As Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Specialists we often work with customers who are referred to us from one medical office or another. As you might expect, many of them have compromised immune systems and are extra sensitive to fragrances, chemicals and cleaning products. Anything from makeup, hair products and laundry soap to lotions, cleaning products and deodorant can trigger a reaction. Fortunately, there are many alternative ways to get ta deep clean with all-natural products.
I’ll be sharing my top 5 favorite all-natural cleaning products, where to get them, and any tips we’ve learned along the way. So, let’s get to it.
- Alkaline water – Your household water ionizer is for more than just drinking water. Actually, both alkaline and acidic ionized water can be used for cleaning and sanitizing. Alkaline water produced at the highest settings is a powerful cleaner. The same properties that draw toxins from the body can also draw dirt, oils and stains from fabrics like carpets, clothing and furniture. When applied, alkaline water can draw out the stain. If you have a water ionizer powerful enough to produce acidic water at a 2.5 or lower pH, this water can kill most germs and bacteria on contact. For more information on how to use Alkaline water for cleaning visit https://www.alkalinewater.com/industrial/ionized-water-for-household-cleaning/
- Citrus infused
Vinegar – Vinegar and citrus juices are acidic and kill
bacteria and viruses. Here is how to do it:
- Fill a jar with (organic) citrus peels.
- Pour undiluted white vinegar over them.
- Leave for a few days (up to 2 weeks)
- Strain out the vinegar to use as a natural cleaner.
It works full-strength as a window cleaner or dilute with water for mopping floors, or for disinfecting surfaces.
- Homemade “Soft-Scrub”
Cleaner – This is self-explanatory, for when you
need to get a little tougher on dirt. I use it for my bathroom and kitchen
grout but its safe for countertops and porcelain, but don’t use it on a glass
top stove.
- 1 ½ cups baking soda
- ½ cup environmentally safe liquid laundry soap (ECOS, for example)
- 10 drops tea tree, lavender, or lemon essential oil
Mix baking soda and laundry soap in a mixing bowl, stirring vigorously to combine into a paste. Add essential oil and mix well. Store in an airtight food container.
If the mixture begins to dry out, add a small amount of water and mix well.
- Homemade
Disinfectant Wipes – Here is a great
recipe for all-natural wipes, for a handy little quick clean up.
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup with vinegar
- 8 drops tea tree oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 8 drops lemon essential oil
Empty “wipe” container (baby wipe, for example) and place 15 – 20 folded squares of cloth (old t-shirts work well, as do old dish towels or similar material) into the empty wipe container and set aside. Combine in a mixing bowl the water, vinegar, and 3 essential oils, stirring until well mixed. Pour this mixture over the cloths in the container where they will soak in and be ready for you to pull out and use!
Launder and repeat as often as the cloths hold up!
- Young Living Thieves cleaner – This cleaner concentrate and the other oils mentioned above can be purchased through Young Living. Thieves is a blend of several oils in a convenient concentrate that will last ages. The oils are high quality and pure (no chemical carriers). The concentrate can be diluted according to directions and used as you would use any other (chemical filled) cleaner. My favorite part is the cleaner continues to work after it has dried and keeps your surfaces “bug” free long after your last wipe down. You can purchasing the concentrate at http://bit.do/YoungLivingMember. Because it is not sold in stores you will need to create a login as either a member or customer.
There are so many ways to use common household items to clean that don’t require a cabinet full of chemicals. I’d love to hear your favorite all-natural household cleaning recipes, please share and comment below.