I've just about finished replacing my chemicals with natural cleaners

[Muffy]

So where do i get the 'real' ones?

[Hollybolly]

RR - I always buy mine from coles or woolworths... in coles they're in the aisle with the candles, & kids party stuff etc.
I think in woolworths they're in the aisles with the health food/natural foods... but I have major pregnancy brain at the moment, so it could be the other way around!

You can but them at shops like Living Energies etc but you'll pay a fortune for them

[Astrid]

In the toiletries section of Coles. There is ecualyptus oil, lavender and tea tree Think with the vaporiser stuff. If not go to a Chemist or health food store. Zest down near Swintons has them as well.

[Muffy]

Thanks!!
I found that, Yes, the coles brand bi-carb is alot cheaper than the brand name stuff

[CrazyLady]

Just a quick question with the lavender oil etc... is it ok to buy the ones from the "cheap" shops like $2 shop etc..?
Also, what is best to clean carpets with and get them smelling fresh?

Those oils are downright nasty. I put a cheap lavendar one in my bath one time and it BURNT my skin. I get the wollies ones.

Also carpets, last house had carpet everywhere and i hate the smell of carpet no matter what. I used to sprinkle bicarb and leave about 30 mins then vacuum it. well i figured you put a container of it in the fridge to stop it smelling so why not. Just make sure the vacuum is empty prior for good suckage.

[Peg]

So where do i get the 'real' ones?

i recently got some lemongrass essential oil from a local chemist... smells great and only cost $10

try chemists or the health food shops, but avoid the $2 shops

[somewoman]

I found a place called aroma fizz that sells large bottles of oil - 100ml and 200ml sizes. You can buy packs of clove, lavendar, orange and lemon oil for really good prices. Much more convenient than smaller bottles from the supermarket.

Orange, lemon and lavendar make an awesome smelling mix for floors!! DH hates it, but that's his problem

btw - they also have an ebay store. Looking at it now there's another seller called nakedpress who does even larger quantities at awesome prices, and much bigger range. 1L of lemon oil for $40ish including delivery!! w00t

[skeetaboat]

Ooh loving the info, thanks ladies!

[somewoman]

Does anybody have a tried and tested recipe for a homemade insecticide? I know that spiders HATE lemon oil and have plans to treat all windows and doors at our new home with this, but is there anything else that people use and love?

[Fleur]

I use eucalyptus on my benchtops (you do have to be careful as it is toxic) I just add a tiny dash to my vinegar spray, seems to deter ****roaches etc.

[somewoman]

So just a bottle full of plain ol' white vinegar and a few drops of eucalyptus oil? Sounds too easy! And certainly much healthier for my family than the mortein surface spray!! =)

[Fleur]

Yup, I do about 2/3 vinegar to 1/3 water with a few drops of eucalyptus for surfaces, bin, cupboard doors etc & plain vinegar 100% for Pie's highchair and stuff which goes in her mouth.
Much nicer

[somewoman]

rockin'! Thanks =)

[Ryatha]

Does that work with flies too? We are inundated with them at the moment and it is gross. any suggestions for a natural fly deterrant would be great!

[JLeigh29]

I know it's slightly off topic, but I bought some more cleaning vinegar today and it's more than 2 1/2 times more expensive to buy 'cleaning vinegar' than it is to buy regular white vinegar in the food aisle - and they are exactly the same! Hope that helps...

[alioops]

I know it's slightly off topic, but I bought some more cleaning vinegar today and it's more than 2 1/2 times more expensive to buy 'cleaning vinegar' than it is to buy regular white vinegar in the food aisle - and they are exactly the same! Hope that helps...

I just by the stuff in the food aisle

[Fleur]

I just buy the regular vinegar... I didn't even know there was such a thing as cleaning vinegar

Ryatha, I don't know about flies, but I imagine they wouldn't like it much... couldn't hurt to try it

[somewoman]

The cleaning vinegar should be cheaper!! It's basically just non-food-grade version of the same thing. They can't sell it to eat, so they sell it as cleaning supplies. Last time I bought it, it was half the cost of food grade. I guess they've upped the price due to more people interested in natural and DIY cleaners...

Madness!!