Author: oi_admin

Healthy Tips for Lowering Your Holiday Stress

Decorating the house, setting up the tree, writing out cards, holiday shopping, holiday parties, school activities, and out-of-town guests can all add up to one thing:  Tension Headaches!

Tension headaches can occur when you tighten shoulder and neck muscles.  This can happen while driving, wrapping presents, carrying heavy packages, or sitting at a computer for online shopping.  This causes the muscles that go into the skull to tighten and squeeze your head.  

During this season of giving, we tend to neglect ourselves while doing for others.  Preparing meals, shopping, forgetting to eat regularly, or having too many engagements while being sleep-deprived can all cause headaches. 

By taking care of yourself, you can enjoy all that the holidays have to offer, minus the pain:

Keep your task list manageable.  

Stress and anxiety can trigger headaches for some people, especially those who tend to be headache-prone.  Learn how to pace yourself and say "no."  There are times you just cannot fulfill every obligation and responsibility over the holiday season.  Be sure to include "me" time on your list, like a night out at the movies with friends.

Exercise and sleep.
 
Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, also help manage stress. 

Exercising sends oxygen to the brain and gets the "feel-good" chemicals (endorphins) flowing. Tai chi, yoga and qi gong can calm your mind while stretching your muscles.  Or, go for a small walk every day just to keep the body moving.  

To relieve tight muscles that cause tension headaches, try taking a warm shower to relax.  Gently massage your head, neck and shoulders with your fingertips.

Stay hydrated! 

Alcohol is a diuretic, which can cause dehydration, so drinking on an empty stomach, mixing cocktails or having too much can trigger headaches.  Drink a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages to dilute the effect.  

 
Watch what you eat.  

Pay attention to your diet.  Know which foods, if any, trigger headaches for you, and limit how much you eat those foods.  

Processed meats with a high nitrite concentration (such as salami), or foods usually found on a deli platter or appetizer plate, can trigger a headache.  Aged cheeses (blue, cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss) are full of a tyramine, a substance that can also trigger headaches.  Other foods that also contain tyramine are nuts, foods processed with MSG, and even red wine.

Holiday travel.  

Traveling by plane during the holidays can be a giant headache!  Dry air, time zone changes, and lack of sleep can causes major tension headaches and dehydration.  Make sure you stay hydrated.  According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking eight or nine (8 ounce) glasses of water a day is a good general guideline.  Avoid caffeinated drinks on the plane because they will accelerate dehydration.


Winter colds and sinus headaches.

Stress, meals on the run and lack of sleep give your immune system a beating, and colds and congested sinuses can trigger a major sinus headache.  Sinus headaches usually happen during or just after a bad cold. 

Sudden temperature changes, dry indoor air, and cold, damp air worsen sinus headaches.  Stay inside, keep warm, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.  Inhaling steam during a hot shower can help relieve sinus pressure.  

When making holiday party rounds, avoid cigarette and cigar smoke, which can also irritate sinus membranes.  

Maid Brigade HouseCleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv. For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video atmaidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Health

This year, why not give your family the gift of health?  Keeping your home free from toxins is a great place to start!

Here are some ideas for keeping your home and your family healthier:

Avoid chemical house cleaning products by choosing natural ones. Baking soda, vinegar or orange oil can replace almost any chemical cleaner.

Avoid chemical pesticides at home. Use baking soda with sugar or peppermint oil instead.

Avoid synthetic chemicals in personal care products and cosmetics. Read labels and avoid those ingredients with which you’re unfamiliar.  Avoid products that contain parabens, diethanolamine (DEA), or phthalates.

Try not to use mothballs. Mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene, which is very toxic. Instead choose sachets made with natural herbs and essential oils like rosemary, lavender, thyme and mint, which are natural moth repellants.

Avoid heating food or storing it in plastic. Most plastic contains bisphenol-A (BPA) that migrates into the food stored in these containers. BPA has been linked to thyroid and other hormonal problems.

Reduce your fragrances. Most perfumes and colognes, scented candles, plug-in air “fresheners,” pot pourri, laundry soap, fabric softeners, dryer sheets and house cleaning products are loaded with toxic ingredients that have been linked to hormonal imbalances, mood swings, fatigue, brain damage and many other symptoms.

