Green Cleaning
Reduce toxic overload by simply using these solutions for natural cleaners.
What are the facts?
Only 7% of the top-selling chemicals on the market fully disclose their ingredients. The average household contains over 50 toxic chemicals. Children are especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals some of which can cause neurological conditions. During the developmental stages children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure. May interfere with neurological development, endocrine, and immune systems. The average household spends $42 per month on toxic cleaning products. Essential oils are a healthier and more cost-effective alternative.
[1-2]
Currently our societies norm is living busy and hectic lives leading to compromise and short cuts going for what is convenient. Convenient is not better, the time has come to slow down and start paying more attention - our children's futures depend on it. Our world is polluted by toxins. The ingredients in many common household cleaners-laundry and dishwashing detergents, glass and tile cleaners, air fresheners, furniture polish, carpet shampoo have been linked to serious health disorders. The over exposure of these deadly chemical cocktail building up in our bodies is causing us great harm, manifesting itself in everything from asthma to cancer. Childhood cancers, in the US, is now the leading cause of death between the ages 1-19, increased by approximately 21% between 1975 and 1998. Certain other cancers-brain tumors, leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and central nervous system malignancies-are growing even faster, at rates of about 30% over the last two decades. And that's just the beginning, The National Cancer Institute estimates that these rates will continue to grow an additional 1% every year. Over the past decade, we've seen a sixfold increase in ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), obesity epidemic, and diabetes, asthma is the leading cause of ER visits and school absence, rates of autism is rising fast, and rheumatoid arthritis has become the third-most-common chronic childhood disorders, premature births, problems conceiving, and birth defects are all on the rise. As consumers, we have the power to control the level of toxins that enter our homes. Rethinking how we clean our homes is the most logical place to begin this process. [3-4]
Studies have shown that fragrances laundry detergent and dryer sheets omit over 25 Volatile Organic Compounds in the outside air environment as well as inside the house, and leaving this residue in the laundry wastewater. Seven of those compounds have been classified toxic and to be Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) under federal laws. In relation to 3% of automobile omission. [5]
Main route of exposure:
Eating
Drinking
Breathing
Touching
Younger children have higher respiratory rate than adults, therefore they absorb more air contaminants. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency the air inside a typical home is 200-500 percent more polluted than the air outside mainly due to toxic household cleaning products.
No need to compromise your health, for a clean house!
Why Green Cleaning?
Safe for you and your family
Easy on the pocketbook
Highly effective
Environmentally friendly
Must Have Basics
Baking Soda - Absorbs and eliminates odor. Use to clean countertops, skinks, and tubs. Sprinkle some baking soda on your carpet and vacuum after 15-30 minutes for a refresher look and feel. Add 15 drops of your favorite essential oil (Ex. Citrus Bliss is one of my favorites, or Wild Orange, Grapefruit and Lemon) for an added refreshing aroma.
White Vinegar - contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Cuts grease and dissolves mineral deposits.
Castile Soap - Lifts dirt, cuts grease, and eliminates tough stains. Pour a small amount over baking sheets and pans then scrub for a few minutes, and you'll have clean shiny results. Add 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil for that extra grease cutting boost.
Salt - is an effective scouring agent. Pour salt mixed with hot water down the kitchen sink regularly to deodorize and keep grease from building up. Mix salt with Lemon essential oil and use to remove stubborn coffee and tea cup stains.
doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil or Olive Oil - Great natural cleaner and polisher. Rub it into leather or polish wood surfaces.
Which oils should I use?
Air Purify
A great way to purify the air in the home is with the Aroma Essentials Collection
For those looking for simple ways to eliminate toxins in their home, aromatic products are some of the easiest places to start. That’s why we created the Aroma Essentials Collection, which includes the best essential oils to help you freshen the air around you and keep your family safe from harmful toxins. Saying goodbye to synthetic fragrances from candles, air fresheners, and other scented products in your space doesn’t mean you have to give up the wonderful aromas you love so much. This collection includes doTERRA powerhouse products to you help freshen the air in your home, while also providing refreshing, invigorating, and lovely aromas. With the Aroma Essentials Collection, you can create a fresh, clean environment that smells incredible, straight from the plant.
Kit Includes:
(5 mL bottles)
Peppermint: Peppermint provides a stimulating, energizing aroma that many go to for a quick minty refresher.
doTERRA Balance®: doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend offers a tranquil aroma that reminds you to find harmony and balance in both mind and body.
doTERRA Breathe®: This incredible oil blend helps maintain feelings of clear airways and easy breathing, while also minimizing the effects of seasonal threats.
Wild Orange: With an uplifting, energizing aroma, Wild Orange has become one of the top-selling doTERRA essential oils.
doTERRA On Guard®: doTERRA On Guard provides a warm, spicy aroma that can be diffused to help freshen the air.
Citrus Bloom®: Citrus Bloom welcomes spring into your home with its blend of Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Magnolia essential oils.
doTERRA Serenity®: The calming and soothing aroma of doTERRA Serenity Restful Blend helps create a tranquil atmosphere at bedtime.
doTERRA Cheer®: Fresh and bright, doTERRA Cheer Uplifting Blend combines citrus and spice essential oils to provide an uplifting and cheerful aroma that helps when you’re feeling down.
Adaptiv®: The soothing aroma of Adaptiv Calming Blend is perfect for life’s most stressful moments.
Northern Escape™: A proprietary blend of the best wood and fir oils, Northern Escape has a fresh, green aroma that creates an atmosphere of harmony and peace.
