Product has been added to your cart.
Call us on
0401 417 615

Latest News & Views

Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

100% natural & chemical-free Cleaning Services for Balmain, Rozelle, Birchgrove, Lilyfield and Leichardt

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

Here at Natures Army we are just normal hard working every day women, who love having the opportunity to raise awareness about important issues that can make a world of difference to you and your families health and overall well being. We are extremely passionate about creating a healthy life style that suits your family and are sure without a doubt that you are just the same.

Using strictly non-toxic and eco-friendly products, we assure you a safe and healthy habitat for you, your children and pets. Our knowledgable, experienced professionals deliver an unsurpassed caliber of service, personal attention to detail, friendly customer service and competitive rates to help you maintain a clean healthy home. We proudly adhere to our green business model, by using only recycled bottles and materials for our 100% natural, non-toxic, cleaning formulas. We back and support our Inner West community by sourcing ingredients from local artisans and manufacturers, fair trade organisations, and through donations to causes that support our environment and the conservation of our natural resources, which in turn ensures the safety of our clients and our environment, whilst reducing our carbon footprint.

We are not here to point the finger and tell you what we think you should be doing, as you are already well aware of that. However we are committed to helping you to find the time and make an easy transition to living a cleaner healthier, natural lifestyle that suits your needs perfectly. Even the busiest of us can do the most extraordinary things, with just a few little changes.

One person alone can not change the health of mankind but we truly believe by sharing each other’s individual experiences, journeys, highs, lows, laughter and tears, reaching out to be there for each other with encouragement, inspiration and motivation, coupled with team spirit,  then we truly will be on the right path to reaching our ultimate goals, one small step at a time.

United we have a formidable power, let’s start applying it now and turn the bleak future of our planet in to one that has a brighter outcome, for all our sakes.

Come and  join our revolution and let’s start fighting to be the very best we can together, turning hardships and challenges into positives. Contact us for a no obligation quote via info@naturesarmy.com.au or 0401 417 615.

Clean like a Pro with Amanda’s Top Tips

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

I adore cleaning, finding it both therapeutic and satisfying, although I doubt everybody shares my lust and enthusiasm for household domesticity! That is why I have devised a list of handy hints and tips to save you time and effort and hopefully find a little joy in tackling the household chores.

1. Make an appointment
First, make an unbreakable appointment with yourself once a week, noting the date and time on your calendar. Decide which chores you will tackle and draw up a priority checklist and tick off the jobs once completed. Make sure you have the correct tools and equipment to address the tasks in hand.

2. Hunter gatherer
Gather together everything you will need for each individual job, placing all of the items together in a basket or cleaning caddy, to save you from running backwards and forwards expending both time and energy. I always keep a cloth tucked into my pocket or belt when mopping or vacuuming just in case I see a spot I missed earlier.

3. Clean and tidy go hand in hand
If a dirty house is tidy, it automatically gives the effect of cleanliness. However, if a clean house is untidy, it automatically gives the effect that it is dirty. In my world, to be truly clean you have to be truly tidy and vice versa; you cannot have one without the other. So before commencing your cleaning routine, ensure that you de-clutter and tidy everything away first of all.

4. Work the room
When cleaning, always begin at the dirtiest point, moving clockwise around the room in a circle, until all tasks have been accomplished and you are back where you began. By completing the toughest jobs first, you ensure you are not spreading dirt and grime, and working in a circle guarantees that you do not miss anything.

5. Upstairs downstairs and top to bottom
Start at the top of the house if possible. For instance, if cleaning a two-storey home begin with the toughest job upstairs, which is usually the bathroom or ensuite. Once these rooms are completed and you are satisfied with the results, shut the door and move on to the next room. If you are cleaning a single storey home, start at the back of the house and work toward the front. Always begin at the highest point in each room. For example, in the kitchen, set about cleaning the top shelves first and work your way down to the bottom shelves; this will stop any dust, dirt or debris from falling onto the surface you have already cleaned. Make sure all surfaces are washed down, and dusting is completed before vacuuming or mopping. Vacuuming and mopping should always be done last. A closed door signifies the room has been cleaned and tidied to your satisfaction. Shutting the door helps to stop you from wasting time and energy from going back over jobs and duplicating your efforts. I always close the door behind me and move on immediately to the next room and so on until the upper floor is finished. Once every upstairs room is completed, it is time to move downstairs and begin the process again. Start with the bathroom or kitchen depending on which one is in the worst state. Once you are satisfied with your efforts, shut the door and move on. A house full of closed doors is a job completed. Well done!

6. Bit by bit
Breaking up household chores makes them less daunting. For instance, doing a little bit of housework each day helps to keep on top of things and stops the workload from piling up, making cleaning day not quite as forbidding. If, like myself, you do not have a dishwasher, a helpful hint is to fill the sink with very hot washing up water just before preparing dinner. Then simply pop the dirty utensils, pots, plates and pans in the water as you use them, that way they will be soaking while you eat and be ready just to give a quick wash once you are finished. No matter how tired you are, aim to wash the dishes straight after dinner, then let them air dry overnight. This will save you from the dreaded washing up mountain the next day and will also give dishes time to dry naturally, leaving them clean and germ-free. Empty the bins regularly and before replacing the bin liner, put a few spare bags at the bottom of the bin, so they are always there to hand. Get into the simple habit of emptying your bins each evening and leaving them by the front door; this way you can just scoop them up and carry them out with you the next morning.

