I don’t know about you but when I was first introduced to the idea of “Going Green”, I was intrigued, but totally overwhelmed!
There were soooo many areas in my home that I needed to improve on (starting with the fact that I was spraying my baby’s highchair down with bleach spray, ahhh).
I mean, there was an endless list of things I felt I “should” be doing, or else my kids were certainly going to never grow up healthy, or that’s what I told myself. And, I needed to start making all these changes while raising 6 kids, running an at-home biz, serving in my church (you get the idea)...recipe for crazy lady brewing.
Well the reality was, I needed to make some BIG changes but I had to take one step at a time to reduce the overwhelm, and to ensure what I was doing would create lasting change (something I could stick to).
Did you know by reducing your chemical exposure, it can not only improve your gut health and immunity but can also reduce inflammation in your body, improve your energy and reduce your stress? Say what?!
We know so many of you busy mamas are feeling the same way, so we are excited to introduce our all new Makeover My Home Series.
We will be focusing on each area of your home and how you can make small and simple steps in being Toxic Free, one room at a time (virtual high five).
This week we will be focusing on giving your kitchen a makeover. Remember my bleach spray? Not a great idea!
Common Household Products in Our Kitchens:
Multi-Purpose Cleaners - we buy them because they’re supposed to make our lives easier, right? But most of these cleaners contain the harmful chemical 2-Butoxyethanol, a glycol ether that may cause a variety of ailments from skin irritations, sore throats or even liver or kidney damage.(1)
Bleach - it was my go-to because it works as a disinfectant. But it’s also dangerous and can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations and even death. (2)
Ammonia - this liquid is in many cleaning products as well as a standalone cleanser. Despite its cleaning powers, it can cause serious health problems. It’s highly toxic and can severely corrode the eyes, skin and lungs, causing blindness and lung problems. (3)
Dish soap - a popular ingredient hiding in your dish soap is Phthlates, or plasticizers. Studies show that this ingredient can affect the reproductive system. Phthalates are also found in many many products from flooring to adhesives and many personal care products too. (4)
Scary, right? So, let’s DITCH those toxins and use SAFE ingredients to get the job done!
Here are 4 simple recipes to start your green cleaning journey in one of the most used spaces in your home!
ALL PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY
Shopping List:
1 cup warm water
1 cup white vinegar
20-25 drops of essential oil
Directions:
In a spray bottle, combine water and vinegar. Add essential oil(s) of choice. Shake well. Use on counters, wood, glass, stainless steel, and porcelain.
STOVE TOP CLEANER
Shopping List:
¼ cup baking soda
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
4-5 drops of essential oil (our faves- Lemon, Lime, Tea Tree or a combo of all three)
Directions:
Stir all ingredients together until they form a paste, Spread it over the stove top. Leave it on for 15 minutes (longer for hard-to-remove stains). Using a sponge, scrub the mixture into the grime. Remove excess cleaner and wipe the surface clean.
REFRIGERATOR & MICROWAVE CLEANER
Shopping List:
1 cup white vinegar
2 cups hot water
15 drops lemon essential oil
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Spray mixture inside fridge or microwave, then scrub and wipe using damp cloth.
DISHWASHER DETERGENT TABLETS
Shopping List:
1 cup baking soda
¼ cup citric acid
1 tablespoon doTERRA OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate
5 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
Silicone Molds
Directions:
Put baking soda, citric acid, Cleaner Concentrate and Grapefruit oil in a mixing bowl. Mix together until the mixture is an even consistency. Place in silicone molds and let sit for four hours. Remove tabs from molds and store in an airtight container. Use in the dishwasher in place of store-bought dishwasher tablets (one at a time).
If you are looking for even more ways to use toxic free, safe products in your home, you will love our 7 Easy Swaps download!
Rick Sachleben, PhD, expert for the American Chemical Society
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html
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