Preparing The House For Thanksgiving
By Annie Berthold-Bond
Copyright © 2000. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted here by permission.

Cleaning The Oven For The Thanksgiving Turkey

Q: How can I clean the oven for Thanksgiving without using conventional oven cleaner? I never seem to be able to rinse the oven cleaner out of the oven enough, and the taste of it gets into the turkey! Nancy P, ME

A: Mmmm. Yum. Roast Turkey a la Oven Cleaner. I remember that taste from a past time, and I agree that it does seem almost impossible to rinse the cleanser out enough so that it doesn't flavor whatever one is cooking.

Most people can hardly believe that all I use for cleaning the oven is baking soda and water, and that the project requires no scrubbing. I suppose we have all been so brainwashed by household products companies that we mistakenly believe we require powerful chemicals for cleaning in particular. But most people don't know that simple household minerals such as baking soda can clean like magic. The key is using enough of the mineral.

To clean my oven, I sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom until it is covered completely with about 1/4 of an inch of baking soda. Then, using a clean spray bottle, I spray the baking soda with water until the baking soda is thoroughly damp but not flooded. After that, this lazy cleaner goes off and does other things. When I think of it, I dampen the baking soda again if it is drying out. Before I go to bed, I do that again. When I wake up in the morning, the baking soda can effortlessly be scooped out of the oven with a sponge, bringing all the grime with it. That's it! The only downside is only that the baking soda takes rinsing to get out the white residue, but it sure beats Turkey a La Oven cleaner because there are no fumes!

The Right Way To Use Vinegar For Cleaning The Windows

Q: I can't seem to clean the windows with vinegar without streaks. Any suggestions? Pat B., NY

A: Oddly enough, it was the task of cleaning the windows that turned a huge number of well-intentioned, environmentally friendly consumers away from nontoxic cleaning using simple ingredients found in most kitchen cupboards

. Around Earth Day 1990, every newspaper in the country (or so it seemed), offered tips for cleaning in ways that didn't harm the planet, and the recommendation for windows was almost always to clean them with nothing but vinegar and water. People by the thousands tried this, and many swore off cleaning with homemade products for good because the formula left streaks on their windows. (I wish I had $1 for every time someone has said to me, "Well, I tried nontoxic cleaning and it didn’t work. I used vinegar for the windows....")

The problem was that the commercial window cleaner used before the switch to vinegar left a very fine wax residue, the vinegar alone wasn't enough to remove it, and the result was streaky windows. If instead, everyone had added a dab of liquid dish soap to the vinegar and water, the wax would easily have been removed and the windows would have been cleaned perfectly! My favorite recipe is to combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar, and up to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent in a spray bottle. That's all there is to it. (Make sure to label the bottle and keep it out of the reach of children.)

Sink And Tub Scrub

Q: I remember seeing somewhere a simple way to clean stainless steel sinks, counters, and bathtubs. Can you help me with this? Thanks. Sam L., NM

A: You've just asked me for my favorite recipe for a homemade soft scrubber. Place about 1/4 cup of baking soda in a bowl, and stir in enough liquid detergent (a brand without dyes and synthetic fragrance - check out the health food store) to make a texture like frosting. Scoop on a sponge and scrub the sink or countertop.

What Is Washing Soda?

Q: I notice that you ask for washing soda in a lot of your cleaning recipes. What is it and where can I find it? Kathy G., CO

A: It wasn't until I discovered washing soda as a heavy-duty cleanser that I felt I could clean everything in the house using less toxic ingredients. I stumbled upon it because I needed to peel old wax off a floor. Washing soda worked for this, as it did for cleaning up engine oil, and other tough materials that people generally use solvents for. Washing soda-sodium carbonate is in the same family as baking soda, it has just been processed differently. It is much more caustic/alkaline, with a pH of 11, and while it doesn't give off harmful fumes, you do need to wear gloves. It is found in the laundry section of most supermarkets.

Root Growth Aid For Cuttings

Q: I have a lot of relatives who visit for Thanksgiving, and they all love my houseplants and want cuttings. Do you have any suggestions for how to help nourish the cuttings for quick root growth? Carolyn K., WA

A: Canadian research has demonstrated that honey is more effective for promoting root growth than the commonly used commercial chemical for this purpose.

Try this recipe:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup boiling water

Combine boiling water and honey in a mason jar to blend the honey into the water. Cool. Place the cuttings in this solution for one to two days.

Emollient Honey Bath

Q: My skin is really dry, especially in the winter, and while I love to take baths, I find they are very drying. What do you suggest I add to the tub? Gloria, VT

A: One of the first things to do is to find the right vegetable or nut oil that works for your skin. Try out three or four; you will instantly feel which ones are best for you. For my forty-something skin I found apricot kernel oil to be the most soothing and emollient. Great oils for dry skin include apricot kernel oil, avocado oil (this oil is very lush and rich, especially good for old, dry skin, but a little goes a long way), almond, and jojoba (this is actually a liquid wax).

Basic Emollient Bath Recipe:

All of the ingredients asked for in this recipe are found in most health food stores.

• 1 to 2 ounces apricot kernel, avocado, or flax seed oil
• 1 ounce pure vegetable glycerin
• 2 ounces aloe Vera gel
• A few drops pure essential oil of choice

Add the ingredients to the tub while it is filling.

Yield: Makes about 1/4 cup, enough for 1 bath.

Basic Honey Bath Recipe:

Herbalists have touted honey for centuries because it helps skin retain moisture and is thereby rejuvenating and softening.

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup very hot water
• A few drops pure essential oil, if desired

Dissolve the honey in the water. Add essential oil, if using. Pour the mixture into the bath water.

Yield: Makes 1 cup, enough for one bath.

About The Author

Annie Berthold-Bond is the Green Lifestyle Channels Producer for Care2, the largest global community of environmentally conscious consumers on the Web, and has authored several books including Better Basics for the Home and Clean & Green. "Care2 Ask Annie" is brought to you by Care2.

To ask Annie for advice about simple solutions for less toxic living, you can send her an e-mail.

E-Mail: AnnieBBond@aol.com
Web Site: Better Basics