Radiators – what an invention, keeping our homes warm and cosy. But have you ever looked behind them? They are a dust magnet!
Every time they are turned on they infuse the smell of the old dust around your home. Not a great aroma, and also not good for your health.
This is how you can clean these without too much effort. You will need:
The first job is easy but messy. Put on a face mask and grab your hairdryer. Start by blowing the dust out from the radiator and the wall. If the area is super dusty you can cover furniture with an old sheet then vacuum up the dust when done.
Next using Gyre and Gymble Multi Surface Spray wipe down the surface of the radiator. Make a spritz using a clean repurposed Gyre and Gymble spray bottle, 1 cup of water and 4 to 5 drops of lavender and eucalyptus oil. Shake and spritz this mixture over the radiator before they are turned on. As the radiators warm they will be clean and infuse the essential oils around your home.
If you have some bags of lavender place these on top of the radiators. These will look pretty and smell great. Far nicer than the horrible musty dust smell!
This job is quick and easy and will make a huge difference to the health and aroma of your home in the winter months.
News blog: Dust and its affect on your health.
]]>Rich with organic beeswax Gyre and Gymble’s Timber Polish protects, restores, and nourishes both indoors and out. Revitalise and bring dull furniture back to life and enjoy its lovely lingering aroma.
You can use this polish on most timber surfaces except French polished.
Try using it on:
You can also use it to clean and waterproof your leather shoes.
Ingredients:
Learn more about cleaning and polishing timber here.
]]>We have sought to find in the traditions of the past a way to clean better in the present.
I know I am slightly obsessed with cleaning and anyone who knows me will agree. But my other passion is history. While creating Gyre and Gymble I took a step back in time to find out how people looked after their homes before the avalanche of single-use plastics and chemicals arrived. I found some super reference material which helped us to create the Gyre and Gymble range and wanted to share a couple of them with you.
I discovered people all across the world from the Egyptians to the Georgians used soap, vinegar and water to clean their homes, often adding an abrasive agent like Gyre and Gymble's Gentle Scouring Powder to help remove tough stains and marks. They used beeswax to nourish timber and oils and dried flowers to enhance their homes fragrance. Even the hygiene adverse residents of Versailles used a dry wash system. The king's hands were washed every morning with aqua vitae which was a 90% ethanol alcohol. This is a little like our modern-day hand sanitiser and also the reason why we named Gyre and Gymble's hand sanitiser Aqua Vitae.
I have been cleaning my home with these simple things for years and they are just as easy to use as the nasty chemical alternatives but leave a much smaller environmental footprint - and smell much nicer too. The only difference for us in modern times is the marvels of modern technology - we would not be without a washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner and all the other machines that have saved hours and sometimes weeks of hard labour.
I am not sure why people today feel the need to have a plastic bottle of different coloured liquid to clean every conceivable object within their home when there really is absolutely no need for all these products. They just take up space, look rather garish and pollute the planet.
The products we have created at Gyre and Gymble's are safe, sustainable and stylish. They will not clog up our rivers and waterways with pollution and you can breath easy at home when not using bleach and ammonia everywhere. Remember we live in what we spray.
These are a few references I found interesting during my reading.
Note: There is a huge amount of natural cleaning information out there some purporting to be a cure-all. Gyre and Gymble products have been tried and tested within our own homes and on our own families and we know they will clean and care for your home and families without compromise.
]]>
We're delighted to launch our new store showcasing the very best way to care for your home, naturally.
We fondly describe the Gyre and Gymble collection as the “capsule wardrobe” of cleaning. A collection of essential items that do not go out of fashion, augmented with seasonal influences from our essential oils collection.
Join us on our journey replacing cleaning cupboard clutter and harsh unnecessary chemicals with a few simple, safe and natural products which look fabulous and are sustainable too.
For a limited time we are giving everyone 10% off their order during our opening sale. Why not join our mailing list and get and further £10 off.
