Earth day is just around the corner, and spring is already here- the best combination of the two natural spring cleaning!! For those of you who know me, know that I love natural products that are safe and healthy for our families and our environment. There are so many harmful chemicals found in our cleaning supplies though. They are found in our hand sanitizer, our classrooms, hospitals, used to wipe down grocery carts. You really can't avoid these harmful chemicals in public, however, we can take a stand in our home!
Before having Bree I had no idea about natural cleaning products. Our Bradley instructor handed me a book with all of the reasons why natural cleaners were better for our air, counter tops and hands. I was overwhelmed by the information, and decided not to focus on it right then. Months after we brought Bree home from the NICU, I was cleaning the sink with Lysol, my precious baby was in the wrap right against me, and we were both breathing in the chemicals, that's when I knew I had to do something different- something safe!
After doing tons of research I learned how easy it was to make my own cleaners. Cleaners that would be safe for our little one and for our family. Traditional cleaners disrupt the adrenal system, create asthma or make it worse, harm our lungs, and diminish our ability to reproduce! These are risks that I don't feel comfortable with in my home. Our bodies aren't meant to be exposed to such harsh chemicals. A lot of the newest research is able to link cleaning products to tumors and cancerous cells now as well! Check out the worst chemicals for your home and why you should avoid them
http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2011/10/25/most-toxic-cleaning-products.html#viewAll
https://experiencelife.com/article/8-hidden-toxins-whats-lurking-in-your-cleaning-products/
https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies
There are tons of organic and green options on the market now that make it really easy for families to make different choices. However, some of them still aren't safe for your little one to be around, and what if your so cute toddler accidentally sucks on the lid, or gets into it with their hands- you may still need to call poison control!
That is why I have fallen in love with my cleaners, Bree can suck on the cap if she wants. Now it probably wouldn't be good for her if she sucked a bunch down, but we wouldn't ever have to call poison control!
All Purpose Cleaner Recipe
*** I love using this for the kitchen, bathroom- literally cleans most of the surfaces in my house!
4oz White Distilled Vinegar
4oz Water
1oz Witch Hazel
15-20 drops of Tea Tree/Lemon Essential Oils (tea tree is a great disinfectant and lemon is a great grease cutter)
Toilet Cleaner
I like to sprinkle the inside of the toilet with baking soda and pour in some vinegar and let it sit in the toilet while I spray down the outside with my all purpose cleaner, and then scrub the inside! Works like a charm every time!!! If you want your toilet smelling awesome a few drops of lemon, or lavender do just the trick!
Soap Scum and Hard To Clean Spaces
Honestly, I just use baking soda and undiluted vinegar, let it sit (it will bubble- that's the magic happening) and then scrub off!! It works wonders!! Instead of using paper towels, I have found that scrubby wash cloths like microfiber get the job done great, and are better for the environment!
Floor Cleaner
1 Gallon of Warm Water
2 Tablespoons of Unscented Castille Soap
4 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
8 Drops of Lemon Oil
Carpet Cleaner/Stain Remover
1 Cup of Baking Soda
5 Drops of Lavender Oil
Here are some great resources if you are interested in natural cleaning
http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm
http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/green-household-cleaners-zmaz90jazshe.aspx
http://wellnessmama.com/6244/natural-cleaning-tips/
My Favorite Essential Oils to Use
1. Lemon: It is so fresh and clean smelling and a great antibacterial. Lemon is also a great grease cutter, so I love having this one in the kitchen!
2. Tea Tree: Smells very clean, and is the perfect antibacterial for the bathroom sink and for anything that gets full of germs.
3. Lavender: Has a fresh scent that relaxes and welcomes anyone into a room. I love using this for the bathroom, carpet cleaner etc. It is also a great antibacterial so it pairs nicely with tea tree for a lovely bathroom cleaner.
4. Tangerine/Wild Orange: This is a great mood lifter, who likes to clean anyway? It's also an incredible antiseptic
Happy GREEN Spring Cleaning!
And more DIY recipes to come! Stay tuned......
Happy earth day!! In honor of earth day I have put together five easy ways to save the environment as a family- today!
3.Another great way that is super easy to save on the environment is not buying paper towels. I love using kitchen towels, wash cloths and un-paper towels. You're going to wash your bath towels anyway, why not just use towels for the whole house! Etsy has some really adorable ones that you can custom order to match any kitchen!
4. Before I learned how bad plastic bags were on the environment I thought it was so odd for people to bring bags to the store, after all the bags are the only free thing in the store- but I have since learned from the error of my ways!! Taking your own bags to the store saves the environment, space in your house and it can be really fun! Seriously people, this one isn't that hard to do and you'll love not having to store a bunch of plastic bags in a drawer or inside of another plastic bag stash. I love taking my cute reusable bags to the store, and bring along reusable produce bags as well!!
5. And lastly the best thing you can do to protect and save the environment is get outside!! We live in a culture where the average kid gets 10 minutes a day outside. I don't know about you but when I was a kid I literally spent hours everyday outside. Kids aren't going to protect what they don't know about, and neither will you! If you spend time outside you will want to take care and protect the environment, and that is something that will get passed down through the ages!! Happy earth day everybody!!
