Peace in the Kitchen: Avoid Toxins
I hate to stress about chemicals flying around my kitchen; it is an extra thing to worry about and plain unnecessary.
Having my counter tops covered in chemicals and breathing in toxic fumes while I clean, is a long way from peace and joy for me.
Harsh, toxic chemicals can easily be avoided by making your own cleaners. Don’t roll your eyes at me. I’m serious now. It will take about the same time as it does to decide what to buy and throw it in the shopping cart. Let me show you….
The recipe in the video above is one I use often. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of lavender and peppermint essential oils are utilized here, creating a pleasant smelling spray that has the power to kill germs and deodorize. As you saw, it can be made in under a minute.
All-Purpose Disinfectant Spray
Adapted from the Fresh Disinfectant Deodorizer recipe in The Balanced Plate
by Renee Loux.
What you need:
Spray bottle
¼ teaspoon lavender essential oil
¼ teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1 cup water
What to do:
Mix water and essential oils in a measuring cup.
Pour into spray bottle.
Screw on lid and start spraying!
It is also possible to pour the water directly into the spray bottle, then add the oils and shake to blend.
Keep out of eyes – the essential oils are very strong.
Option – sometimes I add a squirt of dish soap to the bottle for added cleaning power.
This recipe is intended to be a disinfectant and does not need to be wiped off. However, I usually do since I use it to clean the counter tops. But if using as a disinfectant only, then go ahead and leave it. This works very well in the bathroom as well as the kitchen.
by Renee Loux.Pin this recipe
Another disinfecting spray I like to use comes from Karen Logan’s book, Clean House Clean Planet
. The superstar ingredient in this recipe is tea tree oil. I happen to like the smell, but be warned, it is very strong. If you don’t like tea tree, you won’t like this one. If you do like it, then this should be a happy find.
Antiseptic Soap Spray
What you need:
3 Tablespoons liquid castile soap
Water
30 drops tea tree oil
16 ounce spray bottle
What to do:
Fill the spray bottle with water, leaving a little room at the top. Add the liquid soap and tea tree oil.
Screw on the lid and shake to blend.
Use to disinfect door knobs, counter tops, toys, toilet bowls, and so on!
This is definitely a healthy alternative to Lysol!
I purchase most of my supplies from Mountain Rose Herbs. (And have for at least three years.) They have an extensive selection of essential oils (as well as other products) of very high quality and reasonably priced.
Links to Mountain Rose Herbs are affiliate links.
Wow Stacy! You’re as good as the chefs on the cooking channel!
Thanks Rhianna! I feel a bit goofy 🙂
Hey Stacy, thanks so much for coming to my blog and commenting! As a new blogger it really means a lot to me. I am also adding your blog to my reader. Thanks!
It was my pleasure. I really enjoyed what I read on your blog.
Wow this is brilliant! I actually read an article somewhere that say making them your self is much more effective than any store bought ones. Thanks for the video and the “Recipe” you rock!
Thanks Jennifer. It is amazing just how strong and effective and essential oil can be! And it is so nice to know what is in the stuff I am spraying around the house 🙂
Hi Stacy, do I need to rinse or wipe off the Antiseptic Soap Spray? Thanks!
Hi Mandy,
I do wipe the antiseptic soap spray off. I don’t usually rinse it though.
Two fantastic recipes! I am so glad you linked up!
And thank you for co-hosting – I think this is going to be a good resource for ALL of us!
I made the All-Purpose Disinfecting Spray and already it’s time to make up a new batch. It’s a keeper! But I have a question. Reading through the blog I see references to a similar mixture made with vinegar. Tell me about the differences — different purpose, different effectiveness? When using vinegar, should it replace all the water?
Oh good. I’m glad you like it. I believe using all vinegar makes it a stronger germ fighter. But it is already a strong germ fighter, so it’s not really necessary. Sometimes I use all vinegar simply because I’m lazy 🙂
Lazy? That’s my middle name! Sans vinegar, the spray makes the house smell so charming that I find myself looking for excuse to use it. However, I’ll dump some vinegar in the next batch to find out what that’s like. Do you have a preference for the type of vinegar? Apple or white? Probably not balsamic or chardonnay …
I use the white for cleaning and deodorizing. It works very well.
Definitely not balsamic or chardonnay 🙂 Save that for the salad dressing!
Thank you again, Stacy!
I always learn something new here even though I’ve been studying herbal medicine for over six years. I,too, am an affiliate of MRH and buy from them as much as I can. (Although I haven’t yet started promoting them)
I’ve been meaning to get some posts up about herbal medicine, but tutorials take time, don’t they?!
I will try to remember to shop through your affiliate link next time I place an order-since it does me no good to shop through my own affiliate link:D
Thanks Michelle! You are kind 🙂
Yes, tutorials take time. That is for sure. I hope you are able to get some up on your blog. I’d love to read them!
You are sweet to shop through my affiliate link. I am grateful 🙂
LOVE it! You know I do not think you are goofy! If you are goofy, then so am I.. hope that makes you feel better! We need to be aware of the chemicals we are using and breathing in our home and constantly in our environment. Thanks for sharing and having a heart to be healthy and well. Very fond of you Stacy, and your passion to help others. Bless you always and a big blessing on your new Ebook!!
I’m trying to wean myself off of antibacterial wipes and other harmful cleaners. Why is it so hard to take the plunge? Why do I think burning mucous membranes and red eyes mean my bathroom is cleaner? I admit it – I’m a chemical junkie but I’m seriously trying to reform.
Thank you so much for giving some insight. I just have to believe that it’s really getting clean. I’m a little OCD about cleaning. It does make sense though. I happen to love tea tree oil. I’m going to show this to my hubby tomorrow and try to get some cleaning therapy…
Jen
Great website. I am always looking for new ideas. Since I started making/selling ‘therapeutic lotions’ Ive really started paying attention to labels, which is why I created a face care line as well as a baby line. I am now switching out all my cleaners to natural homemade ones. Thanks for the info!
Hi,
I tried to follow you via Facebook and Twitter, but the links to follow are not directing me to you. Do you have any suggestions how I can find you? Blessings! Sandra
Hi Sandra,
I’m not sure why those links aren’t working! Here they are, hopefully they work:
http://www.facebook.com/ADelightfulHome
https://twitter.com/Delightfulhome
Thanks for trying to find me!
Blessings to you.
Stacy
I just made this, and I love it! I wiped down everything in my kitchen. May I feature this on my blog?
Since they are oils, do they mix with the water? Or can you always see little blobs of oil floating around?
His,
Shari
Thanks for sharing Stacy.. I had a great time reading your article…Tea tree oil is one of my favorite soap ingredients. it imparts a crisp, clean scent and soothes the skin with its natural healing properties.