Switch from sponges to natural cloths for cleaning. Most sponges have been treated with a chemical called triclosan, which is toxic to the skin and immune system.

Eliminate mold with tea tree oil.  A few drops of tea tree oil can be used on a cloth to wipe down walls, floors and other surfaces to help kill mold.

Choose "VOC-free" paints for your home. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are linked to cancer.

Toss the non-stick pans. Teflon, Silverstone and other coatings emit harmful perflourochemicals (PFCs). The EPA classifies them as carcinogens.

Toss out the toxins at home and in the garage. Of course, dispose of them properly based on your community’s guidelines.

Maid Brigade HouseCleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv. For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at

maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

Getting Ready For A Green Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate food and family, a time to push your cooking skills to the edge and prepare a gourmet meal. If you're tired of making the same old recipes and want to try a few variations this year, why not change up the menu with organic and eco-friendly choices instead? 

To green your turkey, go organic. Many local farmers markets have great options for organically raised and free-range turkeys. 

If you prefer to go meatless this year, farmers markets and natural foods stores should have some great options for an organic meatless main course, as well as sides, drinks, and dessert.

Make your shopping list now to determine what needs to be ordered in advance and what can be bought closer to the big day.

As far as decortaing goes, acorns, gourds, fall leaves, pinecones, and more can make wonderful natural decorations, and they all can be found right outside your door! 

Use reusable items for your table setting. Look through your dishes, silverware, cloth napkins, tablecloths, and glasses to see if you what you have already is enough for your expected guests. If not, check out your local thrift shop. 

Cleaning with non-toxic cleaners will make your home healthy and clean.  Make your own natural green cleaners with vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide and lemons.  For easy green cleaning recipes, log on to blog.maidbrigade.com.  Too busy to clean  before Thanksgiving?  Hire a green cleaning service!

Certain families have traditions where everyone shares what they are thankful for that year. Others may use the day to remember those less fortunate and plan a way for the whole family to give back to the community. Whatever your tradition, it is a wonderful way to show your children what the meaning of the holiday should be about: family, kindness, sharing, and gratitude.

Recycle ay packaging or beverage containers and compost any leftover waste.

A little green awareness and a little planning ahead can make this Thanksgiving a healthy one! 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

Fighting off Colds and Flu

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about one billion colds hit Americans each year between the months of October through March. 

Because the common cold can run you down for weeks, why not try these simple steps to reduce your chance of catching one:  

 
Keep your hands off of germ-infested surfaces and off of your face as much as possible.  
 
Direct contact with sick people is the number one way germs are transmitted. Eighty percent of colds are spread by direct contact.
 
Indirect contact, such as handling a doorknob which a sick person has touched, then spreading it to your face by touching your mouth, nose or eyes, is the other way germs are transmitted.
 
Proper handwashing is especially important during the cold and flu season.

 
Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds.  After washing, use a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door on the way out.  
 
Stress can weaken the immune system. Leave stress behind and clear your mind, whether it is at work, school, or home, and incorporate some peace into your day.   Whenever possible, sit back , relax, and take a few deep breaths to de-stress.

Drinking water should be part of your daily routine, but it is very important during the cold and flu season.  Liquids help keep you healthy and hydrated.
 
Hot tea is great to drink during cold and flu seaon.  Peppermint flavor teas clear nasal congestion and open up your airways.
 
Hot soup also warms the heart and soul and provides a lot of nutrients in just one bowl.  Soup is also a great place to get a full serving of phytochemical-rich root vegetables and protein-rich meats or beans.

 

Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea play a vital role in bolstering the immune system during cold season. 
 
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that has been shown to shorten the duration of colds.  Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system.  Echinacea is an herb that has been used for centuries to bolster the immune system.
 
Exercising daily and maintaining a healthy body weight can help fight infections.  Walking just 30 minutes every day can get you on your way to a healthier you!

Getting the right nutrition can fuel your body and keep your health in check.  Eating lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy whole grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes, and lean meats gives your body every food source it needs to maintain a healthy immune system.  Fruits and vegetables also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, which should be an integral part of your infection-fighting diet.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

Proper Floor Cleaning For Cold and Flu Season

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, cleaning products may contain many dangerous chemicals that may not be listed on their labels. 

