Something smells fishy!!!

The fridge from the outside...nice huh!!

'

OKay so you all should know by now that I am not only making and selling the worlds most wonderful dryerballs that save you money and time...but I am now distributing NATURE DIRECT(loved it so much at home...and was raving about it so much on tumblemonkey that I decided to give it a go) AND as you know through my reviews ...I often test run products to see just how well they really work...for me a product can be non-toxic BUT it has to get the job done the first time too...no double handling for this little chicken!!! And for me at the moment ...it is fast becoming all about efficency and getting the job done right..the first time..

So yesterday I washed my fridge...it was getting to the point that even my kids were complaining that it was a bit smelly (we always have garlic sausages or something from my croatian father-in-law...thanks Zeljko...I promise i am not complaining!!)

Usually I have to literally set aside an hour or so to do this job...and I hate it..I fill the sink with hot soapy water and then pull it all apart one shelf at a time...I then sometimes wash down with vanilla essence..or do the hot water and essence..or even lemon juice thing to get rid of odours (which to be honest still hang around no matter what I use...

This is the crime scene...

Wine spilt last week...which got me thinking it was time to clean!!

Bottom shelf...oh okay..it has been like this for a bout a month!!!

The mouthguard...sprayed it on, left it for 5 minutes ..tadaaaa!!!!

But this time I grabbed my tough guy microfibre and my spray and wipe and went to work..didnt pull anything shelves out or battle with the crisper like I usually do..I just sprayed and wiped..literally..i went over the shelves with a spray of the enivromist and all the smells are gone...clean..buffed and wonderfull...no smelly wiff when you open the door...and there is alot to say about a the fact that there are no toxic chemicals being on the shelves that  store the main bulk of all our families food...

Yes I could have done it with bicarb and vinegar (and had to deal with that annoying powdery residue)..but you know what I havent got the time at the moment...I am sooo busy with tumblemonkey dryerballs and NATURE DIRECT I would rather get it done quickly and move on!!!

Now as said I am selling the stuff...but I will not suffer fools...and if it wasnt doing the job..I would not choose to review it...Enviromist is one of the most excting products in the range from Nature DIrect...I used it to sanitize my 10 year old daughter's mouthguard ( my youngest daughter who is sick decided to try it on for size)..I also sprayed it on the bed and pillows to freshen them up (I usually use BOSISTOS), I sanitized the bread board...and also sprayed it into the  container that housed the spicey garlic sausages...man is that smelly!!) 

To Mop or not to mop... that is the question! Nature Direct Mop

NATURE DIRECT

To set the scene..I am not a mop person..I dont tend to wash my floors..and after damaging the wooden floorboards with a steam mop..I am really pretty unexcited about cleaning my floor. I sweep (have stopped vacuuming in a big way because at first the vacuum broke, but then once fixed I think it was actually making my husband and daughters asthma/allergic reactions worse.They seemed to have an episode around the time I had vacuumed. Mopping seems to collect sooo much more dust...I cannot believe how much I picked up the first time I mopped the house...where was it all hiding???I tell you what...Grandma was onto something with this cleaning method (except she didnt have microfibre like we do)!

So I got a chance to try the NATURE DIRECT Mop system...for a good week...I don't have the glass cleaning head (which seems like a fabulous idea in summer and for my huge double hung windows...and even maybe the car? 

I did try the mop in my spa bath but I think the glass cleaner head would be much more suited)  I have the microfibre head (of which you get 2 with the system) and some of the SUPER STRENGTH CONCENTRATE (of which you only need 5ml per bucket)

Giving it a whirl in my spa (pardon the pun)

The mop system comes with a heap of products included that all make the process a breeze...the most exciting inclusion with the pack I reckon is the 'tough guy' microfibre cloth..which happens to be my favourite microfibre amongst all the microfibres I have at home....including mits....it is just a great size, feels tough enough to do anything, I like the dark grey colour because it doesnt show stains and it is nearly 1/4 of the price of the more expensive microfibres)

When I first heard that it was more than $100... I was a little crest fallen and so determined to not buy it that I actually thought...I WILL TRY THE MOP, WRITE AN HONEST REVIEW...BUT I WILL NOT BE BUYING IT. I was not going to spend that much money on a mop...but things have changed...and I realised the buy the mop meant I was getting so much more.

