Cleaning House for Protection of Bugs

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

I use Grapefruit Seed Extract as an antibacterial, it is known to kill most bacteria and many viruses in a very small amount (few drops in a cup of water).

Can someone share the recipe for the baking soda & vinegar mixture? Sounds like that would be a good thing to mop the floor with. Anyone have any thoughts on adding GSE to this for the extra antibacterial properties?

What do you use to dust wood furniture? I have been using Pledge and only do it when my daughter with CF but would like another option...maybe just a dust brush? I like the pledge bc it grabs the dust so well.

A little more than 1/2 of my house is carpeted for now. I vacuum frequently with a Dyson but have never had the carpets cleaned in the almost 4 years since the house was built. Anyone have thoughts on cleaning carpets? I want to do it but am hesitant bc I don't want bacteria brought in via the machines.

I agree that a certain level of dirt is okay. It has to be when you have kids and sometimes I wonder if taking these extra measures is worth it (especially when I see my daughter w CF licking dirty snow) but I do think that the environment is a huge factor and my daughter spends most of her time in our house. The second place to investigate for her would be her school. Thankfully I think her school has about as good of an environment as a school could have but I think most school buildings are full of yucky stuff, either that or I am allergic to kids!

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

I use Grapefruit Seed Extract as an antibacterial, it is known to kill most bacteria and many viruses in a very small amount (few drops in a cup of water).

Can someone share the recipe for the baking soda & vinegar mixture? Sounds like that would be a good thing to mop the floor with. Anyone have any thoughts on adding GSE to this for the extra antibacterial properties?

What do you use to dust wood furniture? I have been using Pledge and only do it when my daughter with CF but would like another option...maybe just a dust brush? I like the pledge bc it grabs the dust so well.

A little more than 1/2 of my house is carpeted for now. I vacuum frequently with a Dyson but have never had the carpets cleaned in the almost 4 years since the house was built. Anyone have thoughts on cleaning carpets? I want to do it but am hesitant bc I don't want bacteria brought in via the machines.

I agree that a certain level of dirt is okay. It has to be when you have kids and sometimes I wonder if taking these extra measures is worth it (especially when I see my daughter w CF licking dirty snow) but I do think that the environment is a huge factor and my daughter spends most of her time in our house. The second place to investigate for her would be her school. Thankfully I think her school has about as good of an environment as a school could have but I think most school buildings are full of yucky stuff, either that or I am allergic to kids!

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

I use Grapefruit Seed Extract as an antibacterial, it is known to kill most bacteria and many viruses in a very small amount (few drops in a cup of water).

Can someone share the recipe for the baking soda & vinegar mixture? Sounds like that would be a good thing to mop the floor with. Anyone have any thoughts on adding GSE to this for the extra antibacterial properties?

What do you use to dust wood furniture? I have been using Pledge and only do it when my daughter with CF but would like another option...maybe just a dust brush? I like the pledge bc it grabs the dust so well.

A little more than 1/2 of my house is carpeted for now. I vacuum frequently with a Dyson but have never had the carpets cleaned in the almost 4 years since the house was built. Anyone have thoughts on cleaning carpets? I want to do it but am hesitant bc I don't want bacteria brought in via the machines.

I agree that a certain level of dirt is okay. It has to be when you have kids and sometimes I wonder if taking these extra measures is worth it (especially when I see my daughter w CF licking dirty snow) but I do think that the environment is a huge factor and my daughter spends most of her time in our house. The second place to investigate for her would be her school. Thankfully I think her school has about as good of an environment as a school could have but I think most school buildings are full of yucky stuff, either that or I am allergic to kids!

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

I use Grapefruit Seed Extract as an antibacterial, it is known to kill most bacteria and many viruses in a very small amount (few drops in a cup of water).

Can someone share the recipe for the baking soda & vinegar mixture? Sounds like that would be a good thing to mop the floor with. Anyone have any thoughts on adding GSE to this for the extra antibacterial properties?

What do you use to dust wood furniture? I have been using Pledge and only do it when my daughter with CF but would like another option...maybe just a dust brush? I like the pledge bc it grabs the dust so well.

A little more than 1/2 of my house is carpeted for now. I vacuum frequently with a Dyson but have never had the carpets cleaned in the almost 4 years since the house was built. Anyone have thoughts on cleaning carpets? I want to do it but am hesitant bc I don't want bacteria brought in via the machines.