This cold and season, protect your family from harm by making your own natural homemade cleaners. In fact, it's easy, far less expensive and just as effective. Most ingredients for homemade cleaners can be found in your kitchen:

Vacuuming is an important part of floor maintenance. Using a machine with a HEPA filter.  The HEPA filter traps very small particles that are otherwise blown back into the room in the vacuum's exhaust.  Be sure pass over carpet several times and more in heavy traffic areas.

Linoleum: For extra grease-cutting, mix 1/4 cup washing soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 gallons hot water. Put the washing soda in the bucket first and add the liquid ingredients — this way the soda won't splash out. Caution: Do not use this formula on waxed floors! For an extra polish, combine 6 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of water in a bucket.


Disinfect floors:
Add 2 gallons of hot water to 1/2 cup of borax. (Put the borax in the bucket first, then add water to avoid splashing.)

Wood floors: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant which pulls dirt from wood. Use 1 cup vinegar per pail of hot water to clean wood floors.  The vinegar smell should disappear right away.  You can also use vinegar on other types of floors because it is a gentle, but effective floor cleaner.

Carpeting And Rugs: Regular vacuuming will help keep carpets their cleanest. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the carpet and let it stand for 15 – 30 minutes before vacuuming to soak up and eliminate odors. Try to avoid using chemical carpet cleaners because of health concerns associated with their ingredients.  If you want to steam clean your rug, use plain water and make sure it dries thoroughly. 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.


Preparing For A Green Halloween

This Halloween, why not find a few ways to save green and go green with your Halloween decorations, costumes, and candy?

Decorate for Halloween without buying, especially non-biodegradable plastics.  Consider using natural materials like straw, pumpkins, leaves, acorns and pine cones.

Use reusable bags for trick or treating and decorate them.  These bags can be used long after Halloween is over.  Cloth bags or pillow cases are also good to use.

Visit thrift stores or consignment shops for costumes or costume ideas.

Use chemical-free soy candles to set the spooky mood, or light the way with LED sparkling lights.  Carry solar powered or rechargeable battery flashlights.

Don't trick or treat and drive.  Walking is better for you and the environment.

Create a scarecrow.  Use old clothing to dress your scarecrows body and straw to make the body.

Repurpose an old broom to create a scarecrow or witch by placing the broom handle side down into the ground.  Create the face of your scarecrow or witch on the straw portion of the broom.  Hang a coat hanger around the neck of the broom and dress your scarecrow or witch in clothing.

Create a sock ghost centerpiece using an empty jar or a Pringles can.  Slip the sock over the can and draw on eyes and a mouth.

Create a ghost using a pillowcase.  Fill the top with old t-shirts, pantyhose, socks, or newspapers.  Tie some twine, string, or a bandana to create the neck.  Pin on facial features.

Make eco-friendly ghosts and goblins by painting empty milk gallons and drawing on eyes and mouths.  Cut a hole in the back and insert clear lights from Christmas.

There is a growing variety of eco-friendly candy such as organic chocolate, candy, lollipops and crispy rice bars. Organic Halloween candies may be better choices for kids with food allergies.  Some companies offer candy that is "USDA and EU certified organic, gluten-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, and without corn syrup."

Think about giving out toys instead of candy. You can find playing cards, small packages of Lego sets, minipuzzles, toy cars, a Slinky or modeling clay.  Pencils, bubbles, coupons to food places, or even a handful of pennies are also good choices.

Compost your pumpkin after Halloween is over.  Chop it up and bury it in your flower bed.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.


Disinfect Your Home With Vinegar

Cleaning your home with vinegar maidbrigade.com

Apple cider vinegar is a completely natural product. It is the result of fermenting apples to the hard cider stage, then a second fermentation to the vinegar stage.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of molds & 80% of germs (virus).

Here are a few green ways to clean and disinfect your home using vinegar: 

For an effective mold killer, mix 10 drops tea tree essential oil to vinegar. Spray on mold. Do not wipe off. Leave to dry. The scent will dissipate. The vinegar by itself will kill most molds, but if you dislike the scent of vinegar, the tea tree oil will cut that scent plus add even more anti-microbial strength.

Vinegar is a very effective grease cutter. Use it to clean stove tops and delicate surfaces like glazed ceramic, Teflon, ovenware, and fine china. Put baking soda in a bowl and add a two drops of dish detergent. Add enough vinegar to make a paste. Use this soft scrub to clean greasy surfaces.

