I don’t know about you, but I do love a clean home (although mine rarely is!), but it seems about time that we really start looking at what we are using to do the job; what are we spraying on the surfaces we prepare our food on? what toxins are we putting into our water system every time we clean the sink or the toilet? Not only this, but every time we buy a bottle of cleaning spray from the supermarket we are adding to the single use plastic catastrophe we are facing. The best option is to make our own products and store them in reusable containers – and it’s easier than you may think.Â
Since having my first child, a lot has changed and one thing I appreciate greatly is that kids learn by example. Therefore, I’ve started to live that cliche ‘be your best self’ and I’ve become aware of so many things I’ve always wanted to change, suddenly having the energy and impetus to do so. Evolving into a household that is free of single-use plastic is one step, the other is going ‘au naturel’ when it comes to cleaning products.
I work with women who have hormone imbalances and I’ve known for a long time that plastics and ‘normal’ cleaners contain chemicals called endocrine disruptors (EDC’s). These chemicals have been linked to all sorts of scary things, PCOS, infertility and cancer, to name a few. I’ve written about this in more detail over on Upcircle Beauty if you’re interested in the topic.
So, here are a few recipes I’ve been using myself which you might like to try. I would recommend simply replacing what you can as you run out of things, rather than throwing your entire cupboard of sprays in the bin. Instead, approach the change is a slow and manageable way.
Toilet bowl bombs
You’ll need:
- 2 cups of bicarbonate of soda
- 1/3 cup of citric acid
- 2 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide
- 20 drops of Litsea cubeba essential oil
- 20 drops of Thyme essential oil
- A silicon mould (or a madeleine mould as I’ve used)
- Mason jar (or other airtight glass container)
Mix the bicarb and citric acid together, then slowly pour in the hydrogen peroxide. It will fizz – this is normal. Mix it all together till you get a wet sand consistency. Next, add the essential oils and mix again. Now you can press the mix into your mould. It will react and harden within an hour, so don’t leave & forget about it! Use one bomb to freshen up the toilet bowl when needed and use two, along with a good scrub with the toilet brush, whenever a deeper clean is required.
Sink scrub
You’ll need:
- 2 cups of bicarbonate of soda
- 10 drops of Sage essential oil
- 10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
- Glass container
- Scrubber
Combine the ingredients and mix well. Liberally sprinkle over the sink with a little liquid soap and scrub. Thoroughly wash with water after use.
Surface Cleaner
- 1/4 cup of vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of alcohol
- 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil
- 20 drops of Orange essential oil
Combine the ingredients in a glass spray container, shake before use. For the best effect let the sprayed liquid sit on the surface for a minute or so before wiping.
Thanks Natasha! So simple right? We can’t wait to give them a go! Do let us know if you try these out too.
