Non-Toxic Cleaning

A few months ago I started doing some research on the harmful effects of the cleaners that I was using in my home.  I was shocked at what I found.

"Research tells us that ingredients in common cleaning products are associated with asthma, endocrine disruption, cancer, birth defects, neurological and respiratory disorders and more"(Studies of Health Impacts Associated with Cleaning Products)

"When we look at what is causing prevalent childhood diseases such as allergies, autism and asthma, we're finding that genetics is only part of the story.  Today, we have sophisticated scientific research tools that show us that childhood exposures to chemicals found in everyday common household products can be permanently affecting a child's health and brain development." (Dr. Philip Landrigan, renowned pediatrician and director of

Mount Sinai's Children's Environmental Health Center in New York)

Dr. Landrigan works with Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit organization that strives to protect children from harmful chemicals.  Read more at www.heathychild.org

Did you know that air fresheners are also incredibly toxic?  They contain chemicals called phthalates.  The EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services has labeled some types of phthalates as "probably carcinogens".  Studies suggest that "high exposure to certain kinds of phthalates can cause cancer, developmental sex-hormone abnormalities(including decreased testosterone and sperm levels and malformed sex organs) in infants, and can affect fertility" (http://www.today.com/id/26903507/ns/today-green/t/dirty-truth-about-cleaning-products/#.UpOHIWRgaqx and http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/allergy-and-asthma/articles/2008/07/25/health-hazards-in-household-cleaners-exposed)

I honestly had no idea that I was exposing myself and my family to so many potential health problems.

We decided to "clean up our act" and get rid of the toxic cleaners.  I was surprised at how simple and inexpensive it was to make non-toxic cleaners.  We used ingredients that were already in our home and essential oils.  

Here are some of my favorite cleaning recipes 

Air Freshener
Fill 2 oz glass bottle with distilled water.  Add 6 drops total of any combination of oils that you like.  I like Lime + Peppermint.  Shake the bottle before spraying.

This air freshener does an incredible job at getting rid of smells.  It can be used in the bathroom, in your home or at work.  

Soft Scrub for Tile, Counter and Toilet

3/4 rounded cup baking soda

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon vinegar

5-10 drops Lemon essential oil.

All Purpose Cleaner

Fill an 8 oz glass bottle with distilled water.  Add 2 Tablespoons Vinegar and 3-5 drops of essential oils of your choice

Ideas: 

Lavender and Lemon, 

Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Orange or

Grapefruit  

According to WebMD, "These products [antibacterials and harsh cleansers] don’t work any better than their natural or non-toxic counterparts, and they damage the environment and potentially place our long-term health at risk" http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/green-cleaning.

So next time you reach for your traditional toxic cleaner, think twice about the harm you are causing to your body and the environment.  Just think of this as one more little step toward staying healthy.  It's worth the small effort.

Happy Cleaning!

Wallpaper Remover

Have you ever had to remove wallpaper from a wall?  If your wallpaper is old or you have a lot of wallpaper, it can be a daunting chore.  I've removed quite a bit of wallpaper in the homes that we have remodeled over the years.  Back then I had the option of steaming, using chemical solvents, or using fabric softener.  I've tried all three techniques with some degree of success and failure.

The other day I discover my new favorite wallpaper remover.  Lemon essential oil!

My friend had a wall in her kitchen that was covered with blue flowered wallpaper.  She had tried removing the wallpaper with fabric softener and was not having much luck,  in fact, she was ready to knock down the wall instead of removing the wallpaper.  I decided to intervene and help her out.

I brought over an 8-ounce glass spray bottle full of water and added 5 drops of lemon essential oil.  I shook it up and then sprayed it on the paper and voila!, the paper stared coming off.  Not only did it work, but it smelled amazing.  

Lemon is a great wallpaper remover because it breaks down petrochemicals.  Lemon is also great for removing gum from hair and removing permanent marker.

So next time you need to remove wallpaper, use lemon essential oil, a safe and effective alternative.

Emotional Grounding with Sandalwood

Have you ever smelled something that brings instant peace to your heart and mind and makes you feel completely grounded?  This is what happens to me every time I smell Sandalwood Essential Oil.  It's really quite remarkable.  I've never smelled another oil that affects me quite this way.

Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years and has a wide variety of applications.  It has been used for calming and can help soothe emotions during stressful and worrisome times.  It can also be used to help with respiratory issues, coughs, a raspy voice and throats.  Try combining Sandalwood with Geranium and Eucalyptus for respiratory relief.

More Uses for Sandalwood:
Calming (great to use while meditating)
Immune strength
Skin care
Stress relief (apply to bones behind your ears, on wrists, inhale, bottom of feet)
Dry throat
Respiratory relief