Gyre and Gymble, produced in Thames Ditton, Surrey UK. Caring for your home, naturally.
]]>
Why is it so difficult to get labels off bottles and jars? It’s a number one frustration, and it ruins your nails too! Keeping our refillable bottles pristine was important to us so we got creative.
Our bottles have unique easy-peel labels so just Peel, Wash, Re-apply – then Refill and save single-use plastic bottles from ending up in landfill.
1. Peel the label from the bottle leaving absolutely no mess at all.
2. Wash the bottle.
3. Re-apply the label to the bottle.
Peel, Wash, Re-apply – then Refill. It’s so easy to save a single-use plastic bottle from ending up in landfill.
]]>
Gyre and Gymble products have been designed to be refillable, recyclable, reusable, repurpose-able. Our bottles and jars can be used repeatedly when you use our refill range or maybe you wish to repurpose your bottles.
Here are some ideas on how you can repurpose our bottles and jars. We would love to see how you get on so share with our community @gyreandgymblelondon
Download labels
Click below to download our printable blank labels:
]]>
Silver will tarnish if left out in the air. It doesn’t matter how clean and dry your home is it will always go black in the end.
To slow down the tarnishing process wrap silver in a cotton cloth. If you have some old flannelette sheets cut these up and wrap each item. Don’t wrap silver in plastic. If water condenses and becomes trapped next to the silver it may damage the item.
So, here’s how you can get your silver super shiny using our Gentle Scouring Powder.
What you will need:
Line the tray or bowl with foil. Place your items in the bowl and sprinkle with Gentle Scouring Powder both inside and out. Pour on boiling water and watch the magic happen.
The black tarnish will come away onto the aluminium foil. This process can be repeated if you need to turn the item over or if you need to remove more tarnish.
Once done take a clean cloth and buff until sparkling. To make the buffing easier add a few drops of Gyre and Gymble Hand Oil to the cloth. The oil will leave a very thin film over the surface which will help protect the silver. Don’t use oil inside a teapot as this could affect the taste of your tea!
]]>
Gentle Scouring Powder is a multi-functional must-have. It makes your kitchen sink shine, your bath soap scum free. Use anywhere that needs a good old scrub. Cleans chrome, steel, enamel, and plastic. Use as an odour eating carpet powder. Get your silver sparkling again.
Sprinkle onto the surface you want to clean and gently wipe with a damp clean cloth.
Its odour eating abilities are amazing!
Odour eating carpet powder.
Place a couple of tablespoons of Gentle Scouring Powder in a herb shaker. Mix with eucalyptus and lavender essential oils (5 drops of each). Shake the powder over your rug or carpet. Leave for an hour or so then vacuum.
Cupboard or room odour eater
Place a cup of Gentle Scouring Powder into a wide mouth jar (repurposing a spare scouring powder jar will work perfectly). Add 5 drops of your favourite Gyre and Gymble Essential Oil and cover with either paper secured into place with an elastic band, or a wide weave cloth. If using paper then put lots of holes into the surface with a pin. Place the jar at the back of your cupboard, or anywhere you want to freshen up.
Mattress odour eater and dust mite reducer
Remove and wash your bed linen. Using the same method you would for your carpet, sprinkle over the mattress. Leave for a while then vacuum the dust away and make your bed.
Stop squeaky timber floors
Using a dry clean paintbrush push the powder down into the gaps of your timber floors where they squeak when walked on.
Silver cleaner
Read our How to clean silver blog.
Removing coffee and tea stains
Read our How to clean stains from coffee and tea cups blog
]]>
The human endocrine system can be affected by some chemicals that are readily found in many cleaning products. There is much scientific evidence that shows that exposure to certain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can cause long term, irreversible damage to human health and the environment.
Gyre and Gymble was founded on the principles that everything you use to care for your home is safe, sustainable, and stylish. Our products are free from harsh chemicals, are organic, vegan, palm oil free and bio-degradable.
