The benefits of lemons are wide-ranging.

Lemons were first grown in Assam (Northeast India), and made their way to Europe near Southern Italy around the 1st century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. The juice of the lemon is 5-6 percent citric acid, which means it’s good for a host of culinary, cleaning, and cosmetic purposes.

10 Benefits of Lemons

1. Freshen your fridge.

Soak a sponge in lemon juice and wipe down the shelves and drawers of your refrigerator. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the way it freshens up any stale odors.

2. Refresh cutting boards.

If you chop foods with strong odors like onions and garlic, refresh and sanitize your cutting board with lemon juice. Simply rub the juicy side of a halved lemon all over your cutting board.

3. Lighten age spots.

The benefits of lemons are cosmetic as well; the citric acid in lemon can do wonders for your skin. It can lighten age spots or dark spots on your face caused by sun damage. Rub the juicy part of a halved lemon all over your face, taking care to avoid your eyes. Let sit on your face for 5 minutes, unless your skin stings, then rinse before that.

4. Treat sore throats.

Lemon juice can treat infections because of its antibacterial properties. Instead of salt water, gargle with lemon water when your throat begins to feel a bit raw.

5. Create natural highlights.

Create natural highlights to your hair by adding 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water and rinsing your hair with the mixture. Sit in the sun until the mixture dries. Repeat for a few days until your hair is the desired shade.

6. Remove stale odors from the garbage disposal.

Toss lemons in the garbage disposal and run for a few seconds to remove stale odors. It will keep your kitchen smelling fresh. Run with a handful of ice cubes for even better results.

7. Remove scratches from furniture.

Combine equal parts vegetable oil with lemon juice to treat furniture scratches. Rub the scratches with a soft cloth.

8. Create an air freshener.

Slice a lemon and cover with water in a small saucepan. Let simmer over low heat for an hour to fill the room with a vibrant aroma.

9. Brighten brown socks. 

Get grimy socks white again by boiling in water with a slice of lemon.

10. Remove grime from pots and pans. 

You don’t need harsh, toxic cleaners to remove tough grime from your pots and pans. Lemon juice will do the trick. Add a touch of salt to lemon juice and scrub pots and pans clean. Do not use on marble.

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Image: Andrew Comings 

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It’s been called the “pollen vortex.” Tree pollen counts have been exasperated as a result of this winter’s polar vortex. That means an amped up spring cleaning session is in order. 

Heightened pollen counts mean an uncomfortable allergy season. If you suffer from allergies, spring cleaning is a must. Healthy space designer Robin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home, also an ambassador to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, has tips for taking spring cleaning to the next level.

1. Replace your shower curtain.

According to Robin Wilson, you should replace your vinyl shower curtain with a nylon curtain. Not only do vinyl curtains off gas BPA, an endocrine disruptor and carcinogen, they also collect mold, which is a main cause of allergies. Additionally, use non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and water because bleach and ammonia can cause asthma.

2. Make sure your pillows are clean.

Wash your pillow case once a week and your pillow protector once a month. Replace your pillows every three years.

3. Use non-VOC paints.

You can hardly tell the difference when it’s on the wall, and non-VOC paints are also pretty easy to find. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, which can cause allergies as well as other short and long term health problems. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.

4. Replace wall-to-wall carpeting. 

Although this may seem like an investment, installing hardwood floors isn’t as expensive as you might think. This is especially true if you do it yourself. You can install hardwood bamboo floors, a sustainable material, for as little as $3 per foot. Carpeting gathers dust and causes allergies. Hardwoods are a much better choice but they still need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Each spring, remove all furniture and mop or steam clean the floor.

5. Eliminate dirt and mold.

Check for mold in dishwashers, under the fridge in the water pan, and throughout the bathroom.

6. Wash toys.

This is true of kid’s toys and pet toys. Wash and freeze the toys to get rid of dust mites. You never know what can gather on your child’s favorite teddy bear.

7. Consider slipcovers.

Slipcovers have gotten a bad wrap, but they’ve come a long way. Slipcovers can also be washed regularly, unlike upholstered furniture. While you’re at it, limit the use of drapes, better known as “dust catchers..

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Avoid chemicals in your dishwasher soap without sacrificing effectiveness.

I’ve been through them. My cleaning supplies are all plant-based at this point–conventional cleaning products, including dishwasher soap, are a no-go. But at the same time, I want my wine glasses clean. Serving my guests (or myself) a glass of vino in a water-stained glass isn’t an option. So let’s get down to the nitty gritty of dishwasher detergents. What works in the world of natural dishwasher soap?