I agree that a certain level of dirt is okay. It has to be when you have kids and sometimes I wonder if taking these extra measures is worth it (especially when I see my daughter w CF licking dirty snow) but I do think that the environment is a huge factor and my daughter spends most of her time in our house. The second place to investigate for her would be her school. Thankfully I think her school has about as good of an environment as a school could have but I think most school buildings are full of yucky stuff, either that or I am allergic to kids!

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

I use Grapefruit Seed Extract as an antibacterial, it is known to kill most bacteria and many viruses in a very small amount (few drops in a cup of water).
 
 Can someone share the recipe for the baking soda & vinegar mixture? Sounds like that would be a good thing to mop the floor with. Anyone have any thoughts on adding GSE to this for the extra antibacterial properties?
 
 What do you use to dust wood furniture? I have been using Pledge and only do it when my daughter with CF but would like another option...maybe just a dust brush? I like the pledge bc it grabs the dust so well.
 
 A little more than 1/2 of my house is carpeted for now. I vacuum frequently with a Dyson but have never had the carpets cleaned in the almost 4 years since the house was built. Anyone have thoughts on cleaning carpets? I want to do it but am hesitant bc I don't want bacteria brought in via the machines.
 
 I agree that a certain level of dirt is okay. It has to be when you have kids and sometimes I wonder if taking these extra measures is worth it (especially when I see my daughter w CF licking dirty snow) but I do think that the environment is a huge factor and my daughter spends most of her time in our house. The second place to investigate for her would be her school. Thankfully I think her school has about as good of an environment as a school could have but I think most school buildings are full of yucky stuff, either that or I am allergic to kids!

Nightwriter · Dec 7, 2008

Grassis greener,

I like the idea of GSE, am I am interested in knowing more. I will ask my doctor for the vinegar/baking soda recipe that she recommends. I personally use some green commercial products plus I use a "magnetic laundry ball" to magnetize water to clean glass and other surfaces too.

Furniture polish is really bad. It's even bad for the furniture (my boyfriend is a woodworker). It is unnecessary to polish your furniture all the time. He recommends Murphy's Oil or a bit of simple Green dissolved in water to remove grime on finished furniture I personally don't like either because they have fragrance.

Can you use an attachment to first vacuum furniture, then wipe with either those dust wipes or a damp cloth?

My doctor suggests steam cleaning carpets, with water and no shampoo, or chemicals. Steam kills bacteria. Make sure carpet is completely dry before putting anything back onto it. It may not be ideal, but the dirt (pollen, chemicals, dust, mold, etc.)is worse.

And you are right about schools. I guess you could look around her classroom and see if there is anything glaring, that can be helped. I'm going to ask my doctor about that too and pass it along.

A lot of people mention not wanting to "live in a bubble." When someone is sick all the time, with antibiotics, or with invasive procedures, or declining lung function -- you have to do something! The more you do is directly proportional to seeing improvements.

I don't worry about living in a bubble. I worry about be sick, feeling horrible, missing work, social activities, well, everything. A so called bubble is better than a prison.

Nightwriter · Dec 7, 2008

Grassis greener,

I like the idea of GSE, am I am interested in knowing more. I will ask my doctor for the vinegar/baking soda recipe that she recommends. I personally use some green commercial products plus I use a "magnetic laundry ball" to magnetize water to clean glass and other surfaces too.

Furniture polish is really bad. It's even bad for the furniture (my boyfriend is a woodworker). It is unnecessary to polish your furniture all the time. He recommends Murphy's Oil or a bit of simple Green dissolved in water to remove grime on finished furniture I personally don't like either because they have fragrance.

Can you use an attachment to first vacuum furniture, then wipe with either those dust wipes or a damp cloth?

My doctor suggests steam cleaning carpets, with water and no shampoo, or chemicals. Steam kills bacteria. Make sure carpet is completely dry before putting anything back onto it. It may not be ideal, but the dirt (pollen, chemicals, dust, mold, etc.)is worse.

And you are right about schools. I guess you could look around her classroom and see if there is anything glaring, that can be helped. I'm going to ask my doctor about that too and pass it along.

A lot of people mention not wanting to "live in a bubble." When someone is sick all the time, with antibiotics, or with invasive procedures, or declining lung function -- you have to do something! The more you do is directly proportional to seeing improvements.

