You might be doing all the right things to avoid major toxin players, like not smoking and switching to organic fruit and vegetables where possible. But there’s likely to be one area where you can up your game: around your home.
Did you know that the majority of cleaning products are full of ingredients that can be harmful to your health and the environment? Most commercial cleaning products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), also known as hormonal disruptors and these can causes affect your fertility, metabolism, immune system and more.
I’ve compiled a few recipes that you can easily whip up and use around your home. Aside from being better for you, you’ll also find that they’re much cheaper than the store-bought variety. It’s a win-win.
Your kitchen’s best friend:
You’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 5 drops eucalyptus or lemon essential oil
- Water
How to:
Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and add baking soda. Fill the bottle with water and add essential oils. Shake well.
The oven cleaner:
You’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 tablespoon natural dish liquid
- 1 teaspoon borax
How to:
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray inside the oven and let sit for 20 minutes before wiping off with a clean cloth. This cleaner can also be used for stove tops.
The bathroom beautifier:
You’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- 1 2/3 cup baking soda
- ½ cup liquid soap (Dr Bronner’s is a great option)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
How to:
Combine baking soda and liquid soap in a spray bottle. Then add water, vinegar and essential oils and shake before using. Perfect for cleaning your tiles, vanity and bathtub.
The toilet cleaner:
We found this recipe on Sophie Uliano’s site and it’s the best we’ve found for your toilet.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup liquid castille soap (Dr Bronner’s is a great option)
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
How to:
Stir the baking soda into the water in a bowl before adding in the liquid soap. Gradually add the vinegar a little at a time (it will fizz and foam). Then add the tea tree oil and lavender oil. Pour the mixture into an old toilet cleaner squeeze bottle and shake before using.