• Cleaning cast iron with a gentle dish soap that doesn't contain strong degreasers or detergents is recommended to maintain seasoning oils on the pan.
• 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.

Hello, My name is Michelle C. Smith and I am formally addicted to bleach. I used it in my laundry and I used on every one of my hard surfaces. I was convinced it kept my family healthy. From the research I have done on germs (partly to help my germaphobia), I have learned germs help our autoimmune system become stronger. I have also read so much about the horrible impact bleach and its manufacturing process has on our environment. 

Dioxins- have you ever heard of them? They are one of the most toxic chemicals known to our planet. 

Without giving you a boring chemistry lesson... "Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants" and they are a by-product of the manufacturing of bleach. Do dioxins cause cancer. YES. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dioxins are a "multigrain carcinogen in animals. Target organs include the liver, thyroid, lung, skin, and soft tissues." That sounds scary. And it is, because dioxins are found in our food. More than 90% of human exposure is through food. It's mostly found in our meat. dairy, fish and shellfish. 

Ditch Bleach!

Bleach is caustic and corrosive. But the real problem is how it's made. Bleach manufacturers often release the solution in water and other industrial waste. It eventually gets in the water system which harms aquatic life and can mix with other organic compounds and create more harmful toxins.  

Bleach is in or contributes to the manufacturing of about 15,000 products. It's a big deal. So let's stop using it. 

It's hard to read about ideas and facts that make us question what we thought to be true. When I first started reading about all this information more than 15 years ago, it made me start questioning a lot of what I thought was the truth. It’s hard for some people to question things.  It makes you question more things. It has a domino effect. I find that once people learn about the real harmful effects that bleach has on us as people, as a human race, on our ecological system.... they change a lot of other aspects of their lives. It can be frightening. I don't even think that word captures the true feeling, but it's hard to think about how some tiny chemicals can wreak havoc on our environment and nobody seems to be talking about it. 

How does this information about bleach and how it affects us make YOU feel? 

Need bleach alternatives? Find them here.

 

The same versatile, non-toxic cleaning products you've used on other projects in your house can be used for hard water stains as well. Follow these simple hints and watch those spots disappear. 

• Remove slime from clothes with vinegar and baking soda by pouring vinegar over the slime, scrubbing back and forth until it comes out, and rinsing with water.
• For dried slime, mix white vinegar, water, and baking soda to create a paste and cover the dried slime before letting it sit until dry.
• Castile soap can also be used to remove slime from both wet or dried slime on clothes.
• For carpet stains, mixture two parts of vinegar and one part warm water together before spraying onto the stain and using a soft brush to work it loose.
• An alternative is to add one teaspoon of castile soap to one cup of warm water before spraying onto the stain, scrubbing gently with a sponge and repeating as necessary.

• Castile soap is a highly versatile all-natural cleaning product used for household cleaning and making DIY hair and body care products.
• It provides cost-saving benefits, is safe to use around children and pets, biodegradable, vegan, and free from synthetic ingredients.
• Mixing vinegar with castile soap should be avoided as they cancel each other out; however, create various cleaning solutions by mixing it safely with other ingredients.
• To make a mopping solution, mix half a cup of castile soap with three gallons of hot water.
• Create an all-purpose cleaning spray by mixing one tablespoon of castile soap per cup of water and 10-15 drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree.
• Cleaning with castile soap is cost-effective and non-toxic.

• Cleaning couches with vinegar and baking soda is an easy and natural way to maintain furniture longevity.
• Rubbing alcohol can clean microfiber couches, while a vinegar solution is best for leather.
• For velvet couches, vacuum before brushing, and use a baking soda solution with lemon juice to deep clean and eliminate odor.
• Natural products from MamaSuds will keep furniture looking fresh and healthy without the use of chemicals.

• Using castile soap as a shampoo can be beneficial, but it should be used with caution.
• It is suggested that those with color-treated hair or hair that tangles easily be cautious about using this product.
• Castile soap should be diluted with water before use and followed with a rinse of an acidic solution to cleanse residue.
• Those looking for natural alternatives, have sensitive skin, or the patience to experiment may find they prefer castile soap as their shampoo.
• Benefits of using castile soap include being gentle, hydrating and versatile, as it can work for makeup removal and household cleaning in addition to washing one's hair.

• Replace bleach with lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide for safe and effective cleaning that works well with septic systems.
• White vinegar and water is an effective replacement for glass cleaner.
• Diffuse essential oils instead of toxic air fresheners to clean the air without chemicals.
• Replace dishwasher detergent and dish soap with castile soap, a chemical-free option that’s biodegradable and non-toxic.
• Tackle grease spots with baking soda, which can be used on its own or added to castile soap for extra cleaning power.
• Natural cleaning products are better for your health than their chemical-filled alternatives.

Having a regular cleaning schedule is one of the best things you can do to make sure your home always looks great and is in good shape. While there are some things you can do infrequently, some household tasks should be taken care of on a weekly basis. Taking care of those tasks regularly will keep your home in prime condition and help you to make an ideal impression.

Kitchen Cleaning

Your kitchen is a hotspot for germs and junk to pile up, and if it isn’t kept clean it can impact the cleanliness of your whole house. Life can get busy and that often results in dishes piling up in the sink, and your counters getting messy. Setting aside time each week to take care of your kitchen cleaning will help you to take care of the mess and prevent things from piling up too much. Kitchn recommends mixing it up with a little music, some games, or rewards to make it more fun for yourself. 

Vacuuming 

Vacuuming is one of the chores that are most often forgotten, but it can make a big difference. According to Michael’s Professional Carpet Cleaning, you should vacuum the carpet at least once a week to prevent damage. When dirt and grime is allowed to stay in your carpet, it can lead to major problems, so it is better to take care of your vacuuming regularly. Make it a point to clear out time in your schedule for vacuuming each week, and don’t forget to use the attachments for corners and hard to reach places. 

Cleaning Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms are one of the places in a home that can breed the most germs, mess, and smells. Taking care of your bathroom each week will help you to stay on top of the mess and make sure that it always looks and smells great. Even just taking a few minutes to wipe down surfaces and clean the toilet can make a huge impact on the cleanliness of your bathroom overall.

When you take care of certain home cleaning tasks on a regular basis, it can help you from getting overwhelmed and ensure that you are happy in your home. Make it a point to set a day each week to take care of cleaning tasks and you will begin to see major benefits. With a little bit of weekly work, your home can be a place where you love to be.

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