This week when I sat down to write, the most exciting thing I could think about was the return of the Great Release Challenge. It may be silly, but, I have been looking forward to this all year. Taking time to clean, reorganize and re-prioritize while making room for positive growth. Is there a better way to spend the last month of the calender year?
This will be the third year, I have worked on the challenge. Needless to say, I again expect some activities to be more challenging than others. Fortunately this year, I have gotten my family on board in part because 4 hands can be more effective than 2. It is also a a catalyst for change in other aspects of our lives as well.
In preparation, I have begun brewing some rosemary vinegar, which can be diluted in water and used as an all purpose cleaning solution. When I make acetracts for cleaning I do not always go the extra step of sterilizing all glass wear at each step in the process. Often I just make sure that the jar is clean, it is not necessary to have a lid, a piece of plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band also works. Actually, when working with vinegar, I prefer this type of closure to prevent the corrosion of a metal lid. 
I usually leave the vinegar to sit with the herbs for approximately 6 weeks in a cool dark space. After it has sat you can make a stronger solution removing the original plant material and adding fresh or decant a portion of the solution into a spray bottle in a ration of 1;3 or one part vinegar to 3 parts water. To further enhance the antimicrobial action of the cleaning solution, had 3-5 drops of a high quality essential oil to the spray bottle. Remember to shake before using and always label spray bottles with the contents, and the date like I have done here.
For those tasks requiring an more abrasive cleaner, my go to is baking soda.
The bath tub and counters are not the only places I use baking soda, I also use it as a carpet freshener by adding approximately 1/3 c to a quart jar, to this I add 5 drops of essential oil. Cover with the lid and shake well for a few moments add baking soda to 2 inches from the top of the jar. Recover and shake again. To use sprinkle liberally over the carpet, I usually let it sit for 45 minutes and then vacuum thoroughly. 
Here are many of my supplies ready to use and easy to take around the house to where ever they may be needed.
By taking time to clean out we can make room for new possibilities to grow and develop.