Essential oils can do more than just make your cleaning products smell fabulous, they can disinfect, purify and even remove stains — all without any toxic chemicals. Follow along as I share simple non-toxic living tips!
Simple non-toxic living tips
Most of us have no idea how many chemicals we use in our homes. I was shocked myself when I saw this list. The EU bans 1,328 chemicals from cosmetics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutation, reproductive disruption or birth defects. In contrast, the US FDA has only banned or restricted 11 chemicals from cosmetics. The EU’s approach has laws (REACH) that require manufacturers to prove to regulators that a product is safe before it can be used. The US has similar rules but no precautionary principles for these (potentially) toxic products. There are doctors and scientists here in the states that would say that that data determining some of these chemicals is inconclusive – or there is not enough evidence to prove the possible ill effects. The take away for me is to proceed with caution with these chemicals. It’s also interesting to note that many ‘toxic’ substances are found in nature and we are exposed sometimes without even knowing. Small amounts of these chemicals isn’t necessarily harmful but the when you use multiple products daily it can add up. It’s impossible to avoid everything and you’ll feel frustrated if you try. Use common sense, learn more about the topic, and try to avoid chemicals and pesticides when you can.
How to reduce exposure to toxins in your home
Start at home. You can whip up simple, inexpensive non-toxic cleaners from ingredients you probably already have around the house. Using essential oils to create a cleaning spray is safe for both your family and the environment. If you’d rather not make your own, there are a number of other options. Head over to this blog post for lots of ideas!
What doTERRA Oils are good for cleaning?
You can use any essential oil really however my favorites for cleaning are Lavender, Lemon, Wild Orange, Eucalyptus, doTERRA On Guard®, Peppermint, and Grapefruit.
Why clean with essential oils?
Enjoy it or not, cleaning is just one of those unavoidable parts of daily living. Essential oils provide a natural alternative to traditional harsh and sometimes toxic cleaning products. Not only are they effective, essential oils also provide a natural alternative to potentially dangerous cleaning agents. Each oil has its own unique set of chemical components that offer specific benefits. For example, some components help promote easier breathing or better sleep while others may help repel insects. When it comes to cleaning your home, using essential oils can help keep your home feeling fresh and clean.
How to clean with essential oils
Windows:
Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup water, and 10 drops Lemon in spray bottle. Spray on the glass and wipe clean with a Norwex window cloth (love these) or your favorite lint free product.
Basic cleaning Spray:
- 15 drops each of Lavender and Lemon
- 10 drops each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Wild Orange
- 30 drops doTERRA On Guard®
- 15 drops each of Grapefruit and doTERRA On Guard
Furniture Polish:
For wood furniture, add 15 drops of Arborvitae to 1 cup of olive oil, and 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a glass spray bottle. The best part about this cleaner is that it both dusts and polishes—no need for expensive cleaners.
Dishwasher:
Add Lemon to your dishwasher cleaner to remove water spots from your dishes. To freshen your dishwasher, add 6 drops of lemon oil and turn on a rinse cycle.
Stainless Steel:
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and add 6 drops of lemon or grapefruit essential oil. Spray your stainless steel appliances and wipe with a Norwex cloth following the grain of the stainless steel.
Use three wool dryer balls in your drier cycle. Wool dryer balls cut drying time down and help reduce wrinkling. I purchase my wool dryer balls here. You can also order them on Amazon. Add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil of lavender to each ball prior to starting the dry cycle. Try using lavender oil when you dry linens and towels!
When creating your own blends, I recommend the following containers:
Oh and don’t forget the labels for your containers! I recommend vinyl labels as they stay on better.
Save, Share, Pin for later!
If you’d rather not make your own labels, I will make you some! Order labels here and you will also receive a rose colored roller bottle filled with my hand-poured essential oil blend called Let it Go while supplies last.
Labels + Roller Ball filled with hand poured essential oils + fractionated coconut oil.
Order labels and receive a roller bottle filled with hand-poured Let it Go
Roller ball ingredients: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Vevtiver, and Fractionated coconut oil.
Lavender oil has been used for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and myriad benefits. Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume. Its calming and relaxing qualities continue to be Lavender’s most notable attributes. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender oil to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Due to Lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is used in making perfumes and in aromatherapy. Similar to Jasmine, Ylang Ylang has been used for centuries in religious and wedding ceremonies. Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress and to promote a positive outlook. Ylang Ylang is frequently used in luxurious hair and skin products for its scent and nourishing and protective properties.
