Healthy, Natural Cleaning Solutions that Work!

Did you know bleach has to sit on a surface for 30 minutes before it truly cleans and is able to disinfect? The EPA actually classifies Chlorine Bleach as a pesticide and a fungicide and yet most of us use it without the precaution we should! Statistics have shown that people that work at home have a much higher risk of cancer and repeated exposure to cleaning products is a big factor in this.

So why eat organic food when you are cleaning your home with a pesticide? The following is a list of effective, natural cleaners that work-AND save you money.

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Everyone has seen the carpet deodorizers at the grocery store. They often come in relatively small shaker type containers. Generally these contain baking soda, and synthetic fragrance.  We like the baking soda, but not the synthetic fragrance because it often contains phthalates.

Here are some ingredients and supplies you will need to make your own:

• Baking soda
• Your choice of essential oils
• Mixing bowl and wooden spoon or other mixing implement.
• Reused plastic bottle or large spice shaker

A two pound box will usually do about a couple of  rooms. I have found 12 lb bags in the pool department at places like Wal Mart or Costco for about 7 bucks.

I get my essential oils from 100pureessentialoils.com They have great prices, and a lot of info for beginners.

Take your mixing bowl, and add some baking soda. We will configure this recipe per a 2 lb box so add the whole box. It is your choice as to what essential oils you use, but keep in mind some oils like lavender smell stronger than others. For a 2 lb box I usually add about 20 small drops, usually a little at a time as I mix. For weaker oils like cold pressed sweet orange, add about 30 drops.

1. You want to make sure to mix well so the oil gets completely absorbed. Wet oil can possibly stain your carpet or furniture.
2. I use a funnel with a large opening to add my mixture to wide mouth Gatorade bottles. I find that I am able to sprinkle this just fine with the lid off.
3. Letting your mixture sit for a few days will help the sodium bicarbonate absorb more the the oil odor. I leave a little air space in the top of the bottle to give it a little shake every so often, and for odor to circulate.
4. Sprinkle the mixture on your carpet or upholstery making sure to get even coverage.
5. Let the mixture sit for about 20-30 minutes.
6. Vacuum everything up.

Make sure you test your carpet freshener in an inconspicuous place. I have never had a staining problem, but disclaimers are nice.

Also, for people who live with cats, essential oils are not safe to use around them due to a compound lacking in their liver. You can read about it here: the lavendar cat . Baking soda without essential oils will still do a good job freshening your carpet, just leave it down for a few hours longer.

Make sure you buy Essential oils that are pure with no additives, carrier oils, or pesticides.