18 FLOURISH • SPRING 2014
fragrance oils) from companies like Bio-
Kleen and Marin-based EO. Use baking
soda to absorb odors and a combination
of vinegar, lemon juice and hot water to
deodorize. And if you want your home to
smell like flowers, dip a cotton ball in es-
sential oil or display a fresh bouquet from
the farmers market.
Don't Mask Mold – Eradicate it
Contrary to popular belief, bleach has
little effect on common mold found in
the kitchen or bathroom. So why expose
yourself and your family to chlorine
fumes? Instead, spray the affected area
with a solution of one teaspoon Borax
powder diluted in one quart of water
plus two tablespoons vinegar, then scrub.
Proper caulking (non-toxic, of course), as
well as regular upkeep, can help keep the
problem in check.
Highly toxic black mold, on the
other hand, needs a more aggressive ap-
proach—one that, again, does not involve
bleach.
"The presence of black mold often sig-
nals serious problems like faulty construc-
tion, improperly hung windows or leak-
ing pipes," says Greer. "If you see black
mold or notice a persistent mildewy smell
in your house, contact an experienced,
green-certified mold abatement specialist
immediately."
Devour Dust
Most houses are filled with micro-
scopic particles from the pollen your dog
dragged in, the flame retardant in your
furniture cushions and the waste of dust
Call now for a FREE, no-obligation estimate.
415-479-6243
When You Signup for Regular Cleaning
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TH
Beth shares the products she uses for a healthier cleaning supply kit.
