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Time to Spring Clean!

Windows, walls, ceilings, attics, basements, cleaning, purging, and organizing- It's that time of year! Spring is here, open the windows, clean out the closets, and make way for a fresh start! But, first, let me as you: Do you want to clean (and inhale) hazardous chemicals and toxic fumes? Me neither! You can create your own, safe and natural cleaning formulas. Super basic- easy to make!

Check out these DIY clean green recipes:



Homemade Air Freshener

½ cup water

3 Tbsp. alcohol (grain alcohol is best)

10 drops of essential oil (your choice- Ones I like pine, mints, citrus)

Small spray bottle (preferably glass)


Soft Chemistry (All-Purpose Surface Cleaner)

¼ cup white vinegar

1 cup warm water + 2 Tbsp. peroxide

20-30 drops essential oil (try eucalyptus, orange, or grapefruit oil)

Put in a glass bottle and shake. Use a cloth to wipe surfaces. No need to rinse.


Easy Soda Paste (can use as toothpaste)

4 Tbsp. water

4 Tbsp. baking soda

2 drops of peppermint essential oil

Dissolve soda in water. Rub the paste onto to surface with a soft cloth. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth after using the paste. Great to use on pots and pans. Warning: Baking soda is abrasive, so do not use on surfaces susceptible to scratches.


Silver Shiner

Simmer 1- 3 cups of water, then add 2-3 tsp. of washing soda. Pour into a container (such as a large stainless steel bowl) that can withstand hot water. Add silverware to the water, then add a small piece of aluminum foil. Aluminum attracts dirt. Gently move silverware around. Dry items thoroughly and buff to shine with a soft cloth.


Beeswax Wood Polish

3 oz (75 g) pure beeswax

½ cup castor oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

5 drops of cedarwood essential oil

Grate beeswax and gently melt on low in a pan. Stir until the wax melts. Add castor oil. Pour into a tin with a lid, stir in lavender oil. Leave to cool- it will harden. Use for furniture by rubbing polish into the wood with a soft cloth.

Fabric Conditioner Softener

1 cup washing soda

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

Combine washing soda with vinegar and mix well. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil (good ones to try: lavender, eucalyptus, ylang ylang, jasmine, palmarosa, peppermint, lemon, patchouli). Store in capped bottle and use as you would a commercial fabric softener.

Basic Liquid Laundry

1 oz liquid Castile soap

10 drops of essential oil (your choice)

1 cup washing soda

1 cup baking soda

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container. Make about 4 loads. Use 1/2 cup per load.

Toilet Cleaner

1 cup borax

1 cup white vinegar

10 drops pine or lavender essential oil

5 drops lemon or lime essential oil

Combine in a spray or squeeze bottle. Coat the toilet bowl with the cleaner and either let it set to eat away at the stains or simply start scrubbing! Can also be used to clean showers/bathtubs.


General Disinfectant (can use as hand sanitizer)

1 cup of 70+% alcohol

10 drops tea tree essential oil

10 drops lemon essential oil

1 to 2 tsp. of vitamin E or aloe

Combine ingredients in 10 or 12 oz. glass spray bottle. Shake well with each use.


NOTE:

CDC states that Hand sanitizers should be at least 70% alcohol to kill germs most effectively. Your hands are still the best defense against viruses and bacteria.


References:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/clean-kill-coronavirus-covid19-safety-health/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html


RESOURCES:

YOUR CLEAN GREEN SHOPPING LIST:

  • Essential oils

  • White vinegar

  • Baking soda

  • Castile soap

  • Wool dryer balls

  • Washing soda/Borax

  • Alcohol 70% or higher

  • Beeswax


Happy Spring!

Cara

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