How to Keep a House Clean with Kids
Keeping a house clean when you have kids can seem like an impossible task. Between toys, snacks, and endless messes, maintaining order can feel like a constant battle. However, with a few thoughtful strategies and a bit of planning, it’s possible to keep things organized without sacrificing your sanity. So whether you own a home in…
Read MoreThe Purpose and Benefits of Deep House Cleaning in Austin, TX
Dust in every nook and cranny and grimy surface may sound horrific to you, but did you know they’re actively contributing to a less healthy living environment? A superficial sparkle can hide a myriad of unseen pollutants that standard cleaning can miss. If this makes your skin crawl, it might be time for a deep…
Read MoreDIY vs. Professional House Cleaning in Austin, TX
Here at The Purple Fig Eco Cleaning and Disinfecting Company, we understand that a clean and comfortable home is essential for a happy and healthy lifestyle. When it comes to house cleaning in Austin, TX, many homeowners find themselves debating whether to tackle the chores themselves or hire a professional house cleaning service in Austin.…
Read MoreMeet the Fig Family: Talitha & Max!
Tali was born and raised in Austin, and came to The Purple Fig mid-2020. She has mastered the art of green cleaning and is now a Team Lead in the field. Her sunny personality brightens everyone’s day and we’re so lucky to have her! Fun fact: Talitha is also a metalsmith of jewelry and found…
Read MoreGood Work Austin
Looking to support local businesses and restaurants who want to do right by the environment, the economy, and their workers? Good Work Austin businesses are committed to living wages, access to affordable healthcare and mental health services, among other things, for their employees. And doing this in Texas… let’s just say we’re not very popular with the…
Read MoreWhy buy new clothes when you have Carmen?
Do your clothes fit you? No, I mean do they really fit you? Let me give you an example: I’m 5’2’’, so I’m definitely on the short side of the curve. This means that, in addition to some pants being too long (why can’t everything come in 7/8th length…) the arms are also ever-so-slightly too…
Read MoreYearly demands of your on-demand water heater
Did you know… your on-demand hot water heater needs to be acid-flushed yearly? 🤔 You know, it’s the thing on the side of your house none of us thought twice about until a little storm came through. If you have an on-demand water heater, it needs to be acid flushed once per year to get…
Read MoreShould I pick up the clutter before The Purple Fig arrives?
Here we can take a moment to look at both sides of this coin. Will the team have more time to clean and scrub if they’re not picking up clutter? I think we all know the answer is yes. At this point it’s important to know yourself and ask the question ‘Do I have the…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Remote Control Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreFridge Basics: How to Store Your Food
The fridge is our sacred relic of the kitchen and our customizable food closet rolled into one. It’s home to a patchwork of foods- both frozen and raw, vegetables and sauces and meats alike -indiscriminately keeping our food safe and chilled for our personalized eating pleasures. Jimmy John’s Owner restaurant chains also make use of…
Read MoreHow to Go Green While Grilling
Tis the sweaty season of backyard barbecues! As you crack open a cold drink and watch the smoke from your trusty grill waft into the cloudless blue sky, take a pause and remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to barbecuing vegetables in order to practice eco-friendly grilling!
Read MoreSustainable Fireworks for 4th of July
Sunshine, barbecue, and fireworks. Every American knows that these 3 elements are fundamental for a bonafide 4th of July. For those who are keen to the hazards of fireworks, however, this perfect American formula may lose some of its wholesome charm…but be not disappointed! Safe, non-toxic alternatives can serve as worthy substitutes to help celebrate our Independence…
Read MoreCompost Pedallers: Local, Green, & On the Go!
Any resident of the greater Austin area is bound to have driven past a unique yard sign by now — an “I [heart] Compost” logo with a chewed-out apple core substituting for the heart. Who is responsible for these mysteriously clever signs, you ask? The answer is a source of pride for our environmentally inclined…
Read MoreHospital Corners 101
We’re all guilty of it — leaning over a freshly laid bed sheet, staring at the mattress corner like a Rubix cube…straining to recall which way to fold what part of the sheet to create that perfect, taut little crease…and then, defeated, cramming the sheet under the mattress in shame. Well, worry no more! The…
Read MoreThe “No Poo” Haircare Method Pt. 2
Although we already covered the fundamentals of the No Poo Method in last week’s blog, consider that the mere tip of the anti-shampoo iceberg! Now that you’re beyond “No Poo 101”, a more intensive overview awaits, delving into the realm of unlikely natural haircare ingredients that will bring your head chemical-free joy.
Read MoreThe “No Poo” Haircare Method Pt. 1
No, it’s not that kind of poo. Until the mid-20th century, shampooing and conditioning one’s hair was considered a luxury that only came about once or twice a month — that is, until synthetic formulas revolutionized haircare. As shampooing became increasingly more commonplace and formulas derived less from nature and more from laboratories, however, very few stopped to…
Read MoreOcean Pollution (& Which Fish to Avoid)
It’s no secret that our oceans have suffered greatly at the hand of mankind, but extinction of wildlife isn’t the singular issue anymore. Ironically, survival has become increasingly more dangerous for marine species as polluted seawater turns toxic — and now, humans are getting a dose of their own poison as well.
