The CleanSuds Blog
Where education and truthful facts are easy to come by.
10 Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Daily Life
• Invest in a safety razor instead of disposable ones.
• Switch to waste-free period items such as menstrual cups or period panties.
• Compost your food scraps and bury them 12-14 inches deep.
• Buy cloth diapers for eco-friendly parenting.
• Put produce directly into the cart without plastic bags.
• Bring own cloth bags to the store and avoid single-use plastics.
• Buy bread in paper bags or bake at home with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
• Shop at local Farmer’s market to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Shop in bulk quantities for less packaging waste and delivery trips with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
11 Things to Add to Your Fall Cleaning Checklist in and Around Your Home
Fall is the perfect time to freshen up your home before the colder months hit, and that means tackling some deep cleaning tasks that you may have been putting off. To make sure you don't miss a spot, we've compiled a checklist of 11 things you need to add to your fall cleaning to-do list, from clearing out gutters to decluttering your wardrobe. So, let's dive in and get your home shipshape for the season!
Here are 11 Things to Add to Your Fall Cleaning Checklist in and Around Your Home
1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Fall means leaves, and that means clogged gutters and downspouts. Clear them out to prevent roof damage and ensure proper water drainage from your home.2. HVAC Maintenance: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to replace filters and ensure that your heating system is in top condition for the colder months.
3. Yard Clean-Up: Rake up leaves and debris, trim bushes and hedges, and remove any dead plants to prepare your yard for winter.
4. Deep Clean Carpets: With the windows closed for the season, fall is the perfect time to deep clean your carpets to remove any accumulated dirt and debris.
5. Declutter Your Wardrobe: Swap out your summer wardrobe for your fall and winter clothes and donate any items you no longer wear.
6. Wash Windows and Screens: Clean your windows and screens to let in maximum light during the shorter fall days.
7. Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and replace batteries if needed.
8. Clean Kitchen Appliances: Take some time to clean your oven, refrigerator and other kitchen appliances to get them ready for holiday cooking.
9. Dust and Clean Light Fixtures: It's amazing how much dust can accumulate on light fixtures. Take the time to clean them all and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
10. Organize Closets and Cabinets: Go through all of your closets and cabinets and declutter any items you no longer need. Donate or sell them, and reorganize the spaces.
11. Clean and Organize Garage: Finally, tackle the garage or outdoor shed. Organize any tools and equipment, and give the space a good cleaning.
By following this checklist, you'll be able to tackle all the necessary fall cleaning tasks in and around your home. Not only will it keep your home in top condition, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for whatever fall and winter may throw your way. Happy cleaning!
MamaSuds Oxygen Powder: Your Eco-Friendly Cleaning Powerhouse
• Oxygen Powder is formulated using sodium percarbonate, which releases oxygen ions that break down and remove dirt and stains when dissolved in water.
• It is an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine bleach as it breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash.
• Users should follow care label instructions when washing garments with Oxygen Powder - create a paste by combining a small amount of powder with hot water for light stain pre-treatment or mix 2 tablespoons of powder per gallon of hot water to soak heavily stained items for up to 12 hours, before adding the garment to the washing machine.
What is Special About Castile Soap?
• All-natural ingredients such as coconut and palm oils are used to make Castile soap. Olive oil is its main component
• Castile soap is 100% natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
• Versatile product can be used for personal care needs and household cleaning tasks - from floors to ceilings.
• Recipes for DIY Castile soap can be found online as well as many blogs that detail different uses for castile soap.
How to Clean Cast Iron Pan with Castile Soap
• Wiping it down with warm water or a paper towel and not applying soap each time is suggested by experts.
• Cleaning cast iron cookware with Castile Soap should be done in steps: cooling down the pan, scraping off excess food, applying Castile Soap, scrubbing thoroughly, rinsing off any remaining soap particles, drying completely & re-seasoning if necessary.
• Too much use of soap can strip away the seasoning but it's okay to use sparingly.
The Rise of Refilleries
Embracing Sustainability for a Better Future: The Rise of Refilleries
With pollution and environmental concerns on the rise, organizations like MamaSuds in Davisburg, Michigan are leading the charge towards sustainable living. As alarming amounts of plastic waste continue to wreak havoc on our oceans and ecosystem, a solution emerges: refilleries. Let's explore the concept of refilleries and highlight the importance of embracing these eco-friendly alternatives in daily life.
Understanding the Plastic Problem
Traditional shopping habits in America perpetuate the cycle of waste and contribute to the plastic pollution crisis. From single-use plastic bottles to packaging, our throwaway mentality contrasts starkly with cultures where bringing reusable bags and containers for shopping is standard practice. Over 200 million tons of plastic currently litter our oceans, posing severe threats to marine life and coastal ecosystems. The urgency to reduce this burden is palpable.
Refilleries: The Bridge to Sustainability
Writing a new chapter in sustainable consumption, refilleries are becoming increasingly prominent across nations. Last year witnessed the establishment of numerous zero-waste stores, where packaging is minimized, and safer product alternatives are advocated. Two such examples locally is The Red Oak Refillery—an inspiring refilling station concept in Northern Oakland County and 86 Plastic- a brick and mortar in Southern Oakland County.
