Spring’s a great time to change habits for a cleaner, healthier environment. Start by cutting down on water waste with shorter showers, full loads of laundry and dishes, filtered water instead of bottled. Repair and recycle appliances, furniture and clothing. Instead of tossing (eventually into a landfill) repair worn heels, replace zippers or restitch a sagging hem. We do more than clean – we can help keeping your wardrobe repaired, fitted and functional. And please, bring your wire hangers back for recycling.

Here’s a very tiny tip: When the shine comes off, and the carpet’s covered in glitter from ornaments, decorating and celebrating, grab a ball of Play-Do. Roll it over the mess to pick up the loose bits of shine. That’s about as much housecleaning as we’re going to do today.

Want to make a local, sustainable choice for 2015? Well look no further than your neighborhood merchants. Born and raised in your hometown, neighborhood businesses create jobs and contribute to our community in many ways. The numbers are impressive: th...

Looking for a warm weather alternative to cotton? Flax is the oldest known fabric, and it’s comparable to cotton in all ways – some even better. Flax is eco-friendly and great for high moisture and humidity areas. Flax, otherwise known as linen, is less likely to mildew, keeps the body cool, and can cost less than cotton. Another bonus – flax is less likely to fade in the sun. Wondering why some shirts say flax while others say linen? Flax sounds more eco friendly than linen – but have no fear, they are the same great fabric.

Archeologists have uncovered ancient trousers worn by Chinese horsemen, developed way back then for riding, herding and battling to replace bulky gowns, tunics and togas. The ancient wool riding pants were discovered in a graveyard in China’s Tarim Basin. The prototypical pants feature contrasting fabric on the knees and around the waist – early man seems to have had a good eye for fashion. See a photo and the complete story at Science News.

There are lots of window cleaning products to choose from, ranging from industrial to organic. Try this old-fashioned classic recipe from Living Well, Spending Less. Mix 1-1/2 cups white distilled vinegar with 1-1/2 cups water, with 5-10 optional drops essential oil (we like geranium and sweet orange). Mix in a spray bottle, spray on glass and remove with a clean dry squeegee. Polish with old newspaper for a streak-free shine.  Also works on chrome and countertops.

Spring’s a great time to change habits for a cleaner, healthier environment. Start by cutting down on water waste with shorter showers, full loads of laundry and dishes, filtered water instead of bottled.  Repair and recycle appliances, furniture and clothing. Instead of tossing (eventually into a landfill) repair those worn heels, replace that zipper or restitch that sagging hem.  We do more than clean – we can help keeping your wardrobe repaired, fitted and functional. And please, bring your wire hangers back for recycling.

“Green Cleaning” doesn’t mean giving up hard earned greenbacks – we use earth-friendly cleaning products and methods to take care of your clothes and we are able to do it without charging extra. We are locally owned and operated and passionate about saving our neighbors’ money and wardrobe. Trust us to keep you looking good and feeling good about your cleaning choices.

Why buy expensive special-purpose stain products when you already have solutions at hand. Baking soda reduces odors, boosts laundry detergent cleaning and naturally softens fabrics. Distilled white vinegar’s low level of acetic acid removes yellow underarm stains, brightens laundry, removes mildew stains and even cleans the inside of your washing machine. Hydrogen peroxide is milder than chlorine bleach and removes stains from curry and red wine. Lemon juice bleaches too. You can use table salt to absorb spilled red wine or scrub away rust stains. Cornstarch or baby powder can absorb grease and oil. When you need serious, professional stain removal, bring your accident to us before you try home remedies.

Now’s the time to store away your warm weather clothes. It’s a good tradition and a great way to make closet space for the bulkier winter clothes. Just don’t add moth balls to your stored garments — instead use cedar … Continue reading →