Using Essential Oils to Clean and Disinfect
With the desire to keep our homes clean and safe for our families, along with wanting to protect the environment, more people are turning to essential oils to accomplish both tasks. But what exactly are essential oils, and how can they be used to clean and disinfect our homes?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain the “essence” and aroma from the plants from which they are made. Essential oils are used in perfumes, making incense, flavorings, and in cleaning products. However, it must be noted that one should never use essential oils directly on the skin. They are too concentrated and must be combined with a carrier oil such as olive oil, or mixed with another product.
How to Use Borax for Cleaning
If you’re wandering down the laundry aisle of your local grocery store, you might have noticed a product called 20 Mule Team® Borax. What is Borax? Is it a natural product? How would you use it?
Sodium borate, also known as Borax, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. Most people know that Borax is often used as a laundry booster by softening the water, which will make the detergent work better.
Using Steam to Clean – No Chemicals Necessary
When thinking of using steam to clean, most people are likely to think of a steam cleaner that are commercially available for carpets. However, steam cleaners can be used for other areas of your home besides carpeting.
Steam cleaning is cost effective due to the fact that it only uses a little bit of water and electricity. Steam cleaners use high temperatures to kill germs and mold spores that may be hiding in your home. It is environmentally friendly since there are no chemicals involved.
Make it yourself cleansers
Are you tired of paying way too much for cleaning products? How about making them yourself. These cleaners, not only are very inexpensive to make, but they work great. They also don’t have the chemicals that most store bought cleaners have. It is always best to test these out on a small inconspicuous spot first. Have fun!
Caution: Never mix bleach and ammonia products. They will produce toxic fumes.
Super Clean Scrub
1/2 a lemon
1/2 cup of borax
Dip lemon into the borax, scrub and rinse. Do not use on marble or granite.