When you are buying this mop you are buying a quick simple solution to cleaning your floors...no more of this getting the bucket and trying to jam the rectangular shaped mophead into a round bucket. No more taking the microfibre head on and off of the mop everytime you use it (this is what my mum has been doing...she is now buying one of these too!!) You just fill the bucket to the recommended height, pour in 5ml of the Superstrength and away you go....and when you are finished you just click off the head to wash in the machine (Note: You will need a laundry bag to stop the microfibre collecting more dirt when it is in your washing machine...that thing will collect anything it touches!!!)

So lets talk mechanics first.

The handle is lightweight..made from aluminium..so even my mum can push it down to spin using one hand with ease. The handle can be left to spin..or anchored so it won't spin...but I like the fact that it moves with me when I am swishing the mop from side to side...and it is one extra step I dont need! 

Here is the scoopy bit you can settle your foot into

The bucket has a great scoopy bit where you can put your foot to push it around...so you don't have to lift it every time (although the white handle is very robust and you feel like it could lift triple the weight) You don't need a lot of water in the bucket ...so you can easily move it without straining your back.

Getting into the corners with the round head works really well!

The round head gets into the corners with ease..I thought this might be its downfall..but I think it takes corners even better than a square mop...the longer microfibre fingers reach right in and scoop out all the dirt. 

Life it off the floor and it will double as a really effective broom for sweeping up the big bits first!

I love the longer fibres as you can hold it slightly above the ground and swish it like a broom t to collect all the larger bits and pieces (like the old footy cards, leggo and hair ties)...sweep them into a corner and then start mopping.

Click it with your foot and it will swivel down so you can get under things like couches and tables

I love that you can click it down with your foot...so it will reach under tables and chairs easily...I hate under my kitchen table...it is always dirty and getting the vacuum in or the broom is awkward..this mop seemed to do it with ease! (it almost does away with the need for my ENYO stick (which is one of my favourite finds of the year)

Hard sticky bits just squirt the SUPERSTRENGTH, leave it for a few minutes then mop away

It wont move stickers...but hey...I can cope with that as long as my floorboards are protected (poor old things...they have been traumatised by my steam mop!!)

Here is the SUPERSTRENGTH in action

It doesnt pick up stickers like a steam mop does..but as I have said the steam mop has really done a number on my floor so I am happy to use a fingernail for this one. When you come across hard sticky bits just squirt the SuperStrength on to the sticky bits ...let it sit there for a few minutes penetrating and then mop a little harder to mop it away. 

The one big thing I have learn about microfibre is that it will HOLD the dirt till it is washed in warm water...so microfibre mops are the only way to fly in my book.

The other fantastic benefit of using this mop is that you dont have to evacuate your home for 2 hours while the floors dry...or stand in the corner that you have mopped yourself into OR dance around the room with an old towel balancing like a monkey..the floor drys really quickly because of the swishy salad spinner effect of the bucket and the cleverness of microfibre. I did find the tiles dry a little slower...I guess that depends upon your tiles...but certainly still alot quicker than the traditional mops.

I have tried the cheaper SABCO, and at first, for the price, I was sure that was the one for me. BUT having a bucket to fit the mop, that removes all the excess water seems necessary now...and all the extra product that come with the mop make it well worth the price. 

Microfibre Cloths Rule!

So from what I understand microfiber is actually synthetic fibers...it is like flys legs...lots of tiny little sticks sticking out. Unlike ordinary cleaning products, that only move or push dirt and dust from one point to another, microfiber cleaning products lift the dirt from the surface and store the particles in the cloth until it is washed. When it is placed in a warm to hot wash, the fiber opens up and releases the dirt into the water. After a few years these little sticks snap off or get damaged and don’t work as well...this is why you should be careful when laundering your microfiber. Also after a few years you need to replace them as the little sticks snap off and all you are basically pushing around is plastic...the microfibers no longer catch as much as their surface is damaged.  

