ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL CLEANERS ETC ??

[GranAmie]

some of u may recall my writing about dumping plastics, only using tinfoil to store food, not cook with it, freezing stuff in clean jamjars etc. .. think i went on a bit.lol.

trying to reduce use of products w/chemicals eg using vinegar w/water for cleaning, malt vinegar 2give a shine to hair, to polish wood, etc. yet to try coffee/cocoa to darken silver brows but am sure y'all will have loads of tips from way back when [ like me lol] so please share !!

hope all are enjoying 'summer' too. typing worsening as now add osteo to hands n wrists as well as RA n spine compression fracture, but am doing ok - can still swim n sing. xox

[helixhelix]

Glad you're doing as well as can be.

However tin foil is no better for the environment than plastic wrap. The mining, purifying and processing needed to get there absorb as much water and energy as creating plastic wrap. For sandwiches a friend gave me a boc-n-roll (below) and to wrap things in the fridge I use re-usable waxed paper, or old fashioned bowl covers made of old material.

rolleat.com

sewingbeefabrics.co.uk/make...

[GranAmie in reply to helixhelix]

Great info, HH and we shdn't buy it, agree - but heating it in cooking causes chem changes , not good 4 us xx

[helixhelix in reply to GranAmie]

Heating what causes chemical changes? Are you talking about tinfoil as I don't know why you'd need to heat it? I think I bought my roll of tinfoil nearly two years ago as really hardly ever use it now......

[GranAmie in reply to helixhelix]

ditto; heating tinfoil dishes as in ready made meals, prepacked roasts, etc etc

[helixhelix in reply to GranAmie]

Oh ok, understand now. I never buy those.

[AgedCrone]

Look at a book Called “Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean” by Linda Cob.

Lots of ideas in there.

[medway-lady]

I use beeswax polish on furniture, vinegar on English Oak I think not ! it takes a while but only needs doing every couple of months. I also use vinegar (white only) to clean dishwasher and washing machine. Use eco cloths a lot and use Star Drops for windows tiled walls and floors. Never use fabric conditioner and collect old plastic cups from the hubby's workplace as flower pots to start off seeds. Don't forget to put a hole in the bottom if doing this. I use clingfilm too but not a lot and also tinfoil in moderation. I think thats the key its moderation as throwing away mouldy cheese etc is wastefull too.

[GranAmie]

thanks m-l! i shd have said malt vinegar for mahogany.... sorry.... star drops are new 2me, will look 'em up xx

[medway-lady]

Very cheap cleaner which does'nt leave streaks on bathroom wall tiles from Wilkinsons is best place. one product does all so no need to buy loads of different ones. I think that is best idea don't buy multiple products just a universal one. I also use tube squesers toget every last bit out of toothpaste , tomato paste etc. And save jam jars to do own pickles and jams and nothing like home made runner bean pickle. xx I collect blackberries and fill freezer with home grown berries, rhubarb, make damson and sloe gin, quince vodka etc. Its fun and always nice to give as a presents. Home made pasata is easy too saves buying tasteless stuff when so many tomatoes in the summer they never all get eaten. I think these days so much is disposable but its just junk. I've got bits of furniture belonged to my gran and my son has his eye on it come the day we downsize. lol xx

[GranAmie in reply to medway-lady]

a real busy bee you are, great.. but take a look at the chemicals in most cleaners - that's why i'm looking for more natural products like vinegars, lemon juice etc. i'm planning to get grankids to pick my currants and raspberries this year 4me as fingers can't cope any more.

[Rheumagal]

My favourite is Norwex cleaning cloths. Absolutely no chemicals. They have silver in them and kill germs without using any products. The ones for glass and mirrors is amazing! It is an investment but saves overall. Someone else mentioned waxed paper? Love it! Saves having to scrub and wash pans. I also look for ways to lessen my cleaning up load.

[Hidden]

try this site I have used some of the stuff from here

ecco-verde.co.uk