Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions and Save Money
Is your spring cleaning really as clean as you think it is? Spring cleaning is supposed to be a ritual of purging the accumulated dirt, germs and odor from a winter-weary home to create a clean and healthy living space. Unfortunately, the often caustic and toxic ingredients used in most conventional cleaning products can be just as harmful as the dirt and germs they are meant to eliminate.
Even some so-called natural cleansers can contain these same or similar nasty ingredients. And you would know this only if the manufacturer practices full disclosure of ingredients on its labels, which is not required on home care products. Think about it — when was the last time you saw a full ingredient listing on your spray cleaner?
The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning products you create yourself, using natural and inexpensive ingredients you can pick up at any natural grocery store. It’s cost-effective, not difficult and, like the task of spring cleaning itself, it’s satisfying and rewarding. You can craft your own, homespun versions of everything from carpet cleaner to furniture dusting polish — and have the satisfying assurance that you really are keeping your home green and clean.
Whether you’re shopping for prepared natural cleaning solutions or making your own, keep in mind that the word “aromatherapy” is now being applied to everything scented — from dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent. The true practice of aromatherapy relies on using pure essential oils extracted from plants. According to Tom Havran, aromatherapy product developer at Aura Cacia, “These natural plant essences nurture us on mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual levels.” He adds, “While house cleaning isn’t exactly a spiritual exercise, adding the effects and properties of essential oils to your homemade household products can enhance the experience and the effectiveness of your task.”
Essential oils have potent antimicrobial effects along with their clean, pleasant natural aromas. Here are a few “classic” homecare essential oils suggested by Mr. Havran: lemon (clean, sweet, uplifting scent; deodorizing), peppermint (minty, fresh; air purifier; mild pest repellent), and eucalyptus and tea tree (air and surface sanitizers; fresh, therapeutic aromas).
Tom also has a shopping list of key ingredients for making your own homecare products:
* Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) — Gently abrasive scouring powder, odor absorber and an excellent base for making your own cleaning preparations.
* Washing soda (sodium carbonate)
* Borax (sodium borate) — Natural mineral compound, laundry booster, multipurpose cleanser, fungicide/insecticide.
* White distilled vinegar (acetic acid)
* Liquid soap (sodium hydroxide) — Choose from vegetable oil-based soaps such as olive oil or sweet almond.
* Distilled water — Clean, distilled water acts as a better carrier and dirt solvent. Tap water will often contain salts and minerals that can lead to spotting and build-up.
* Essential oils
* Spray bottles
* Natural bristle scrubbing brushes
* Squeeze bottles
* Cotton dusting cloth
* Hemp or jute fiber scrubbing cloth
* Tote to put it all in
Follow these simple recipes for making your own basic homecare products:
Basic Spray Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon sodium borate
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
- 36 drops essential oil
Gentle Scouring Cream
- 1/2 cup baking soda Liquid soap
- 18 drops essential oil
Add essential oils to baking soda and blend. Next, incorporate the liquid soap, several drops at a time, until a creamy paste forms.
Window Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
- 36 drops essential oil
Wooden Furniture
- Polishing Oil
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Carpet Deodorizing Powder
- 1 cup baking soda
- 18 drops essential oil
Carpet Cleaner
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon liquid soap
- 18 drops essential oil
For more information and eco-friendly cleaning tips, visit www.auracacia.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
