all of these recipes but as always, the proof is in the pudding. We'll see how they work!
There you have it. Hope you found this at least somewhat interesting. I felt it was my duty as a responsible blogger to get back to you and let you know at least that the dishwasher detergent was a bomb. Because you have all been struggling to sleep at night wondering how that was working out. I just always hate trying something that I've found online and has great reviews, only to end up wondering if I have remedial instruction-following skills because mine is nothing like what is described or pictured. If you tried the dishwashing detergent but became frustrated with the results, you are not alone.
1995 called; it wants its pop culture reference back. Anyone else spot it?
Have a great Friday, everyone! Check back again soon, I am hoping to keep up with much more frequent posting. Of course, saying that is like the kiss of death but I figure if I put it out there, I might feel some modicum of accountability to follow through.
In fact, I already have my next post planned: The kids modeling their new aprons, courtesy of our dear friends the Kornmans, who graciously hosted us when we passed through Virginia Beach last week. You won't want to miss the cuteness!
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