ba11592e

Christmas 2024

0010609092 (PAUL BROOK) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:28:32 GMT

CHRISTMAS 2020

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:27:01 GMT

Christmas 2019

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 15:55:32 GMT

This year we will be closing the shop from 1pm on Tuesday 24th December until 8am on Thursday 2nd January. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

White Vinegar vs Rust

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:00:19 GMT

Using White Vinegar to get rid of rust.

One thing White Vinegar is exceptionally good at cleaning up, is rust.
For example, this fuel tank is from a Yamaha Chappy LB80 1981. On the outside you can see its rusting around the edges and at the opening. As you can see in the second picture, the inside of the fuel tank is completely orange with rust!

Exterior image above.
Interior image below.

We wanted to get it cleaned up ready for use. To get rid of the rust, we filled the tank to the brim with White Vinegar, covered the opening and then left it for a week. You don't need to leave it for that long, a few hours would probably be enough, it depends on how big the item you're removing the rust from and how bad it is. We knew the vinegar was having an effect almost instantly as some leaked out and it was already dirty.
After seven days, we poured out the vinegar and with a nylon bristle bottle brush, scrubbed at the inside to get rid of the rusty paste that was left on the surface.

Because White Vinegar is an acid, we used a solution of Bicarbonate of Soda and water to neutralise any residue left in the tank. (Bicarbonate of Soda is a Alkali.) 1 cup of Bicarb in a tank full of water was about right and we left it for around 10 minutes before pouring out.

The best thing to do next is to seal the inside of the tank to prevent the rust coming straight back. You could use a oil, wax or paint depending on what it is you're removing the rust from and what it's used for. As this is a fuel tank, we will find something that is safe and specific for the job.

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS 2018

0010609092 (PAUL BROOK) — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 13:41:11 GMT

Citric Acid

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:02:42 GMT

Cleaning with Citric Acid

Citric Acid is an acid found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. It is non-toxic and naturally sourced.

For cleaning purposes, Citric Acid is an excellent natural descaler.

Perfect for Kettles, Washing Machines, Dishwashers and even toilets!

Limescale is a hard chalky substance that builds up on surfaces that are often exposed to water. It is made up of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonate in the water that get left behind when it evaporates. Areas with hard water are more likely to suffer issues related to limescale build up because the water has a higher concentration of dissolved minerals.

Limescale can be easily recognised by a build-up of white deposits that can be found on the heating elements of electrical appliances such as kettles, irons, coffee machines and dishwashers.

Where water is being heated it is at a greater risk of leaving limescale as it speeds up evaporation. It can also be found on taps, showerheads, in toilets, pipes and even on tiles.

Build up of Limescale over a long period of time can result in appliances to operate poorly or even breakdown.

The best way to keep on top of limescale and the damages caused by it is to descale them regularly.

Kettles

Decscaling a kettle is really quick and easy.

Simply fill it with enough water to cover the heating components in the base, add one tablespoon of Citric Acid and boil. One time should be enough but if the limescale is stubborn you can repeat until it shifts.

Dishwashers

Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty and place one bowl of Citric Acid on the top rack and one bowl of Citric Acid on the bottom rack.

Then run the machine as you normally would, using a long and hot cycle.

The Citric Acid works its way through the internals of the machine cleaning out any limescale deposits.

One sign that your dishwasher needs a descaling is streaky or cloudy glassware after washing.

Toilets

Limescale build up in toilets tends to be brown, this is because of other minerals it comes into contact with such as iron.

To remove the limescale with Citric Acid, you first need to pour a bucket of boiling water into the bowl, wait for it to drain and repeat.

Once the water has drained again, pour in 125g of Citric Acid. The warmth from the water will help to dissolve and activate the Citric Acid.

Leave for as long as you can, at least one hour, then use a stiff brush to remove any remaining loosened limescale and flush away.

We have a great recipe for Natural Toilet Fizzers that can be used regularly to keep on top of limescale build up.

Soda Crystals

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 10:32:34 GMT

The many uses of Soda Crystals

What are Soda Crystals?

