How do you make your house smell nice?

[taximom]

My basement is finished and we have an extra bedroom down there(which my sister & hubby will soon be staying in while visiting) .....but it still smells a little musty/basementish (I know it's not a real word).

What do you use to keep rooms smelling fresh? I love to burn candles....especially in my kitchen (usually in the winter)....but that would be a dangerous down there.

Any tips on how you keep your house and/or basement smelling fresh ?

[Thoover]

I go to Yankee Candle and get the plug ins. They are stronger and come in the same scents as their candles. I like the fresh Linen which smells good, and the Mango Salsa. Sounds nasty but smells so good.

Pier One has these sented rocks that you can put around the candle in a candle holder dish and they smell nice also, you don't have to burn the candle for cheap price also.

[CJ's Mom]

Run a dehumidifier and hide some containers of vinegar.

Having 3 dogs (one has gas on a regular basis), 2 cats, bird, occasional rabbits and teenagers, the house gets a funny odor after a while. About once a week I'll open a couple of windows and air out the house. I also burn Yankee candles.

[twodoor2]

Run a dehumidifier and hide some containers of vinegar.



OMG, you took the words right out of my mouth. BTW, plain white vinegar is the absolute best. If you're cooking something smelly like meat or fish, keep a small bowl of a little bit of white vinegar near the stove. The smell will imediately disapper. We had a mouse die in our sump pump, it stunk up the whole basement. Kept a bowl of white vinegar near it and the smell went away in 24 hours. I think scented stuff just overrides the smell. It's like putting perfume on a stinky person. However vinegar absorbs the nasty odors. You can even make a spray with vinegar, water and a little bit of baking soda.

I also use vinegar to clean everything from my floors, carpet stains, it's a great fabric softener, and a wide variety of things. The best thing about vinegar is that it's so cheap!!! I buy a giant bottle of it from Costco for about 2 dollars. Get rid of the windex and more expensive chemical cleaners that are toxic as well.

http://www.vinegartips.com/

Get a dehumidifier as well for the basement. Our basement is finished and we have one. No musty smell.

[Lee]

I posted this in a different post - I didn't know about vinegar absorbing smells, but I do use it as a rinse in my hair - it makes it soft and shiny and it doesn't smell like vinegar! I also use it for a burn treatment!

[twodoor2]

I posted this in a different post - I didn't know about vinegar absorbing smells, but I do use it as a rinse in my hair - it makes it soft and shiny and it doesn't smell like vinegar! I also use it for a burn treatment!

It's amazing stuff, and has so many uses. I didn't even know you could use it to rinse your hair. Best of all, it's so cheap and will save you so much $$. I use vinegar and water to clean so many things, like the baby's highchair as well (non-toxic) and it keeps ants away, and . . . the list goes on and on. I even use it in my hoover spin scrub floor washer and carpet steam cleaner instead of the toxic cleaners they use.

See the link I posted above. The thing is to absorb smells you would think you need a lot of it, but all it takes is a really small bowl of a vinegar. That's what I used to get rid of the dead mouse smell.

[Mom2Deacon]

It's amazing stuff, and has so many uses. I didn't even know you could use it to rinse your hair. Best of all, it's so cheap and will save you so much $$. I use vinegar and water to clean so many things, like the baby's highchair as well (non-toxic) and it keeps ants away, and . . . the list goes on and on. I even use it in my hoover spin scrub floor washer and carpet steam cleaner instead of the toxic cleaners they use.

See the link I posted above. The thing is to absorb smells you would think you need a lot of it, but all it takes is a really small bowl of a vinegar. That's what I used to get rid of the dead mouse smell.

How do you use it to keep ants away? We have ants and that would be a great tip know about.

--Sara

[twodoor2]

How do you use it to keep ants away? We have ants and that would be a great tip know about.

--Sara

Just spray white vinegar undiluted where there are ants. The ants "taste" with their feet, and the bitterness keeps them away. A little bit of borax (a type of earth mineral sold as an inexpensive laundry catalyst), in water, also keeps ants away. They hate the "taste" of the stuff.

[Mom2Deacon]

So if I put it by the doors and windows this should keep them away?

