Does anyone have a good recipe for making your own daily shower spray? I worry about all the chemicals that I breathe in when I use the store bought versions.
I hate having to clean the shower and want to cut down on this chore if I can. Thanks in advance!
Posted by kgg (Member # 5867) on :
Thanks kgg. I actually tried a version of the livestrong recipe and will let you know how it goes!
I liked the second article too - and will save it for future reference. It would be great if these things work. We would save a lot of $$ and also not poison our bodies with toxic fumes.
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
Am visiting a girlfriend with an all glass shower stall ... she is a professional housekeeper.
She bought a "squeegee" at Bed Bath and asks me to just run a wipe down the shower door and across the bottom lip each morning. I like the results so much, and it is so easy, that I usually do the other three surfaces as well.
Shower looks like something out of "Better Homes" as a result!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Easy. BioKleen All Purpose Cleaner. Cuts everything.
Best to NOT SPRAY, though, to save your lungs. Spray directly into the cloth used to clean.
Even if a safe product from natural sources, you don't want to be breathing fine droplets into your nose and lungs. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Best prices are at VitaCost.com and similar vendors.
Best to avoid lavender for anyone with chemcial sensitivites. The citrus seems just fine, though.
DO NOT USE WHEN YOU ARE IN THE SHOWER. SLIPPERY. -
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
We have a lot of minerals in our water that stain the glass (well water). I haven't found anything natural that cleans it. Unfortunately, the squeegee didn't help us with this.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- BioKleen all purpose cleaner cuts through the mineral scum on my tub. It may not for all combinations of mineral scum but it is pretty amazing for mine.
You might try CREAM OF TARTER with WHITE VINEGAR for particularly tough mineral scum. It's want helps remove that from tea kettles (but it has to be boiled then in the pot). -
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Thanks for all your suggestions! I was just hoping to find a mixture that I could spray with my pump bottle daily - like the daily shower sprays that work so well.
I have well water with a fiberglass tub and regular shower curtain. Squeegy doesn't work so well for me either. But that is great that it does for you, Aunty Lynn.
I am using a concoction of vinegar, borax, lanolin, and dish washer detergent for now. I don't seem to have chemical sensitivity but I notice that my chest feels heavy at times and I worry that some infection has settled there.
I test high for arsenic and mercury and have not been able to figure out the source of arsenic. Wondering if using the daily (chemical) shower spray might have contributed. I figure it can't hurt to use a natural product.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I was just going to ask about something that would clean my floors.
Actually, I know I can use vinegar.. but what to "wax" them with? I have linoleum.
OOPS... we have weather sirens going off and now it sounds bad out there.
gotta go
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- dpbei,
You say: "using a concoction of vinegar, borax, lanolin, and dish washer detergent for now. I don't seem to have chemical sensitivity but I notice that my chest feels heavy at times . . ."
Anything sprayed can get deep into our sinuses and lungs. Even an environmentally safe spray (smell and nature wise) can injure our lungs. Droplets travel and they don't belong in our lungs or in our noses.
We should NEVER be around any sprays. I learned that the hard way. So much better to avoid that and just put someone ONTO a sponge or cloth. -
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Oh Keebler. You just created more work for me! But maybe you are on to something... I use sprays for my kitchen counters, mirrors, windows, etc.
It is a difficult balance to live a healthy life and try to keep a clean house. I choose health over the clean house - but was hoping for a good alternative to what I had been using.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Well, nobody needs more work. This can actually save time and work by skipping all the spraying.
The area has to be wiped, anyway, when smearing the solution onto the surface. It's really no more work to wipe with the solution already on the sponge or cloth.
You could wear a mask but the eyes could still get droplets of the spray.
Certain kinds of soaps and hair care products can cause more particulate deposit in the tub and shower, too.
Certainly, some kinds of soaps cause a slimely black mold buildup in the drains. Especially the moisturing products.
As another precaution to help your lungs, you may also want to replace your shower head. My lungs got so much better with I did. There's a particular infection that can be harbored in showerheads, even bleach doesn't seem to address.
Google: showerhead, bacteria -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
We are safe ..
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- When someone says they "notice that my chest feels heavy at times" that's a symptom that needs a bit of thought - and maybe some changes can help. -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo:
OOPS... we have weather sirens going off and now it sounds bad out there.
gotta go [/QB]
- I was referring to this comment I made.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ohhh. I see. Thanks for that clarification, TuTu.
I thought it was referring to too many remedy suggestions and went into justification mode, I suppose.
I spaced over your previous weather warning. Glad you are safe. Safety is good and preferred, eh? -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- TuTu,
You asked about cleaning your floors.
I LOVE my floor steamer. No chemicals, no soaps, just water that steams. I have some kind of vinyl floor that comes with apartments. Never needs any kind of polish.
I also use it (upright with a bit of a stretch) on countertops and on the bathtub "floor" before then turning it to the actual floors.
Some other models have hand held features but most of those look like they could be a huge burn hazard with the "tank" and hose right on and near the body with connectors that don't look that solid.
Probably had this model for about 4 years now. There are newer versions now, though you can still find this one.
Bissell 31N1 Steam Mop Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner -
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Glad you are safe tutu.
