cleaning

Winding through the mountainous hills of Ooty in south central India by jeep, the scent of eucalyptus fills the air as we drive through groves of this deliciously fragrant tree. My breath gets a little deeper as I inhale the awe of what the locals must surely take for granted, the smell and healing power of eucalyptus hanging ever in the air there. Curved slices of green with the power to open the lungs and move congestion in the body speak to me in the shady breeze.

Looking for more natural ways to wash those dirty clothes? Try organic soap nuts! Soap nuts, otherwise known as “soap berries," come from the Chinese Soapberry tree (Sapindus mukorossi). Although they look like nuts, they are actually dried fruit that is similar to lychee. Soap nuts are usually harvested after they drop from trees grown in the jungles of Indonesia or India. Soap nuts have various uses, and they can be used for cleaning more than just your laundry.

Sunny springtime sure is lovely and all, but what about the hair (pet hair, that is)?! During the colder months, our furry friends gain their winter coats to keep them nice and warm, but, at the first sign of sunshine, those coats seem to come right off—onto our carpets, couches, clothes, etc.

Believe it or not, baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is capable of doing much, much more than just helping your baked goods rise. Before I learned of all that baking soda can do, I always wondered how people could ever even go through entire boxes. I mean I know cookies can be addicting, but seriously? Now, I know that being a baking superhero is probably the least impressive job on baking soda’s resume. If you’re someone who seeks enlightenment about how a super cheap household item can be used for numerous varying tasks, this one’s for you!

Even the word “bleach” sounds abrasive. You might think that having bleach in your home is an absolute must, but there are many alternatives to this evil chemical that actually work.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been dubbed the miracle solution by many, from holistic healers and practitioners of natural medicine, to the old timers who know the backwoods remedies. It is easy to make, only takes 3 basic ingredients, serves so many purposes, and can be stored indefinitely. Some people choose to pasteurize their ACV to be sure it will keep, while others do not find this step necessary. I suppose it is up to the individual; just be sure and do your own research.

We live in a world where we are bombarded with marketing and advertising that promise us the hopes and dreams of an amazing life, if we just had _________ (insert whatever that may be here).