I don't worry about living in a bubble. I worry about be sick, feeling horrible, missing work, social activities, well, everything. A so called bubble is better than a prison.

Nightwriter · Dec 7, 2008

Grassis greener,

I like the idea of GSE, am I am interested in knowing more. I will ask my doctor for the vinegar/baking soda recipe that she recommends. I personally use some green commercial products plus I use a "magnetic laundry ball" to magnetize water to clean glass and other surfaces too.

Furniture polish is really bad. It's even bad for the furniture (my boyfriend is a woodworker). It is unnecessary to polish your furniture all the time. He recommends Murphy's Oil or a bit of simple Green dissolved in water to remove grime on finished furniture I personally don't like either because they have fragrance.

Can you use an attachment to first vacuum furniture, then wipe with either those dust wipes or a damp cloth?

My doctor suggests steam cleaning carpets, with water and no shampoo, or chemicals. Steam kills bacteria. Make sure carpet is completely dry before putting anything back onto it. It may not be ideal, but the dirt (pollen, chemicals, dust, mold, etc.)is worse.

And you are right about schools. I guess you could look around her classroom and see if there is anything glaring, that can be helped. I'm going to ask my doctor about that too and pass it along.

A lot of people mention not wanting to "live in a bubble." When someone is sick all the time, with antibiotics, or with invasive procedures, or declining lung function -- you have to do something! The more you do is directly proportional to seeing improvements.

I don't worry about living in a bubble. I worry about be sick, feeling horrible, missing work, social activities, well, everything. A so called bubble is better than a prison.

Nightwriter · Dec 7, 2008

Grassis greener,

I like the idea of GSE, am I am interested in knowing more. I will ask my doctor for the vinegar/baking soda recipe that she recommends. I personally use some green commercial products plus I use a "magnetic laundry ball" to magnetize water to clean glass and other surfaces too.

Furniture polish is really bad. It's even bad for the furniture (my boyfriend is a woodworker). It is unnecessary to polish your furniture all the time. He recommends Murphy's Oil or a bit of simple Green dissolved in water to remove grime on finished furniture I personally don't like either because they have fragrance.

Can you use an attachment to first vacuum furniture, then wipe with either those dust wipes or a damp cloth?

My doctor suggests steam cleaning carpets, with water and no shampoo, or chemicals. Steam kills bacteria. Make sure carpet is completely dry before putting anything back onto it. It may not be ideal, but the dirt (pollen, chemicals, dust, mold, etc.)is worse.

And you are right about schools. I guess you could look around her classroom and see if there is anything glaring, that can be helped. I'm going to ask my doctor about that too and pass it along.

A lot of people mention not wanting to "live in a bubble." When someone is sick all the time, with antibiotics, or with invasive procedures, or declining lung function -- you have to do something! The more you do is directly proportional to seeing improvements.

I don't worry about living in a bubble. I worry about be sick, feeling horrible, missing work, social activities, well, everything. A so called bubble is better than a prison.

Nightwriter · Dec 7, 2008

Grassis greener,
 
 I like the idea of GSE, am I am interested in knowing more. I will ask my doctor for the vinegar/baking soda recipe that she recommends. I personally use some green commercial products plus I use a "magnetic laundry ball" to magnetize water to clean glass and other surfaces too.
 
 Furniture polish is really bad. It's even bad for the furniture (my boyfriend is a woodworker). It is unnecessary to polish your furniture all the time. He recommends Murphy's Oil or a bit of simple Green dissolved in water to remove grime on finished furniture I personally don't like either because they have fragrance.
 
 Can you use an attachment to first vacuum furniture, then wipe with either those dust wipes or a damp cloth?
 
 My doctor suggests steam cleaning carpets, with water and no shampoo, or chemicals. Steam kills bacteria. Make sure carpet is completely dry before putting anything back onto it. It may not be ideal, but the dirt (pollen, chemicals, dust, mold, etc.)is worse.
 
 And you are right about schools. I guess you could look around her classroom and see if there is anything glaring, that can be helped. I'm going to ask my doctor about that too and pass it along.
 
 A lot of people mention not wanting to "live in a bubble." When someone is sick all the time, with antibiotics, or with invasive procedures, or declining lung function -- you have to do something! The more you do is directly proportional to seeing improvements.
 
 I don't worry about living in a bubble. I worry about be sick, feeling horrible, missing work, social activities, well, everything. A so called bubble is better than a prison.