--Sara

[twodoor2]

So if I put it by the doors and windows this should keep them away?

--Sara

Try it and see if it works. Spray it. That link I posted above states the following

Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.

[CJ's Mom]

It's amazing stuff, and has so many uses. I didn't even know you could use it to rinse your hair. Best of all, it's so cheap and will save you so much $$. I use vinegar and water to clean so many things, like the baby's highchair as well (non-toxic) and it keeps ants away, and . . . the list goes on and on. I even use it in my hoover spin scrub floor washer and carpet steam cleaner instead of the toxic cleaners they use.

See the link I posted above. The thing is to absorb smells you would think you need a lot of it, but all it takes is a really small bowl of a vinegar. That's what I used to get rid of the dead mouse smell.

I used vinegar and hot water in my BIssell last weekend on the main traffic areas (ok, I was too lazy to move all the furniture.) I have cream colored carpet throughout the house, which, BTW, is NOT a good idea if you have a lot of critters. It worked great on the pet stains & odor! Also the carpet didn't have that "filmy" feeling you get from regular cleaners.

[twodoor2]

I used vinegar and hot water in my BIssell last weekend on the main traffic areas (ok, I was too lazy to move all the furniture.) I have cream colored carpet throughout the house, which, BTW, is NOT a good idea if you have a lot of critters. It worked great on the pet stains & odor! Also the carpet didn't have that "filmy" feeling you get from regular cleaners.

Yes!!! That's why I refuse to use commercial floor cleaners. Not only that, floor and carpet cleaners leave a film that attracts more dust and filth. I use vinegar and water in my hoover steam cleaner.

[taximom]

White vinegar......I do have that. Guess I should start using it more often. Thanks for the tips. I've only used it for cleaning out the coffee maker and coloring Easter eggs. I thought we had a dehumidier, but I just went down there and I don't see it anywhere? I'll have to ask DH where it is.

I love Yankee Candle too. I'll have to try those plug-ins. That Fresh Linen scent is nice and clean....not over-powering.

[CJ's Mom]

I wonder....since vinegar works with ants and can be used as a hair conditioner, it I could use it on the Bichon and Bulldogge for fleas? For some reason we don't have a problem with the Rottwelier and fleas/ticks. Sometimes Frontline works, sometimes it doesn't, and it's $$.

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

Hijack Warning

When Maddie had lice :eek: in 2nd grade I rinsed the nit picking comb in vinegar solution and when we were finally done (worst week of my life) she had the most beautiful highlights in her hair. Everyone commented on how gorgeous her hair looked. ( Talk about silver lining :rolleyes:)

I also use white vinegar to clean smelly drains, and crystal and glass. Especially good in the bottom of vases that you can't get your hand into to clean.

[Thoover]

I remember when Britt had lice in 3rd grade.. I used Vinegar. ALOT OF IT.. It worked great.

Thanks for all the tips to use I think I should throw all the other millions of cans I use to clean with and stick with vinegar..

Thanks Marsha for all those tips..

[Lee]

Hijack Warning

When Maddie had lice :eek: in 2nd grade I rinsed the nit picking comb in vinegar solution and when we were finally done (worst week of my life) she had the most beautiful highlights in her hair. Everyone commented on how gorgeous her hair looked. ( Talk about silver lining :rolleyes:)

I also use white vinegar to clean smelly drains, and crystal and glass. Especially good in the bottom of vases that you can't get your hand into to clean.

It strips all of the build up from products out of your hair - it makes it sssooo shiny and soft, I use it once a week and I finally convinced my 12 year old to try it. She loves her hair now!

[CJ's Mom]

Hijack Warning

When Maddie had lice :eek: in 2nd grade I rinsed the nit picking comb in vinegar solution and when we were finally done (worst week of my life) she had the most beautiful highlights in her hair. Everyone commented on how gorgeous her hair looked. ( Talk about silver lining :rolleyes:)

I also use white vinegar to clean smelly drains, and crystal and glass. Especially good in the bottom of vases that you can't get your hand into to clean.


I use vinegar and baking soda on my drains. Dump the baking soda in followed by vinegar. They claim the reaction helps clean the drain and the kid in me likes the chemical reaction. :D

ETA: I also use vinegar when I blow out the jacuzzi jets.

