by Nicole Maxwell, NMD
Adapted from Lauren Cox at Natural Partners
You may have a cabinet somewhere in the house complete with glass cleaner, bleach, abrasive bathroom cleaner, etc. Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
Try some of these great healthy alternatives. Put them in glass spray bottles to reduce plastics in the house as well. You will cut down on chemicals in your home and oftentimes save money!
Here are some interesting facts:
- An EPA study concluded that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. (https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Home/The-Inside-Story-A-Guide-to-Indoor-Air-Quality)
- The EPA found the levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher (and sometimes even 100 times higher) than outdoor levels. (American Lung Association and 3M survey, 2002)
- The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. (American Lung Association and 3M survey, 2002). Here is a link for plants that help improve air quality.
Window Cleaner
¼ cup
rubbing alcohol
¼ cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups purified water
Try plain packing paper to wipe to decrease streaking.
All Purpose Cleaner
½ cup white vinegar
2 cups water
10 drops oregano oil
10 drops clove oil
10 drops lavender oil
10 drops lemon oil
Toilet Scrub
¾ cups
borax
1 cup white vinegar
10 drops citrus oil of choice
10 drops mint oil
Wood and Floor Cleaner
1 cup
white vinegar
2 oz mild castille soap
3 cups purified water
20 drops essential oils of choice
Wood Polish
¼ cup
coconut oil
⅓ cup white vinegar
4 cups hot water
Laminate and Tile Cleaner
1
tablespoon baking soda
2 cups hot water
10 drops citrus oil of choice
Moldy Grout Cleaner
1 part
hydrogen peroxide
1 part water
(spray and let sit at least 45 minutes and wipe down with
a sponge)
Leather Cleaner
¼ cup
white vinegar
¼ cup olive or coconut oil
10 drops essential oil of choice
Air Fresheners
Consider an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser or make a simmer pot. Just add in your favorite oils and herbs to a gallon of water and let it simmer all day. Try lavender, rosemary, lemon or clove.