Laluz™ Diffuser: This one-of-a-kind ultrasonic diffuser has up to an eight-hour runtime and three ambient light settings to match whatever mood you’re in.
Disinfecting
Cinnamon Clove Eucalyptus Lemon Melaleuca Peppermint Rosemary doTERRA On Guard - Protective Blend doTERRA Purify - Cleansing Blend
Mold & Mildew
Cinnamon Melaleuca Oregano Clove Thyme Rosemary doTERRA On Guard - Protective Blend doTERRA Purify - Cleansing Blend
Grease Cutter
Lemon Orange Lime Bergamot Citrus Bliss Basil Eucalyptus Grapefruit Peppermint Lemongrass doTERRA On Guard - Cleansing Blend
Insects
Peppermint – for ants & spiders Cedarwood – for moths Melaleuca – for lice Eucalyptus – for dust mites.
Laundry
Laundry Detergent
The laundry detergent that I love using is doTERRA On Guard Laundry Detergent.
It has that wonderful On Guard aroma which has that citrus and spice kick to it. Also has the natural protective blend of On Guard to kill harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. It brings that unique, natural-based bio-originated enzyme blend to target and lift stains for amazingly clean clothes. I have put it to the test and this has really worked well for stains.
Conventional laundry detergent is loaded with chemicals like sulfates, fragrances, and phenols. Why not make your own natural laundry detergent? This simple DIY yields a natural and effective detergent.
Ingredients
2 cups washing soda
2 cups borax
1 bar grated castile soap
25 drops favorite essential oil single or blend
Instructions
Mix washing soda, borax, and grated castile soap together.
Add essential oil, mixing to combine.
Use ¼ cup per load. Store in an airtight container.
Tips: Recommended oils include Lavender oil, Lemon oil, and Purify Cleansing Blend.
Dryer Balls
Use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets to reduce the chemical overload from the dryer sheets, not to mention the residue omitted in the outdoor atmosphere. You can do different dryer balls for different laundry loads. For example:
For Kitchen Towels use lemon on one dryer ball
Lavender on another dryer ball for the sheets and bedding will help for a relaxing at night time for a restful sleep
Eucalyptus or pine on another dryer ball for the cloths.
Recommended by Terry Dubbs
Make your own non-toxic cleaning products using these simple ingredients and dōTERRA essential oils.
Ingredients
• 1 gallon warm water
• 2 tablespoon liquid castile
• 5 drops Douglas Fir essential oil
• 5 drops White Fir essential oil
• 5 drops Cypress essential oil
• 10 drops Lemon essential oil
Instructions
1.Add soap and essential oils to bucket of warm water.
2.Use mop or rag to clean floors.
3.Pour into a spray bottle for cleaning countertops.
Note:This solution does not need to be rinsed off.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
1 cup white vinegar
25 drops Wild Orange essential oil or other essential oils of choice
Instructions
1. In a spray bottle, combine water and vinegar.
2.Add essential oil(s) of choice. Shake well.
3.Use on counters, wood, glass, stainless steel, and porcelain.
4.Wipe with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
Ingredients
½ Baking Soda
3 tablespoons water
10 drops Lemon essential oil
10 drops Lime essential oil
Instructions
1.And water and essential oils to baking soda.
2.Mix into a paste.
3.Rub a small amount onto surface.
4.Let sit for 20 minutes.
5. Wipe off with wet cloth. “Lime” Scale Remover
You will need
• 1 drop Purify essential oil
• 1 drop dōTERRA On Guard Cleaner Concentrate
Directions Gently scrub your jewelry using a small toothbrush or a disposable mascara applicator, then rinse with clean water.
What You Need
4 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka
12 drops Lavender essential oil
8 drops Spearmint essential oil
11–12 tablespoons water
8-ounce glass spray bottle
Directions
1. Combine the witch hazel or vodka and essential oils in the spray bottle.
2. Place the lid on tightly and shake well for 15 seconds
3. Add water to mixture and shake again for 15 seconds
4.Spray on your pillow, sheets, and towels.
DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 Cup baking soda
1/4 Cup Citric Acid (I use1/2 cup seems to work better in the high altitude)
1/2 TBS castor soap (I use 1/2 TBS + 1 tsp seems to work better in the high altitude)
15 Drops of Essential Oil (some blends I like to use are shown below)
Purify
On Guard
5 drops Lemon Eucalyptus, 5 drops Tea Tree, 5 drops Tangerine
Instructions:
Mix baking soda, citric acid, castile soap and essential oils. Will be similar to wet sand and pack in mold. Let dry for 4 hrs or over night. Place in air tight container. Use 1-2 pods in the toilet bowl, let it finish fizzing before scrubbing.
NOTE: This recipe makes approximately 50 pods with the little silicone molds that I use, lasting over 3 months. Once dry I like to also let them sit outside of the mold individually over night so all moisture in them is thoroughly dry so they do not stick in the container.
More Natural Cleaning Solutions
Empowered Life Series: Green & Clean
References
1. Household Cleaning Products: What Every Woman Should Know. womensvoices.org/safe-cleaning-products/basic/
2. ATSDR Case Studies in Environmental Medicine Principles of Pediatric Environmental Health. The Child as Susceptible Host: A Developmental Approach to Pediatric Environmental Medicine. atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/ped_env_health/docs/ped_env_health.pdf
3. Green This! volume one by Deirdre Imus
4. [Disinfectant Overkill, by WVE (Women's Voice's of the Earth) Nov. 2009]