AND not all microfibers have been created equal… I now have an ENYO, A NORWEX, A NATURE DIRECT, a SABCO and even some of the cheap no name brand ones...and I have to say there is a difference.

My collection of microfiber and cleaning products I do love having a huge range of them… I now have a glass cleaner and a bathtub cleaner in both laundrys and in my kitchen I have a few that i can just grab and use then throw into the wash again. I have a few ENYO mitts...and yes they are lovely colored and work really well...I really don't LOVE the mitt thing...it gets wet then sloppy on my hand and in my opinion, when comparing them all...they work no better than my NATURE DIRECT Tough Guy...which is nearly 1/3 of the price. Nature Direct have a wonderful, reasonably priced quality microfiber range that are well worth the purchase...it is amazing what you can clean with a microfiber and a bottle of SPRAY & Wipe (a non-toxic one of course)...it leaves a clean, streak free surface with no chemical residue or smell...just as easily as a bottle of toxic chemical spray & wipe and a sponge.

Great quality Norwex microfibre cloths  (especially the antibacterial one)

One of the most amazing microfiber product finds I have found is my NORWEX antibacterial for my face… apparently this is the only microfiber on the market that has silver built into it that kills the bacteria in its tracks...you have to be gentle and not overscrub... I have Rosacea ...and have done the 6 months of antibiotics and cream… only to have it return after a few weeks of stopping... so after using this microfiber I then use the NORWEX crystal deoderant (yes on my nose/face)… and I would say my rosacea on a good day is now 2/10 (as apposed to 8/10)...try it...I am amazed!!!

The ENYO Stick Another one of my wonderful microfiber finds is the ENYO 'stick' that cleans under my cupboards, dishwashers...down the side of the fridge and the walls...I have managed to score a secondhand ENYO one of these in really good nick .... and I love this one...but again I got it secondhand and never had to pay full price! Apparently SABCO do one of these as well...but they don’t last the distance like ENYO

Cleaning out the drink bottles

One job I cannot do without a microfiber now is washing inside the grimy water bottles ...I have lost soo many in the dishwasher...warped by the heat...or used hot boiling water and vinegar and a bottle brush...HARD WORK for nothing... one quick wipe with the microfiber and all the grime is gone!!! Microfiber are also great for cleaning fruit and vegies.

I find the rules of microfiber a little weird to come to terms with...although they are wonderful .... you cannot use them everywhere...like in the kitchen sink...not with food....unless you wash them straight away… or ever in the toilet or rubbish bins...but for grimy surfaces (like bathtubs and bathroom sinks)...kitchen benches and tables, marked walls they are great… even with a bit of water...hang them up to dry and they will last for ages. I haven’t had the official microfiber lesson...but I think this covers it.

My favorite microfiber...the Nature Direct
Tough Guy

So in summary I reckon you should pay for a good one (like a Nature Direct) to use as your first thing to grab in a cleaning emergency...and then buy some cheaper ones to leave in all the wet areas of your home...like SABCO from the supermarket...or even a bag of them from Bunnings. 

A SABCO 3 pack I got from
the $2 shop

Let your kids have access to them (and a good safe, non-toxic cleaning product)..and everyone is a winner!

Nature Direct Glass Cleaner

PRODUCT REVIEW

So I havent done one of these in a while...to be honest I have settled into a lovely easy cleaning system using Nature Direct...which is why i want to talk about the GREEN GLASS CLEANER...it comes as a concentrate and you make it up...as per most of the Nature Direct products. 

Nature Direct Glass Cleaner & Polisher

I have one bottle...and have only used about half of it so far (and that was at least 3 months ago)...I was a little sceptical about the need for it when I was already getting the SPRAY & WIPE product...in fact I didnt actually buy it the first time...it was given to me...and I have tried to prove myself right on several occasions when cleaning windows, glass splashbacks, mirrors etc. I start with the spray and wipe and it does an ok job...but it is true...the Glass Cleaner just does a better job at leaving a clear streak free surface...so much so that I am a bit worried about the kids running through one of our big glass doors out onto the deck it is so darn clean. I am also finding it cuts through the grease on my glass splashback behind the cooktop...I tried everything to keep that clean...bicarb and vinegar, metho, and all the chemical spray and wipes..but this is just a single spray and wipe with a microfibre (I am using the Tough guy for everything)..and it wipes away all the grease and any thicker stickier buts...love it...I am sitting here admiring it as I write this review.

