Want to know how I got my husband to clean the bathrooms all the time?
Every time I cleaned the bathrooms, I ended up with flu-like symptoms. Seriously.
Like most people, we used bleach, and other popular cleaning products that included bleach, as well as ingredients that would stamp down mildew, and all the other yucky bathroom stuff.
Not only did I end up with flu-like symptoms, I also normally ended up with a sinus infection. My body rebelled against the name brand cleaning products, and all the harsh chemicals found in them.
So how did I get him to clean the bathrooms?
It was simple. He is a kind man and could tell I was suffering and offered to clean them for our family. I am grateful he was open to taking over for me.
Everything changed when I learned I could use natural products, and even make my own to do a great job of cleaning without the harmful chemicals, and the horrible reaction I had to them.
Not only did the natural products do a good job, they also smelled great too. They left the house smelling great and me feeling good. I was happy to take back, or share the responsibility, when we found products my body aligned well with.
Did you know:
- More than 90% of poisonings happen at home
- Medicines, household cleaners and pesticides top the list
- Household cleaners were the third largest category of substances associated with calls to poison control centers, with over 218,000 calls in 2005
- Children age 5 and under make up more than half (51%) of all poison exposures
- Nearly 83% of poison exposures are unintentional
When we know better, we can do better!
I believe that switching to nontoxic cleaning recipes has also helped the microbiome of our home, and supported the health of my family.
Here is a list of disinfection essential oils (I use only doTERRA essential oils because I trust them):
- Abode
- On Guard
- Lemon
- Purify
- Melaleuca
- Lime
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
- Peppermint
Here is a list of deodorizing essential oils (I use only doTERRA essential oils because I trust them):
- Abode
- Purify
- Peppermint
- Clary Sage
- Melaleuca
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Eucalyptus
Here are some of my favorite cleaning recipes:
Disinfecting Spray
¼ cup white vinegar
2 cups water
30 drops disinfecting essential oil
1 teaspoon borax
Shake and spray on counters, cutting boards, microwave, refrigerator, garbage cans
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.
Dishwasher Booster
Place a few drops of a disinfecting essential oil to your soap base
Not only cleans your dishes, but also the inside of your dishwasher
Floor Cleaner
Add a ¼ cup of vinegar to a bucket of water. Then add 5 drops of melaleuca or lemon.
Wood Furniture Polish
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup vinegar
10 drops essential oil (try wild orange or lemon)
Mix and apply. Wipe clean
Deodorizing Spray
Place 5-8 drops of deodorizing essential oil in 1 oz. spray bottle and fill with water
Try 5 drops grapefruit + 1 drop peppermint
Toilet bowl cleaner
½ cup baking soda
10 drops melaleuca essential oils
¼ cup vinegar
As it reacts, scrub the toilet.
This combination is intended for one use at a time.
TIP: for serious stains or rust, empty water of bowl and scrub with a wet pumice stone. When wet the stone will not scratch porcelain.
Soft scrub for bath, tile, and toilet
¾ rounded cup baking soda
¼ cup castile soap
1 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. vinegar
5-10 drops lemon essential oil
In a bowl, combine the baking soda and castile soap. Add the water and stir. Finally, add the vinegar. Consistency should be a soft paste.
Make in small batches and store in an airtight container. Enough for two to four applications.
Hard Water Deposit Scrub
1 cup epsom salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup castile soap (or dish soap)
10 drops lemon essential oil
Add all ingredients to the jar in order and stir together until well incorporated.
To use, apply to dry shower walls, bathtubs, fixtures, or faucets with a warm wet cloth. Scrub for a few minutes in a circular motion. Let sit for a few minutes before rubbing again. Rinse off with warm water.
So, mamas – here is why I do what I do.
I want to share what I’ve learned over the years in taking care of my kids so you can take care of your kids without guilt, shame, compromise, or confusion. I want you to be able to mom, without learning things the hard way. I want you to follow me so I can redeem all the things I learned the hard way. AND I want to know how things work out for you.
