MKP Client Amy Boggs on Top Morning Show

Amy Boggs, owner of Sparkling Palaces, the only 100% green local cleaning company, makes a repeat appearance to share her green cleaning knowledge on AM NW. This show, broadcast live at 9:00am weekdays on KATU channel 2, is the top rated morning show in Portland.


AM NW producers and hosts Helen and Dave were so impressed with Amy's appearance last month, they invited her back for their Earth Week celebration this April! Check out the full clip here.

Here's the tips she shared:

Amy Boggs, owner of a local green cleaning company, joined us today with tips on how to clean without chemicals.
Here are Amy's tips:
All-Purpose Cleaner:

• Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
• Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Carpet stains:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
• For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15 - 30 minutes before vacuuming.
• For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Deodorize:

• Carpets - sprinkle with baking soda several hours before vacuuming - can also place a cotton ball with essential oil on it in the vacuum bag.
•  Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hours

Disinfectant:

• Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water.  For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap.
• Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)

To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.

Fabric softener:

• To reduce static cling, dampen your hands,
• then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier.
• Line-drying clothing is another alternative.

Stickers on walls:

• To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times
• Wait 15 minutes,
• then rub off the stickers.
• This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.

Water Rings on Wood:

• Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish.
• Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring.
• Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Stainless Steel Polish:

• Rub Stainless Steel with Baby Oil

Vacuum!

• Your carpet and rug fibers trap dirt and allergens - such as pet dander and pollen - so when you walk on them, the particles are agitated and released back into the air. 
• A good vacuum will have a brush roller on it to beat the fibers to release the dirt, so it can be removed with the suction of the vacuum.