End Plastic Pollution at its Source:
By favoring these stations, patrons end the vicious plastic consumption cycle themselves. Instead of discarding empty containers, individuals can return with their own receptacles, purchasing liquid soaps, dish powder, or other necessary items by refilling. This practice ensures that plastic usage drastically reduces, aligning with the urgent need for environmental sustenance.
A Gateway to Safer and Sustainable Alternatives:
Beyond reducing plastic waste, another advantage of refilleries is the access to eco-friendly and organic products. MamaSuds specializes in producing natural and safe soaps and household cleaning alternatives. Collaborating with refilleries, MamaSuds ensures its products reach eco-conscious consumers at conveniently-located sustainable stores.
Simple Steps Each of Us Can Take
Making the transition to sustainable practices may initially feel unfamiliar or inconvenient, but individuals play a pivotal role in driving positive change. Referring to your own tote bags during shopping can profoundly reduce wasteful plastic bags. As stores often offer scan-and-pay options, personally bagging items using environmentally-friendly totes can streamline the process while minimizing impact.
Embarking on a Journey of Change
Setting sail for a sustainable future requires conscientiously introducing new practices into our routine. As we're reminded voluntarily taking our own bags and containers, refraining from defaulting to convenience can seem novel and challenging. An essential part of paving this eco-conscious path lies in proactively placing bags and containers within our daily grabs, forging lasting habits.
Take Action: Find Your Local Refillery
Discovering nearby sustainable outlets and experiences enhances our journey towards conscious consuming. Utilize resources like the Refillery Collective Directory to locate refilleries and zero-waste shops in your vicinity. By investing in such enterprises, we build a community reinforcing sustainable values and fostering environmental kinship throughout the neighborhood.
Conclusion:
MamaSuds and organizations like it exemplify spearheading establishments advocating sustainable living. Heightened awareness about the ramifications of plastic waste necessitates dire actions at all levels. Choosing to purchase goods at refilleries promotes economically viable solutions while incorporating sustainability into our daily lives. Remember, change begins small—an optimistic mindset and individual choices ripple into collective transformation, fostering thriving communities with a marked commitment to safeguarding our shared planet for generations to come.
How to Clean Your Menstrual Cup
Do you struggle with finding a safe and effective way to clean your menstrual cup? Worry no more – castile soap is here to the rescue! Castile soap is an all-natural, plant-based liquid made from oils like olive oil so it's gentle on skin and offers natural cleansing properties that make it perfect for cleaning your menstrual cup.
Let's see how you can use castile soap to keep your menstrual cup clean and sanitary every month.
Is Castile Soap Safe for Cleaning Menstrual Cup?
Yes, castile soap can be used to clean menstrual cups. It is a mild and generally natural soap that can effectively clean menstrual cups without degrading the material or causing irritation when used appropriately.
Here are some points to consider:
Mildness: Castile soap is typically gentle and free of harsh chemicals, making it suitable for cleaning menstrual cups.
Unscented and Oil-Free: Many sources recommend using an unscented, oil-free soap for cleaning menstrual cups. Castile soap, like Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, fits this description.
Effectiveness: Many users have reported that they use castile soap for cleaning their menstrual cups and find it effective.
However, always ensure that the soap is thoroughly rinsed off the cup to avoid any potential irritation. Also, while castile soap can be used for regular cleaning, it's recommended to sterilize the cup (usually by boiling) at the end of each menstrual cycle.
Please note that some specific brands, like DivaCup, may advise against the use of castile soap for their products, so it's crucial to check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cup.
How to Use Castile Soap to Clean Your Menstrual Cup?
To clean a menstrual cup using castile soap, follow these steps:
- Empty the Cup: First, empty the contents of your menstrual cup into the toilet or sink.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the cup thoroughly with warm water. This will help remove any residual material from the cup.
- Apply Castile Soap: Apply a small amount of mild, oil-free, and fragrance-free castile soap like Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. It's important to use a soap that is gentle and free of harsh chemicals as these can degrade the silicone material of the cup over time.
- Scrub Gently: Use your fingers to gently scrub the cup, paying special attention to the rim and any grooves where material might be trapped.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the cup thoroughly under warm water to ensure all soap residue is removed. Leaving soap on your cup could lead to irritation when you reinsert it.
- Dry and Store: Allow the cup to air dry completely before storing it in a breathable cotton bag.
It's also recommended to boil your menstrual cup for 2-3 minutes at the end of each cycle to sterilize it. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cup as some may have different cleaning recommendations.
Sources:
Put A Cup In It & Little Urban Life
10 DIY Recipes Using Castile Soap
• It can be used to make a baby wipe solution, shaving cream, shampoo, makeup brush cleaner, makeup remover, foot scrub, pet shampoo, natural pesticide and weed killer.
• When using it as a shampoo, remember everyone's hair is different and do a patch test first.
• For a homemade foot scrub mix 1 tablespoon of castile soap with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 cup of white sugar.
• To make a natural pesticide mix ½ teaspoon of castile soap with 1 quart of water and spray it on plants every few days if pests persist.