Vinegar is a safe and effective floor cleaner for any kind of smooth flooring. Add one cup vinegar to one gallon of warm water. Wring mop as dry as possible and dry immediately with a cloth or paper towel if using on wood floors. It is equally effective for vinyl and ceramic tile floors.

Clean your windows and glass surfaces  with 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 pint of water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle, spray on and wipe dry immediately with a soft dry cloth.

Keep a spray bottle of straight vinegar in your bathroom and spray the toilet bowl liberally to deodorize. Vinegar will also clean the soap scum off your bathtub and shower door and keep your vanity sparkling and sanitized.

To remove mineral/scale buildup (usually found around the faucet base), soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it on the scale buildup. Allow to set 30 minutes and wipe down. If the buildup is heavy several soakings may be necessary.

A half cup of vinegar in the final rinse will soften clothes just as well as commercial fabric softeners and at a fraction of the cost.

Clean and deodorize your drains by pouring 1/4 cup baking soda into the drain. Follow with 1/2 cup vinegar. Allow to set 30 minutes then follow with about a quart of hot water. This will help keep grease and residue from building up in your drain and eventually clogging.

For odor remover, place a bowl of vinegar in the room to be deodorized.

Vinegar can also be used to clean litter boxes.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

How Many Chemicals Are Your Kids Exposed To Everyday?

According to the Environmental Working Group, recent laboratory tests reveal that teenage girls are being contaminated with chemicals commonly used in cosmetics and body care products. 

Sixteen chemicals from four chemical families (phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and musks) were detected in blood and urine samples from 20 teen girls, ages 14 - 19 years.  

Studies link these chemicals to potential health effects including cancer and hormone disruption.  These tests also indicated that young women are widely exposed to cosmetic preservatives, with 2 parabens, methylparaben and propylparaben, detected in every single girl tested.

Teen study participants used an average of nearly 17 personal care products each day, most of them unknowingly exposing themselves to higher levels of cosmetic ingredients linked to potential health effects at a time when their bodies are more susceptible to chemical damage.

Cosmetics and other personal care products are an alarming example of government and industry failures to protect public health.  Federal health statutes do not require companies to test products before they are sold.  As a result, nearly all personal care products contain ingredients that have not been assessed for safety and are not required to meet standards of safety.

Help your teens make healthy choices by educating them about the toxic chemicals in products they use.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.


How Dirty is Your Bedding?

Most of us don't realize that our mattresses, sheets, and pillows could be responsible for making us sick.  But, could the beds we sleep in every night really be dangerous to our health?

Traditional mattresses contain a variety of harmful chemicals that can create health problems in both adults and children.

Organic mattresses are healthier in that they conatin organic wool, organic cotton, and natural latex rubber.  Organic wool allows moisture to be moved away from the body during sleep, and then evaporates after you get up.  Traditional mattresses hold moisture in.

Natural latex rubber, which is found in organic mattresses, prevents dust mites and pet dander buildup, something which traditional mattresses don't do.

Here are some ways to keep your bedding healthy and green:


  1. Keeping your bed pet free will help reduce the amount of pet dander on your bed.
  2. To help reduce your family's exposure to pet dander, use a high-quality air purification system that employs a HEPA filter.
  3. Put organic covers on all of your mattresses and pillows.
  4. Move litter boxes away from the main air supply or bedroom of your home.
  5. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
  6. Use damp cloths instead of brooms on hard surfaces, they will hold the dust being collected.
  7. To minimize pet dander, run a wet cloth over your pet as much as possible, especially after they come in from outside.  To contain loose hair, brush fur in both directions and then follow with a damp cloth.
  8. Keep home humidity levels low.  Use a dehumidifier to keep your air below 50% humidity.  This should help kill dust mites.
  9. Wash bedding weekly using natural laundry detergent and dry bedding on high heat.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

 

Resource:  www.thecleanbedroom.com

Do You Know What's Lurking Around Your Home?

We all want our homes to be clean and our families to be healthy, but what if there were potential health hazards lurking around our homes that we don't know about?

Here are some of the most common household hazards that may be lingering in your home and inexpensive ways to correct them:

Unless you sanitize them often, kitchen sponges can carry more germs than toilet seats.  Sponges can harbor more than 100,000 bacteria, including food-borne diseases that were wiped off the counter. Toss them in the dishwasher regularly, replace them, or put them in the microwave for two minutes.

