Mommas2cents

 I have several respiratory issues which can be challenging. There are many environmental and seasonal things which can affect me. But there are other things which can also cause complications. 

Many of us suffer with allergies, asthma, bronchial problems, sinus problems or other respiratory problems. House dust can be a detriment. So it is important to keep our homes clean. But we don’t often think about the fact that what we are using to clean may also be causing some of our issues. The chemicals we are using are also harmful to our lungs. We don’t recognize that we can find many alternative cleaning agents in our kitchen cabinet.

Epsom salts alone can also be used as an abrasive cleaner also. Just like baking soda, it also deodorizes. The nice thing about using Epsom salt rather than Baking soda, is you can purchase the epsom salt which is already scented with the essential oils. 

Baking soda and epsom salt are both equally effective in cleaning. The same items you should not clean using baking soda are the same things you should not use epsom salt or even any other abrasive cleaner (ie. Comet or Ajax). 

Instead of using only baking soda or epsom salt, I mix both of these ingredients together to make my abrasive cleaner which I use on my toilet, sink, bathtub and other surfaces which I clean. It gives me the perfect scent and a magnificent outcome. Yes I could use strictly the epsom salt, but I am also going it include in this article a recipe for a homemade scrubbing bubbles recipe with instructions of how to use it.

For my abrasive cleaner, you want to use equal parts of baking soda and epsom salt. You will need:

• Glass mason jar

• Baking Soda

• Epsom Salt (You can use any brand or scent, but I prefer Dr. Teals. Any scented epsom salt contains essential oils which are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal)

Put equal parts of each ingredient in the glass mason jar. It is best to use glass rather than plastic. (Epsom salts can degrade plastic.) I use a large mason jar, so that I  do not have to make it as often, and I use this abrasive cleaner frequently. 

Things I use this mixture for:

• Cleaning my bathroom sink, tub or shower and toilet. (Not to be used on copper, antiqued or gold finished sinks or faucets. If you are looking at a tarnished look, do not use abrasive cleaners.)

• Cleaning my kitchen sink or my counters. (Not to be used on marble or cement counters.)

• Deodorizer for refrigerator. (Use a larger sized pill bottle, an old Tylenol or other over the counter pill bottle will do. Poke a few holes in the lid. Fill with abrasive cleaner. Replace lid. Put in refrigerator. Replace every 1 to 3 months.)

• Carpet freshener.  (Sprinkle on carpet. Allow to set for 15 minutes. Then vacuum)

• Making scrubbing bubbles (Measure ½ cup of abrasive cleaner. Add 2 tablespoons of natural soap or dish washing liquid. Mix ingredients to a paste and then spread mixture on surface. Allow to dry for 15 minutes. Add water and scrub and scrub and scrub. The mixture will create bubbles as you add water and scrub. It will take a lot of water and scrubbing to remove cleaner and clean surface, but not a lot of elbow grease.)