Like it or not, we are all beasts to the burden of cleaning our homes. However, we don’t have to continue to compromise our health every time we scrub the toilet by using harsh chemicals. As I talked about on House Talk Today 660am (September 24) with Chris Miles and Alex Guthrie, there are several natural ingredients (some probably in your kitchen pantry right now!) you can use to clean your entire house that are not only ‘green’ but could actually be health boosters.
First let me introduce the 4 products I want you to start using instead of the harsh, toxic cleaners you have under your sink:
Baking Soda : a non toxic, multi-purpose product that is inexpensive and easy to find. If you do a little research you will be amazed at all the things you can use baking soda for. And you can buy it in bulk.
White Vinegar: also, non-toxic, multi-use and inexpensive. Some interesting facts about vinegar: Kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold and 80% of viruses!!
Castile Soap: cheap, highly concentrated multi-use soap.
Essential Oils: most are non-toxic, some are inexpensive but they are all multi-use, immune boosting and smell wonderful. Different oils have different properties and of course low grade essential oils will not be as powerful as a therapeutic grade essential oil. If you are looking to work with a high quality oil make sure you know the supplier. Flower Road only offers the highest grade aromatherapy products. Toot! Toot! The essential oils I suggest using for cleaning the house are Lavender (anti-bacterial, bug repellent, relaxant), Lemon (anti-bacterial, refreshing), Tea Tree (anti-fungal) and Ravintsara (anti-viral). These particular oils are non-toxic and some what inexpensive.
Now here are just a few simple suggestions to get you on your way to green cleaning:
1. All Purpose Disinfectant Spray – 8 oz water, 30 drops of Tea Tree and 30 drops of Ravintsara essential oils. Combine the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Spray on countertops and all bathroom surfaces to kill mold, mildew and viruses.
2. All Purpose Non-Abrasive Scrubbing Cleanser – 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons Castile soap, 10 drops essential oil. Add soap to baking soda slowly, then add oils and stir. Scrub toilets, bathtubs and other surfaces then rinse with water or wipe down with All Purpose Disinfectant Spray.
3. All Purpose Floor Cleaner – 2 tablespoons Castile liquid soap, 1 gallon water, 10 drops Lemon essential oil. Add soap to water and stir gently. After moping, go back over floor with dry Swiffer that has been sprayed with All Purpose Disinfectant Spray.
4. Carpet Fresh – Combine 1 cup baking soda to 25 drops of Geranium essential oil in a glass container, cover and let sit for 24 hours. Sprinkle on carpets and vacuum.
I hope you will start to incorporate these simple, inexpensive, good for the earth and you cleansers into your cleaning protocol. Visit www.flowerroad.net to find your essential oils and your favorite health food store for all the other ingredients. If you find this information helpful you might enjoy taking an upcoming Flower Road class:
Flu Shot Alternative – Thursday October 27 6:30p-8:30p (Venue TBA)-No Charge-Please RSVP 214-987-2766
Cleaning with Essential Oils – Saturday October 29 10am-Noon (Venue TBA)-No Charge-Please RSVP 214-987-2766
Aromatherapy Everyday – Saturday November 5 10am-Noon (Venue TBA)-No Charge-Please RSVP