1. Seventh Generation Tablets

These work pretty well if you don’t overload your dishwasher and you put your glasses on the bottom level. The worst wear and tear on a dishwasher is using too much detergent and with a controlled amount like this, you’re in the clear. These are also available everywhere. You don’t have to drive all the way to Whole Foods or a natural foods market when you run out. On the downside, the tablets are more expensive than the powder form so if you’re on a budget, these might not be the best choice for you.

2. Ecover Powdered Detergent

I haven’t used the tablets yet, but the powdered form works really well. It cleans your dishes and you can use less to stretch the box further. I’m generally pleased with all of the products from this brand.

3. Method

This is one of my favorite brands of the scent and dye free varieties. Though it’s free of phosphates and bleach, it’s still cleans your dishes powerfully, leaving no watermarks or dirty grim.

4. Mrs. Meyers Powdered Detergent

This one is more expensive than other natural options but it does a good job at cleaning my dishes and it smells great. And like Seventh Generation, you can purchase it at most local grocery stores.

While you can try to make your own, to be honest, I haven’t had much luck in that arena. Even for DIYers like myself, effective homemade dishwasher soap is hard to come by.

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Homemade cleaners really do work!

I’m a big fan of avoiding environmental toxins where I can, and skipping conventional household cleaners is an easy place to get started. Rather than having to call poison control, you can avoid the volatile organic chemicals  absorbed through both the skin and air by choosing plant-based cleaners. If you’ve ever cleaned your home with bleach or ammonia and then had trouble breathing afterwards, you know I mean.

While plant-based cleaners are a great alternative, sometimes they come with a hefty price. And it’s for this reason that I started to make some of my own homemade cleaners. DIY green cleaning is so much easier than you might think. Here are some recipes to get you started:

1. All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner

Instead of pricey all-purpose sprays, I add 1 cup of white vinegar and dilute it with 1 cup of water. Add to an empty spray bottle. It’s just amazing how well diluted white vinegar cleans up your kitchen. It’s also great for scrubbing down the counters and cleaning out the refrigerator. Add 15-20 drops of citrus essential oils if the smell of vinegar isn’t appealing.

2. Furniture Spray

I got this recipe from the book “Homemade Cleaners, Quick-And-Easy Toxic-Free Recipes.” It’s a simple yet effective tool against dusty furniture. Because it has fresh lemon juice, the extra solution should be stored in the refrigerator.

1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup water
5 drops of lemon essential oil.

Combine in a spray bottle.

3. Glass Cleaner

I used the vinegar and water concoction on glass and to be honest, I was pretty disappointed in the results. The glass was cloudy and cloudy glass makes your bathroom seem dirty. However, this simple homemade cleaner seems to work much better. It also comes from “Homemade Cleaners, Quick-And-Easy Toxic-Free Recipes.”

1/4 cup castile soap
1 quart of water

Combine in a spray bottle.

4. Heavy Duty Bathroom Scrub Powder

I got this recipe from Wellness Mama and it really does the trick on hard water stains that even elbow grease doesn’t seem to remove.

2 parts baking soda
1 part salt
1 part borax powder

Combine the dry ingredients in a jar. Sprinkle on the tub or sink and let set for 5 minutes and then scrub with a scouring pad. Rinse with water.

5. Wood Floor Cleaner

Combine 1 part vegetable oil to 1 part vinegar. Rub into wood floors well. It makes them shine while nourishing and disinfecting them.

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House-cleaning made sexy. 

I could so do some serious scrubbing with this eco-cleaning kit from The Laundress. Their products smell amazing (scented with a blend of bergamot, thyme, lavender, musk and ylang ylang) and are fully green. The white enamel pail adds a classy touch, a definitive upgrade from the industrial blue plastic ones you’re likely to find in the cleaning aisle of your local box store.

We’ve written about how to keep house naturally before. The Laundress takes it to an entirely boutique-y level. Let’s call it haute clean. Because the products are so concentrated a little goes a long way, hence the minimal and sophisticated packaging.

Available from The Laundress for $65 and up.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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Ten easy swaps to make your cleaning green.

Sometimes I am a lazy environmentalist. For example, I don’t compost – it just seems like a lot of work (gasp, I know). With spring in full swing (remember our no fail spring cleaning tips?) it’s time to ensure our cleaning products are doing more good work (cleaning) and less tragic tasks (toxic polluting). Here are ten easy product swaps to take your cleaning to another level of health for you, your home, and the environment. Oh, and did I mention these simple steps are seriously effortless? Even the laziest earth enthusiast (or rationalist) can tackle these swaps.