This article illustrates the importance of chemically decluttering your home. We hope you will agree.
Reference - Old and Interesting
We just love www.oldandinteresting.com - its right up our street! Full of inspiration, interesting facts and domestic paraphernalia. We hope you enjoy this article on the history of starching clothes. If you would like to make your own starch from a couple of everyday items you should have in your cupboards, then give try a this.
We have tried and tested this in our own homes and the addition of Gyre and Gymble Essential Oils finishes it off perfectly.
Mix the water and the cornstarch in a pan and bring to the boil for about a minute stirring all the time. Let cool and decant into the 500ml amber glass spray bottle. Add oils and shake.
Shake the bottle each time you use it when ironing.
]]>
Being sick is bad enough, then there is the issue of cleaning up the mess. When illness strikes act immediately to safeguard against staining and lingering odours. Before you get started protect yourself from germs with thick rubber gloves and if possible, use a face covering.
What you will need
Scrap up the solids using a spatula or paper towel and place in a bucket. Dispose of the vomit down the toilet.
Beds
If the vomit is on the bed, then take the bed linen off as fast as you can. The less liquid that seeps thought to the mattress and quilt the better. Hopefully, you have a mattress protector on the bed – we strongly recommend one for every bed in the house, and pillow protectors!
Put all the linen (and protectors) on a long wash cycle adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil directly to the wash. Use some Scented Vinegar instead of fabric softer. The eucalyptus and Scented Vinegar will remove any unwanted odours and their antiseptic properties will kill germs.
If the liquid has seeped through to the surface of the mattress you will need to use some paper towel or toilet paper to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Spray the affected area with Scented Vinegar and rub vigorously with a clean damp cloth (only use cold water). If you have a fan turn it towards the bed to aid drying.
Once absolutely dry, mix a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil into enough Gentle Scouring Powder to cover the area and leave the powder to soak up smells for about 3 hours or more. To finish, vacuum and do not forget to empty the vacuum cleaner.
Finish by sprinkling a few drops of your favourite Gyre and Gymble Essential Oil onto the mattress surface. If you have a dry day take the mattress outside to sit in the sunshine.
Carpet
Follow the same process as above.
Timber floors
Scrap up the solids using a spatula or paper towel and place in a bucket. Dispose of the vomit down the toilet. Using cold water and Gyre and Gymble Multi Surface Spray, wipe the floor clean. If the floor still smells spray Scented Vinegar on the area and wipe off immediately. Follow with clean fresh water to rinse the area and then dry. Finish with a room spray or a few drops of Gyre and Gymble Essential Oil on the affected area.
I hear you loud and clear this is never a job to look forward to but with this method, we have taken away the horrible sprays that make you choke and removed the endless scrubbing.
You will need
If using a bath place the old towel in the bottom to protect the surface. If not just place all oven trays and racks flat into the bottom of a suitable sink or bucket. Spray each item with Gyre and Gymble Multi Surface Spray and cover with hot water.
If your trays have super baked on grease, then leave soaking overnight. If not, leave for an hour or so.
Use a scouring pad to rub over the trays and any baked on dirt should come off with very little effort at all. If you are having to work too hard just leave it to soak for a little longer. Once done, rinse and pop back into the oven. Time well spent!
]]>
Fresh fruit and vegetables, from your local shop or your allotment, are a healthy and nutritious part of your diet. Washing them before eating is also an essential part of keeping healthy.
Here a few helpful tips:
Clean each item in fresh running water. For smaller items like strawberries, you can fill a small bowl with water and bob the fruit about gently so as not to damage it. When clean store items in the fridge. Place a clean dry tea towel at the bottom of the fridge crisper drawer and place the clean dried vegetables and fruit on top of the cloth. It is important to change this cloth every week. Try not to store food in plastic wrapping.
