A Green Cleaning Kit

We are frequently asked by our clients how can they save money on their green cleaning supplies. Creating a luxurious green cleaning kit is an exquisite change from conventional products where the only sense of well-being comes from, well, having a clean environment. Or so one thinks... Generally, household cleaning with chemicals is quite an oxymoron. Think about it, cleaning while leaving chemical toxins behind, cleaning while obnoxious odors linger, cleaning while leaving build up and residue from the hardy strata of waxes, cleansers and gel like formulas. You may or may not see them with the naked eye, but they are there –as it is part of their working methodology to create a chemical barrier.

The green cleaning kit featured here creates a sense of well-being beyond the clean as it is non-toxic to children and pets as well as individuals with allergies or sensitive immune systems. The properties of the included essential oils ensures a boost of sanitizing power, a lift of the spirits and a luxurious aroma for a fraction of the price of purchased equivalents.

Vinegar, while it is not suitable for use on all surfaces, has been shown to have quite an impressive impact on eliminating viruses and bacteria on surfaces - "an astounding 80- 99% kill rate". Do not use vinegar on sealed and polished stone surfaces as it will break down the luster and seal. Better to use microfiber mops and cloths for that task.

The luxurious green kit that follows is one that I have given on various occasions. I also include a gift certificate for a service that would be appreciated. Whether it is for a window cleaning service, or an awning cleaning service, of course in my case, I can easily include a carpet, upholstery, air duct or dryer vent cleaning service. But sometimes depending on the need, I try to go out of my sphere, as it is a wonderful gesture to support your colleagues, for then it becomes a gift that radiates good will en masse.

When giving the basket, it is a nice and encouraging gesture to create attractive labels for each of the bottles with the Name of the Solution and all the ingredients should be listed recipe style. A Beautiful Fabric Ribbon tied around the handle of the basket with a few sprigs of lavender or whatever is fresh and gorgeous makes an elegant finishing touch for this luxurious green cleaning basket.

~ How To Make A Luxurious Green Cleaning Kit ~

Supplies

A compartmentalized woven or molded basket
3 Spray Bottles with the easy on the hand trigger
2 Glass Jars with wide mouths preferably like the canning or storage type with the rubber seals and the fold over locking mechanism
Baking Soda
White Distilled Vinegar
Vegetable Glycerin, naturally extends shelf life for the creamy cleanser
Tea Tree Oil
Plant Based Liquid detergent from BioKleen or any eco-friendly favorites
Essential Oils such as Lavender, Grapefruit, Mint, Geranium, Thyme, Rosemary, Citrus of your liking
Pure Vanilla Extract
Microfiber Cloths
Brush
Microfiber Squeegee
For the Air Fresher distilled water is required

General Use Spray Cleaner

2 cups hot water
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda or washing soda
2 tablespoons of eco-friendly liquid soap
2 teaspoons of tea tree oil
2 teaspoons of lavender essential oil or any of the above combinations
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle

Window Cleaner

2 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
2 or 3 small drops of eco-friendly liquid detergent
2 teaspoons of Lavender essential oil
2 teaspoons of Rosemary essential oil
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle

Furniture Polish

1 teaspoon of almond oil (olive oil will go rancid)
1/2 cup of vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lavender essential oil (citrus oils are not really desirable for this one)
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar with tight fitting lid. Use sparingly on a soft cloth and wipe very well

Cream Cleanser

1 cup baking soda
2 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin
2 teaspoons of grapefruit essential oil
2 teaspoons of mint essential oil or any of the above combinations
Add 1/4 cup or so of eco-friendly liquid detergent while whisking mixture into a mouse like texture
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and scoop into a tight fitting glass jar

Air Fresher

1/4 cup baking soda
distilled water - fill to the top of the bottle
8 - 10 drops of pure vanilla extract, you can also use other pure extracts of your choice
Mix the ingredients in a plastic spray bottle

A few of my favorite sources for this kit are:

http://www.casabella.com

http://www.originalswissaromatics.com

http://www.picnic-basket.com - Tivoli Market Basket