Thanks for all of your good suggestions, Keebler. Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I don't see how anyone can survive without waxed kitchen floors! UGH>. I'll have to have them cleaned constantly without it. And they will be dull.
I can't mop them myself. Not even sure about the steam thing. I saw one the other day and thought maybe I should get one for my cleaning person.. which I can't afford very often...sigh.
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
OK, I'm starting to realize that housekeeping is akin to self esteem for many.
I just can't waste that much of my life worrying about whether my linoleum is waxed! (But I can appreciate the effort it takes to make them sparkle!)
If the rug doesn't need vacuuming, and I can't write my name on the table top; if there are no no smudges on the floors, and nothing's growing on the fridge - Well Heck - - I'm good to go!
All natural dish soap, dilute bleach for the bath, and no scent laundry soap will do just fine! (And puleeze ... we don't need no stinkin' dryer sheets!)
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
I did buy some of the Biokleen products that Keebler talked about. Wow, they work great!
BacOut stain and odor remover is awesome. It neutralized cat spray and urine in two seconds.
The All Purpose Cleaner is very concentrated. I add a scant teaspoon to two cups of water, and put it in a spray bottle.
I use it to clean windows, counters, greasy stove top, the microwave and the dried crud on the cupboard doors. I have very little arm strength, and this cleaning product makes things much easier.
I got it on sale at DrugStore.com but later I found it at iHerb.
Save the vinegar for the pickles.
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Thanks for the tips, Carol. I will have to check out the BioKleen products. Aunty Lynn you are too funny.
Lymetoo, I think many of the newer linoleums have a built in sheen so you don't need to use wax anymore. I have read that coconut oil and lemon juice make a good furniture polish. I wonder if you can use coconut oil in any way to keep your floors shiny! (without them being so slippery you fall and break your neck!)
Posted by desertwind (Member # 25256) on :
To clean my fully tiled shower I used diluted GSE.
Helps to prevent mold and mildew on the surface and I have not any adverse reaction to it while showering.
I was using essential oils to clean but was informed by another lymenet member that certain essential oils can be bad for those with MCS - orange and mint.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Aunty... I've had to endure putting up with a dirty house for nearly two years now. I can't stand it. I clean what I can and hire out every few months.
Due to recent circumstances, I've been unable to get someone to clean for about 6 months now. UGH!!! The kitchen floor is yucky. I've always waxed them so that they stay nice for about 6 months with simple mopping.
sigh.. Guess I'll do more Googling.
Good suggestions on the GSE and coconut oil.. sounds too slippery for this person who can barely walk at times!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- GSE, it would be like one drop for 10 sq. ft.
Most of the natural soaps are GSE (or other citrus) and coconut oil sufficants (sp? - grease cutters).
Really, I'd bet all I have in my bank account (on this, the 30th day of the month) that just steaming with plain water would give that floor a new life with no wax required. It's pretty amazing what these little steamers can do.
I've even used it to break up 12 years' worth of stuff on the inside of my oven door. Magic. With nothing but the steam.
Maybe someone has a steamer you could borrow? Maybe a locally owned mom & pop hardware store uses one themselves and would let you borrow for a test run.
Very easy to maneuver. Vacuuming first it is the hardest part of that. The rest is a breeze. -
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
Frankly, I really like the idea of the steamer... it's definitely hygienic because water boils/steams at 212 degrees! Sounds like a quick once over will rid floors and countertops of just about anything!
I was walking to work in NYC one day and a crew was "steaming" the sidewalk on 6th Avenue - even the gum wads were blown away!
Do they come in hand held models? Something like a Dust Buster vacuum? I wonder!
Now TuTu please let me clarify - DIRT I simply cannot abide - but I refuse to trade precious internet time just to scrub my floors with a toothbrush.
"Moderation in all things"
(But sure hope you find the help you want soon.)
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
my mom used the old johnson paste wax in her shower. she just waxed the tile once and never had to use cleaners for several years. she just wiped it off with a rag.
i use the swiffer wax machine. seems to work ok.
i haven't cleaned much recently cause of this flu.
i've used amway with good results too.
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
Oh right! J&J kitchen wax! My girlfriend's Mom used it in the shower ALL the time! Looked great and kept the soapscum off the walls.
Randi - Hope you will be feeling much better soon!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Still not sure how to make them shine.. but this may do it!!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Just getting off layers of old wax can make a "naked" floor shine. -
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Wow! I like that recipe for the floors! I may add some alcohol to my shower spray. Maybe it will make it shine better and prevent streaks.
I'm also going to invest in a steamer cleaner one of these days. (when I'm not spending so much on herbs and supplements)
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks, Keeb.. I hope so.. but really, there isn't any wax left on most of it.
I hope this recipe works as great as they say it does!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- dbpei,
for those with liver conditions like porphyria, KPU, HPU, it's best to avoid smelling any rubbing alcohol. It can trigger a porphyria attack due to it having petroleum ingredients.
Also any "waxy" stuff even on the side walls can stick on the tub/shower floor and cause fallling.
Falls in bathtubs and showers can be life changing. Best not to add anything that can leave a slick coat. Even rubbing alcohol can do that. -
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
But maybe you are on to something... I use sprays for my kitchen counters, mirrors, windows, etc. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
UGH>. I'll have to have them cleaned constantly without it. And they will be dull.![[Smile]](smile.gif)