green
The 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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…
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