Limited disclosure on all labels

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

Did you know? Because of proprietary laws, manufacturers do not have to disclose the exact ingredients of their products or scents on their labels. Therefore, very few voluntarily choose to do so. This makes it is extremely difficult and frustrating to determine the extent of noxious chemicals contained within each product. However, certain key signal words can provide us with clues as to the exact toxicity.

DANGER, HARMFUL, POISON, CORROSIVE, CAUSTIC, CAUTION, WARNING, TOXIC, BEWARE, FIRST AID.

These are warning signs and they generally indicate that a product contains poisonous or injurious chemicals. Consequently, place all items with these words on the label into the container to dispose of later. To truly begin a life less tox-sick, you should always err on the side of caution. “If you don’t know what is in it, then bin it!” Any natural, harmless product will clearly display a full and precise list of ingredients on the label. Use the pen and paper to list each product to be replaced with a chemical free alternative.mOnly items 100% safe may be returned to their rightful place in your home.

Responsible disposal

While disposing of toxic products quickly is important, it is imperative that you do not place these volatile formulas in the dustbin or pour them down the drain or toilet bowl as they may seep toxins and heavy metals into our soils and waterways, resulting in contamination. Here are a few ways to safely dispose of these potential dangers without harming the environment:

1. Hazardous Waste Business Drop-Off Locations: Many waste businesses now accept hazardous waste materials and toxic chemical products, so you can drop off your unwanted solutions knowing that they will be safely disposed of.

2. Community Collection and Drop off Days: Local councils are increasingly offering hazardous waste and chemical collection days; collecting numerous types of chemical-based formulas and materials at one designated location.

3. Community Hazardous Waste Centres: Investigate whether your local community council has a permanent, dedicated drop-off area where hazardous waste and toxic products may be safely disposed of.

4. Hazardous Waste Pickup: It is not only dangerous to dispose of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals in bins and down drains, but it is also illegal. Many waste management companies, local environmental agencies or councils offer kerb-side pick-ups on designated dates throughout the year.

Note: Check online or with your local council as to the options available to you in your community and surrounding area.

Green Cleaning with natural Castile Soap

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

Castile soap dates to the Eastern Mediterranean, when soap manufacturers produced hard soaps from olive oil, laurel oil and lye. These soaps were known as Aleppo soap or laurel soap. It is believed the soap was transported to Europe by the crusaders in the 11th century and soon after, it’s popularity escalated throughout the Mediterranean. However, the early soap makers in Europe did not have easy access to laurel oil and it wasn’t long before it was omitted from the preparation.

Castile is a region in Spain that is extremely rich with olives, and it became a tradition for the people of Castile to produce their soap solely from 100% olive oil. The soap quickly became known as Castile soap, which is extremely kind and gentle to the skin due to its high oil content. It does not contain animal fats, harsh synthetic detergents or colourants like many other soaps, making it both eco-friendly and bio-degradable.

In bar and liquid form, Castile soap is incredibly resourceful and can be added to recipes to produce numerous creations, from natural beauty creams and lotions to cleaning formulas. Indispensable for washing, soap is a surfactant that works to loosen dirt and break down grease and grime. Castile soap is an excellent natural dishwashing detergent, free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives, and plays an essential role in any green cleaning kit. This gentle but powerful cleanser can be used in  a great many recipes, ranging from all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents to floor cleaners, and will keep your home squeaky clean from top to bottom.

True Castile soaps contain no harsh synthetic detergents, irritants, colourants or preservatives and are especially gentle to the skin and kind to our environment. There are many brands available, scented and unscented; be sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing to ensure they harbour no added nasties. My personal favourite is Dr Bronners Castile Liquid Soap. I have tried and tested various brands but keep coming back to this one. Below you can find my three favourite uses for Castile Soap:

Natural Face Wash: The best way to care for your skin is to eat healthy and to try to preserve the balance of natural oils. Using Castile soap on your face will not strip it of beneficial oils, but will remove the dirt. I recommend to mix 1.5 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of Castile soap, ½ tsp liquid oil like olive or almond and an essential oil of your choice. Tea tree and lavender are good for acne prone skin. Use lavender for mature skin or sandalwood and chamomile for dry skin.

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: I use Castile soap for grimy messes on the floor, stubborn stains or in the bathroom. It is very easy to use and considerably less expensive than other natural cleaners. Give it a try and attack those stains!

Natural Bug Spray: Keep bugs away from your plants by spraying them with a mixture of 1 tablespoon Castile soap to 4 cups of water. Don’t use a higher concentration on your plants as it will burn them.