Read MoreThe Summer of Seedlings
If you’re like the majority of Austinites, you’re probably a wannabe urban gardner stuck in a tiny rental space with an even tinier (if not nonexistent) yard in which to nurture your green thumb. Luckily our urban ancestors were clever enough to invent simple and sustainable tricks to work around the plights of indoor gardening, creating…
Read More100% Natural Sugar Ant Repellent
During this awkward, semi-annual Transition of the Seasons (Spring/Summer edition), the weather in the great state of Texas oftentimes finds itself straddling crisp breezes and suffocating humidity. Along with this infamous fluctuation in temperature comes the reawakening of our infamous summertime pests: house and fruit flies, June bugs, mosquitoes, and cicadas just to name a few. But one…
Read MoreDefining the Paleo Diet
It goes by many names- Paleolithic, Caveman, Primal -and yet the Paleo Diet still remains somewhat of a mystery after several years of national popularity. Whether or not you’ve embraced, rejected, or shrugged off this trendy lifestyle choice, it certainly is a difficult phenomenon to ignore…as well as define! It’s time we finally nail down the…
Read MoreAustin Earth Day Festival 2016
With its reputation for being an eco-minded city that nurtures a passion for the environment, Austin couldn’t resist throwing our planet a party and celebrate eco-awareness with the 2016 Austin Earth Day Festival!
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Cutting Board Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreYour Guide to Local Health-Based Grocers
We all get stuck in grocery ruts from time to time — driving to the same ol’ national store chain, complacently tossing questionable food products in the cart, tediously pushing past the brightly colored displays of bagged sugar and pre-processed meals. While shopping familiar may be comfortable, why not do your body a favor and zest up…
Read MoreSafe and Natural Weed Killers
Although winter is sighing its final frosty breaths a little earlier than usual this year, our flora and fauna are already shaking off their icy coats and awakening for Spring. Here in Texas that means bluebonnets on every side of the highway…and, of course, weeds. Don’t go running off to buy that store-brand chemical pesticide, though — non-toxic, safe, and sustainable weed killers…
Read More6 Things That DON’T Belong in the Recycling
A vital part of our job at the Purple Fig involves bagging, carrying, and curbing pounds of our clients’ trash and recycling each and every day. Among the cornucopia of properly segregated wrappers, old food, and empty La Croix cans, however, there’s always a handful of non-recyclable items (known as “contaminants”) that are consistently tossed in the big blue…
Read MoreEasy Origami Compost Liner
While the satisfaction of composting organic waste far outweighs the task of emptying out the bin, it can still be a messy chore! Fortunately for the responsible composter, a simple and biodegradable tool can be used to keep your hands from getting dirty: newspaper.
Read MoreThe Meaning of Gluten-Free
It’s in our processed flours, breads, pastas, cakes, and wheat-based foods…lurking within the average American diet virtually undetected for centuries: gluten. This little ingredient has caused quite a stir in the past few years, however, even earning itself a special seat among FDA food guidelines — so what is gluten, exactly? And why is it suddenly so…
Read MoreThe Whole Foods Labeling Debate
Sloughing through the grocery aisle is difficult enough these days, with labels like “non-GMO”, “organic”, and “USDA approved” stamped- oftentimes recklessly, as with the case of the misleading “all-natural” sticker -above rows of both produce and dry foods alike. While a superior diet inarguably consists of 100% organic food, Whole Foods Market’s recent announcement of their entirely new…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Carpeted Stairs Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreSet the Mood for a Green Valentine’s Day!
Already read through our guide to local fine dining, but need that pièce de résistance for your beloved this Valentine’s Day? Never fear! These eco-friendly romantic gifts are guaranteed to woo your green sweetie.
Read MoreFine Dining for You (and Your Valentine)
Be you single, newly coupled, or in a relationship, Austin’s decadent and delicious healthy dining does not discriminate! We at the Purple Fig understand how overwhelming this city’s restaurant variety can be, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of organic, vegan, locally sourced, gluten-free, and overall health-conscious brick and mortars guaranteed to leave an impression on you…
Read MoreLaundry Folding 101: The Fitted Bedsheet
We’ve all been there: staring at a pile of freshly laundered clothes- as unorganized and chaotic as they’ll ever be -struggling to calculate how long it will realistically take you to untangle your stretchy leggings from 3 pairs of your underwear. But nothing, not even matching all 20 pairs of those socks, is as daunting as the bedsheets —…
Read MoreThe Austin Recycle Games!
A 2015 independent study revealed that one Texas city haphazardly tosses away 46% compostable material and 44% recyclable material into its local landfill, leaving room for a meager 10% of actual landfill garbage and unwittingly throwing away an estimated $4.7 million in recyclables. That city, ladies and gentleman, is Austin, Texas.
Read MoreBeyond the Food Pyramid
Ever wonder how the food pyramid was built? Brick by brick since the 1800s, forces at play have sculpted and revised those five food groups…but despite the pyramid’s facelifts, the result remains nutritionally questionable. Read on and educate yourself!
Read MoreNew Year, Better Fitness
Although difficult to admit, you probably were tempted by a few too many of those delicious holiday treats this winter. Who could blame you? But now that we’ve turned the corner into a new year- and the Season of Sweets has officially reached its end -what better way is there to usher in 2016 than with…
Read MoreNetflix Picks: Docs to Watch This Winter
Finally the bitterly cold winter weather has us in its icy grip, and families- especially Texans -turn inward for some much-needed hibernation under the couch blankets. If you find yourself nestled in front of the television for several hours with no clue what to watch, the Purple Fig encourages you to switch on Netflix and enjoy your holiday break…
Read MoreHave a White (and Green!) Christmas
Christmas is finally here! With the flurry of the season’s hustle and bustle rushing by, we at the Purple Fig want to wish you the happiest of holidays with a simple, easy, and organic recipe for Christmas’s most heralded tradition: homemade candy canes!
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Laundry Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreHandmade Lotions for Happy Skin
Anyone who has lived in South Texas for more than a year knows that snow is a rare miracle during our wintertime season. Dry, cracked skin, however? A Christmas-time regular. Instead of spending oodles of money on factory-made lotions and scrubs injected with artificial ingredients, hydrate your skin the way it was meant to be pampered…
Read MoreClean Fuels for the Future
We’ve officially stumbled upon the season of holiday travel, folks! Despite the temporary joys of lowered gasoline costs, our environment must pay the true price each winter with the enormous rise of carbon emissions due to increased traffic. While you’re tossing gifts and over-stuffed suitcases into your vehicle of choice, try and take a moment to wonder- be you…
Read MoreGive Thanks to Mother Earth!