For fruit going into a bowl on the table, it is also a great idea to wash it as soon as it arrives in the house. This will mean people can just grab a bit of fruit on the run and not have to worry about washing it.
For a more comprehensive look at washing and storing fruits and vegetables, have a look at this link NHS guidelines [1] on stopping cross-contamination.
[1] "How to wash fruit and vegetables", NHS
]]>
Limescale is a hard and chalky deposit, consisting mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), that often builds up inside kettles, in bathrooms, hot water boilers, and pipework.
If you live in an area with hard water, you will know all too well the problems it causes. Limescale needs to be removed from your bathroom as it is not only unsightly, but mould latches onto the mineral deposits and grows. To remove limescale in your bathroom this is what you will need:
Spray Scented Vinegar onto the affected area and leave for a minute or two then scrub clean. If the limescale is caked on you can cover the area with some paper towel, then soak with the Scented Vinegar. Leave this for as long as possible allowing the acidity of the vinegar to work its magic on the limescale. Scrub or rub off and finish off by cleaning your taps with a few drops of lemon essential oil. This will leave the taps shinning and smelling wonderful.
Tea and coffee are renown for leaving unsightly brown stains on glass, stainless steel and ceramic cups. Most of the time this will come off in the dishwasher, however, if you have a favourite cup or jug that is being used repeatedly the brown stain can begin to grow. Here is a quick and effective way to get rid of these stains.
All you need is Gyre and Gymble's Gentle Scouring Powder and a damp clean cloth. Simple dip your cloth into your Gentle Scouring Powder and wipe away the coffee and tea stain. The stain should disappear immediately without too much rubbing!
]]>
It's time to clean the fridge
You should clean your fridge at least once a month. You never know what you may find! Remove everything, check use by dates and give the fridge a thorough clean. Not only will this keep everyone healthy and safe it will also look well organised and smell amazing.
What you will need
Method
Remove all the food from the fridge. Absolutely everything including bottles and jars - this is a good time to check expiry dates. Once the fridge is empty remove all the shelves, this will make the job easier. Spray shelves with Muilti Surface Spray then wash in warm water in the sink. Once clean place shelves to dry on a towel.
Spray the inside of the fridge with Scented Vinegar and wipe down. Use kitchen towel soaked in water and placed over marks to soak to remove stubborn marks.
Once clean wipe the inside of the fridge with a little lemon oil on a damp clean cloth. You can also use vanilla essence if you love the aroma of vanilla.
Put all the shelves back into place and refill with fresh food and cleaned jars and bottles.
This will help to stop food contamination and will keep everyone happy and healthy.
]]>
We highly recommend dusting with a damp cloth and dusting spray. This will remove dust rather than send it into the air to land somewhere else. Vacuuming regularly will help remove layers of dust. If you have hard floors you will know only too well what collects there, the same is for carpets - you just can't see the mess so well!
These articles highlight key information about dust and how it affects our health.
New Scientist 25th April 2012 - A dusty home may influence a baby's gut
The New Scientist 29th June 2019 - What is dust and is it harmful to human health
NHS - Allergies
]]>News articles on dust and human health.
Dusting is important, and the way you do it is even more important. Rather than just spreading dust around the trick is to remove it. The best way to do this is to always dust with a damp clean cloth. Using a dusting spray will help too.
If you suffer from dust allergies this method will also help to stop the dust becoming airborne.
So here is a recipe for a simple dusting spray:
Repurpose a Gyre and Gymble 500ml spray bottle
Print out a Gyre and Gymble label for your dusting spray https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0293/3686/2779/files/Repurpouse_lablel_round.pdf?v=1592047309
Fill the bottle with water and add 10 drops of Gyre and Gymble Essential Oils. We love these blends - eucalyptus and lemon; orange and grapefruit; lavender and lemon.
You can also use this method to make:
An ironing spray - we love a lavender blend when ironing pillowcases and bedding.
