Clean and Green

A few days ago I blogged that I'd make a post about the cleaning products I use in our home on wheels.  

I use a dish washing soap (grease cutting), baking soda for an abrasive,  and 4 small spray bottles:

1) Water

2) 50/50 vinegar and water

3) Isopropyl Alcohol

4) Hydrogen Peroxide

Here are the other products we just can't do without.

That's it!  Clean and Green.

Note:  I use  bleach primarily for the tanks... and ammonia mostly for laundry (never the twain shall meet).  Never mix bleach and ammonia in any way! It can kill you! The two in combination produces a deadly toxic gas!

Copper Cleaning

In the above collage, the cleaning process wasn't complete...

 but I wanted to snap pictures while I still had the sun.

We use our tea kettle many times each day to boil water for coffee, tea, and doing dishes.  Even while were at the hospital, I still bring Mike a thermos of hot water for *real* coffee and tea.  It is so nice to have our home here in the parking lot!


Using our kettle as we do, it doesn't take long before it starts tarnishing and in need of care.   I read somewhere about using ketchup to clean the tarnish from copper.  It works well and doesn't run off like lemon juice or white vinegar.  I also use a baking soda paste to gently scrub the kettle all over.  Baking soda is the only abrasive cleanser I use for everything.


In the next few days, I'll show you the other cleaning products we travel with... just in time for that post Christmas clean up... or New Year's resolution (to clean Green?). 

Other Vansteader Posts

I just wanted to pause today and give everyone a chance to read some of the great vansteader posts that are being written elsewhere.


Hoboknitter (Kate):
knitting worms (worm composting and knitting):
http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/knitting-worms.html
and...

laundry (excellent laundry bucket):

http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/laundry.html

Celtic Gypsy (Kylie):
wood stoves:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/wood-stoves.html
and...
update on cost of little cob wood stove:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/update-on-cost-of-little-cob-woodstove.html


Brian:
Vermiculture (worm composting):
http://giffordsrvdream.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-2010-what-are-you-doing-to.html

Vansteading Chores - Laundry

I want to get some of my "old" posts out of the way before I start new topics.  I'll try to use the poll for a gauge and post on these topics whenever possible.  Thank you for your feedback!

I've posted about my preferred method of doing vanstead laundry in different forums... getting less than an enthusiastic reception.  ;)  Using this method many times over the summer, I'm sticking by it for a variety of reasons.  While travelling we typically use a laundromat (one load per week).  However, when boondocking or while docked at the "homestead", a trip to the laundromat isn't always practical.


I originally took a hint from our water loving friends and tried this no-rinse method. I've read about using ammonia on several forums, but this site states the breakdown environmentally. Check out the green factor: http://www.anything-sailing.com/showthread.php/2944-Washing-clothes-with-ammonia-to-save-water


The article talks about it being good for everything except stains; other sites say it is really great on stains. I've read that for odors it's the best.  It worked great on everything I've washed.


Oh, a few more things about using ammonia:
1) *Never* use it with bleach - it creates a toxic gas that kills!
2) Ammonia will dissolve latex - so don't wash latex clothing with it. I actually had to google latex clothing  'cause I didn't know... Well, I'll just say I don't have any of that!

My experience: it was *not* a good idea to use my latex gloves to protect my hands while agitating the clothes.   Use a wooden spoon or some other type "plunger" (more on plungers later).

3)  Do *not* breathe in the ammonia vapors!


If I have any question about an item I use Dr. Bronner's soap instead.


Highlights:

• does not require rinsing (uses less water)
• does not have some of the nasty chemicals that are used in typical laundry products
• safe for the environment
• used in a very small bucket (with lid)

My method:

Add clothes to a small bucket (that has a lid); add about 1/4 cup of ammonia and fill with water to cover clothes; agitate; let them soak about 5 minutes; agitate again; wring out and hang on a tiered clothes hanger. 

Here's another method I like that could be miniaturized with a smaller bucket and plunger size:

http://offgridonthecheap.blogspot.com/2010/04/redneck-washing-machine-and-diy-laundry.html