Tuesday Tips- Safe chemicals

1. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect. It kills germs on contact and doesn't leave any residue behind since it breaks down into hydrogen and water. It is great to clean shallow wounds or scratches as it does not sting. It will also clear up any sores in your mouth if you swish and spit a tablespoon. Do not swallow. It is a wonderful cleaning solution that does not require any scrubbing, the bubbles do it for you. Just soak items in a bowl of it to sanitize them.

2. Boric acid is a wonderful insecticide. It is not nearly as dangerous as commercialized insect killers and it remains active for many years! It kills many bugs including ants and roaches and prevents mold growth and wood rot.  The best way to treat for roaches with it is to drill a hole between each stud in your walls and put several tablespoons in each hole then spackle the walls back up. The roaches will not come back for 8 years, even if your neighbors have an infestation. It should not be inhaled or eaten so put it out of the way of children and pets. I put it under my dishwasher and fridge and behind my washer and dryer.

3. Baking soda is a great cleaner as well. It is completely safe (you can eat it), it has whitening and abrasive powers, and it pulls out odors. Besides that, it is super cheap! You can use it everywhere- clothes, carpets, bathtubs, hair, sink drains, barbecue grills, pets- it's amazing. Baking soda has many heath uses too; as an antacid, sports drink, cure for diaper rash, bug bites, and poison ivy. Look here for more uses!

4. Vinegar is great for cleaning and several health issues as well. It is completely safe, but doesn't always smell so great. It is safe for almost every surface in your house in diluted solutions. A comprehensive list of vinegar uses is here. It can be used to clean bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, and cars. It has many health and beauty uses, and will repel bugs.

Tuesday Tips!

Here are some helpful tips that my nursing career has taught me:


Hydrogen peroxide will remove blood from clothing. Just pour it on your garment before washing and scrub it around. The blood will be dissolved by the bubbles!

If someone is unable to get around well then fold a twin sheet in half and place it under them before they sit or lie down. Then you can pull on the sheet to move them rather than pulling on them. Be sure to smooth out the wrinkles by firmly tugging on the sheet after their weight is on it; it will be much more comfortable!

If you are going to have a procedure done that will require an intravenous line ("I.V."), then shave your arms before going in. Often the most painful part of an I.V. is the tape! Often they will have "paper tape" which is not as sticky and will not pull off fragile skin- just ask for it!

Finally, the cheapest place in Tulsa to buy medicines is Genscripts Pharmacy (http://www.genscripts.com/). They have medications at half the price, ten cent maintenance medications, and free antibiotics! They also have a delivery program. Reasor's (http://www.reasors.com/healthwell/pharmacy_hlth.php) also has free antibiotics to help our community!