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

Where do I buy walnut oil? I have never heard of it. I can definately vacuum the wood first.

For steam cleaning carpets, does your doctor feel that professional steam cleaners are okay? I am thinking Stanley Steamer.

I agree that living in a bubble is much better than living sick or living in a hospital!


Here are a couple of GSE Links from my bookmarks:

The Effectiveness of Processed Grapefruit-Seed Extract as An Antibacterial Agent
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128014
">http://www.liebertonline.com/d...089/10755530260128014
</a>
I use it in Sinus Rinses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.learningherbs.com/natural_remedy_sinus_infection.html
">http://www.learningherbs.com/n..._sinus_infection.html
</a>
General Uses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/grapefruit.html">http://www.geocities.com/HotSp...a/4415/grapefruit.html</a>

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

Where do I buy walnut oil? I have never heard of it. I can definately vacuum the wood first.

For steam cleaning carpets, does your doctor feel that professional steam cleaners are okay? I am thinking Stanley Steamer.

I agree that living in a bubble is much better than living sick or living in a hospital!


Here are a couple of GSE Links from my bookmarks:

The Effectiveness of Processed Grapefruit-Seed Extract as An Antibacterial Agent
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128014
">http://www.liebertonline.com/d...089/10755530260128014
</a>
I use it in Sinus Rinses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.learningherbs.com/natural_remedy_sinus_infection.html
">http://www.learningherbs.com/n..._sinus_infection.html
</a>
General Uses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/grapefruit.html">http://www.geocities.com/HotSp...a/4415/grapefruit.html</a>

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

Where do I buy walnut oil? I have never heard of it. I can definately vacuum the wood first.

For steam cleaning carpets, does your doctor feel that professional steam cleaners are okay? I am thinking Stanley Steamer.

I agree that living in a bubble is much better than living sick or living in a hospital!


Here are a couple of GSE Links from my bookmarks:

The Effectiveness of Processed Grapefruit-Seed Extract as An Antibacterial Agent
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128014
">http://www.liebertonline.com/d...089/10755530260128014
</a>
I use it in Sinus Rinses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.learningherbs.com/natural_remedy_sinus_infection.html
">http://www.learningherbs.com/n..._sinus_infection.html
</a>
General Uses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/grapefruit.html">http://www.geocities.com/HotSp...a/4415/grapefruit.html</a>

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

Where do I buy walnut oil? I have never heard of it. I can definately vacuum the wood first.

For steam cleaning carpets, does your doctor feel that professional steam cleaners are okay? I am thinking Stanley Steamer.

I agree that living in a bubble is much better than living sick or living in a hospital!


Here are a couple of GSE Links from my bookmarks:

The Effectiveness of Processed Grapefruit-Seed Extract as An Antibacterial Agent
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128014
">http://www.liebertonline.com/d...089/10755530260128014
</a>
I use it in Sinus Rinses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.learningherbs.com/natural_remedy_sinus_infection.html
">http://www.learningherbs.com/n..._sinus_infection.html
</a>
General Uses:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/grapefruit.html">http://www.geocities.com/HotSp...a/4415/grapefruit.html</a>

grassisgreener · Dec 7, 2008

Where do I buy walnut oil? I have never heard of it. I can definately vacuum the wood first.
 
 For steam cleaning carpets, does your doctor feel that professional steam cleaners are okay? I am thinking Stanley Steamer.
 
 I agree that living in a bubble is much better than living sick or living in a hospital!
 
 
 Here are a couple of GSE Links from my bookmarks:
 
 The Effectiveness of Processed Grapefruit-Seed Extract as An Antibacterial Agent
 <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10755530260128014
">http://www.liebertonline.com/d...089/10755530260128014
</a> 
 I use it in Sinus Rinses:
 <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.learningherbs.com/natural_remedy_sinus_infection.html
">http://www.learningherbs.com/n..._sinus_infection.html
</a> 
 General Uses:
 <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4415/grapefruit.html">http://www.geocities.com/HotSp...a/4415/grapefruit.html</a>

Nightwriter · Dec 8, 2008

Hi Grassisgreener,

I changed my post above, because I had it wrong on using walnut oil for the purpose that you want to use it for. And I want to make sure I got it right. I like SarahProctor's post about BioKleen -- the products sounded interesting to me.