[Thoover]

It strips all of the build up from products out of your hair - it makes it sssooo shiny and soft, I use it once a week and I finally convinced my 12 year old to try it. She loves her hair now!

Now that you say that I remember saying to Britt after pouring the entire bottle on her hair then when it was dry, how shinny her hair was. Silky smooth.. You use it once a week.. I will have to try that, my hair gets frizzy if I don't strighten it.. I will try that.

** Remembering to go to the store and stock up on Vigegar***

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

I do really like Mrs Meyers cleaning products, the lemon verbena in particular.

http://www.mrsmeyers.com/CategoryDetail.aspx?CategoryId=bd324b82-95d2-408c-8a22-999f00e82a90

The counter spray and the floor cleaner are my favorites. I hate mopping! But at least I like the was my kitchen smells during and after :rolleyes:

[Lizzy731]

Air wick puff thingies...forgot the name. The stuff you plug in the outlets don't last long enough.

[saxmaniac]

Boot the kids outside. Instant improvement.

[Adinsmom]

I usually clean with vinegar and borax. But when I want a change of pace I like the Mrs Meyer's stuff. My favorite last year was honeysuckle, the fragrance stays around and my dh and kids have even commented on how nice the house smells and looks.

I also just recently read a tip about vacuuming. Suck up a couple of fresh coffee grounds (if you like the smell) or dried orange peels or cotton ball infused with your favorite essential oil.

[twodoor2]

Hijack Warning

When Maddie had lice :eek: in 2nd grade I rinsed the nit picking comb in vinegar solution and when we were finally done (worst week of my life) she had the most beautiful highlights in her hair. Everyone commented on how gorgeous her hair looked. ( Talk about silver lining :rolleyes:)

I also use white vinegar to clean smelly drains, and crystal and glass. Especially good in the bottom of vases that you can't get your hand into to clean.

It's great at getting rid of lime deposits and mildew. Just leave it on the affected area for a while, the acid in the vinegar removes it. It's also great to use in the dishwasher in the rinse compartment normally used for jet dry (another expensive chemical).

Wow, this should be the vinegar thread, sorry it's gone off to such a tangent.

[Lee]

It's also great to use in the dishwasher in the rinse compartment normally used for jet dry (another expensive chemical).

Wow, this should be the vinegar thread, sorry it's gone off to such a tangent.

REALLY!!! I was just about to go buy jet dri - but I can use vinegar instead! Whoa - I think I just had a life changing moment...

[Skyefire]

After the house fire we had some items that we took out and smelled sooo bad, We where told to but an air sponge http://www.airsponge.net/ we get them at our local grocery store. They work so well, we actually kills the odor as well.

Smoke is horrible to get out of objects and it worked like a charm. DH's friend also used them in his basement when he bought his new house, they used the basement to store spices in and it smelled like an old indian restruant, they bought 3 of them, and in less then a day the smell is gone. very very easy to use. Good luck


I do love vinegar, I use it for lots of stuff, putting in your rinse cycle of your washer, helps remove soap build up on clothes. I used it in all my washes when the kids where babys because we have alot of scent allergies in the family. Worked great! We also used in ever wash of items removed from the house after the fire. Helps with smells too...like if you need to re wash a load you forgot in the washer ( I know I am not the only one that does this..lol)

[MamaC]

I use reed diffusers to de-smell a room. My favorite right now is Fresh Fig from Pier One. It isn't floral or girly at all and does wonders on, shall we say, leftover bathroom smells.

[OSUMom]

I just love CWD, but I have a question.... how do I get rid of this vinegar smell I have all over my house? :p

[Skyefire]

I just love CWD, but I have a question.... how do I get rid of this vinegar smell I have all over my house? :p

HAHA it fades very quickly...well maybe I guess it depends on how much you used...lol If your eyes are burning you might have used to much :eek: LOL

[BrendaK]

I'm a vinegaraholic too!!! I use it for EVERYTHING!!! Using it for fabric softner and in place of Jet Dry in the dishwasher are my favorite. You can use it for winshield wiper fluid in your car, I've gotten rid of ants with it, I use it diluted w/water to clean everything. Mixed it w/baking soda to make a paste and got out every single stain in the carpet.