The week of Thanksgiving is finally upon us! Before you let the turkey legs and stuffing crumbs and mashed potatoes fly across the table, give the gift of ultimate thanks to our beautiful planet by chowing down on sustainably grown, organic, and local ingredients!
Read MoreChew On This: Natural Toothcare
Between Halloween sweets, decadent Thanksgiving meals, and savory Christmas treats, this is the time of year when our mouths are literally bombarded with delicious, cavity-inducing foods! Tis the season of sugars and starches…so while you’re scarfing down those cold weather snacks, keep the well-being of your teeth in mind with these natural, non-toxic toothcare tips.
Read MoreAutumn Closet Detox
Every year, as the weather jumps from humid and sweaty to bitterly cold, we Texans take its cue and scramble to prepare for winter during a small window of time: rediscovering our storage bins, relocating those ornaments and decorations, and repurposing our closets for cold temperatures. But nothing is more off-putting than pulling out your winter wardrobe…only to…
Read MorePumpkin Seed Delight
As pumpkin sales skyrocket this week, consider the delicious insides of the orange squash as well as the outer shell. Why spend your hard earned money on a pumpkin to carve…but discard those delicious and nutritious seeds? Munch on this recipe after carving your jack-o-lantern, as a well-suited appetizer to your sweet Halloween treats! Why Pumpkin Seeds…
Read MoreJuicing: The Immunity Booster
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we at the Purple Fig want to spread golden nuggets of nutritional wisdom that not only promote organic living, but provide the ingredients needed to boost the body’s greatest line of self-defense: your one and only immune system!
Read MorePumpkins, Ghouls, & Fair Trade Chocolate
As you rush through the grocery store aisle this Halloween, assorted candies and name-brand chocolates whirling by with oversized discount stickers smacked on their packaging, we at the Purple Fig ask you to add some green to that orange and black this year! Instead of reaching for the cheapest (and invariably the worst quality) chocolate,…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Tile & Grout Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreEasy Breezy Seasonal Recipes: Thai Curry
Whether we confess it or not, a recipe requiring more than 3 ingredients can seem like the first step into a daunting crusade in the kitchen. So how do you pick out a recipe that is both budget and user-friendly, without compromising amazing taste? Look no further! To encourage culinary health and happiness, The Purple…
Read MoreNature’s Secret to Allergy Relief
The arrival of Fall usually results in a period of annual confusion for us in Texas: on the one hand, the summer heat flickers out to a cooler autumn breeze, a considerable amount of pumpkins go on display in neighborhood yards, and excited whispers of turkey (and football) fill the air; on the other hand,…
Read MoreHomemade (& Edible!) Facial Scrubs
Ever stop and wonder what exactly is lurking in that store-brand face wash? For being the largest organ of the human body, our skin is certainly exposed to harsh chemicals and questionable ingredients week to week, causing unknown damage and irritation that can be so easily avoided. Instead of grabbing for that expensive bottle of…
Read MoreThe Power of Vinegar
Vinegar is truly nature’s gift to mankind. It’s an acidic liquid that is non-toxic and harmless to humans, a natural sanitizer and deodorizer, a stainless substance, and it can be used to clean virtually anything…from glass to plastic to fabric! Couple that with its low price tag, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind all-purpose cleaner that can…
Read MoreThe Recycling Handbook
While banning plastic bags in grocery stores may seem like a useless and inconvenient policy in the short run, take a moment to consider how many plastic bags you’ve seen floating around street corners and tangled in tree branches. About 2 million plastic bags are used every day around the world…each of them made from a…
Read MoreHow to Prep Before the Cleaners Arrive
It might be embarrassing to admit, but there’s no shame in wondering how to prep your home before the cleaners arrive! How much should you organize? Should you give appliances a preliminary wipe down…? Many people don’t properly know how to tidy up before a cleaning appointment, and some don’t bother to prepare at all.…
Read MoreThe Ins and Outs of Non-GMO Beer & Wine
As this long, hot summer winds down, sometimes there’s nothing better to beat the heat than a thirst-quenching adult beverage on a cool night, with the company of a loved one and a Texas sunset. But just like any other food you put in your body, it’s hard to sink into an ice-cold beer when…
Read MoreGreen Supplies for the New School Year
Whether it’s rushing to eat their breakfast, hurrying to cram for that quiz, or asking for help with their math homework…it is officially that time again! With school almost in session and supply shopping in full swing, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye towards environmentally friendly and health conscious supplies in order…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Sink Edition
Ensuring our top-quality house cleaning services are thorough, efficient, and environmentally friendly is our top priority here at the Purple Fig. However, we understand that there are certain areas of the house that can be quite challenging to clean. That’s why we have dedicated this post to providing tips on how to effectively scrub those…
Read More6 Eco-Friendly Recipes for Pet Stains
It happens to all of our beloved pets from time to time: a wee (or not so wee) accident on the carpet, the sight and odor of it unbearable. From kitty hairballs to doggy urine, the prospect of getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing the stain is inevitable…so why not make it eco-friendly?…
Read MoreTrash, Recycling, & Waste: The Disposal Guide
We’ve all been there: standing in front of our garbage cans, holding some unusual item that may…or may not?…be disposable, recyclable, compostable, or- unbeknownst to you -classified as hazardous household waste. The world’s landfills are already overburdened with wasted food and irresponsibly discarded scrap, so in order to reduce carbon footprints around the nation, The…
Read MoreEasy Breezy Seasonal Recipes: Coq Au Vin
Whether we confess it or not, a recipe requiring more than 3 ingredients can seem like the first step into a daunting crusade in the kitchen. So how do you pick out a recipe that is both budget and user-friendly, without compromising amazing taste? Look no further! To encourage culinary health and happiness, The Purple Fig has found seasonal…
Read MoreGreen Gear for the Great Outdoors
Summer is officially in full swing, beckoning us out of our homes and into the splendor of the wilderness! While many assume that they must compromise their eco-integrity in order to enjoy an outdoor hobby, activities like running, hiking, swimming, and camping can now be easily enhanced with environmentally conscious equipment and apparel. Keep your body (and the…
Read MoreA Salute to America’s Greenest Hotspots
As unique of a city as Austin is, it only takes up a tiny corner of the map when it comes to the rest of this sprawling nation. To celebrate America’s 239th birthday, we at the Purple Fig want to pay homage to the exciting eco-friendly progress this country has made over the recent years by…
Read MorePlants that Deter June Bugs & other Pesky Summer Bugs
Yes, it’s that time again: the season of insects. Just as we venture forth from our homes to enjoy the summer weather, so do the dreaded flying bugs from hiding. Summertime naturally draws out mosquitoes (especially with Austin’s recent soggy weather), fruit flies, houseflies, june bugs, and the like…and none of them are welcomed guests. Instead…
Read MoreEco-Friendly Travel Tips
Planning a much-needed summer getaway this year? Whether you’ve only just begun hatching those vacation plans, or you’re already zipping up the luggage bag, don’t forget to keep your carbon footprint in mind during your travels! There are many simple and helpful ways to experience an amazing journey while still being kind to the planet.
