Disinfecting Sponges and Scrubbing Pads

Did you know that there are more germs in your kitchen than there are in the bathroom! Gross!
Even the cleanest looking kitchen can be crawling with "nasties" like E. coli and salmonella. It's easy to spread these pathogens without even knowing it. Because sponges and dishcloths contain the two essential elements to sustain microbial life--water and nutrients--they're ideal habitats for viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. These pathogens are then unwittingly spread by using the same sponges and dishcloths to wipe down counters, stove tops, tabletops and other surfaces.

Researchers from the University of Florida in Gainesville conducted a novel experiment, the results of which were published in a 2006 issue of the Journal of Environmental Health. The researchers soaked sponges and scrubbing pads in a raw waste water containing a witch's brew of viruses, fecal bacteria, protozoan parasites and bacterial spores, including one especially hard to kill spore: Bacillus cereus. Then they tested the ability of the common microwave oven to destroy these pathogens.

The results were conclusive: Just two minutes of microwaving damp sponges and scrubbing pads at full power was enough to inactivate more than 99 percent of the pathogens. But 4 minutes of microwaving was required to inactivate Bacilus cereus, which is similar to the protozoan cysts and oochsts the cause giardiasis, a common gastrointestinal infection.

"People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave," says lead researcher Gabriel Bitton, Ph.D. "The microwave is a very powerful and inexpensive tool for sterilization." He recommends microwaving sponges according to how often you cook, with every other day being a good rule of thumb.

ATTENTION: The sponges must be completely WET when placing in the microwave. Placing a dry sponge or scrubbie in your microwave will cause them to catch fire!!! Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most sterilization. Sponges should have no metallic content.

Adapted from 4 Weeks to Maximum Immunity, by the editors of Prevention (Rodale, 2008)

Cleaning the Toilet Naturally

Supplies for cleaning the toilet:

Toilet bowl brush
Rag or paper towels
Old toothbrush
Scouring Mixture
Vinegar & Water Mixture


Mix equal parts of:
Borax
Baking Soda
Salt
(Optional) 10-20 drops of essential oil (cloves, pine, lemon) and mix well
Put mixture into a shaker bottle (like a clean Parmesan Cheese container).

Mix equal parts of:
Water
Vinegar
(Optional) 7-10 drops tea tree essential oil
Mix this solution in a spray bottle.

1. Pour a bucket of water into the toilet bowl to rid it of excess water.
2. Spray Vinegar and Water solution inside toilet bowl and under rim.
3. Sprinkle your scouring mixture under rim and around the bowl of the toilet.
4. Spray vinegar and water on top of rim and under the seat. Put seat down.
5. Spray top of seat and bottom of lid. Close lid.
6. Spray top of lid, the hinges, small flat area of porcelain, top of tank and handle.
7. Spray around bottom base of toilet.

Now you're ready for the fun part!

1. Take your rag or paper towels and wipe dry the top of the tank, the handle and the tank of the toilet.
2. Use your toothbrush where needed, like around the hinges.
3. Wipe the porcelain, the hinges and the top of the lid dry. Raise the lid.
4. Again, use your toothbrush around the rubber bumpers and hinges.
5. Wipe clean and dry the lid bottom and seat. Raise seat.
6. Use toothbrush where needed.
7. Spray toilet brush with vinegar and water.
8. Scrub inside of bowl and under rim working your way around and down the bowl.
9. Shake excess water off the brush into the bowl.
10. Flush toilet. Check for any spots you might have missed.
11. Wipe clean and dry. Close seat and lid.
12. Use your toothbrush around plastic caps on base of toilet and around where the toilet meets the floor.
13. Wipe and dry the outside base of the toilet down to the floor.
14. While you are already down on the floor, wipe the floor behind and around the toilet.

Natural All Purpose Cleaner

Natural All Purpose Cleaner:

16 oz. bottle

Spring Fresh Blend:

2 Tbsp. natural dish soap (find one that has coconut as one of the ingredients; it gives surfaces a shine)
6 drops eucalyptus
6 drops lavender
2-3 drops peppermint
6 drops rosemary
2-3 drops tea tree oil
Distilled water (tap water will cause streaking)

Tea Tree: a natural antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
Rosemary: antiviral
Peppermint: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
Lavender: antiviral, antifungal
Eucalyptus: antiseptic, antiviral

Learn more at our website www.lavenderthymecleaning.com