We have been cleaning “green” in our house for the past year and I have to admit that it’s been great. However, we are not using any store-bought cleaners that claim to be “green”...Sometimes you just can’t trust them! So here’s what I have been doing:
For counter tops, tubs, and sinks I use a solution of baking soda, water, and a few drops of (phosphate and chemical free - we presently use ECOVER) dish soap. I mix this into a paste and then use half of a lemon to apply it to surfaces. This actually smells really great and the acidic quality of the lemon seems to work well with the abrasive quality of the baking soda and stains and grime are easily removed. Then I wipe them down after that with a dampened cloth towel (not paper towel – no waste! :P) and finally wipe with a dry cloth towel. Ahhhhh! Spic and span!!
For windows and mirrors, I use a solution of vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil and place it in a spray bottle. The first few times you try this you might notice streaks after application. This is because the wax buildup from commercial cleaners will form on glass surfaces over time. After a few applications, your vinegar and water solution will work just as good (if not better)and you won’t be inhaling any strange chemical compounds. Make sure you use a 100% cotton cloth to wipe as this works best in preventing streaking.
For wood furniture, I use a solution of vinegar and olive oil, along with a few drops of essential oils. I apply with a clean cloth and wipe away. This has proved to be very effective and I have not had any problems, but you may want to test it before applying the first time to make sure that the surface is not harmed.
The one down side of all of this is the vinegar smell that can linger in the air. Opening some windows usually helps, but on rainy or chilly days, that’s just not possible. So this is where The Candle Apothecary SOY CANDLES come in! As I am cleaning I will light a soy candle in each room, which helps to eliminate the short-lived vinegar smell. Because our candles are free of soot, and phalathes, they will burn cleanly, and provide a fresh natural scent in your home.
I encourage everyone to start cleaning green and if anyone has any other helpful green cleaning tips, please feel free to share them!
As always, thank you for being a valued customer . 