Read MoreUrban Gardening for Beginners
As Austin continues to transform from a sleepy college town into a booming concrete jungle, there seems to be less and less room for anything– let alone plots of land to call your own. The average city-dwelling Austinite definitely doesn’t own a greenhouse, so what do you do when you want a productive garden in a teeny…
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Stove Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreNatural Sunscreens to Beat the Heat
Anyone who lives in Texas knows of its infamous, scorchingly hot summer days…and most of us have been burned once or twice by its fierce heat. But while your first instinct to battle the summer sun is to reach for your trusty sunscreen, consider the chemicals and synthetics injected into the product. Many sunscreen labels that…
Read MoreMind, Body & Nature: Austin’s Unique and Earth-Friendly Summer Camps of 2015
With mere weeks separating you and your little ones from the sunny warmth of July, you may be scrambling to find engaging and educational activities to keep your kiddos occupied during those long summer days. Never fear, though–for we have compiled a list of the most enriching local summer camps that are sure to ward off any…
Read MoreSpring Cleaning Hacks
There’s something about the coming of Spring that inspires a renewing and refreshing sense of self– and for whatever reason, nothing makes for a more satisfying detox than tossing out the old and abandoned clutter around your house. We at the Purple Fig know how daunting a task this can be, so we have list of eco-friendly tips, tricks, and…
Read MoreMother’s Day Gifts with the Earth in Mind
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there are plenty of eco-friendly gifts and crafts to explore, all tailored to shower your mom (and the environment!) in clean, eco-conscious love. All of the old stand-bys can be substituted with green alternatives, along with original and out-of-the-box DIY gifts that not only celebrate the beauty of your mom,…
Read MoreThe Secret of Essential Oils
Organic essential oils may seem like a few tiny droplets within an ocean of natural ingredients, but the cleaning process wouldn’t be complete without them. Eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint…each of these oils play a vital role in improving the well-being of your home as well as your body.
Read MoreHealthy Spring Feasts (And How to Shop Organic)
Pesticides and produce are unfortunately becoming a synonymous pair these days. To counter the GMO madness and encourage the happiest, healthiest you, we at the Purple Fig want to dole out some helpful grocery tips (as well as some delicious recipes!) just in time for Spring.
Read MoreThe Dirty Glove: Toilet Edition
Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?
Read MoreComposting 101
For decades, the term “compost” was only synonymous with yard trimmings and stinky fertilizer. Recently, though, its reputation has blossomed within the Austin city limits, with more and more households becoming aware of not only its positive impact on the environment, but ways to become directly involved with it.
Read MoreHow to Plan A Kid’s Birthday Party in Austin
If you have a kiddo with a spring or summer birthday, party planning may be on your mind. There are a variety of party venues and vendors around Austin that cater to kids of all ages with different interests. We hope that our guide will help you get your party planning off to a great…
Read MoreGreen Cleaners for Saint Patrick’s Day
The Purple Fig is our name, but we are all about being green! We don’t just mean green in a trendy way, we mean green, as in we are passionate about making our own all-natural homemade cleaners and using microfiber cloths instead of wasting paper towels.
Read MoreSXSW ECO
SXSW Eco helps to connect business leaders, investors, innovators and designers that want to create economic, environmental and social change. The Purple Fig supports these goals because we hope to positively impact the environment by creating and using our own all-natural cleaners, helping to remove toxic and chemical waste and byproducts.
Read MoreThese People Make Our World Go Round!
Today is Employee Appreciation Day! Some employers may choose to treat their employees to a special lunch or give out gift cards today. However, we feel that employees should be appreciated all year long! Fair employee practices are a huge part of our mission and how we operate.
Read MoreIs Your Home A No Shoe Zone?
In some countries and cultures it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home. In some places, like Japan or Canada, taking off your shoes before entering the home is requisite and polite. However, here in the United States, some folks might find it rude to be required to take off their shoes.…
Read MoreDo Your Cleaning Styles Clash?
How do the cleaning styles of you and your partner match-up? Here are some ways to reconcile differing cleaning styles.