1. Spare the toxins washing down your drain by switching to JR Watkins Orange Citrus Liquid Dish Soap ($6.49). Easy on hands and the environment, but strong enough to provide spotless dishes. (Pictured above.)
2. Ditch the dryer sheets for these Nellie Dryerballs ($16.99 for 2). They’re reusable, last at least 2 years, and reduce drying time, all without any toxic chemicals.
3. Toss your dusting rags for this elegant feather duster Ostrich Brush ($60). Naturally shed ostrich feathers are bound to a pear wood handle to help gather particulates from your home in a natural way. (Pictured above.)
4. Swap your standard hand soap for a blend of olive oil and aloe vera, Mrs. Meyer’s Basil Liquid Hand Soap ($3.99). Sleep easily knowing Mrs. Meyer’s deliciously aromatic suds are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and biodegradable.
5. Baking soda is a natural, simple way to combat odors. Sprinkle a dose of the gentle alkaline on rugs and carpets, let sit for five minutes, then vacuum for a fresh, odor-free aroma. A box of baking soda in the freezer and/or fridge will absorb rogue smells, too. You can also use essential oil infused baking soda as a room freshener.
6. The artificial sponges (you know, the dual sided neon yellow sponge and forest green scrubber) you may be using are full of, well artificialness (toxins, dyes, etc.). Here’s a fresh idea, use natural sponges. Twist Loofa Sponges ($4.25 for 2) are unbleached, undyed, plant-based and compostable (if you’re ambitious enough to compost, of course). (Pictured above.)
7. Plastic trash bags seem somewhat inevitable. Recycled plastic trash bags are the lesser of two evils. These Seventh Generation Recycled Trash Bags ($5.49 for 20) contain 80% recycled content. Condense trash and reuse bags as much as possible to stretch the recycled content even further.
8. Say goodbye to toxic cerulean blue window cleaner and welcome a crystal clear, completely natural option instead. Mix equal parts vinegar and water for an inexpensive and effective window cleaner.
9. Skip your dishwasher’s steam cycle and dry the dishes yourself with blends of cotton and linen fabric. Plus, these perky tea towel stripes from the Studio Patro Just Stripes Collection ($22 each) will add personality to your kitchen while you’re saving the world.
10. Stop plastic bags from choking your produce with these Credo Produce Bags ($19.95 for 4). Nestle your precious fruits inside drawstring organic cotton mesh to eliminate plastic in your vegetable drawers (and landfills).

Make these uncomplicated changes and save your energy for the actual cleaning.

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I can’t believe it’s not toxic! You may not be giving yourself cancer as you scrub shower tile mold with your planet-friendly eco cleaning gel, but you are finding it frustratingly difficult to wipe away the problem – damn you chemicals that irritate my eyes and skin but actually work! Now we aren’t saying that there aren’t other green cleaning products that get the job done (because there are a variety to choose from), but we’ve all had those frustrating experiences too.

Now Scandinavian import Eco Clean makes green cleaning a satisfying experience.

Created by Danish scientist Jens Erik Hansen who is known for developing products with a low eco-toxicological profile, the line uses a natural amino acid derivative to do the dirty work. Eco Clean’s product range includes All Purpose Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Dish Wash Soap, Glass Cleaner, Kitchen Counter Top Cleaner and Hand Wash, all containing the special formula that helps improve cleaning power, while cutting down skin irritation.

Instead of harsh chemical surfactants, the Eco Clean line uses plant and sugar-based surfactants, specifically sugar beets. And instead of allergy-triggering synthetic fragrances, the products get the fabulous scents of orange, rosemary, spicy lavender and cool mint thanks to essential oils.

What’s more, the line is made in a SWAN certified factory, a Nordic eco label that only responsible manufacturers who prove ingredient integrity and purity get to boast. The PET bottles are also recyclable.

To try the line for yourself you can buy Eco Clean products at Duane Reade or Alice.com for the surprising low price of only $4.49 each.

The post Stop the Presses, A Green Cleaning Line That Actually Works! appeared first on EcoSalon.