Mirror, mirror on the wall – the natural secret to streak-free glass and mirrors

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

A house or car appears so much cleaner and brighter when the mirrors and windows are spotless. Many people shy away from this task as it can be awkward and time-consuming if not done correctly.

There are countless tips for cleaning mirrors, windows and glass. An old favourite was newspaper; however, the newspaper ink used these days tends to leave smudges and residue behind, as well as black print on light-coloured window sills and door thresholds. After thorough testing, I have found the easiest way to clean any type of glass and mirrors is with vodka and one of the glass cleaning recipes in this book. Always use a microfibre cloth designed specifically for glass as this cloth will not leave behind unwanted fibres.

First, slightly dampen the tip only of your cloth with a little vodka and use this to gently rub off any tough stains such as hairspray, makeup and toothpaste. Second, fold your cloth in half and lightly mist the mirror or window with your favourite home-made glass cleaning solution. Starting at the top left corner, work your cloth across to the opposite corner in one even flowing motion, then move backwards and forwards across the mirror in long flowing arch movements until you reach the bottom right corner of the mirror.

Repeat this action, only this time starting from the bottom left corner until you reach the top of the mirror again, finishing in the right corner, then work up and down the mirror in long flowing arch movements from the top to the bottom and then back up to the top until you have been around the full perimeter of the window or mirror. This will ensure you get right into the corners each time and do not miss any area or tricky spots. Always work quickly and use long and flowing strokes.

You should clean mirrors and glass in natural light, preferably not on a hot sunny day or under hot light bulbs as the heat will dry the cleaning solutions too quickly and cause them to streak. When examining windows and mirrors, look at them in different lights and from different angles to ensure they are sparkling and streak-free.

“Taming the Tigers” at our last “Detox your Home” event

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips


Thanks to About Life Rozelle, the West tigers players and of course everyone who took the time out to attended my “DETOX YOUR HOME” event. I enjoyed meeting you all and showing you how easy it is to make your own effective cleaning solutions using harmless everyday ingredients. Don’t forget to let me know how you get on with the recipes! Various cleaning recipes can be found here via our “Cleaning Recipes & Tips” tab.

Organic Christmas Orange and Clove Pomanders

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips


Looking to add a festive vibe to your home, without all the glitter? Orange pomander balls are quite possibly the quickest and best all-natural, great smelling, non-gaudy decoration you can make this holiday season.

You will need: 

organic oranges
dried cloves
ribbon

Using a toothpick or a fine skewer, make holes all around the orange and place a clove in each hole until completely covered. Once complete, put the oranges on a baking tray and bake on a low heat for approximately one hour, until they feel hard to the touch. Leave to cool.

Directions. When cool tie with pretty ribbon or string and hang them in the wardrobes and laundry cupboards. Pomanders not only look cute, but they are also especially effective at repelling moths and houseflies and pack a punch when it comes to freshening up drawers, cupboards, bathrooms and kitchens. The refreshing citrus fragrance and warm spicy tones are a great mix and emit a sweet, earthy scent.

Note: Always use organic or chemical free oranges for pomanders as many conventional fruit growers dye their produce to enhance their colour, which could damage delicate clothing or linen. 

Lemon glass cleaner

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips


Make windows, glass and mirrors sparkle with a little help from lemons. A simple combination of lemon juice and water reduces the need for chemical-based cleaners. You can remove unwanted spots while leaving behind a pleasant citrus scent.

½  lemon, juiced
1 cup filtered/distilled water

Pour the ingredients into a glass spray bottle and shake to combine.

Directions: Spray on mirrors, windows and glass surfaces and buff clean with a microfibre cloth.

Chrome, copper and stainless steel cleaner

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips


Stainless steel appliances look lovely, but they do show up fingerprints very easily. We thought this was a good time to share a recipe on how to clean and polish stainless steel, copper and chrome.

Ingredients
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon salt
Combine the lemon juice and salt together in a small bowl

Directions.
Dip a clean cloth into the solution and use to shine chrome taps and fixtures and fittings. This method is also effective on copper and stainless steel. Leave the mixture to work for 5 minutes, before wiping off the residue with a damp cloth and towel dry. The addition of the salt lends a slightly abrasive texture, yet the solution remains gentle enough not to scratch.

Ginger spice shake and vac

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips | Uncategorized


Ginger spice shake and vac is a powder carpet freshener which eliminates lingering, pet and cooking odours that get trapped in carpets. With this recipe you can sprinkle the mixture evenly over the carpet and vacuum thoroughly for a clean, fresh scent in minutes.

Recipe
½ cup baking soda
½ cup borax substitute
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
2 drops of ginger essential oil

Method
Mix all the ingredients together and spoon into an empty spice jar or cocoa shaker, or any other vessel with a sprinkler lid..

Instructions
This spicy deodoriser is especially effective at eliminating pet odours from carpets and rugs, leaving them feeling and smelling instantly fresher. Shake the powder over carpets or rugs and leave to work for a few hours before vacuuming clean.