There is a Tide in the Affairs of Men

NOT IN MY HOME!  I am determined to have a clean-smelling house without harsh commercial products, the popularity of Tide, Clorox and Bounce notwithstanding!

We live in a toxic world, as evidenced by the following suggestions:
http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/12-household-toxins-you-should-banish-from-your-home#1

So here are some safe ideas that will make your home smell heavenly:

Orange TKO:  I use this for everything. It kills mold, fungus and bacteria. It comes with instructions for using in the kitchen, bath, laundry, on stains, as an air purifier and is even safe to use on houseplants.  Here's a laundry detergent recipe:
 
Mix 2 cups baking soda in a quart of water.  Add 1/4 cup Orange TKO Cleaner and shake well to mix.  Pour into a plastic gallon jug and fill with water.  Shake to mix before each use.  Add 1 cup per full load, to washing machine.

Castile Soap: You can make a liquid dishwasher soap with 1 cup Castile Liquid Soap, 1/2 cup water and 2-3 drops essential oils.  Shake well.  Use 2 tbsp per load.  Use 1/2 cup white vinegar only as a rinse aid.  You can also make an all-purpose household spray cleaner:  http://lisa.drbronner.com/?p=64  

Essential Oils:

Rich Honey and Essential Oils Bar Soap from Bees to Bubbles:  These soaps smell divine and are totally natural and safe:  Contact Tina at bees-to-bubbles@hotmail.com


Deodorant:

Laundry:  Put a few drops of essential oil in a bottle of unscented laundry detergent to add a fresh scent to the wash. The amount of oil you add will depend on the size of the bottle and your personal preference. Shake up the detergent and give it a sniff after every two or three drops.

Fabric softener: Stir 3-4 drops lemon, cinnamon or other essential oil into 1 cup white vinegar and add to the last rinse cycle.

Add 20-30 drops of essential oil to a gallon of white vinegar to make your own fabric softener. Shake it up. Add 1 cup of this vinegar to the last rinse cycle for large loads or ½ cup for small loads. Your laundry will be softer and smell fresher.

Sprinkle two or three drops of essential oil on a white cotton cloth and toss it into the dryer. Run the dryer on your usual heat setting.  Set the dryer to “no heat” after your clothes are dry. Run the dryer for an additional five minutes to set the smell in your clothes.

Wood Dryer Balls:
http://www.diynatural.com/how-to-make-wool-dryer-balls/

Dishwasher Rinse Aid: Mix 10-15 drops lemon, lavender or other essential oils to 1 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and fill your rinse aid dispenser.  Lasts about one month.

Dishwasher Soap:  Mix 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing soda.  Use 1-2 tsp. for each load.  For a lemony smell, add 1 or more tablespoons citric acid (like Fresh Fruit) to your mix.  For a scrubbing action, add 1/2 cup kosher salt.

Toilet:  I like to sprinkle 2-3 drops lemon essential oil in the bowl after each use.

For getting out the smell of paint and other VOC odors (in air and clothes):
http://www.ehow.com/how_5580887_remove-smell-paint-clothes.html