A radiator spray - perfect way to allow essential oils to infuse your home.
A room spray - just spritz around your home to refresh your living space.
]]>
Your chopping board is a kitchen staple, but just how clean is it? Keeping it clean will ensure cross-contamination in the kitchen is minimised and the risk of food poisoning avoided.
For a quick clean spray your board with Gyre and Gymble Multi Surface Spray, scrub clean and rinse with boiling water. Stand the board up and leave to dry.
It is a good idea to regularly deep clean food preparation boards, both plastic and timber. For a deep clean you will need:
Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt onto the board and use half a lemon, or lemon juice, and scrub the board. Once done leave for a minute then rinse with boiling water. Leave to dry totally on both sides.
Source: NHS How to prepare and cook food safely
]]>
Teddy Bears, those treasured family favourites, are lovely but they can get dusty and musty. Here are a few simple things you can do to give Teddy a new lease of life by ensuring he and his furry friends are fresh and clean. It is a simple three-step process – Freeze, Wash, Dry!
What you will need
Put as many furry friends as you can into a pillowcase and place into the freezer for 24 hours. This should be enough time to kill any dust mites and other unwelcome guests that may be lurking on our furry friends.
If a plush toy has become very dirty you could also wash it in the washing machine, but this is not recommended for vintage toys. A warm to hot wash should do the trick. Add 1/2 cup of Scented Vinegar to your fabric softener compartment. Scented Vinegar will have the same effect as a fabric softener.
The tumble dryer is the best solution to dry the toy as this will fluff the plush toy back up again. Add 4 drops of eucalyptus oil and 4 drops of lavender oil to each toy and it will come out of the dryer smelling wonderfully fresh and ready to be played with once again.
If you choose to dry outside on a lovely hot day be careful about pollen as the bear will collect this and that’s not great news for people with hay fever.
]]>
Yet again, with great sadness, we read about plastic pollution in our rivers and how this is causing health problems for all river life, which in turn will cause health problems for the general population.
This article published by the BBC in July 2020 is hard to read without feeling responsible. But there are things we can do to help reduce our own waste.
These are just a few suggestions - every little bit helps.
Gyre and Gymble products are refillable, recyclable and repurposeable. Our 10L refill boxes will save many single-use plastic bottles.
BBC 21st July 2020 - River Thames 'severely polluted with plastic'
BBC 23rd July 2020 - Plastic pollution to weigh 1.3 billion tonnes by 2040
]]>
Directions for use
Gyre and Gymble's water saving Hand Wash lets you wash your hands without turning on the tap. Our water saving solution means you don’t unnecessarily run the tap for the 20 seconds when you wash your hand. Yes, it’s a bad habit yet we all do it!
Put a couple of pumps of Hand Wash on your hands, wash for at least 20 seconds then turn on the tap and wash off. You will notice how quickly the Hand Wash washes off under running water, unlike those gloopy versions that take an eternity!
Follow with Gyre and Gymble hand oil to keep your hands smooth and nourished. If you are not near a tap use our 50ml hand sanitiser spray.
Ingredients
This natural product cannot be guaranteed free from traces of nuts or other allergens. Seek medical advice before use if suffering from any medical conditions or allergies. Always conduct a patch test before using any new product.
As our products are natural, the colour and odour may vary from batch to batch.
The Label
This bottle has a specially designed label which can be easily removed while the bottle is washed and refilled. Once done place the label back on to the bottle.
]]>
Eucalyptus is a true hero! Renown for its powerful disinfectant and antibacterial qualities it cleans disinfects kills germs and deodorises.
The crisp and refreshing scent of the Australian bush will leave your home smelling scrumptiously clean. Our oil has been steam distilled, is colourless but may have a slight green/yellow tinge.
How to use this oil
Another Aussie hero! Tea tree is a truly versatile oil with a refreshing clean aroma. It cleans, disinfects, kills germs, and deodorises. Its natural antibacterial qualities make it a great choice for bathrooms.
