As I started researching I have to admit being pretty shocked to learn that there are no federal regulations for the chemicals used in household products. The theory behind this is that exposure is limited but when you start thinking about all the various cleaning products stocking your shelves it is pretty scary to think that you are exposed all the time and to potentially harmful combinations of chemicals. Some of the most common chemicals found in cleaning products are known skin irritants, neurotoxins, endocrine blockers, and can have the amazing side effect of actually encouraging the growth of drug resistant strains of bacteria. AHH!!
So .. who is ready to consider some alternatives? I know I am and essential oils added to cleaning product recipes you can quickly and easily make at home are a great place to start! Essential oils tend to be high in antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiviral properties so they not only leave the house smelling nice in a natural, aromatherapy kind of way but they also enhance the cleaning power of a recipe and get rid of all the nasty stuff in your house.
Commonly used oils for cleaning that you might want to consider starting out with include lime, sweet orange, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, thyme, lemon, peppermint, lavender, and grapefruit. Guess it's no wonder many products lining the store shelves boast citrus power, eh?
It's not hard to start making these recipes and replacing anything you can buy at the store with something you made at home for less. Searching around the internet will unearth plenty of recipes and if you are on Pinterest you are likely to strike gold with the pins you'll find! Think pins like this one ...
Here is a good place to go to start dipping your toes into the natural cleaning water:
And here is a good place if you are more interested in diving into the deep end (don't worry - the recipes are still easy to pull off for those of us with a crazy life like mine!):
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