Store bought household cleaners contain a number of harmful chemicals to our bodies. These chemicals can enter our bodies through our skin and through our nose if we breathe them in. In fact, fragrances in general can be very harmful to our bodies. Fragrance listed as an ingredient is actually a blanket term for chemicals that are allowed not to be listed separately on the ingredients list. Unfortunately, the majority of these chemicals are hormone disrupting chemicals and chemicals that cause allergic reactions and inflammation in or on the body. While our bodies are great at filtering out a normal amount of toxins we come in contact with, limiting the number of harmful things we expose ourselves to really help our bodies stay in balance.
An easy step in that direction is making your own cleaning products. It so simple and so inexpensive you will wonder why you hadn't started sooner! Another even easier way to clean most surfaces is with a microfiber cloth and water. They do an excellent job of gently scrubbing a surface clean (including glass) while actually trapping germs and bacteria in their fibers with only the additional use of water! No chemicals needed. But, for more stubborn messes try some of the recipes below.
I have compiled a list of different house cleaners that are natural and you can make at home. I've included some links to make it easier to find the ingredients. For essential oils, it is important to find quality oils (there are a lot of impostors out there!). Try Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com), Young Living, or DoTerra for essential oils.
Glass spray bottles can be found here:
Glass Spray Bottles
Washing Soda:
Washing Soda
I also bought microfiber cloths that work really well with just water and no cleaner (but any microfiber cloth will work): Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Granite Cleaner: (general purpose cleaner)
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
2 cups distilled water
1 tbsp castile soap (Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented)
10 drops essential oil (I use either lemon or orange)
16 oz glass spray bottle
Glass Cleaner:
1 1/2 oz rubbing alcohol
1 1/2 oz white vinegar
12 oz distilled water
2 1/4 tsp cornstarch
16 oz glass spray bottle
Bathroom Cleaner:
1 1/2 cups distilled water
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 tbsp castile soap (Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented)
20 drops tea tree essential oil
20 drops lemon or orange essential oil
16 oz glass spray bottle
Shower Scrub:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup castile soap (Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented)
25 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
2 tbsp white vinegar (optional)
mason jar