Definitely add it to your wish list if you have lots of screens, windows, glass mirrors or french doors...and the best bit is the job it does on my stainless steel fridge (tried to take a pic but it wouldnt do the final job justice) 

I will be buying this one when I re-order!

Our journey into toxic free pastures

My daughter has always had eczema...and a couple of years ago she started developing asthma symptoms. The same winter my husband was given an inhaler and so too was my 2 year old daughter...I was a wreck...now the eczema had been horrible but asthma scared me and it could be life threatening!!!
I looked around and I had done all the things the experts had suggested...I had changed the linen and clothing to cotton, removed all the dusty things, vacuumed weekly, tried food restriction diets...but the one thing I realized I had been overlooking was all the chemicals we were using in our cleaning and on our bodies. 

read this wonderful resource that steps you through the possible chemicals you are exposing your child to ..all the images on this post have been borrowed from this article
http://children.webmd.com/environmental-exposure-head2toe/default.htm

I became so interested in it I immediately wanted to remove the chemicals I was washing or clothes with which kind of lead me to making and selling wool felt dryer balls...this in turn lead me to setting up my facebook page www.facebook.com/tumblemonkeyhandmade where I have been on this journey of discovery. I also found (and sell) soapnuts that are wonderfu,l natural multipurpose berries that when used, can completely remove the detergents from the clothes washing part of the cleaning...amongst many other applications.


But I was still using the PineO'cleans, Bleaches, Domestos, Glen20s to get rid of those microsopic bugs we are taught to fear and keep our house clean. I had been missing the fact that by soaking my house in all these chemicals I had been actually contributing to the poor air quality and health and well being of my family. 

The moment the penny dropped I started remembering my girlfriends home...whenever I walked into her place it always looked and smelt clean..but not clean like mine..not the PineOClean and domestos smelling clean...really clean and fresh. She had told me about Nature Direct...but to be perfectly honest when I first heard about it I wasn't ready to change...I didn't think I needed to. But here I was...now I needing something that was going to keep my home clean without chemicals...but it had to work..and be reasonably easy to incorporate into my lifestyle...with 3 kids there is not an awful lot of time to be redoing things. I decided to find out a little more about Nature Direct without spending a fortune... that is when I was introduced via Facebook to Danielle and she offered to come around and show me and my mum the products...no strings...
And I have now been using Nature Direct as the only real cleaning products in my home for a good 6 months...yes I still have the bicarbs and the vinegar moments but to be honest they are hard work...and with Nature Direct there is literally a replacement for everything..Domestos for the toilet cleaner, and rubbish bin, Spray & Wipe for the kitchen, Glen 20 for smells and odours...

I have also replaced all my soaps with wonderful products from EcoStore and am flirting with soapnut liquid recipes for this and shampoo alternatives...but I would like to do a post solely on body products so I will leave that for next time.

Is she a hippy OR is she just nuts?

I just love it when I get an innocent 'liker' on my facebook page asking "So Cath, what are soapnuts?"...I feel like a lion pouncing on them with all this information I have stored in my brain (and In my facebook photo album)...ultimately soapnuts have really changed the landscape of my cleaning choices at home (nearly as much as Nature Direct and microfibres...will blog on these in the future too!!)

Here is the info I have collected, researched and trialed at home myself on them...some of it is from my supplier, my tumblemonkey facebook likers and as said..from my practicing at home.

WHAT ARE SOAP NUTS. The berry comes from a tree, also called the "soap berry tree", is unique in that it synthesizes its own natural soap-like "saponins" (any of various plant glycosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water) that coat the shell of the fruit. When the fruits ripen and fall from the tree, the inner fruit (seeds) are removed from the outer shell, leaving the SoapNut ready to use.

