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Applying a little elbow grease.
SIMPLE WAYS TO CLEAN
  • Fill sink, bucket or big bowl with hot water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
  • Use a microfiber cloth to clean all non-wood surfaces. 

Commercial-All-Purpose-Microfiber-ABSORBENT-STREAK-FREE
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PINEOLENE I personally knew the elderly woman from New Augusta, Mississippi that had one of the original recipes. I wish I had known at the time what a treasure it was, and got a copy of it. It can be purchased in some feed stores, farm supply stores, etc. locally.
The website is no longer available, but here is the address:
PINEOLENE, L.L.C. of PO BOX 47, HURLEY MS 39555-0047 ​
More about pine. . .
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Keep plenty of old washcloths for cleaning.
DIRTY BUSINESS
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Cupboard for keeping cleaning supplies.
There are many things I consider very useful, that might seem a bit old fashioned, but they are tried and true:
CLEANING CLOSET:
  • Rubbing Alcohol - Great for disinfecting, cleaning mirrors, cutting grease, shining up a surface.
  • Lemons - Lemons are antibacterial and antiseptic, and is a natural bleach. 
  • Baking Soda - Cleans, refreshes, mild abrasive that's safe on most surfaces.
  • White Vinegar - Mixed with baking soda,  it can refresh, (and some say unclog) drains. Add a few tablespoons to a drain, pour in a splash of white vinegar, let sit for a few minutes, and pour boiling hot water down the drain to flush it out.
  • Ammonia - Raise the windows before using, and turn on a fan...Use only with proper ventilation. For spots on rugs, add a tablespoon to a small bowl of water, whisk until frothy, with gloves on scoop up the bubbles and rub into the spot going clockwise, use a dry towel and press to absorb the bubbles and stains should be gone. It is very good for surfaces that have grease on them such as the hood over the stove. Use with caution on painted surfaces, as it can remove paint. 
  • Pine Oil - Pine oil is a natural disinfectant, air freshener, can be used to clean most surfaces, including floor, bath fixtures, toilet, and cabinets. (More about pine in left column)
  • Murphy's Oil Soap - Non-toxic, biodegradable, cleans finished wood surfaces. Use 1/4 cup to a gallon of warm water, stir, place mop in solution and wring out well to mop. Can also be used to clean wood kitchen cabinets, with a microfiber cloth.
¹Bulk
*Medicine Cabinet:
I'm learning more and more to depend on food, herbs, spices and other natural remedies for healing and medicine.
 ~Octagon Soap...Yes, it is still available.
~White toothpaste for cleaning white shoes (mostly patent leather) the sole of white tennis shoes for scuff marks on tile or linoleum
~There is something to be said for using a little elbow grease as well...Very therapeutic!
~Just so everyone won't think I'm too "old fogey"... I do love using essential oils and natural homemade products as well!! My favorite is Sweet Orange! There are tons of resources online for homemade cleaning recipes using EO's. But I'll add a few of my own as time allows!
~Some stains are resistant to the harsh chemical cleaners as well...We have an old claw-foot tub that has mineral stains, and "nothing" has cut through those stains! We tried lemon juice, baking soda, salt, Brillo pads, bleach, even rust remover (which did leave white streaks, but I only used one small bottle) The dangers listed were just too harsh, so I figured I'd just live with the stains rather than take the risk ...And also my husband took an electric sander to it!! Nothing has worked!! Short of sandblasting, I guess I'll just have to live with it, as it is too expensive to get it refinished.
~Another stain that is tough, is mildew on clothing...I've read where lemon juice and salt gets rid of it, but I beg to differ! Very rarely will it come out, so be very careful about letting clothes, sheets, or other fabric get damp and staying damp for very long! Mold and mildew will set up and you might as well throw it away.
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