Read MoreValentine’s Day Sweets
Eating out on Valentine’s Day is for amateurs and people who want to spend too much money. Make reservations for another night and resolve to eat in. Just because you are dining in, doesn’t mean you have to serve a frozen dinner. These sweet treats are the perfect way to celebrate the day with your…
Read MoreRecycled Valentine Crafts
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we have a few crafts in mind to help you and your kids celebrate! Each craft makes use of a recycled element, so you can repurpose while you get creative. Watercolor Newspaper Hearts Recycle newspapers to create this fun craft. The end effect is really pretty and…
Read MoreGet Your Workout On Austin!
Good health is one of our main focuses. We believe a naturally-cleaned home, that is free of chemicals, can help keep your family healthy. Another tenet of good health is exercise. Hitting the gym may be one of your goals for 2015. Although January is almost over, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to start…
Read MoreSimplify Your Home and Life
January is a great opportunity for new beginnings! Consider this the perfect time to declutter your home. While an uncluttered and organized space is more aesthetically pleasing, there is a greater cost to clutter. Clutter takes up valuable real estate in your home and it takes time to maintain and clean those unused objects. Too…
Read More5 Ways to Make Your Home Healthier in 2015
In 2015 many New Year’s resolutions will involve health. The usual gamut of resolutions include: lose weight, go to the gym more often, eat healthier, start a new diet, etc. You can still have a health-focused resolution, but why not start with your home? Here are 5 ways you can make your home healthier in…
Read MoreWhy Shopping Local Matters
Localism is one of the tenets of our business structure. We strive to enrich the community by promoting localism and inspiring people to use products from small local businesses rather than national corporations. “Shop local” or “go local” are phrases commonly bandied about, especially here in Austin. But does patronizing local businesses really matter or…
Read MoreHoliday Crafts for Kids
Ah, the holidays. The most wondrous and joyous time of the year for everyone. Everything is going perfectly as planned. All of the gifts are already purchased, pristinely wrapped and sitting under the tree, waiting for your grateful and angelic children to…rip them apart. Does your holiday season sound a little different than this? Ours…
Read MoreOur Favorite Austin Holiday Traditions
The holiday season is a busy time of year for everyone, from company parties to family gatherings, holiday shopping, present wrapping, cookie baking and Christmas tree decorating, how can you fit it all in? Somehow we all manage, but these top 6 holiday activities are something your kids won’t want to miss. Here are our…
Read MoreCoterie Market + West Elm Holiday Pop Up Shop
We are lucky to be a part of a special group called Coterie Market. Coterie Market is a group of local makers and artisans who make products that range from soaps to chocolates. All of the businesses that sell products through Coterie Market are owned and operated in the Austin area. The definition of coterie…
Read MoreEat Drink Local Week
As a local Austin company, part of our mission statement is to enrich the community by promoting localism and inspiring people to patronize area businesses. Many Purple Fig customers believe that a home cleaned the natural way is healthier than a home cleaned with toxic chemicals. We believe that many of these same customers also…
Read MoreWhere to Volunteer in Austin
At The Purple Fig Cleaning Company, we are committed to serving our clients, employees and the Austin community. One of the ways in which we hope to enrich our community is by promoting localism and inspiring people to use products from small local businesses. In a similar manner we want to encourage others to serve our…
Read MoreHow to Connect With Your Community
Do you want to get to know your neighbors better or become more involved with your community? Find out how to connect with your area! We will focus on the Austin neighborhoods that we primarily serve: Cherrywood, Mueller, Travis Heights, Clarksville and Hyde Park. Knocking on your neighbor’s door or attending a seasonal event are…
Read MoreThe Purple Fig: Amanda’s Story
The Purple Fig is a local cleaning company started by native Austinite Amanda May in 2007. Get to know Amanda and learn a little bit about the history of The Purple Fig through an interview with Amanda May. Why did you start the The Purple Fig? AM: Back in 2006 I worked a corporate accounting…
Read MoreShould I Stay at Home When The Cleaners Come?
Should I stay at home when the cleaners come or should I be out of the house? The answer: whatever you are comfortable with. We have clients that do both and a range of things in between. For the initial cleaning, many people prefer to stay at home while we clean. Then you can show…
Read MoreFall Gardening in Austin
Austin Autumn has arrived and it’s one of the most perfect times of the year in central Texas. When much of the US is prepping for seriously colder weather in October, Austinites are thinking about eating meals outdoors and gardening. That’s right folks. It’s time to clear out the fried and dried plants that couldn’t…
Read MoreShould I Tip My Cleaning Service?
Should I tip my cleaning service? This is one question you may feel awkward asking, but the truth is, there isn’t a standard you must adhere to. When our clients ask about tipping, the answer we give is, “Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated.” We want out clients to feel comfortable either way. We…
Read MoreFall Cleaning
Spring cleaning may hold prominence as the most well-known seasonally based cleaning occasion, but fall cleaning should not be discounted. A change of season is a great opportunity to do a deep cleaning of your home. Fall cleaning is important because your home may soon fill up with holiday guests and visiting family members. Fall…
Read MoreGreat Green Programs in Austin
The Mother Nature Network ranked Austin as one of the top 10 green cities in the United States. The City of Austin and area residents are focused on conserving the environment by creating eco-friendly resources, legislation and programs. Learn more about some of the great green programs in Austin. Plastic Bag Ban Austin is helping…
Read MoreBusiness Women’s Day
September 22nd is Business Women’s Day. The roots of this day date back to World War II, when women took over many jobs traditionally held by men while soldiers were away fighting. Hilary A. Bufton Jr. and three other Kansas City business women founded the American Business Women’s Association on this day (September 22) in…
Read MoreSafe, Natural, Pet-Friendly Cleaners
Pets are family members too! Our dogs are a part of our family and we know that our clients love their pets just as much. Pets are one of the many reasons why people choose a natural, environmentally-friendly cleaning service for their homes. We worry about our kids (whether they are human or animal) drinking,…
Read MoreWhy Natural Is Better In Cleaning
At The Purple Fig, we believe a cleaning service can be affordable, thorough and all-natural. We place an emphasis on “all-natural” because the heart of our company beats green. Our goal is to provide a safe, healthy and clean environment for your family, kids and pets by using all-natural cleaning supplies made from our own…
Read MoreCentral Texas Drought
We here in Austin are in the midst of the drought gripping central Texas. You can read all about it at the Drought Monitor and at LCRA. Scary stuff. What can we do to help? There are some small things that can make a big difference! Some things are obvious. Stop watering the lawn: either…
Read MoreFruit Fly Invasions
Fruit flies are a very common problem amongst our greener clients and I get a lot of questions about getting rid of them. This is so common that it has been covered on a lot of blogs and wikis and just a few clicks can give you many tips and tricks! Some of the best:…
Read MoreInteresting Inbox
I’ve been pretty discerning with what I let continue to hit my inbox. This week has yielded some great articles that we’d like to share. Have you read something great and green lately? Hit us up in the comments! Cancer, Cured. at Seventh Generation’s Blog: This subject hits home for me, with a close family…
Read MoreRelieve Dreary Weather Boredom!
