Team Body Firm~
Lately I have been digging in to the toxicity of our environment. At first I wanted to run away to a deserted island away from all of the chemicals…but now I’m a little calmer and realize even the littlest of changes can make a big difference over time. I went to one of my favorite health food stores and tried some of these concoctions I found from different web sites…which I’d love to share. I do have to warn you…if you use essential oils..go sparingly. I made that mistake this past weekend and on a rainy Saturday needed to open all the windows and doors as not to pass out!
Basic Ingredients for non toxic cleaners:
Apple Cider Vinegar or White vinegar, Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap, baking soda, and essential oils
Vinegar
White, distilled vinegar is great for deodorizing, degreasing and general cleaning. It’s also extremely inexpensive and readily available.
The smell of vinegar does dissipate fairly quickly, but if you dislike it a great deal, try scenting it. To create scented vinegar, simply add several drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to a one gallon jug of white vinegar. Lemon or orange is nice too. There are dozens of nice oils…just find one you like!
Castile Soap
This gentle soap is made from vegetable fat/oil such as hemp, palm or olive (opposed to tallow). It is a versatile cleaner that works well with other ingredients as well as alone.
Baking Soda
The texture of baking soda makes it useful as a mild abrasive. It is also an excellent deodorizer.Many of us already have an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb smells, but it can also be used to scrub sinks and clean toilets!
To freshen carpets, add a few drops of essential oil to a box of baking soda, stir to combine, sprinkle on the carpet and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Then vacuum.
Essential Oils
These concentrated plant oils contain powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties. While they can sometimes be expensive, one small bottle will last a long time. They add a nice fragrance to your homemade cleaners, which provides psychological benefits too!
Some of the best essential oils for cleaning are: lemon, orange, peppermint, lavender, and tea tree.
Simple Recipes to Clean the Whole House
Floors
A good floor cleaner is made by adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of Castile soap and 10 drops of lemon essential oil to a large container. Fill with 1 gallon of hot water and stir to mix. If the floor is greasy, add up to 1/8 cup of vinegar.
Walls
The above floor cleaner will work well on walls too. If you wish to disinfect walls (or door knobs, crib rails, and so on), mix equal parts vinegar and water. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, per 16 oz of mixture, if desired.
Mirrors
Mirrors can be cleaned well with water and a microfiber cloth. If you are looking for more shine (and germ killing power), combine 1 ½ cups of water with ½ cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Add 5 to 10 drops of orange or lemon essential oil for extra cleaning power and added fragrance.
Counter tops
Keep leftover floor cleaner in a spray bottle and use it on the counter tops. It works very well.
If this is not available try to make some disinfecting spray with lavender and peppermint essential oil and water. Adding two tablespoons of Castile soap to this mix will help loosen dirt or grime if necessary.
Toilets
Pouring a little straight or scented vinegar into the toilet bowl is a great way to clean and deodorize. For regular toilet seat wipe downs, keep some vinegar in a spray bottle.
Sprinkling baking soda into the bowl and scrubbing with a sturdy toilet brush is another good way to keep the toilet clean and fresh.
Bath and shower
The best way to keep the shower clean is to regularly spray the walls with vinegar, this helps prevent soap and scum from building up. Using a squeegee to remove excess water (a few times each week) is also very effective, especially on glass doors.
For a thorough cleaning, it is easy to make your own soft soap cleaner with baking soda and Castile soap.
It is always a good idea to label your homemade cleaners. Writing the recipe on the container also helps make refills a breeze.