A little over 2 years ago I started using essential oils. I had grown tired of the toxic chemicals in the cleaning products I was purchasing from the store. My oldest daughter, who is 16 now, had terrible asthma as a child, she has therefore always been sensitive to chemicals and fragrances. It wasn’t until I started using natural cleaning products with essential oils that her asthma cleared up.
Essential oils are not even oils. It’s a concentrated liquid that is generally distilled by steam or water from the stem, flowers, barks and roots of plants. Citrus oils are highly effective when it comes to cleaning. Citrus oils contain d-lim nene, which is a natural solvent that chemically reacts with oil to break it down.
Many of the cleaning products that are available can cause immediate or acute hazards such as skin or respiratory irritation. Others may cause chronic health problems such as cancer. They can also become water pollutants as they go down our drain and deplete the water’s oxygen supply, killing off aquatic animals.
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When you’re out shopping for cleaning products look for products that are made with plant-based ingredients instead of petroleum. Avoid cleaners that are marked with “Danger” or “Poison” on the label….or may cause burns. Most of your household cleaning can be accomplished by using ingredients like water, Castile soap, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice or essential oils. If you are feeling savvy, I’ve included a simple DIY Homemade Soft Scrub recipe that is very effective for several of your cleaning tasks. I hope you enjoy it.
1 Cup baking soda
1/4 Cup of liquid Castile soap
1 TB hydrogen peroxide
1 large jar such as a mason jar (with lid)
10 drops of citrus essential oils
Combine the baking soda, Castile soap and peroxide in a bowl (preferably glass or stainless steel) and mix well. Add the essential oils. Stir until it looks a little like glue. Spoon the cleaner into your jar about 2/3 full to leave room for expansion. The mixture will expand for the first 24 hours. Store at room temperature for several months in the sealed jar.
To use : Apply the desired amount on a cloth and apply to the soiled area. Let sit for a few minutes and wipe with a clean damp cloth.
What cleaning product alternatives have you tried and were the results good enough to switch?
3 Comments
Marcia Shannon 52
April 4, 2016 at 6:45 PMHey Rita! This a great article. I tried the recipe that you gave on my shower walls. It worked so well! I’ve been looking for a scouring cleaner that I could make! You slayed & delivered. I like to use natural cleaning ingredients because it is sooo much cheaper than buying the commercial stuff & they usually work better!
Marcia Shannon 52 would like you to check out…If you take care of your body it will take care of you
Rita
April 20, 2016 at 10:07 PMHey Mrs. Marcia. I’m excited that you were able to use the recipe. I like to add lavender, tea tree or peppermint to the soft scrub cleanser as well. I love, love, love tea tree. Tea tree oil helps kill bacteria too. Thanks so much Mrs. Marcia. Happy, healthy cleaning.
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June 21, 2016 at 8:40 AM[…] Also Related: Reasons to Switch to Essential Oils for Cleaning + DIY Homemade Soft Scrub Recipe […]