Why I made the switch to making my own household cleaning products and why you should too.

*Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

These are my go to recipes for natural household cleaners. After many failed attempts, I want to share what I believe to be some of the best tried and true recipes I have come across.

"I like my products like I like my people. Non-toxic."

A few years ago I started making many changes in my life. One of the most important things for me was my health and my families health. I started waking up to truth behind what we bring into our home and put into our bodies. From the food we eat, to the products we use, the levels of toxic chemicals that can be in our home was very troublesome to me. At first I started purchasing what I thought were "safe"products. If it says natural on the package it must be safe for us, right? Wrong! Once you start paying attention to the ingredients on the labels, you will realize that even though something says it's natural, it's not always the case. I started looking for recipes online, and begin testing them out. Some were just ok and some were major fails. One of my very dear friends had been living a sustainable life for years. She had even started an eco-friendly business of non-toxic personal care products that were top notch! I knew that she would be the perfect person to ask for advice and get some pointers from.

After listening to her insight, I headed back into the kitchen and created some household cleaning products that have become a staple in my home! They not only left my home looking clean, but smelling great too!

All-Purpose Cleaner

Before getting started you will need a spray bottle. I prefer glass spray bottles, as they are more environmentally friendly and I just love the look of them. You will be making a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar, so the measurements depend on the size of your bottle.

Ingredients

• Distilled Water (This is super important, as regular water will not keep as well)

• Vinegar

• 5-10 Drops of Essential Oil of your choosing (Lemon, Lime, Lavender, Orange, Tea tree, Palo Santo to name a few)

Steps:

1. Add a 50/50 ratio of water and vinegar to the spray bottle

2. Then add your essential oils! I like to use at least 8-10 drops as I don't love the smell of vinegar but this is totally up to you.

3. Give the bottle a good shake! And voila you have just made your all-purpose cleaner!

Note: Always give your bottle a quick shake before each use, as the essential oils will settle to the top after sitting for awhile.

Room Spray

*Room Spray

You will need a glass spray bottle. I prefer a smaller one that doesn't take up too much space. I like to have several of these sprays all around the house.

Ingredients

• Distilled Water

• TBSP Baking Soda

• 5-8 Drops of Essential Oil

Steps:

1. Add the distilled water to the bottle, filling it almost to the top.

2. Add the baking soda.

3. Add your essential oils (the more drops, the stronger the smell.)

4. Give the bottle a good shake, and spray away!

Note: Always give the room spray a shake before each use.

I love to use different essential oils for different seasons. Around the holidays, Cinnamon, Balsam Fir, Frankincense and Myrrh are great! Citrus oils in the summer, such as Orange, Lemon, Tangerine & Grapefruit. Pumpkin, Bergamot, Cardamom, Cedarwood are great for fall! Spring I use Geranium, Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Ylang Ylang to name a few.

Foaming Hand Soap

Did you know that individuals use less water when they wash their hands using foaming soap instead of liquid soap? When you consider how many times you and the other members of your household wash your hands, using foaming hand soap can make a difference in the amount of water consumed. This can not only help you save money with decreased water bills, but it is also better for the environment.

Be sure to purchase a foaming soap dispenser before making your own foaming soap. These dispensers feature a special air chamber that pumps air into the soap as it is released. Without this addition of air, foaming soap won’t foam up; it will just come out as a liquid mess.

Ingredients

• Distilled Water

• 2 TBSP Castile Soap

• 10 Drops of essential oil

• 1 TSP Carrier Oil ( I use coconut oil)

Steps:

1. Fill the soap dispenser with water, leaving space for more ingredients.

2. Add Castile soap.

3. Add about 10 drops of essential oils of your choice. Some opt for antimicrobial properties, such as tea tree, eucalyptus or lemongrass oil.

4. Add carrier oil for moisture.

5. Secure the lid and shake the dispenser to mix all ingredients.

Once you make the switch, the confidence and peace of mind you’ll have, knowing that you’re only using safe, non-toxic products to clean your home is priceless!

And speaking of priceless, money you’ll save by making your own cleaning products, using simple ingredients that you can actually pronounce is worth doing another happy dance!

Knowing I can clean my entire home without feeling like I need a hazmat suit is very freeing! And when my toddler grabs my cleaning bottles I don't have to worry.

Making your own non-toxic household cleaners is much easier (and cheaper) than you think!

Take your power back today and make changes that will make a positive influence on your health and your families!