Au Naturale....

I am ready for the next step in my new "clean" lifestyle.  I am going to make all my household cleaners and personal care products from now on.  I really want to get the chemicals out of our lives, at least here at home.  I don't know if all the claims are true about how bad they are for you, but considering how much cancer and disease we have among us now, getting rid of the chemicals can only help, right?  My first step was to clean up my diet and not consume chemicals and processed foods.  That has been much easier than I expected and I truly feel better.  Following is a list of household items I will be using:

laundry detergent

For dishwasher detergent - mix 1 C Borax, 1 C Washing Soda, 1/2 C Kosher Salt and store in a container. when I am ready to use it I will use 1 Tbsp and add a few drops of Lemon or Citrus Essential Oil.  Add white vinegar to the rinse compartment for a clear shine.

dish soap

For kitchen/bathroom cleaner there are two ways to do it.  I soak a mason jar full of orange peels in white vinegar for ten days then put in a spray bottle.  Another way is to add several drops of orange essential oil to vinegar in a spray bottle.  Vinegar is a great antibacterial cleaner and the orange oil works as a degreaser.

window cleaner

To clean my floors, I simply use white vinegar and water.

shampoo

toothpaste

deodorant

facial cleanser

insect repellent

You might be thinking....I would love to do this, but I have no time!  Believe me, if I can find time, anyone can do this.  I don't make it all at once, a little here and there and just make enough at one time to last a while.  It is also much cheaper than buying commercial cleaning and personal care products.  I have recently gotten into using essential oils.  I will be experimenting with using those in different combinations in the above recipes.

Give it a try!  Let me know what you think.