It’s a little chilly out there for us Austinites. The kids and dogs are probably going a bit stir crazy, being stuck inside the house. How do you keep everyone happy? Make things! First, distract the dog with some home made toys: A few ideas from Wise Bread. Organic Authority has a green, reuse…
Read MoreHappy New Year!
The New Year is upon us and I, like most, find it a time of reflection and an opportunity to set goals. This year, instead of the usual goals (exercise, lose weight, save money, etc.) why not try something new? Something green… You could: Start Meatless Mondays: Don’t eat any meat on Mondays. Or which…
Read MoreThings We Like…
Just a couple of quickies this week… I spoke with a couple of people from East Side Compost Pedallers last weekend while at in.gredients. Great company, great guys and amazing cycling skills with those compost bins on there. Check them out, like them and try them! Seventh Generation has an interesting article about hidden toxin…
Read MoreWe like Moso Natural Bags!
We ran across a great, eco-friendly product in a client’s house this week. I’m always pleasantly surprised that we can continue to learn and discover new ways to be green and clean nearly every day! The Moso Natural Bag: It contains a bamboo charcoal that absorbs moisture and odors and all sorts of things you…
Read MoreShirts, Farmer’s Markets and FAQs
We’re feeling very fashionable here at The Purple Fig… ; We have lovely new shirts that are soft, comfortable and proudly bear our logo! In other news, we now appear at the Mueller Farmer’s Market on Sundays. So if you miss us at Barton Creek Farmer’s Market on Saturday, come find us on Sunday! They’re…
Read MoreEat Green to Be Green!
If you’re interested in living green, you’ve probably heard of the plant based diet by now. Brought into popularity by the book and movie Forks Over Knives, a vegan way of eating has been launched into the mainstream. A plant based diet has certain benefits that are undeniable. Not eating meat certainly lowers our carbon…
Read MoreGet Started with Green Cleaning! We have a Yelp Deal!
Have you been following us and wanting to give us a try? Well, now you can grab a Yelp deal and find out what it’s like to come home to a chemical-free clean space! There are only 30 of them out there, so go grab yours now! We’ll send one of our green cleaning specialists…
Read MoreWelcome Holly!
The Purple Fig would like you to give a warm welcome to our newest team member, Holly! Holly joined us a few weeks ago and is doing a fabulous job helping us stay lean, green and clean. A little bit about Holly, in her own words: “Hi! My name is Holly Carlton! I just recently…
Read MoreGreen Motivation
Austin has a plethora of green, eco-friendly businesses. So, it can be easy for Austinites to be green in our eating, cleaning and living. Yet, even we have a hard time staying motivated to make better eco choices. Sometimes, life just gets downright busy and we might take the ‘easy’ route. We forget our grocery…
Read MoreFarmer’s Market
Come down to the Barton Creek Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and see us! We’re selling our fabulous counter sprays and we plan on rolling out more products in the near future. They’re hand made, eco-friendly and safe for your family and your planet. Currently available in two blends: Oregano & Mint and Oregano & Lavender. …
Read MoreGreen Camping
August in Austin doesn’t usually bring to mind campfires and spending the night out of doors away from our air conditioning. Unless, like me, you’re envisioning the cooler temperatures that are to come and you can’t wait to get out your gear. I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with nature and in that…
Read MoreWhat’s New(s) with You?
We’ve been busy as little beavers here at The Purple Fig! First, we would like to give a warm, clean, green welcome to our newest member of the cleaning team: Welcome Madeline! After the Fig’s rigorous training and education process, you may see Madeline in your home on her own. We’re also gearing up to…
Read MoreIn.gredients – Now Open! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Every now and then, you find a business that you just love. This weekend, in.gredients became that place for me. They opened their doors on August 4th and I’ve been there twice already. They offer local, fresh organic items, many of which are zero packaging. Only food safety regulations stop some items from being zero…
Read MoreA Shower of Products
When we clean your home, we move items on your counters and in your shower. While putting various products back into the shower or tub, I pondered the array of products I’ve seen in different homes and my own. Now, I realize I’m an anomaly amongst my peers, but I only have two products in…
Read MoreSpecial Guest Star – Hydrogen Peroxide
This week in beautiful Austin, I brought a special guest star to my cleans: H2O2! Being green, we don’t bring chlorinated products (or any harmful chemicals) into our client’s homes. This means we find creative, safe, eco-friendly alternatives to solve issues like The Pink Scourge. It’s that pink tinted bacteria that gathers in the commode…
Read MoreGreat Uses for Household Items
Each year, we spend a lot of money on specialty products to remove stains, freshen the air or remove pests and pesky weeds. We’re also rinsing these chemical based products down our drains, polluting more than we need to. Here are some great uses for chemical free items you have around the house! Vinegar: We…
Read MoreMission Small Business
The Purple Fig is applying for Chase and LivingSocial’s small business grant. The deadline for our essay submission and your votes is June 30th! What does this mean to you, dear readers and clients? If we can gather the 250 votes necessary to meet the grant requirements consideration, it could mean a healthier, greener Austin.…
Read MoreComposting for All
Composting has a multitude of benefits for you and the environment. It makes a great amendment for soil that you can use in your garden or plants with it’s high nutrient content. Diverting waste from entering landfills and being able to use what would have been in your trash bin is about as green and…
Read MoreNew Formula, Field Tested and Fig Approved!