Soda Crystals is the household name given Sodium Carbonate. Also known as Soda Ash and Washing Soda. Traditionally extracted from plants growing in sodium rich soils, these days it's produced in larger quantities from Salt and Limestone.

Soda Crystals are a natural cleaning agent and are often used for many different cleaning purposes around the house. Its alkaline properties make it a great product for busting oil and grease and softening water.

10 of the endless uses for Soda Crystals

1. Maintaining clear SINKS and DRAINS - even more effective when used with White Vinegar!

2. Removing moss and algae from PATHS and PATIOS.

3. Cleaning TOILETS - without effecting aquatic life (unlike most chemical based toilet cleaners!)

4. STAIN remover on laundry and upholstery.

5. LAUNDRY booster.

6. Getting rid of TARNISH on silverware. (When used with white vinegar)

7. Cleaning BRASS and PEWTER ornaments. (when used with White Vinegar and Citric Acid)

8. Use as an alternative to sugar soap when preparing walls and woodwork before DECORATING.

9. Minimise LIMESCALE in washing machines, prolonging service life!

10. DE-GREASING cookware and appliances and removing BURNT on foodstuff.

Soda Crystal Solution Guide

Mild – 20g Soda Crystals – 500ml of water

Regular – 100g Soda Crystals – 500ml of water

Strong – 250g Soda Crystals – 500ml water

An Example

Soda Crystals can be used to clean and prepare wooden garden furniture and decking.

As an example we used Soda Crystals on an old washboard we had in need of some attention.

The picture below on the left shows the washboard before being cleaned.

The picture on the right shows the washboard looking much cleaner and ready to be oiled after being washed with a regular solution (100g cup of Soda Crystals in 500ml of hot water).

Note how the wood looks much brighter and the marks on the frame have faded dramatically (with a stronger solution they'd have completely vanished).

The glass is also looking much cleaner and clearer after a quick wipe over with the same solution.

Natural Cleaning

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:21:21 GMT

The Benefits of Cleaning with Natural Products

What are Natural Cleaning Products?

Cleaning products generally tend to be full of synthetic chemicals and additives. These chemicals and additives can trigger and irritate allergies and other health problems like asthma.

Natural cleaning products don’t contain any of these irritants and their ingredients are naturally sourced and non toxic. They are really effective at cleaning without being harmful to our health and environment.

Why Clean with Natural Ingredients?

There are so many cleaning products on the market these days that our cleaning cupboards are often overflowing and we can’t find the right product at the right time.

Using natural cleaning products is a great way to minimise how many different products you need and also comes with added benefits, like knowing exactly what the ingredients are and where they come from.

Here are some of the reasons we like using Natural Ingredients;

All natural ingredients, no additives, no synthetic chemicals, no petrochemicals, phosphate and bleach free, and biodegradable so it’s safe to use throughout the home.
Cruelty free.
Each product has multiple uses and when used together and at different strengths they create even more.
Limits the amount of different products you need to clean your whole house inside and out, taking up less space under the sink and less plastic waste going to landfill. You can store your homemade products in reusable containers.
We know they work! People have been cleaning natural products for centuries so they’ve been well and truly tried and tested!
Cost effective, all the ingredients for natural cleaners are inexpensive and last a long time, especially when you’re combing and storing them for future use.

Some of the ingredients used for Natural Cleaning;

White Vinegar
Bicarbonate of Soda
Soda Crystals
Borax Substitute
Citric Acid
Lemon Juice
Oxygen Bleach
Alcohol
Cornstarch
Soap

All of these products used alone or combined can tackle any cleaning project!

We’ll be posting about the different uses for natural ingredients in cleaning and also sharing some recipes for products we’ve tried and tested.

If you haven’t seen it already check out our post on how to make Natural Toilet Cleaning Fizzers using Bicarbonate of Soda, Citric Acid and Essential Oils. These Fizzers are effective at cleaning and deodorising the loo and freshening the bathroom at the same time!

In our shop we stock the following Natural Cleaning ingredients;
Bicarbonate of Soda (In powder, liquid and cream form)
Borax Substitute
Citric Acid
Soda Crystals ( in powder and liquid form)
Liquid Soap Flakes
White Vinegar

Wild Birds In The Cold

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:04:10 GMT

3 tips on how we can help our garden birds this winter.

