Orange Oil

In my post yesterday, I mentioned orange oil. There were a few comments asking about the product. Here is a little more information on the orange oil I use. It is the oil that is in the skins of oranges and other citrus called limonene. It is pure orange oil, not a product scented with orange oil. The brand I use is Nature's Guide. It can be used full strength to get off stuff like the goo on the library books or diluted to an ounce a gallon to make a pretty nice all purpose cleaner. Don't use it on wood surfaces. It will dissolve the finish. My favorite thing to do is mix it with baking soda and use it to clean the bathtub. With three boys, my bathtub gets pretty yucky. The orange oil and baking soda really clean it up fast. I buy it at a local feed store. Many organic garden centers carry it. It is expensive, but it goes a long way and is worth it. If you have asthma, like I do, or are sensitive to harsh ammonia containing cleaners, this stuff is a great option.

A great cleaner for windows and mirrors is straight white vinegar. Again, no trouble breathing using this instead of ammonia. Murphy's oil soap is my product of choice for wood surfaces.

Use orange oil on
Counter tops
Sinks
Bathtubs
Toilets
Slick covered books (not fabric or paper)
Tile
Linoleum
Appliances
As a spot remover for oily stains on clothing

Use vinegar on
Windows
Mirrors
Glass fixtures

Murphy's oil soap
All wood surfaces.

Now if this makes me sound like some kind of good housekeeper, again wrong. This place is a mess, better get to work.