WHERE CAN YOU GET SOME TO TRY? I understand that everyone is trying to sell you something new, natural or wonderful and the solution to all your problems...and although i do sell dryerballs..soapnuts are not my biggest seller...but they do deserve to be spoken about and this knowledge should be shared with sa many people as possible...so as a result of this I am only selling small sample bags...enough to let you try them in your washing machine for 4- 6 loads PLUS you can then make approximately 4 cups of multipurpose liquid from what is left over (if you want) . They can also be used with great success in your dishwasher (I have yet to work out exactly how long these last in your dishwasher..I will let you know...also replace your rinse-aid with white wine vinegar) Please email us on tumblemonkey@optusnet.com.au for a Sample Pack.  If you have always wanted to give them a go but not had the chance and would like to try some let me know...they are $3 per pouch plus postage to anywhere in australia for $1.50 

I used them in my machine for a few weeks(in the sample pack) and then decided to try making the liquid...I did read that apparently some front loaders (as they use little water) struggle with the sample packs...so the liquid is a better solution.I myself had no problem with the sample packs...but wanted to try the liquid anyway...so I added all the nuts from 2 sample packs and 6 cups of water and just gentle boiled for about 30 minutes. When finished it makes about 3 cups of liquid. I use a small shot glass of liquid per wash. 

Boiling the soapnuts and water

Cooled soapnut liquid

Here is the liquid cooled...I put it in the fridge (as it has no preservative you cannot leave it out for too long..apparently after a week it can spoil) You can put half in icecube trays...and freeze. I have left mine with a squeeze of lemon juice n the fridge...but here is some more info on preserving your liquid

Using the Barmix to froth up some liquid

Soapnut liquid concentrate (or soapnut 'juice', if you like) has approximately a 2 week shelf life on the kitchen bench, or at least a month in the refrigerator. The addition of an antibacterial oil, such as eucalyptus oil, will extend the shelf life further still. We have also had great success with citric acid (available easily from supermarkets, or at our Online Store), just use 1 teaspoon per litre. Dissolve the citric acid crystals into 2 tablespoons of hot water, then stir into the strained soapnut liquid. The liquid can also be frozen for long term storage. We like to make it as we need it, each month, and store it in a jug in the refrigerator. We fill our spray bottles and foamy bottles as we need to, and the last bit left over each month is used in our washing machine. Because this is a totally natural product, the 'juice' will eventually ferment, turning into 'soapnut wine' (though we do not recommend drinking it!).

I went ahead and made a foamy handwash using a barmix and some liquid...you can also just put the liquid into the bottle and shake it....it will froth naturally!

As a bubble bath (pics show the success)...simply add this frothy Barmixed liquid in at the start of the bath....the bubbles didnt last four an hour...but they lasted for a good 15 minutes...enough to keep the kids happy and me happy as I think this a wonderful natural,non toxic solution to a very common problem (I have searched and bought many expensive, NATURAL products that have all worked to varying degrees)...you could add a nice essential oil to make the bubble bath smell nicer.

Just one more thing I want to add...alot of people ask me what if I have a really dirty load and do they keep whites white...well the short answer to that is NO. I find that clothes can start to look a bit grey and TRADEMANS armpits don't come out sparkling fresh....BUT if you are commited to going completlely natural... for Sparkling Whites try adding 50ml of lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of citric acid to your rinse cycle per kilogram of clothing...I have also been succesfully using Lectric Soda (available at the supermarket for about $4 in your cleaning aisle as a prewash (to replace NAPISAN)

YOu can also try using half the load size with the usual quantity of soapnuts. For heavily soiled washing, use a warm to hot water wash as this will extract more saponin from your wash bag of SoapNuts, giving it a more powerful clean. This will mean, however, that your SoapNuts washbag will have to be reloaded with fresh SoapNuts after the 2nd or 3rd washload. Our supplier says to help with those stubborn stains, like grassy knees or red wine, run cold water over the stain, then cover with bi-carb soda and let it sit overnight. Wash the bi-carb soda off with cold water, then take your current washbag and (if not already wet) wet it then rub the stained area vigorously with this to form a lather. Then place the clothing into the wash as per normal. Use a cold water wash and let the load soak for extra cleanliness. I have found that you can also keep the wash bag in a jar of water between wash loads, the water can be used as a spot stain remover/pre wash liquid. It also acts as an indicator of when to reload your wash bag with fresh SoapNuts as the water will remain clear when no more saponin is being released.