Great news for our clients! The entire Purple Fig team is now using the new formula developed through research on essential oils. Previously, we were using the very effective vinegar and water mix, sprinkling baking soda where necessary. We had essential Peppermint oil to cut through the vinegar smell and leave things fresh and minty.…
Read MoreFree Paint!
While attempting to follow the reduce, reuse then recycle mantra, what do you do about household paint? Living a green life doesn’t necessarily mean you have to watch the paint start peeling off of your walls before you do something about it. You can reduce your use of paint by only buying the quantity you…
Read MoreKeep Loving Your Kitty!
We’re all animal lovers here at The Purple Fig. We try to take care of our furry children as green and as well as we take care of your homes. Recently, our very own Vanessa the Magical and Illuminating™ was having an issue with cat urine odor. She tried every trick we have in our…
Read MoreMosquitoes!
We all love to be outside this time of year, especially in the morning and evening when the temperature is just right. But, like me, you may have noticed that our recent rain and following heat has brought some unwelcome guests to the party. Mosquitoes are rampant! What to do? Well, I’ve been touting the…
Read MoreLocal Planting – ATX
We are heading into the Texas summer heat and thoughts of drought and low lake levels are on everyone’s minds. There are ways that all of us can help. Using native and/or adapted plants is a simple way and also brings beauty and oxygen to our world. Native plants have adapted to our hot, dry…
Read MoreIt’s Raining!
It’s raining here in ATX, and we’re loving it! It reminds us of our new friends, RK Re-Purposing. In their words: “RK Re-Purposing provides quality recycled and refurbished products for your home and garden needs. Whether you need them for your home or business, we can help you to reduce your carbon footprint and…
Read MoreReducing Your Carbon Footprint for Less
If you’re reading a green cleaning blog, you are probably concerned about your carbon footprint. I know I try to find new ways to reduce mine and being on a budget can limit my options. I have a close friend who went from riches to rags, forced into frugality by recession. She cut back on…
Read MoreFishing for Answers
I was having a discussion with a family member about fish and she very vehemently said to never eat farmed fish. I was taken by surprise. I thought farmed fish were great for the environment, saving the natural, wild fish population. She went on to say that they eat terrible, dirty mush and that the…
Read MoreThe Great Bamboo Controversy
Bamboo has been lauded as one of the best green products around town. Is it really, though? There has been some controversy. Consumers have been running around, looking for ways to make their homes greener and bamboo flooring and textile has been a way to attempt to accomplish these eco goals. I made a pro…
Read MorePerc is bad, kids. Do you dryclean?
I have driven by this cool, Austin business many times and decided to do a bit of research. EcoClean on Guadalupe is centrally located and offers a delivery service that helps keep more people from driving to and fro. They also have eco-friendly bags! We all have heard that dry cleaning is bad for the…
Read MoreVarious and Sundry
It’s almost Friday! Did you know that we don’t work on the weekends unless we explicitly choose to do so? Our Amanda and Charlene rock! So, in discussing blog subjects with the inimitable Charlene, I finally heard (because I always listen) her suggestions for some topics. We don’t have to be all about cleaning here!…
Read MoreThe Cleaning Fairy
Children seem to be fascinated by our cleaning process. Amongst my clients, there is a little girl that started following me around as soon as she learned to walk. One boy runs around the house pretending to vacuum during the week, cheerfully announcing that he has to get to his ‘next house’. Yet another, upon…
Read MoreGreen Customers
We’re green, but what about our clients? For the most part, everyone is trying. They have less toxic or non-toxic products in their homes. Recycling bins are plentiful, as are shopping totes. There are two standouts, though, that I admire every time I’m in their homes. Privacy concerns stop me from naming them, but they…
Read MoreProduct Selection
There are products we choose by word of mouth, packaging and what’s on the label. When it comes to cleaning, scent can also play a large factor in this decision. All of these details led me to wonder if we’re looking closely into the products we bring into our homes in an effort to be…
Read MoreWhat’s in My Bottle Now?
If you’ve been following along with the rest of the class, you know that I did some research on essential oils and decided to change what was in my bottle. The poll only yielded a few results and Thyme oil is surprisingly hard to find. Here’s what I came up with: I cut the vinegar…
Read MoreAll You Ever Need
All you ever need in a sponge! The great sponge trial is over, with fantastic results. After 10 house cleanings, the loofah/sponge hybrid is still going. The pros and cons: Pros: The hybrid is long lasting and compostable. Far more green than I had even hoped. Once wet, it is flexible and easy to use.…
Read MoreThe Life of a Sponge
We made a decision a while back to use sponges. It was a hard decision for us, as we like to do things as green as possible and sponges can be a waste. We weighed the decision on factors that include saving our customers money. It’s quicker to use a sponge on surfaces like sinks,…
Read MoreGood, clean fun!