Our oil has been steam distilled from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is colourless but may be pale yellow in colour with a fresh medicinal clean aroma.
How to use this oil
Lemon’s super refreshing aroma and its antibacterial properties make it a must-have in your cleaning kit. Your home will benefit from its bright and awakening aroma. Renowned for its disinfecting, grease-cutting and stain removal powers.
Our oil has been steam distilled, is colourless but may be pale yellow/green in colour with a zesty, crisp, aroma.
How to use lemon
Have you peeled an orange and noticed that burst of orange aroma – that’s the essential oil escaping from the rind. Sweet orange is a zesty and invigorating favourite with naturally antibacterial properties. It will lift your mood while you clean. We could all do with a bit of that!
Our oil has been cold-pressed and is orange in colour. You may notice sediment in this oil. This is a naturally occurring wax and can be mixed back into the oil by giving it a little shake. This oil is fresh tangy and sweet just like the fruit.
How to use orange
Sweet, fresh, and fabulous. Grapefruit’s energising and refreshing aroma combined with its disinfecting and deodorising qualities make it a much-loved favourite. Bright and uplifting it’s perfect for a spring clean too.
Our oil has been expeller pressed, is colourless but may be dark yellow in colour and has been selected for its likeness to the real fruit.
How to use grapefruit
Lavender’s floral and sweet aroma combines with herbal notes to provide you with some aromatherapy as you clean. What’s not to like about that! It’s antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and deodorising properties make this a go-to favourite. Considered the most useful of all essential oils.
Our oil has been steam distilled, is colourless but may be pale yellow in colour. Selected for its pleasant, herbaceous, floral aroma.
How to use Lavender
Geranium is a firm favourite any time of the year. This lovely herbaceous aroma is slightly sweet with a hint of citrus and rose. An effective deodorant, its pleasant and uplifting aroma will make your home smell divine.
Our oil has been steam distilled and will be pale yellow in colour. If you crush a geranium leaf and stalk you will smell a light rosy aroma with some notes of citrus. Our oil reflects this perfectly.
How to use geranium
Scotch pine has cleaning superpowers! It kills mould and mildew, is a mild antiseptic and has anti-fungal and deodorising properties. Its fresh woody aroma is energising and uplifting.
Our oil has been steam distilled from the needles and wood and will be slightly yellow in colour.
How to use scotch pine
Cinnamon Bark is a seasonal favourite making your home smell like Christmas pudding. A beautifully sweet and spicy aroma that can be used for deodorising and purifying air and for its powerful antibacterial properties.
Our oil has been steam distilled, is pale yellow in colour and has a warm spicy aroma. Note: Cinnamon oil is a hot oil. Do not put directly onto your skin. Always dilute this oil. If you do accidentally put this oil onto your skin wash immediately with cool water and seek medical attention if you have any reaction.
How to use cinnamon
If you are repurposing a Gyre and Gymble bottle or jar and need a blank label to list its contents, then download our blank label here.
]]>
At the beginning of each season, it’s a great idea to freshen up your carpets and rugs.
This is an easy task, will take very little time and give great results!
You will need
Fill the shaker with Gentle Scouring Powder, add 3 to 4 drops of each essential oil and stir well. Shake the powder over your carpets and rugs leaving a fine even spread on the surface. Leave for an hour or two to work its magic. Vacuum up.
Carpets are left smelling fabulously clean and fragrant.
]]>
Welcome to Gyre and Gymble's online store.
We're delighted to be opened after the COVID19 Lockdown and look forward to introducing you to the best way to care for your home, naturally.
Please browse our new collections and our full product range.
We fondly describe the Gyre and Gymble collection as the “capsule wardrobe” of cleaning. A collection of essential items that do not go out of fashion, augmented with seasonal influences from our essential oils collection.
Let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you!
Jen and Paula
]]>