Soapnuts in a meshbag for the dishwasher

Most recently I started using the soapnuts (wrapped in a mesh bag) and placed on the top draw for my dishwasher. I replaced the rinse-aid with white wine vinegar) and I am getting a wonderful, clean result...despite the FINISH adverts that claim only this product will work and not ruin your dishwasher...phewey I have used ECOSTORE really succesfully and now soapnuts...(and a handy hint...if you are still using this leading brand..halve the quantity..apparently plumbers find pipes etc all worn because the chemicals ruin the pipes)

I tried soapnuts on my hair after someone suggested it...and didnt really like it...didnt like the smell and my hair didnt feel any different to when I had got into the shower...my daughter has added some rose oil to it and is giving it a red hot go...we will see.

I also made what I call a SPIDER-SOUP using some soapnut liquid and eucalytpus oil to spray on big nasty spiderwebs.. I created this concoction to rid my back deck of spiders...I spoke recently on FB about the HUGE spiders we have in our house..and some white tails...and on our back deck we have these monster black spiders. My problem is my dad and dear husband are currently making a small working studio for me outside (will show pics another time)...and as I am going to be storing things out there...like wool etc I dont want these monster spiders making homes in it)...so I wanted something to not only get rid of the ones that are there BUT to also deter anymore from coming...I have made up a SPIDER-SOUP of soapnut liquid and eucalytpus oil...and I tell you what...IT WORKS...well IT MADE THE BIG BLACK 50 cent piece spiders drop from their homes and slowly lurch away (under the deck)...so I am hoping that keeps them at bay..and I fell great that I have not had to lace the family area with horrible chemicals to do it!!

So that is soapnuts in a coconut shell!!

Here are a heap of questions about soapnuts I may not have answered (but that my supplier has on her website)

1. Can you use soapnuts if you have a nut allergy? 

Soapnuts despite the name are NOT actually nuts: they are a berry. They are not part of the nut family and won’t cause any nut allergy.

2. How many do I need?

6-8 half soapnut shells per wash which can then be reused around 4 times. If you are using hot water they will not last as long. 

3. Will they remove stains?

They are effective at removing everyday stains but you may need to use a separate stain treatment for more stubborn ones. Why not try Lectric soda ...a natural solution of sodium carbonate (available at the supermarket for roughly $3) OR Bosistos Eucalyptus Spray

4. Can they be used for other things? 

Yes they can be used for a whole range of things. To make a liquid soap simmer 25g of soap nuts in 500ml of water for around 10 minutes - this can be used as a household cleaner or as a base for many cleaning products.

5. Are they safe to use in all machines (front and top loaders)?

Absolutely - just remember to keep them in the cotton wash bag provided (or alternatively an old sock tied at the top) to avoid the shells sticking in any filters in your machine. If the nuts have come free in the wash check your filter to ensure none have become lodged. Our supplier says some front loading washing machines use only a small amount of water, so using SoapNuts in the wash bag supplied may not give an effective clean. Instead, bring to the boil and then simmer your SoapNuts in water for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid concentrate and use this in your front loader drawer. Use 20-25 whole SoapNuts (half cup of broken pieces) to 1 litre of water. Be sure to simmer on the lowest heat or your liquid will boil and bubble over....which wouldn’t be so terrible as it would clean your stove top at the same time!

6. Can I use soapnuts in cold water?

Yes! It's best to soak the soanuts just prior to using in hot water to release the saponins. The saponins release more slowly in cold water but they still work effectively.

7. Can I use soapnuts if I have sensitive skin? 

Soap in a Nutshell soap nuts contain no chemicals so they are safe for most sensitive skins. We have in fact received some very positive reports back from customers of sensitive skin conditions having improved after using our soapnuts.