NO Bleach!! - Page 2

[sphinxie]

Originally Posted by Deva33mommy

How do I de-stink mildewy smelling dishcloths? I've tried washing in hot water, with full strength detergent and rinsing until there are no suds, I've used baking soda, and vinegar (at different times). They stink until I resort to bleach.
If I could find a different way to de-stink stuff, I'd gladly use that instead of bleach

Boil them for 20 minutes.

[MonP'titBoudain]

Originally Posted by imbarefoot

I'm all for natural cleaners, I make my own. And use them religiously. But I *do* have to use bleach every couple of weeks on my countertops in the kitchen. They are white and stain really really easily. I've tried everything that's been suggested to me with no luck. The bleach is stored where my child can't get to it and I do clean up afterwards thouroughly.

I've actually had really good luck just using plain old peroxide. The last thing I do after I wipe down the counters & sink every night is spray them with peroxide and leave it to dry. (Both my counters and my sink are white plastic-type subsatance that stain really easily). While I don't mind the use of bleach, the smell gives me a strong, bad headache so I'm pretty comitted to finding alternatives. It's just physically uncomfortable to use it with any frequency. Anyway, thought I'd pass on the tip as it's helped me a lot!

[maxwill129]

Originally Posted by gool0005

if he has bleeding and red diaper area if you aren't disinfecting, have you considered that there might be a yeast issue? infants are't the only ones who can have thrush or systemic yeast problems.

I considered that, too. I don't have health insurance right now so can't go to the doctor and my homeopath isn't seeing any new patients (and the babe hasn't been there yet)...how do I know if it's yeast and how do I treat it?

[Mizelenius]

On my dipes, I've tried TTO, Calgon, Dawn, multiple detergents inc. SensiClean, using less/more detergent, super hot water, etc. The cotton ones are fine, but the hemp (with my older DD-- baby's pee is not as bad) is BLEECH. DH suggested bleach and poof, end of problem.

However, one of our cats w/normally perfect litterbox habits decided to pee on these bleached dipes once. :Apparently, bleach smells like cat pee. No more bleach for me.

[SkiMama36]

While I use natural cleaners as much as I can, I simply HAVE to use regular bleach. I can't find an alternative that actually gets clothes white (in the time frame that I need--I work full-time). So until someone comes up with a disinfecting, WHITENING solution, I'll stick with the bleach.

[Ruthla]

When I used to use bleach on diapers, I would rewash them without bleach before drying them. That completely got rid of the bleach smell, along with reducing the time that the bleach was in contact with the fabric- minimizing the potential damage to fibers. I only bleached the diapers about twice a year.

[not now]

What does someone do if they are allergic to tea tree oil? I break out in a rash when even the most diluted amount gets on my skin.

[Pynki]

My understanding is that lavender has disinfectant properties and so does... the mint(?) family? It has to do with their chemical compositions. Give me a sec. I think I have something on this from my Biology class. Let me dig up the paper.

[Pynki]

Sorry, It's eucalyptus and orange oil that have similar properties.
Here's a Link.also grapefruit seed extract is disinfectant in nature.

[Pynki]

HERE is a link for a disinfecting soap recipe with eucalyptus and mint.

[cheffsta]

Baking Soda

I have light colored ceramic mugs and whenever I pour tea in them they get stained.. However, if i just pour some baking soda on a sponge and wipe out the mugs, the stains dissapear. i wonder if baking soda would work in many instances like bleach? I know there are a lot of people in here using b.s. in many different applications. Anyone tried it for toilet cleaning?

[Pynki]

I use BS and vinegar to scrub the toilet.
What that doesn't disolve I use a pumice stone on.

[EnviroBecca]

Oxygen bleach takes out most stains and odors. I've read that it doesn't actually kill germs much, but it does a good job with stinky dishcloths--I think it loosens the stuff from them, allowing it to be rinsed out. Dissolve the oxy crystals in very hot water, soak items for an hour or two, rinse in hot water, and then either put them straight into the washing machine or hang them to dry until you're ready to wash a load. (If you leave stuff lying around wet, it will get gross again.)

For disinfecting diapers, have you tried Bi-O-Kleen Bac-Out? I used it in a presoak cycle with hot water.

[maxwill129]

Originally Posted by EnviroBecca

For disinfecting diapers, have you tried Bi-O-Kleen Bac-Out? I used it in a presoak cycle with hot water.

How much do you use?

[Katheda]

Originally Posted by maxwill129

I considered that, too. I don't have health insurance right now so can't go to the doctor and my homeopath isn't seeing any new patients (and the babe hasn't been there yet)...how do I know if it's yeast and how do I treat it?

lots of info here that is aimed more towards the breatfeeding side of it but also has diaper info:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...resources.html

[maxwill129]

Originally Posted by gool0005

lots of info here that is aimed more towards the breatfeeding side of it but also has diaper info:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...resources.html

Ooh, thanks! I always forget about her site!