We, as a team, have noticed something fantastic. We have fun when we’re cleaning. Most especially, when we get to ‘team clean’, meaning there is more than one of us, or as in the case this week, nearly all of us! This led me to think about how we get through the cleaning process without…
Read MoreIt’s About Thyme
Thyme and Thymol. Wondrous good, people. First, let me tell you that every bit of this information can be found on the Wikipedia page for Thymol. It’s all over the web and in plenty of books that I read, but Wikipedia did a really excellent job of pulling it all together in one place. I…
Read MorePesky Pests
I recently came across a few ways to repel pesky pests. I don’t mean your little sister or the guy who keeps asking you to go to the annual company holiday party with him. I mean the sneaky, food stealing, welt inducing biters and general gross you out things that occasionally hide in the kitchen…
Read MoreEssential Oils
Recently the subject of essential oils has come to the fore front of the collective Purple Fig mind. (Yes, sometimes we operate as One.) I put the query to our clients as to what scent they would like in their bottles. Using the ever popular Facebook poll, I hope to please as many people as…
Read MoreMicrowave Ovens
Happy New Year! The first Tip Tuesday of the new year. 1 down and 51 to go! This leap year doesn’t really effect the delivery of your weekly tidbits from the Fig. 🙂 Friends, I have a peeve. I’d say a pet peeve, but that implies only one. Who really has only one peeve? This…
Read MoreHoliday Love
We here at the Purple Fig would like to extend our best wishes for you and yours this holiday season. We all celebrate in different ways and so we embrace your traditions with ours and sincerely hope that this season and new year brings you peace, love and happiness. We are truly lucky to have…
Read MoreLeather
Mmmm, leather. It can be strong and rugged or soft, buttery and giving. Leather is sexy, useful and can be very long lasting. If you take care of it properly. As usual, I’m here to help. I recently had a client (okay, my very favorite client) ask about where to get her leather coat cleaned.…
Read MoreKill Mold – Volume II
You know that quirky little video I did last week, trying to kill the mold? I did another one this week. It was great! It went very smoothly. Until I imported it and noticed that the second half some button must have been pushed that made it a very artsy sepia tone. Lovely. Unless, of…
Read MoreAction!
Hello kids! I believe I promised you a little journey last week. Well, we aim to please. Today I tried to clean up that mold we talked about in my corner of shame. I used our usual cleaning implements, vinegar and baking soda, and on the other side I tried lemon juice and salt. I…
Read MoreOn a Mold Mission
I’m on a mission, people. You know that mold in the shower? Not the pink stuff we’ve already talked about, but the black mold. There has to be a natural way to eradicate this mold. I’ve done my research and I know the ways to avoid getting the mold: Open a window while/after showering Get…
Read MoreTip Tuesday – Pre-Gobble
Does anyone really need a cleaning tip right before Thanksgiving? Our clients booked their cleans well in advance. I will say that it’s very telling that we have done a lot of pre-holiday cleans, but the onslaught of post-turkey touch ups has not yet entered the tryptophan lulled minds of our regulars. That said, most…
Read MoreDust. Again…
Here we go with the dust post again. I know you’re thinking I’m obsessed with dust, but really; I’m only trying to meet your needs and answer your questions! How do we do it? Dusting is the one thing our clients tell us that they will skip nearly every time they clean themselves. I used…
Read MoreTiming is Everything
I have had many clients ask how we do so much in such a short amount of time. The first thing I ask them is, “When do you ever have 3 or 4 uninterrupted hours in your home?” The answer to that is always never, or they wouldn’t need us! But to truly address the…
Read MoreReuse Ideas
We’re not just about the cleaning here at The Purple Fig…we’re all about the planet and doing what we can to not destroy it. With that in mind, I’ve decided to collect our reuse ideas in one spot. Right here in the blog! It makes it easier for all of us to search by tags…
Read MoreDon’t Be a Sucker
Today’s Tip Tuesday covers those sucker-bottomed tub floor covers. You know those mats that you stick in the bottom of your tub so that you don’t slip? The ones with the hundred little sucker cups on the bottom? Yes! Those! I hate those. I know, I know, they keep little Johnny or Susie from falling…
Read MorePurple Figger Confesses to Laziness
This Tip Tuesday is more like an anecdote with a lesson in the end. ‘J’ doesn’t clean very much. That sounds like a complaint, but it’s not really. I’m never quite happy when someone else cleans. I feel they either do too little or concentrate on the wrong things during a quick-y. I was doing…
Read MoreThe Pink Scourge
We’ve all seen it. How did it get there? How do you get rid of it? And why does it look like Barbie put it there? The pink stuff you find in the shower or tub and inside the toilet bowl right at the waterline is actually a bacteria. Nope, not a mold as it…
Read MoreKeep it Clean
Do you clean house (or have us do it) and look around in a week and wonder how it got so dirty? I did too. Of course, since I lived alone; I realized it was my fault. So the answer is to have a roommate/living partner to blame it on. Okay, I’m just kidding. Really,…
Read MoreToilets – Stop Dreading Them
If there’s one thing that most people hate cleaning, it’s the toilet. I don’t need to state the obvious reasons here. Cleaning the toilet need not be such a horrific chore. Most people’s inclination is to put it off, but that just makes it worse when you do get to it. Let’s look at the…
Read MoreLearn to Fake It
We might do this for a living, but our houses aren’t always as spotless as we make yours. We’ve just learned to fake it. Everyone has had unexpected guests at some time or another. Your partner or roommate gives you all of an hour to let you know there will be two more at dinner.…
Read MoreSeeing Spots: Glass Shower Enclosures
Sometimes I feel like Ophelia, only I’m seeing a less gruesome form of spots. I see soap and water spots on glass shower enclosures and I’m quite certain I know how she felt: insane! We have found through much trial and error, a couple of ways to remove these bothersome blotches. Remember the sponges? Last…
Read MoreDown with Dust
Our current drought in ATX is dangerous on many levels and inconvenient on a smaller scale. By smaller, I mean tiny. Dusty. The lack of moisture has caused creepy crawlies and dirt to invade our cool and moist homes. Many a client has bemoaned the increase in dust bunnies and cobwebs. So this Tip Tuesday,…
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