Review: It's a very nice compilation
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 16, 2014
In her intro the author points out that it is simply unhealthy to use many of the store bought household cleaners because they “… are laden with chemicals and other harmful ingredients…”. Indeed, just recently a friend of mine noticed rashes, which are probably a reaction or allergies against household cleaners. I read this book to avoid the same or other issues.I learned a lot when reading it. E.g. I did not know that essential oils (plant extracts) “… have natural properties that are antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral…” The recommended oils sound like an assortment of beauty products: Tea Tree Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil,  and others.I also liked how the author listed an overview of ingredients: borax, baking soda, washing soda, vinegar etc… it helps to memorize these items. She then goes on to describe how to produce various laundry detergents including sweat and blood stain remover, chewing gum remover, ink remover, grease Remover, and how to remove odors from smelly towels. That may come handy for athletes or during the swimming season. I can’t stand it when towels smell like chlorine from pool water. The author also explains that dryer sheets cause build up that will smell awkward. I had noticed that myself, even though I had never thought about it. She offers an alternative with essential oils. Additionally she offers solutions for kitchen cleaning products, various floor cleaners, toilet and window cleaners, furniture cleaners and means of natural pest control. I agree with her that having an exterminator spraying poisonous chemicals is almost worse than at least some pests.Overall, even though short, it is a very complete book. While the same information could probably also be found on the web it is a very nice compilation. However, I missed some kind of information, how long these self-made cleaning products can be stored.Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger