Day 5: Clean Green
While cleaning my bedroom earlier this year, I was overcome with the fumes emitting from the carpet freshener. I realized that since I use essential oils for almost everything, why not create my own cleaning products using my essential oils? How hard could it be? I could clean and heal at the same time! It's easy to do, inexpensive and totally nontoxic. If you are sensitive to chemicals and smells like I am, you'll definitely appreciate it. You don’t need to buy tons of sprays and plug ins in order to get your home smelling fresh. I went to my favorite search site, pinterest and started looking up green cleaning. My first attempt was the carpet fresher, which turned out perfect. Months later I still have enough from that initial batch. I use and sell DoTERRA Essential Oils and the Introductory Trio which contains Lemon, Peppermint and Lavender Oils, is a great place to start. The oils are high quality and they work, but of course, you can choose the brands and aromas you like. Make sure the brand you choose is certified therapeutic organic, otherwise you are buying a synthetic version.
An intregal part of nourishing your home is identifying and cleaning those barely seen, hard-to-reach corners, damp basements, dusty windows and plants. These are often be the root of your home not feeling as healthy as it could. The other day I glanced up at my ceiling fan and noticed a streak of dust. I gave it a quick swipe with one of my DIY cleaners and voila, dust free, clean and smelling wonderful. The main goal of green cleaning is to use cleaning solutions and methods that keep us and our homes fresh and healthy.
What Is Green Cleaning?
For some homes, green cleaning means that they only use substances like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons to clean the home surfaces.
Those are natural green cleaners. Some households may seek out manufactured green cleaning products {e.g. Method and 7th Generation} that are healthy for the environment.. When you use a green cleaning product, you may want to avoid those that include, phosphates, chlorine, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors. Many cleaners on the market now are also marketed as being biodegradable. Other cleaners have ingredients that are grown organically or produced using sustainable farming practices. Some green cleaning products may certify that their items are fair trade, meaning that the product meets certain environmental and labor standards by those who produced it. Green cleaning products may not be free of additives or harmful chemicals--perhaps they use recycled packaging or donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes. Those are all examples of green cleaning products.
Whatever choices you make about your cleaning supplies and practices, there is a huge variety of environmentally friendly choices for those interested in green cleaning. With a little research, you may be able to green up your household cleaning routine to create a healthier, safer environment for yourself and others.
Green Cleaning Recipes
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and environmentally friendly try one or all of these quick and easy recipes. You can get spray bottles from Amazon or any discount/dollar store
All-Purpose Cleaning Scrub:
Mix four tablespoons of baking soda to one quart of warm water. Use it to scrub down countertops and bathrooms. Add lavender, peppermint or lemon oil for a great scent.
Room Spray
Ingredients
2 fluid ounces distilled water
24 drops of your DoTERRA Essential Oils
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-ounce amber glass mist bottle
Directions
1. In bottle, combine essential oils and vanilla extract. Fill with water.
2. To use, shake contents and mist the air throughout your home.
Homemade Floor and Surface Cleaner
Ingredients
20 drops DoTERRA essential oils
2 tablespoons unscented liquid soap, Dr. Bronners Castile Soap, which also comes in several great scents, is my favorite
Directions
1. In a small mixing bowl, combine essential oil blend and soap.
2. Pour mixture into a 1-gallon bucket of warm water and stir until well blended.
3. Use to clean floors and hard surfaces.
Note: Test on an inconspicuous area before general use.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups water
2 teaspoons DoTERRA essential oils
1/2 teaspoon Borax
1/4 teaspoon unscented liquid Castile soap
16-ounce spray bottle
Directions
1. In bottle, combine water and Borax. Let sit until fully dissolved.
2. In dish or cup, measure essential oils and Castile soap, stir until well blended.
3. Add soap/essential oil mixture to spray bottle, replace lid and shake gently until well blended.
4. To use, shake bottle, spray surface and wipe clean.
Note: Test on an inconspicuous area before general use.
Post Script:
In lieu of questions/reflections make at least one of the recipes.
In addition, I created this Cleaning Playlist for you. Enjoy!
Please feel free to reach out to me via Facebook, Instagram or email with your questions or comments. Let me know your thoughts and and ways you've implemented these action steps into your home.
Love, Pleasure & Prosperity!
Hakikah
Holistic Home & Health Coach