All- Natural Cleaning Recipes

I'm sure most folks have a cleaning schedule in their homes, unless they have maids. So like most folks, we clean up daily and then we deep clean every Friday and then there's what we call "deep deep"cleaning once a month (like the fridge, freezer, fans, vents etc...) and more and more we've been tying to go natural. I've been asked by friends and family why do we and how do we go natural with cleaners and such and so here it all is, the how-to recipes and the why we use natural products. 

Anway, on with the whys: one reason we went more natural is because we have four little helpers who we also teach how to clean (Amen to that, can I get a witness!!) and I don't want to have to worry about poison, chemicals or bleach irritating them or permanently damaging them or their clothes in anyway and two, chemicals are actually harder on counters, floors and our skin and natural cleaners are much safer. You don't have to have harsh chemicals to get the job done. 

And as far as the effectiveness concerns when going natural. Most of the natural cleaners have either vinegar or alcohol in them. Vinegar is now being used in name brand, commercial cleaners as a safer alternative as it has been known for years to fight off bacteria and fungus, it also keeps mildew and mold from growing back in your shower and tub areas and on your shower curtain, it also has a number of physical benefits that would take me all day to talk about, you would probably be better off to just google it :) Alcohol is the other working horse in the recipes and it has been used in pharmaceutical factories like GlaxoSmithKline to wipe down their surfaces and machinery at the end of each day. So hope that eases some of your concerns. 

These natural recipes also tend to keep your furniture, counter tops and floors (not to mention your hands) nicer looking for longer because it's not stripping away protective coating, in fact, some have actually been proven to work better (don't knock it till you've tried it right? ). And last but definetly not least, it's cheap, dirt cheap. 

Now some areas, I still use the heavy duty stuff on because I haven't found a natural solution that meets our standards but I'll share the ones I have found to be absolutely amazing and why we have been able to go almost all- natural for about 3 years now.  

I'll mention some of my favorites first:

The air freshener, nothing beats it.

And in the back of each bottle I put the recipe for quick reference. This size bottle last us about 3 months. 

 

Next favorite is the bug spray, works better than anything else we have tried. And that deet stuff is controversial so I just say, no thanks. My kids didn't get bit one time while using this stuff for two summers in a row now! 

This carpet deodorizer has a really good scent when using real oils. I like peppermint and lavender mixed. I think it last noticeably longer than the brand names. When I use it, I just sprinkle all over where I want to vacuum and then vacuum and enjoy the aroma:)

What's neat is that, to make all these cleaners, you probably already have the stuff on hand!  You really only need:

vinegar, baking soda, water and essential oils. Using good quality oils is key, they are not all created equal. 

I use Young Living oils.

 The folks at Young Living are all about quality over quantity. I'm a distributer and if you are interested in getting this set for half the price it would normally cost you can email me at shantellbissette@ymail.com and I'll send you my reference number. Truly, I only became a distributer because I get the member price for things and that alone was worth it to me, I'm not pushing sales or anything but really once you try them, the oils sell themselves. They are that amazing, truly unsurpassable. These are way more potent than other brands out there because they don't compromise the integrity of the oil to make a buck thereby you need way less to get the job done. The lavender smells stronger, the lemon, the peppermint because it's truly 100% pure. Its all about good stewardship with the folks at Young Living. 

I use these essential oils for everything, from the vaporizer, to treat colds, aches and pains, to sore throat, strep throat, stuffy noses, detoxing, baking, making household cleaners, bath soaks and still this set will last me about 6-8 months. 

 

Ok, back to the tried and proven cleaners and did I mention cheap, inexpensive, pennies on the dollar, I didn't? Well, let me tell you,  it's true. :) another favorite is the homemade glass cleaner, it's awesome. Here's a tip, reuse the original glass cleaner bottle, there's something about that nozzle that just dispenses the cleaner perfectly onto glass.   

Ok, those are just a few, below is all the recipes I use. Oh and let me just tell you, the ones with a heart by them are because those are hands down my favorite however, they all have been tried and tested by me and work great.  I too was a bit critical before I tried them and not all recipes are great (I've tried many) but these are, believe me, they are unbelievable.

Go to doitonadime.com for this list and more. And no, your house will not smell like vinegar and  if you're worried about that, cut the vinegar down a bit and add more oils, spray and tweek the recipe until you like the smell, no big deal. 

 P.S. I have been loving these for our dusty-prone fans. Spray your all- natural dusting spray and then wipe down with these (coupons help me get these for just a few bucks). 

Might be a good idea for the kids sake to keep the chemical stuff separate from the natural stuff with labels. Just a suggestion and it keeps things organized.  

Talking about keeping things neat( its a constant struggle with children but organizers make it much easier ) I found this bag holder at IKEA and love it, it helps keep things neat and tidy under the sink. 

With spring cleaning coming up soon, I wanted to share some all-natural cleaning tips and did I mention you'll save  a lot of money ? ;) 

Disclaimer: 

The all-natural thing? It's  not just a fad for us, I grew up with an all- natural  mother from Europe, I'm just trying to do more in the cleaning department in addition to what I've already been taught. Essential oils have been around for hundreds of years and have never really gone "out of style" in most countries.......except America, unfortunately. Here in America,  I believe the all-natural way does tend to get pushed in the background by commercial products and shelves and shelves of "the next best cleaner" if there's anything trendy or faddish in America,  it is commercial cleaners. We are a spoiled country, with so many options, we've been extremely blessed. :) But it's true, essential oils and natural remedies have continued to be a valued practice for centuries in ever other country. Why is that? Because they work!