Dirty air ducts contain dust, pollen, bacteria, and even mold, and the contaminated air is recycled and circulated throughout your home, day after day.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste.  It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.  Purchase a do-it-yourself radon test at a home improvement store and get the results in a couple of days.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), scientific experts warned of adverse health effects from bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found in water bottles, cups, baby bottles, tin cans, and other household products.  BPA is a hormone-mimicking chemical used in polycarbonate plastics.  They often have a #7 recycling code (www.rodale.com).

Lead is another invisible threat in your home. It is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain and can result in a lower IQ, memory problems, or increased aggression.  Lead can be found in old paint, pipes, and even soil. Have your home tested for lead by a professional, or purchase a lead test kit and swab surfaces for evidence of the chemical (www.epa.gov/lead).

Basements are often the culprits of mold spores, which can produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes, potentially harmful toxins. Black mold is an especially dangerous type of mold. If you discover mold in your house, clean it up and fix the water problem that is causing the mold.

Aluminum, found in pots and pans, can leach into your food, and when ingested, can damage your kidneys and liver and weaken your bones. A growing number of researchers say the metal could cause Alzheimer’s disease. Glass, cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain cookware are good alternatives to aluminum.

Bed sheets that have permanent press finishes which are commonly used by manufacturers in order to minimize wrinkling usually contain formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.  Formaldehyde becomes a gas at room temperature and new or unwashed sheets can release formaldehyde fumes, causing flu-like symptoms. Avoid permanent press fabrics, and opt for organic cotton or bamboo sheets instead (www.ghchealth.com).

Cockroaches carry bacteria, including salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. Make sure the kitchen trash can is emptied regularly.  Do not keep newspapers, cardboard boxes, or magazines stacked inside the house.  Try not to leave pet food out, and repair any holes in the walls.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.

 

Natural Ways to Kill off Mold and Mildew

Want to find a better, less-toxic way to get rid of mold and mildew?  You're in luck!  Here are a few ways to kill off mold and mildew that are safer for the environment and for your family:

Since mold and mildew cannot live in dry air, be sure to improve ventilation in the affected areas. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you use bathroom fans, open windows and wipe down surfaces after showering. Check your air conditioner drains, pipes and faucets for leaks. Clean and dry water-damaged rugs, and replace any carpet that is obviously moldy. Since kitty litter is highly absorbent, place bowls of it in damp areas and replace them weekly.

To fight mold and mildew, mix white vinegar and water (equal parts) in a spray bottle and spray on affected areas.  Wipe clean.  For tougher areas, pour vinegar on the affected area.  Do not rinse.  

Use hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach in the laundry.  Disinfect surfaces by spraying them with vinegar, followed by a spray of 3% peroxide. Wipe clean.   

To remove mold in the toilet bowl, make a scrub of baking soda and white vinegar. To clean the bathtub and tiles, cut a lemon in half and dip it in borax.  Scrub and rinse.  Or, combine baking soda with liquid soap, scrub and rinse.   

Mix 2 teaspoons tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray on problem areas, but do not rinse off (oregonmetro.gov).

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.


Goodbye Bleach, Hello Greener Options!

Most of us know that bleach is incredibly toxic to our families and our environment.

Used primarily in household laundry, cleaning and disinfecting, bleach contains a chemical called sodium hypochlorite. If bleach spills on your hands, your skin can become red and irritated. Exposure to the chlorine vapors that bleach gives off can result in irritation to your eyes and burning in the lining of your mouth and throat. If you ingest bleach, it might burn the lining of your throat. While ingestion is not fatal, it can still cause prolonged bouts of nausea and vomiting.

And although bleach is toxic, it is still the chemical of choice for whiter whites. 
Luckily there are alternatives that are much safer to use:  

  1. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and laundry stains.
  2. To whiten clothes, add one cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle to boost the whitening action.
  3. To remove stains from clothing, pour lemon juice over the stain, rub the area with salt, place the clothing in the sun for a few hours, then wash.
  4. To remove stains from countertops and other hard surfaces, create a paste of lemon juice and baking soda, apply mixture to the stain and allow to sit for a few hours.  Wipe clean.  Some stains may require a second treatment.

 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.  Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv.  To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com.  To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.