Donna's Healthy Living Tips

It’s that time of year again that we start thinking about all the pre-winter projects we want to get done before our homes are closed up tight for the next six (plus) months.  As you prepare to shampoo your rugs or clean your lawn furniture, consider what products you are using and how they may impact your family and/or the planet.

Here are a few suggestions for common household fall projects:

• Shampooing carpets and rugs.  Instead of using the toxic carpet shampoo supplied at the store, use 1/8 – 1/2 oz Basic H2 per gallon of water (and pre-treat spots with diluted Nature Bright).  No worries about walking on the carpet while it is still wet or inhaling the fumes while cleaning; safe for all members of the family, both furry and human.
• Lawn furniture.  Before putting away your lawn furniture for the year, use a mix of 1/4 teaspoon Basic H2 to 16 oz (2 cups) water and either spray on the furniture and use a rag or sponge to wipe down or use a bucket with the cleaning solution and dip in and out of that.  You will be impressed how well it cleans and any drips that fall on the ground are completely safe for the earth.
• Outside grill.  Use Scour Off (sand and cherry pits) for those stuck on parts along with water and of course, Basic H2 1 and 1/2 teaspoons with 16 oz (2 cups) of water for fighting grease.  It works like a charm!
• Siding.  Use a combination of 1/4 teaspoon Basic H2 and 16 oz of water (2 cups) – just double or triple for the amount needed – and sponge on the wall.  No worries about hurting any flowers or plants that are below the wall.
• Windows.  What a great time of year to do your windows!  Mix 2 drops (yes, 2 drops only) of Basic H2 in 16 oz of water and spray on windows.  Make sure the cloth you use to wipe it off has not been dried with any dryer sheets or exposed to fabric softener (it will streak).  You will be amazed at how well it works and it is so safe you can have your kids help you!
• Washing produce before canning, dehydrating, freezing, or simply eating!  Use a basin of water and just a couple drops of Basic H2 and let the produce soak for a few minutes.  Rinse off and continue with whatever you were going to do with it…no expensive fruit/veggie washes needed.

If you have other fall projects in mind and you would like some tips or suggestions for cleaning, please contact me at keithdonnacopeland@sbcglobal.net or leave a comment on the blog.

Donna Copeland is an Independent Shaklee Distributor who isn’t a big fan of cleaning but since it must be done anyway…best to do it in a safe, healthy, and EFFECTIVE way.  You can find out more information on the cleaning products mentioned here by going to: www.DonnaCopeland.MyShaklee.com and click on “shop” then “healthy home.”