I won't buy the artificially scented plug ins or candles -- I prefer just cutting up a lemon or orange, that makes the whole house smell nice!! I also do a lot of bread baking, that smells great too.

But definitely a dehumidifier and vinegar for the basement!!

[twodoor2]

I usually clean with vinegar and borax. But when I want a change of pace I like the Mrs Meyer's stuff. My favorite last year was honeysuckle, the fragrance stays around and my dh and kids have even commented on how nice the house smells and looks.

I also just recently read a tip about vacuuming. Suck up a couple of fresh coffee grounds (if you like the smell) or dried orange peels or cotton ball infused with your favorite essential oil.

I like Mrs. Meyer as well, but it's so dang expensive. I love the Lavender scented products.

[OSUMom]

What isle in the grocery is the vinegar? Dean's there now and I'm asking him to pick me up some - isn't it near the vegie oil? It's not there?

[Thoover]

So how much Vinegar to Water if you are mixing? 1/2 and 1/2??I am so AMAZED that I can use vinegar instead of Jet Dry. Do you all know how expensive Jet Dry is???


I think this weekend when I clean Im going to use it, my house will smell like Vinegar, but it will be nice and clean..

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

I like Mrs. Meyer as well, but it's so dang expensive. I love the Lavender scented products.

$$$ That's why I stick with the liquid cleaner and counter spray. The rest is just too much money, but those are also the products I like best so... :rolleyes:

Funny how happy I am to chat endlessly about cleaning products, and a wee bit slower to actually use them:o

[Skyefire]

Funny how happy I am to chat endlessly about cleaning products, and a wee bit slower to actually use them:o

HAHA I was just thinking that as I have stopped cleaning once again to check my e-mail....repeat it with me.....I am an:cwds: addict, I am an :cwds:Addict...lol

[BrendaK]

So how much Vinegar to Water if you are mixing? 1/2 and 1/2??I am so AMAZED that I can use vinegar instead of Jet Dry. Do you all know how expensive Jet Dry is???


I think this weekend when I clean Im going to use it, my house will smell like Vinegar, but it will be nice and clean..

I use 1 part vinegar and 3 or 4 parts water in a spray bottle for general cleaning. And I use straight vinegar in the jet dry thing in the dishwasher.

I also use the vinegar/water mix to mop the floors.

Happy cleaning ;)

[BrendaK]

What isle in the grocery is the vinegar? Dean's there now and I'm asking him to pick me up some - isn't it near the vegie oil? It's not there?

I buy the BIG bottles -- I think they are where the condiments are -- ketchup, mustard. At least that's where it is at Target.

[Thoover]

Thanks so much. I will try it.. It will save me a ton of money on cleaning supplies. I am one to buy everything different to use on countertops, floors, bathrooms.. Its crazy.. Now I can minimize it down to a few..

THANK YOU..

[OSUMom]

I buy the BIG bottles -- I think they are where the condiments are -- ketchup, mustard. At least that's where it is at Target.

LOL Thanks Brenda!!!!!!! I told him what you said. I think he found it. Is that what this text means "Ya ya dawg!!!". :p

[Illinifan]

Close the bathroom door during and after use by the 17 year old. :rolleyes:

[twodoor2]

What isle in the grocery is the vinegar? Dean's there now and I'm asking him to pick me up some - isn't it near the vegie oil? It's not there?

Sometimes it's by salad dressing. Heinz makes a white vinegar, but the generic brand is fine. I get mine at Costco, it's about the size of two gallons.

Other natural good things to have in the house for cleaning are

baking soda (a natural abrasive and works wonders when mixed with vinegar)
lemon juice (a natural bleach) - I buy it in the big jugs at Costco
borax (although keep out of reach of children). It's a natural occurring mineral so it's environmentally safe, but it is not safe when ingested.
olive oil (great for wood, use olive oil mixed with a little lemon juice).
Newspaper is great for wiping down windows and mirrors - no streaks or paper residue.