I wish I would never lose another strand of hair again. Yes, I want my hair to be as thick and gorgeous as possible forever and ever, but more importantly, I can’t stand clogged shower drains! To me, a hair-clogged drain that fills the bathtub as I shower is one of the most frustrating household troubles – and not so easy to fix. You can only do so much with a snake tool or wire hanger, and as an eco savvy woman, I don’t use chemical un-cloggers. Luckily, there’s a DIY, green solution for unclogging drains that’s extremely easy.

While going into your drain with a wire hanger is far from fun, this alternate four-step DIY approach will make you feel more like you’re attacking your drain 6th grade science experiment style – and we promise it’ll be an easy “A”.

1. Baking Soda. Dump about 3/4 of a cup of baking soda down the drain.

2. Vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar, which has proved to be an eco-friendly a household savior, down the drain following the baking soda. Bill Nye would be proud. Now the two ingredients will start to react creating a mini volcano. Sadly, you can’t watch the magic. Before it starts going out of control you want to plug the drain with a rag or plug so nothing can come out of the drain. You want the volcanic action to clean your pipes, not your tub.

3. Wait. Let the mixture go wild for about 20 minutes.

4. Hot water. Put a tea kettle on to boil, still leaving the drain untouched. Once the tea kettle is ready, remove the plug and pour the boiling water down the drain. Now your drain should be fixed, however some tough clogs may require a second round.

Fun and not as stinky as pulling the hair out, right?

Image: skyro

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If you’re creeped out by the loads of chemicals lurking in traditional cleaning products, one of the purest and safest ways to keep your home spotless is by mixing up cleaning solutions yourself. And if you think you’ll need to turn your kitchen into some sort of DIY eco-friendly cleaning lab, you’ve got it all wrong. Distilled white vinegar can do wonders all on its own or with a little water – and the lack of stink will surprise you. Here are seven easy ways to clean with vinegar.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. It’ll work on tile, countertops, glass and chrome.

Windows: Put 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and fill the rest up with water. Use the solution to wash your windows with reusable towels, or if you have old newspapers, they’ll help you achieve streak-free results.

Garbage Disposal: Make a tray of ice cubes from distilled white vinegar. Once frozen, run them down the disposal followed by cold water.

Fabric Softener: The addition of 1/4 to 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine will help dissolve detergent residue and leave your clothes soft and static-free. While this trick is great for heavy and absorbent fabrics like towels, cloth diapers and jeans, don’t use it for linen and other delicate fabrics.

Grills: Spray distilled white vinegar on crumpled up aluminum foil (try to reuse clean foil used for cooking if you can). Use the foil to scrub the grill grates vigorously.

Coffee Maker: Stains and oils go hand-in-hand with our morning brew and if you let the gunk build up in your coffee maker, it can make fresh coffee taste stale. Luckily, cleaning is super easy. Fill the coffee maker’s reservoir with six cups cold water and one cup white distilled vinegar. Skip the filter and turn the coffee maker on, allowing it to run through a full cycle. Empty the pot and refill the reservoir with water. Run the cycle again to flush away the vinegar. This project can smell and if you’re not satisfied with one rinse cycle, feel free to run water through it again before you make a pot of coffee.

Wood Floor: Plagued by streaky wood floors? Add 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar to your water pail for rinsing and take care to keep your mop as dry as possible by ringing it out frequently.

Image: mollypop

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I don’t know what it looks like under your kitchen sink, but mine is jammed-packed with recycling bins, garbage bags, cleaning supplies and old plastic grocery bags, waiting to be reused. It’s one of those spots in the house that could never be big enough. That’s why the new double duty dish soaps from Martha Stewart Clean and Earth Friendly Products caught my eye. Each one does two kitchen jobs, which means I have to cram one less product in the cabinet.

Martha never ceases to impress with her brilliance, so it’s no surprise that the dish soap from her new eco-friendly cleaning products line is a must-have. While you wouldn’t want to use most dish soaps to wash your hands frequently because they’ll dry out your skin, this one is free of sodium lauryl sulfate and other harsh ingredients and it comes in an easy to use pump bottle. The formula is more than 99 percent plant and mineral-based. And the true Martha finishing touch? The label peels off easily so you can leave a simple clear bottle on your counter in place of both your hand soap and your goopy dish soap bottle – how does she always manage to think of everything?

Earth Friendly Products Ecos DuoDish

Have you ever used hand dish washing soap in your dishwasher? Bad idea. But this double duty dish soap innovation from Earth Friendly Products is made to work for both hand-washing and the automatic dishwasher without causing problems. The 100 percent natural and biodegradable formula is scented with essential oils. Earth Friendly Products promises streak-free, spot-free and grease-cutting results!

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