I read your all the articles that you linked. In the one that is a research paper, I noticed that GSE worked well on gram positive bacteria, not so well on gram negative bacteria. Pseudomonas is gram negative. So I guess it depends on what you're trying to accomplish in using GSE. But the articles are very informative. Thank you for posting.

Professional steam cleaning is what I used when I had carpets. The steam is supposed to kill everything. And I don't know if there is a suitable alternative.

Just for your info, sinse you mentioned GSE in a nasal rinse. I asked my doctor about putting natural antibacterial substances in the nasal rinse. She said that sterile water and saline is enough, without adding anything. But that's just in my world. Your information may be diffferent. I also worry about some products' purity these days.

Nightwriter · Dec 8, 2008

Hi Grassisgreener,

I changed my post above, because I had it wrong on using walnut oil for the purpose that you want to use it for. And I want to make sure I got it right. I like SarahProctor's post about BioKleen -- the products sounded interesting to me.

I read your all the articles that you linked. In the one that is a research paper, I noticed that GSE worked well on gram positive bacteria, not so well on gram negative bacteria. Pseudomonas is gram negative. So I guess it depends on what you're trying to accomplish in using GSE. But the articles are very informative. Thank you for posting.

Professional steam cleaning is what I used when I had carpets. The steam is supposed to kill everything. And I don't know if there is a suitable alternative.

Just for your info, sinse you mentioned GSE in a nasal rinse. I asked my doctor about putting natural antibacterial substances in the nasal rinse. She said that sterile water and saline is enough, without adding anything. But that's just in my world. Your information may be diffferent. I also worry about some products' purity these days.

Nightwriter · Dec 8, 2008

Hi Grassisgreener,

I changed my post above, because I had it wrong on using walnut oil for the purpose that you want to use it for. And I want to make sure I got it right. I like SarahProctor's post about BioKleen -- the products sounded interesting to me.

I read your all the articles that you linked. In the one that is a research paper, I noticed that GSE worked well on gram positive bacteria, not so well on gram negative bacteria. Pseudomonas is gram negative. So I guess it depends on what you're trying to accomplish in using GSE. But the articles are very informative. Thank you for posting.

Professional steam cleaning is what I used when I had carpets. The steam is supposed to kill everything. And I don't know if there is a suitable alternative.

Just for your info, sinse you mentioned GSE in a nasal rinse. I asked my doctor about putting natural antibacterial substances in the nasal rinse. She said that sterile water and saline is enough, without adding anything. But that's just in my world. Your information may be diffferent. I also worry about some products' purity these days.

Nightwriter · Dec 8, 2008

Hi Grassisgreener,

I changed my post above, because I had it wrong on using walnut oil for the purpose that you want to use it for. And I want to make sure I got it right. I like SarahProctor's post about BioKleen -- the products sounded interesting to me.

I read your all the articles that you linked. In the one that is a research paper, I noticed that GSE worked well on gram positive bacteria, not so well on gram negative bacteria. Pseudomonas is gram negative. So I guess it depends on what you're trying to accomplish in using GSE. But the articles are very informative. Thank you for posting.

Professional steam cleaning is what I used when I had carpets. The steam is supposed to kill everything. And I don't know if there is a suitable alternative.

Just for your info, sinse you mentioned GSE in a nasal rinse. I asked my doctor about putting natural antibacterial substances in the nasal rinse. She said that sterile water and saline is enough, without adding anything. But that's just in my world. Your information may be diffferent. I also worry about some products' purity these days.

Nightwriter · Dec 8, 2008

Hi Grassisgreener,
 
 I changed my post above, because I had it wrong on using walnut oil for the purpose that you want to use it for. And I want to make sure I got it right. I like SarahProctor's post about BioKleen -- the products sounded interesting to me.
 
 I read your all the articles that you linked. In the one that is a research paper, I noticed that GSE worked well on gram positive bacteria, not so well on gram negative bacteria. Pseudomonas is gram negative. So I guess it depends on what you're trying to accomplish in using GSE. But the articles are very informative. Thank you for posting.
 
 Professional steam cleaning is what I used when I had carpets. The steam is supposed to kill everything. And I don't know if there is a suitable alternative.
 
 Just for your info, sinse you mentioned GSE in a nasal rinse. I asked my doctor about putting natural antibacterial substances in the nasal rinse. She said that sterile water and saline is enough, without adding anything. But that's just in my world. Your information may be diffferent. I also worry about some products' purity these days.

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