I just wanted to note that it drives me crazy seeing all these fancy packaged cleaning products that do everything from making your upholstery smell nice to making your toilet get up and sing and dance. All you really need are a few basic things in your house to make homemade cleaners that are safe, non-toxic to the environment, and super cheap.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/9684/fabric.html

[Adinsmom]

LOL Thanks Brenda!!!!!!! I told him what you said. I think he found it. Is that what this text means "Ya ya dawg!!!". :p

I just adore your son. :)

[saxmaniac]

Vinegar is also good in the laundry. Try it with hot water on some old towels sometime and they come back to life.

[MissEmi]

Okay this really may sound like a really off-the-wall and dumb question, but: If you are allergic to bleach, would bleaching stuff with lemon juice cause the same reaction? Or would it be safe because it's natural and totally different? Kinda weird, I know, but I don't want to try and find out the hard way...OUCH!!:eek:

[Treysmom]

We use lots of vinegar. I Love Yankee Candles to:D

[twodoor2]

Okay this really may sound like a really off-the-wall and dumb question, but: If you are allergic to bleach, would bleaching stuff with lemon juice cause the same reaction? Or would it be safe because it's natural and totally different? Kinda weird, I know, but I don't want to try and find out the hard way...OUCH!!:eek:

I'm not sure how lemon juice works in the laundry, but I know people use it to get rid of stains on white clothes by spot treating it with lemon juice.

[MissEmi]

Right that's what I meant, I just have a couple stains on some white shirts that I DESPARATELY need to come off. But I guess if I re-wash after treating it then I shouldn't have to worry about a reaction, do you think?

[Jacob'sDad]

Sometimes it's by salad dressing. Heinz makes a white vinegar, but the generic brand is fine. I get mine at Costco, it's about the size of two gallons.

Other natural good things to have in the house for cleaning are

baking soda (a natural abrasive and works wonders when mixed with vinegar)
lemon juice (a natural bleach) - I buy it in the big jugs at Costco
borax (although keep out of reach of children). It's a natural occurring mineral so it's environmentally safe, but it is not safe when ingested.
olive oil (great for wood, use olive oil mixed with a little lemon juice).
Newspaper is great for wiping down windows and mirrors - no streaks or paper residue.

I just wanted to note that it drives me crazy seeing all these fancy packaged cleaning products that do everything from making your upholstery smell nice to making your toilet get up and sing and dance. All you really need are a few basic things in your house to make homemade cleaners that are safe, non-toxic to the environment, and super cheap.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/9684/fabric.html

I should go through the closets right now and throw out almost all the cleaning supplies. MY mom has been telling us this for years. I don't think she has any actual cleaning supplies. She just uses stuff like Marsha is talking about.
Marsha you must have read stuff by the "Queen of Clean"?

[Big Hair Momma]

LOL Thanks Brenda!!!!!!! I told him what you said. I think he found it. Is that what this text means "Ya ya dawg!!!". :p

Laurie, I actually laughed out loud when I read this. That's too funny.

[twodoor2]

Right that's what I meant, I just have a couple stains on some white shirts that I DESPARATELY need to come off. But I guess if I re-wash after treating it then I shouldn't have to worry about a reaction, do you think?

You should always wash it after treating with the lemon juice. If you're really sensitive to detergents, you should always do an extra rinse after the wash cycle.

[twodoor2]

I should go through the closets right now and throw out almost all the cleaning supplies. MY mom has been telling us this for years. I don't think she has any actual cleaning supplies. She just uses stuff like Marsha is talking about.
Marsha you must have read stuff by the "Queen of Clean"?

I love the "Queen of Clean" (I have her book and watch her show) - as you can see, I don't have much of a life. I really get into talking about vacuum cleaners and vinegar. :confused:

[MissEmi]

It's just the bleach stuff :) Although...my doctor and dermatologist don't let me use scented bath soap!! I don't THINK I'm sensitive to laundry detergent though...just bleach.

[Adinsmom]

Okay this really may sound like a really off-the-wall and dumb question, but: If you are allergic to bleach, would bleaching stuff with lemon juice cause the same reaction? Or would it be safe because it's natural and totally different? Kinda weird, I know, but I don't want to try and find out the hard way...OUCH!!:eek:

I might not remember the Queen of Clean correctly but I think you treat the spot (as long as it is white) w/ lemon juice place it in the sun, check it every 15 minutes. Then wash as usual. The lemon juice/sun works on whites like it does on hair. Does anyone remember the 80's and lemon juice hi-lights?