It’s October and the weather is already getting drastically cooler. The leaves are changing colour and falling to the ground and the birds are looking for food and nests to keep warm.

We should always be doing our best to look after our environment and wildlife but with the incoming cold spell, it’s even more important to help provide food and shelter, especially for birds.

We've put together 3 really easy and things that you can do to help the birds out this winter;

1. Put feed out for them. Seeds, nuts, suet, fruit and insects provide high energy and protein that can help them keep healthy and can be inexpensive. A good idea is to put the food in a bird feeder and preferably up high out of the reach of any cats or other predators.

Did you grow sunflowers this year? Don’t throw out the heads! Birds will love picking the seeds out of the dried up flower!

2. Keep a supply of fresh water available, birds like to bathe regularly to look after their feathers and in the cold conditions their natural sources could freeze over leading to dehydration. A shallow bowl or tray is ideal, as garden birds are only small!

3. Offer shelter or nesting material . Any natural fibres including wool, cotton and jute can be left for birds to pick up and use to make their nests safe and warm. You could even gather up the loose pet fur that accumulates around the house and offer that to the birds. However if you are going to use pet fur, only use it if your pet has not been treated with flea treatment as this stays in the fur and can harm the birds. If you are offering wool or natural fibres in the form of string, be sure to cut it into lengths no longer that 4 inches to avoid them getting caught up and making it easier for the smaller birds to carry.

One of the ways we’ve started to care more for the local birds is by using our suet feeders to hang insect filled suet and natural jute in our garden.

Whilst you're looking after the birds don’t neglect other wildlife hiding out in your garden, like hedgehogs that may be struggling through the cold.

The RSPB have a great website with all the information you could need for when it comes to looking after the wildlife in your garden and local area.

They are also currently offering a free guide to the Wildlife In Your Garden

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/welcome-wildlife-to-your-garden/

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/

Natural Toilet Cleaning Fizzers

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 08:56:11 GMT

A simple recipe for Toilet Cleaning Fizzers using all natural ingredients!

Cleaning with natural ingredients such as White Vinegar, Citric Acid and Soda Crystals is becoming increasingly popular and we've been learning about the different products to come up with some great cleaning tips. Toilet Cleaning Fizzers are just one of the many ideas we have to share!

The great thing about these Fizzers is that they contain no harsh chemicals so are safe to use for yourself and the environment. Much like a bath bomb and including a few of the same ingredients, these will fizz and dissolve when placed in water. Being made from Bicarbonate of Soda and Citric Acid they clean and deodorise leaving your toilet clean and smelling fresh.

Just pop one down the toilet when it needs a clean or even just to freshen the air! You can even have fun changing the oils to a scent that suits you and trying out different shaped moulds!

YOU WILL NEED

1 1/3 Cups Bicarbonate Soda
1/2 Cup Citric Acid
30 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
30 drops Lemon Essential Oil
30 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1 tsp of Water
Silicone Mould (we used an ice cube tray)
Small Mixing Bowl
Small Spray Bottle – optional but makes it a lot easier!
Wooden Spoon
Gloves - wear the gloves throughout, especially if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin or have any cuts!

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the Bicarb and Citric Acid together in the bowl.
To minimise the fizzing reaction, add the drops of each essential oil to the spray bottle with 1tsp of water. (if you don’t have a spray bottle just add the wet ingredients really slowly)
Gently mist the water mix into the dry ingredients and use the spoon to mix until it sticks together well. You can test this by squeezing a small amount in your fist. If it crumbles apart you need to add more spray until it stays together.
Press the ingredients into the mould and pack in as much as you can.
Leave for a couple of hours to harden then pop out and store in an airtight jar.

It's as simple as that!

Natural Cleaning ingedients are available in our shop in Exeter

Keep an eye on this blog for more tips!

Our First Blog Post

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 14:47:35 GMT

It’s official, we have a blog!

We have finally decided to take the plunge and add a blog to our site. We have always wanted an easy way to share information about new products we sell and helpful tips on ways to use them! Keep coming back to our site and check for updates right here on the blog.