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[PrettyPansies]

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[DistantHaven]

I'm still plowing my way through the book. I love it so far, but one thing I have noticed, is that she gives the impression that everything must be cleaned with very strong solutions like bleach/ammonia. I used to use a lot of bleach but cut down after having kids because I was so afraid of them touching the surfaces that I used bleach on, even though I had rinsed them. My MIL hardly ever uses bleach. I use bleach when we have sickness in the family, or if I feel that the toilet needs an extra clean, but otherwise I try to minimize the use. I switched over to vinegar and baking soda months ago, because my shop bought cleaners were irritating my lungs when I used them. I simply couldn't clean the bathroom without coughing and spluttering, it was awful! I do wonder if vinegar is enough for areas like the toilet, so I use bleach now and again to make sure that I'm getting rid of any leftover germs.

What do you use for your toilet area?

Baking Soda and vinegar works wonders on my sink area, tiles, shower area and surfaces!

[kyda]

my whole house gets cleaned with baking soda and vinegar. It seems to do a better job than commercial cleaners

[DistantHaven]

Do you think it's adequate for the toilet area too?

[kyda]

vinegar is a natural disinfectant and it is also a acid. Bi carb soda is a great cleaner in paste form

[DistantHaven]

I know about the disinfectant qualities of vinegar, but is it strong enough to get rid of all of the different kinds of bacteria that are found in the toilet area? In my book "Vim & Vinegar", it only states that it can be used to clean the towel bowl overnight, but what about everyday cleaning of the bowl and the toilet seat? I'm using it for that purpose and haven't experienced anything negative...

[DistantHaven]

Do you believe that I can only buy 50g packets of baking soda in Norway?! What's the largest quantity you can buy in the USA? I'm considering buying a large quantity when I go there on holidays in a couple of months, because it's quite expensive here. It's obviously not used as a cleaning agent, since the company has said that 50g is the largest amount that they sell. As far as I know there are only two companies in Norway that sell baking soda, and both sell it in very small quantities

[PrettyPansies]

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[PrettyPansies]

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[say_tay]

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What do you use for your toilet area?

I try to use no chemicals because I am allergic. I get hives from about 90% of the products out there, and the other 10% seem to bother my DH's asthma. I purchased a steam cleaner for around $20.00 and use it for almost everything/everywhere.
The best use is the toilet because the steam is hot enough to kill bacteria, the steam gets in all the nooks, and you don't have to scrub.

I do,usually once a month, throw a denture tablet in and let it sit overnight. It sparkles!

[DistantHaven]

Ok, so I can just continue using vinegar with good conscience. I know what you mean about the baking soda and vinegar cleaning PrettyPansies - I'm sure the kids will think it's fun to watch )

Hi Say_tay! What does your steam cleaner look like? I haven't heard of using steam to clean toilets before, but it sounds very practical for getting rid of germs.

[PrettyPansies]

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[PrettyPansies]

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[say_tay]

My dishwasher comes with a specific "Do not use vinegar" warning. I think it breaks down the seals over time.. I'd check the owner's manual before using vinegar. I used baking soda, and a drop of dawn, but noticed it left a film on my glasses.

[DistantHaven]

In the book "Baking Soda" by Vicky Lansky there is a recipe for homemade dishwasher soap - 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of borax. Has anyone tried this?

I've also been looking into homemade dishwasher soap for a while. I didn't know where to get borax here (I didn't see if in the regular stores), and found out from my MIL last night that I could probably get hold of it at the local chemist.