Sholuld be fine regardless of bleach allergies. But I am not licensed in anything so....

[MissEmi]

Ok I'll try that as soon as I get the lemons. Which will be soon...I have to get this done before camp, so before Wednesday. We leave on Friday...3am sharp UGH.

[OSUMom]

I might not remember the Queen of Clean correctly but I think you treat the spot (as long as it is white) w/ lemon juice place it in the sun, check it every 15 minutes. Then wash as usual. The lemon juice/sun works on whites like it does on hair. Does anyone remember the 80's and lemon juice hi-lights?

Sholuld be fine regardless of bleach allergies. But I am not licensed in anything so....

Oh yeah I tried that - then I moved into buying the product "Sun-In" I think it was. It was a spray on product. :)

[OSUMom]

Laurie, I actually laughed out loud when I read this. That's too funny.

The texts I get from this boy are funny. He calls me "playa" sometimes on a text - I guess that's like player. So yesterday I answered the phone "what's up playa?" He laughed. Said it's not like playa as in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico! "Well that's what you typed!" :p

Kids!!! :p

[hold48398]

Wow, I had no idea vinegar had so many uses!!! I will be buying a big jug of it!! All the sites for natural cleaning have been bookmarked and will be studied!! Thanks, folks!!!:)

[My_Dana]

It's amazing stuff, and has so many uses. I didn't even know you could use it to rinse your hair. Best of all, it's so cheap and will save you so much $$. I use vinegar and water to clean so many things, like the baby's highchair as well (non-toxic) and it keeps ants away, and . . . the list goes on and on. I even use it in my hoover spin scrub floor washer and carpet steam cleaner instead of the toxic cleaners they use.

See the link I posted above. The thing is to absorb smells you would think you need a lot of it, but all it takes is a really small bowl of a vinegar. That's what I used to get rid of the dead mouse smell.

Great ideas..thanks!
I need to start using the white vinegar more.

[My_Dana]

Yes!!! That's why I refuse to use commercial floor cleaners. Not only that, floor and carpet cleaners leave a film that attracts more dust and filth. I use vinegar and water in my hoover steam cleaner.

Wow..another great tip!
I have to try that one.

[Rachel]

What a hoot ... I think I found the solution to having my hostas be "bunny food", as my DS and DH call them.

Here is the idea from the site Marsha gave:
"Keep rabbits from eating your plants. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden."

Hmmm, don't have 35 mm film containers around the house. What small lidded containers do I have access to ... ?

Off to get DH and DS on a project to drill holes in some old test strip containers. How silly will that look in the garden ... test strip containers strategically placed throughout? My hostas and I thank you all.

[My_Dana]

Sometimes it's by salad dressing. Heinz makes a white vinegar, but the generic brand is fine. I get mine at Costco, it's about the size of two gallons.

Other natural good things to have in the house for cleaning are

baking soda (a natural abrasive and works wonders when mixed with vinegar)
lemon juice (a natural bleach) - I buy it in the big jugs at Costco
borax (although keep out of reach of children). It's a natural occurring mineral so it's environmentally safe, but it is not safe when ingested.
olive oil (great for wood, use olive oil mixed with a little lemon juice).
Newspaper is great for wiping down windows and mirrors - no streaks or paper residue.

I just wanted to note that it drives me crazy seeing all these fancy packaged cleaning products that do everything from making your upholstery smell nice to making your toilet get up and sing and dance. All you really need are a few basic things in your house to make homemade cleaners that are safe, non-toxic to the environment, and super cheap.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/9684/fabric.html

You got that right!
I found the same holds true with health products and natural remedies.

Proof again that the best ideas/solutions are not the most popular..the best marketed ones are.

[selketine]

This guy came to my house once when I was growing up (in rural Kentucky) and he was selling this product that he claimed would clean your house AND you could use it as salad dressing. I was thinking :eek:. LOL!

