If you are anything like me, cleaning your house isn’t exactly something you look forward to doing. At the same time, I do love a clean house and the way everything shines and sparkles after I’m finished.
My journey into natural and green cleaning began about seven years ago when I first found out that I was pregnant. Up until that time, I really didn’t pay much attention to which type of cleaning products I was using. If it said “green” or had a fresh scent that was a bonus, but I certainly wasn’t reading labels or giving it much thought.
I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with our first son. David was away on a business trip and I wanted to surprise him with a clean house when he returned. I remember grabbing the bucket of cleaning supplies and walking into the bathroom when it dawned on me…are these chemicals safe to use when I am pregnant? I did a little research and was appalled at what I discovered…
According the the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning:
• Fumes from some cleaning products may induce asthma in otherwise healthy individuals. A large and growing body of evidence links frequent use of many ordinary cleaning supplies at home or on the job with development of asthma and other respiratory problems. It is already known that cleaning product fumes may trigger attacks in persons previously diagnosed with asthma.
• Common cleaning ingredients can be laced with the carcinogenic impurity 1,4-dioxane. Independent tests have detected the presence of 1,4-dioxane in numerous name-brand cleaning supplies. Other products contain preservatives that release low levels of cancer-causing formaldehyde.
• Children born to women who held cleaning jobs while pregnant have an elevated risk of birth defects, according to a 2010 study by the New York State Department of Health.
• Some cleaners can cause chemical burns and poisonings as well as less severe irritations and allergies. Severe physical reactions signal that consumers should take care anytime they use these products.
• Despite these health concerns, cleaning product labels often do not give consumers enough information about their ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions on which ones are safer and which ones might harm their health.
When I read all of this, I immediately threw away all of our toxic cleaning supplies and began making my own homemade natural cleaning products. I love how easy it is to mix up these cleaning recipes using ingredients I already have around the house.
Adding essential oils means I am killing germs and making my house smell amazing at the same time.
The best part about these recipes is that they are kid-friendly, pet-safe, allergen-free, and safe for use during pregnancy. My little people love to “help” me with cleaning, and I don’t have to worry that they are being exposed to anything toxic when they do.
If you love these recipes and want to have a handy printable to put on the fridge or to keep with your cleaning supplies, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this article to get your free recipe guide.
8 Homemade Cleaning Recipes Using Essential Oils
1. Wild Orange Glass & Mirror Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 5 drops sweet orange essential oil
Combine and mix ingredients in spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a soft cloth.
2. Lemon Lime Dusting Spray
Combine and mix ingredients in spray bottle. Spray furniture and wipe with a soft cloth.
3. Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1/4 cup epsom salts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Combine powders in bowl and slowly add lemon juice. Place in ice cube tray on the counter and leave overnight to harden. Use 1 cube per load.
4. All Purpose Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine and mix ingredients in spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a soft cloth.
5. Hardwood and Tile Floor Cleaner
- 1 gallon hot water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons castile soap
- 2 tablespoons washing soda
- 10 drops of essential oils of choice (I like citrus oils for floors)
Mix ingredients in a bucket and wash with a mop.
6. Lavender Carpet Freshener
- 2 cups baking soda
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
Combine and mix ingredients in jar with shaker top. Sprinkle on carpet. Let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
7. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine in toilet. Let sit for 30 minutes. Scrub. Flush.
8. All Purpose Scrub
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon castile soap
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- Water to desired consistency
Combine to make a paste. Apply to surface. Scrub. Wipe clean.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE printable copy of these recipes to create your own labels, laminated recipes or just for quick reference next time!
Which of these homemade cleaning recipes will you try first? Leave a comment below and let us know!
