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Thursday, April 4, 2013

Spring Cleaning with Natural Cleaners


Spring Cleaning with Natural Cleaners

The house has been sealed up tightly all winter long. It is time to air out all the built up pollutants and toxins that have accumulated over the winter. Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties, which make them excellent for killing germs that cause the flu, infections and colds. Cleaning can be done without harsh cleaners and it will also leave your house fresh, clean and safe.
They also smell great! I have always associated the smell of cleaners to having a clean house. The the biggest problem most people have with cleaning with natural products ( vinegar) there is no smell. Adding the essential oil will give a fresh smell and naturally clean the house.

Open the windows
Open up the windows and let the fresh air circulate through the house for 15 minutes a day. The best time is in the morning and the evening. This will get the stale air out and bring in fresh air.

Clean the air with plants
Household plants such as spider plants, aloe vera, philodendron, ficus, English ivy, peace lily, and schefflera are a pleasing way to purify the air. They remove pollutants such as benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, from the air.
Prevent Mold and Mildew
Keep the humidity levels low to control mold , mildew, and dust mites. Use the exhaust fan for the bathroom and install a dehumidifier and air conditioner to to help remove the surplus moisture in the air.
Remove Shoes Indoors
A great policy for your house: Remove your shoes as soon as you enter the house. This helps prevent outdoor contaminants from coming into the house. A great example; the gas and oil on the ground from the gas station that gets on your shoes as you pump gas.

Keep the ants away
Plant herbs such as lavender, peppermint and tansy around your house and it will help keep the ants away.
Mix together 1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves, 1/4 cup powdered cayenne, and 1/4 cup borax
sprinkle the mixture liberally around the area that the ants are coming into the house.
Repel Ants
Peppermint, spearmint and citronella essential oils deter ants. Place the oils on a cotton ball and place in areas that you have seen ants. Renew the cotton ball every two days to keep the scent strong.
Repel flies
Put out fresh orange and lemon peels mixed with dried cloves. Plant Rue and tansy near door ways. Also flies don’t like the smell of lavender, eucalyptus, or cedar. Use one or a combination of these oils to scent a room.

Air Fresheners
Use this one when someone in the house is sick. the antimicrobial properties will help fight the germs of the cold or flu
1 teaspoon vodka
20 drops juniper essential oil
20 drops eucalyptus
20 drops lavender essential oils
2 cups water
mix all the ingredients in a 16 oz. spray bottle and shake well. Avoid spraying directly onto any surfaces.

Lavender and Citrus air Freshener.
A light , refreshing aroma for your spring cleaning
1 teaspoon vodka
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops grapefruit essential oil
2 cups water
Mix together in a spray bottle. Shake before each use
The following natural cleaners are non toxic, inexpensive, easy to make, and good for removing dirt, grease and grime.
All- Purpose  spray
1 teaspoon borax
2 cups warm water
2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon natural liquid dish detergent
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oils
Combine in a spray bottle and shake well.  Use on counter-tops, walls, and wood. Wipe clean with a rag

Glass Cleaner
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon natural liquid dish-washing soap
1 cup warm water
2 drops of lemon essential oil
add to a spray bottle and shake well. Use a lint free rag to wipe  clean
Clean leather furniture
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
add all ingredients in a jar and mix. Test on a hidden spot on furniture first to make sure the leather does not discolor. Apply sparingly, rub it in thoroughly , and buff with a soft cloth to remove excess oil
Dishwasher detergent
3 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon borax
2 drops lemon essential oil
mix together and use in your dishwasher
Drain cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup white vinegar
Pour baking soda, salt, and vinegar into drain. Wait 15 minutes and pour a pot of hot water down the drain

Grease  cutting cleanser
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent
1 gallon hot water
5 drops lemon essential oils
Mix together in a bucket and use to wash walls and cabinets
Kitchen Floor cleaner
Cuts the grease on the floor and leaves a fresh scent
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons dish-washing detergent
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 gallons hot water
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops orange essential oil
Add to a bucket to was floor. Rinse floor with clean water
Toilet Cleaner
pour 1 cup borax 1/4 cup lemon juice into bowl and let it sit overnight. Scrub bowl in the morning with toilet brush and flush

Natural bleaching cleanser
Helps get stains out of porcelain and fiberglass
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap
1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
Mix ingredients in a small container and scrub area with a sponge. Rinse well

Start this spring off with a fresh clean house.  This is also a great time to clean out the kitchen pantry and cabinets full of foods that don’t help you stay on a healthy diet.  There is no excuse that you keep foods in your house for your kids or spouse. If it is not healthy throw it out and replace it with a healthier alternative.
Tomorrow I will write about stocking a healthy pantry/ kitchen.

3 comments:

  1. Keep your house clean all the time to keep mold and bacteria from thriving. Natural products are highly recommended because its cheaper and eco-friendly. You can use it as often as you want without being afraid of any harmful effects. With natural products you'll only get benefits.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just couldn't leave your website before telling you that I truly enjoyed the top quality info you present to your visitors? Will be back again frequently to check up on new posts. Professional Cleaners London

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