Homeowner Forum / Cleaning / August 2007

For some reason I am revolted by perfumed consumer products and it
irritates the hell out of me that I can't find any cleaning or
personal hygiene products that aren't overloaded with synthetic
fragrances.  Now I try to make my own semi-homemade cleaning

   I think the extractor fan in my kitchen hasn't been working too well as
I've begun to notice that during cooking, smoke/steam drifts over to the
dining area and deposits a sticky residue over everything. This is
particularly problematic on chair upholstery and I'd rather ask ...

I have been given a small steaming machine for the purposes of cleaning. I
am not impressed. I found it hard to hold away from my face, the steam was
not strong enough to remove any stains and I had to refill twice just to run
it over a small kitchen floor and part of a wall.

my works toilet has been blocked by an inconsiderate customer. I have poked
a bendy implement down there but when I flush,  the water and other
unmentionables won't go away, the water then drains very slowly leaving the
mess in the pan. I tried to get a plumber in but no one is ...

would like to know more about how this was done--dry cleaner would not
elaborate--i have a strong background in chemistry
got grease stain oncotton spandex tee shirt--grease was not silicone based
as usual i used oven cleaner to turn the grease into soap--it took out the

I'll go through the closets, remove all the unused wire hangers and
take them to the laundry. I carefully hang them on a gas pipe. So,
when I remove the clothes from the dryer, or from the washer to hang
dry, I just reach up and grab a hanger.

We are searching for health-friendly ways of cleaning the bathroom.
Chlorine bleach is effective and cheap, but not good for the lungs.
The local hippie store has some Super-Dee-Doo-Dah that is organically
blessed by a certified Deadhead -- however, it is out of our price

Can someone recommend an indoor plant that will noticeably help to
freshen the air?
Thank you,
Ted Shoemaker