Since I became a mother, I have been buying an All-Natural counter-top cleaner. Initially, I was just worried about my kids eating food off a counter that had been cleaned with a cleaner that had chemicals in it. But, over the past few years I have heard more and more about how bad all the chemicals are in ALL of our cleaners.
I have used a vinegar/water mixture to clean surfaces before and I have also used my doTERRA essential oils to create cleaners. For example, I clean my door knobs and light switches with a Water/On Guard/Lemon mixture. Then I have spritzed my couches and mattresses with a Water/Purify/On Guard mixture. I cleaned fruit and vegetables with Lemon Oil. But, besides that I haven’t ventured out much in making my own cleaners.
Then last week I got my monthly doTERRA order and was especially excited, because they released an On Guard Cleaning Concentrate. I LOVE ON GUARD! Like a lot! So, I have started using the On Guard Cleaning Concentrate for everything! It is a natural and safe way to clean your living space while leaving a clean and invigorating scent. It is purposely designed to have a wide variety of uses, this specialized formula is derived from plant-based ingredients, with On Guard essential oil, for exceptional cleaning power and natural protection from harmful surface-borne microbes. All you have to do is mix it with water! So, for example, to create a good All Purpose cleaner you can use in your kitchen or in your bathroom just mix 3 tablespoons per 24 oz of water. They also suggest mixing 1 tablespoon with detergent in each load of each laundry to eliminate odors and microbes. You can even use it to clean your dishes. Just mix 3 tablespoons of concentrate per gallon of water!
The other day I received my Spring doTERRA Living Magazine and was reading the section about how to Make Over Your Cleaning Cabinet and Back to Basics – Spring Cleaning! I already knew there were many concerns out there with all the unnecessary toxic chemicals in our cleaning solutions, but after I read a few facts they shared I feel I need to pass along the word… and urge everyone to
GO NATURAL WITH YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS!
First, I’ll pass along the facts they shared in the Spring doTERRA Living Magazine that are from Poison Control (http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov):
- Children age 5 and under make up more than half (51 percent) of all poison exposures.
- U.S. poison centers receive 1 call every 12.7 seconds.
- Nearly 83 percent of poison exposures are unintentional.
- Almost half (49 percent) of teen poison exposures are intentional.
- Household cleaning products account for 8.6 percent of all poison exposures.
I personally love Essential Oils and am now kicking myself for not using them to replace all my cleaners earlier. Essential Oils kill bacteria, germs, fungi, and mold! doTERRA offers a great chart listing which oils are for what.
ANTIBACTERIAL: Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Marjoram, Melaleauca, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Wild Orange, Wintergreen.
ANTIVIRAL: Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Sandalwood, Thyme.
ANTIFUNGAL: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Patchouli, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme.
ANTIBIOTIC: Bergamot, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Meleleuca, Oregano, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile.
Here are some amazing essential oils cleaning product recipes shared in the Living Magazine!
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
10 drops of Melaleuca Essential Oil
1/4 cup vinegar
Add these ingredients directly to a partially drained bowl. As it reacts, scrub the toilet.
All Purpose Spray
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 cups water
30 drops essential oil
1 teaspoon borax
Essential Oils suggestions to try: 15 drops of Lavender and Lemon / 10 drops of each Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Wild Orange / 30 drops of On Guard blend.
Add ingredients to a glass spray bottle, then shake thoroughly.
Floor Cleaner
1 gallon of hot water
2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
15 drops wild orange essential oil
8 drops lemon essential oil
Combine ingredients in a large bucket. use a mop to clean the floor. Rinsing optional.
Window Cleaner
1/8 cup vinegar
1 cup water
10-15 drops of lemon essential oil
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake and apply. Wipe clean.
Wood Floor Polish
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
10 drops essential oil (try wild orange or lemon)
Mix and apply. Wipe clean.
So, please rid your home of toxic products and make a safer environment for your family!
I have personally been using doTERRA essential oils for almost 4 years now! I use them daily on my family for preventive health reasons and also to help treat any sickness we are dealing with. We are oil LOVERS! If you have any questions regarding doTERRA Essential Oils or Products and their many benefits, feels free to email me at otbmoils@gmail.com or you can visit our doTERRA site and browse!
Sources: www.doterra.com/overthebigmoon and Spring 2012 doTERRA Living Magazine!