It must have been something like vinegar - but it was in a spray bottle. That was like 30 years ago but I have always wondered what the heck that stuff was- LOL!:)

[twodoor2]

Mmmmm edible house cleaning supplies..If it doesn't work on cleaning you can always eat it LOL..Sorry I am in a humorous mood today :D

Well, I think that's a great comment. I think it's nice to have a cleaning product that's so safe, you could ingest it and nothing would happen to you, like lemon juice, olive oil, baking soda, and vinegar. Think about all the toxic chemicals we have to clean with, and it's nice to know that you can clean your house with items that won't kill you.

When I was much younger and first married, I cleaned our bathroom with bleach and ammonia (stupid me). I thought I was going to have to go to the emergency room. Did you know that if you mix those two substances, they will form a toxic gas that can kill you? Some household items, when mixed, can explode. I'm not sure I want those things in my house. When you mix vinegar and baking soda, the baking soda gives off some harmless gas (I think it's carbon dioxide) and it bubbles. It makes a great paste for cleaning your tubs and sinks without killing you. I should have used that instead!!!!

[twodoor2]

What is also good is that natural cleaning products you make yourself are items you would use for cooking, therefore cutting the cost. Cleaning supplies with chemicals in them cost so much!

I made the mistake of using bleach and ammonia once before..Never did that again..:eek:

When you think about how much a bottle of Windex costs (I think it's around $3, but I don't buy it anymore). I use vinegar and water instead, and that costs maybe 25 cents to make the same amount as a Windex bottle would hold.

[shekov]

I'm loving the vinegar thread. I'm a recent convert to vinegar cleaning. No one in my house likes the smell but me (I know I'm in the minority but I LOVE the smell) but it disipates quickly. I'm so glad to find even MORE uses for it. You guys ROCK!

[twodoor2]

Now if only we could figure out how to use vinegar to power our cars.:D

I should try pouring some in my gas tank - it might be the answer to all the ills in the world!:p

[tiffanie1717]

My newest odor pleasure are reed diffusers. They smell nice with no flame. Flip the wood sticks over to rejuvenate the smell.

(sorry if this was posted already. I didn't read all 7 pages.)

[saxmaniac]

This guy came to my house once when I was growing up (in rural Kentucky) and he was selling this product that he claimed would clean your house AND you could use it as salad dressing. I was thinking :eek:. LOL!

It's a floor wax AND a dessert topping! (http://www.jibjab.com/view/101069)

[StillMamamia]

I won't buy the artificially scented plug ins or candles -- I prefer just cutting up a lemon or orange, that makes the whole house smell nice!! I also do a lot of bread baking, that smells great too.



:o How exactly do you do with the lemon and oranges? Do you just let them stay in one place or do you add them to water or???

Also, any vinegar or other solutions to keep flies away??

[CJ's Mom]

:o How exactly do you do with the lemon and oranges? Do you just let them stay in one place or do you add them to water or???

Also, any vinegar or other solutions to keep flies away??

Brush Sage. If you bundle up 8-10 branches of sage and burn it, it will keep all kinds of flying insects away. Someone was doing this at a knap-in yesterday and blowing it with a fan. There were no flying insects in the shelter house.

[momandwifeoftype1s]

I cut up lemons to grind up in the disposal to make it smell fresher. I also put some lemon slices in a bowl of water to put in the microwave. I heat up the water/lemon, and use a sponge to wipe down the sides of the microwave.

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

I also put some lemon slices in a bowl of water to put in the microwave. I heat up the water/lemon, and use a sponge to wipe down the sides of the microwave.

Thanks! I'm going to try this. Nothing is quite as gross, in my book, as that, inside of the microwave smell... eech!

[Midwestmomma]

I am so glad I sat here and read ALL the pages. I never knew vinegar had more uses then coloring eggs. I will pick some up when I go shopping in a few days.:) Thanks guys!!

[Livi'smom]

I also have a vinegar addiction. Love the stuff.


For extra smell good purposes I love Bath and Body works wallflowers. Those are great and come in many different scents. Right now, Livi has SweetPea in her room.

At Christmas they really have a great sale and we have given those as teachers gifts before.

Another really great candle is by candleberry.com which is in Kentucky. I now prefer those to Yankee candles.