Liz Seal Holistic Massage
Most households use a huge variety of cleaning products, in the UK the average number of different products is over 25! We use different products for different rooms, the kitchen, bathroom etc. The impact on our environment and our health can be detrimental.
Using synthetic aromas in the home can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. We can also reduce our resistance to the variety of bugs and viruses around us.
By using essential oils around our homes, we can have clean and shiny homes, protect the environment and boost our natural defences all at the same time!
One of the cleaning products used by our Grandparents would have
been carbolic…a naturally occurring compound which is soluble in water, and highly antibacterial. The chemical building blocks of carbolic occur naturally in some essential oils, while the other compounds in these essential oils reduce the potential toxicity of the raw carbolic solution.
Combining this antibacterial and disinfectant quality with de-greasing and cleansing properties results in an effective and thorough way to clean our home and protect our family.
There are a range of store cupboard products most of us have which can be helpful in cleaning our homes. Bicarbonate of Soda and Lemon can be used extensively, and are fantastic de-greasers, for cleaning the oven, hob, bathroom etc. Distilled vinegar can be added to make a paste for really dirty surfaces, or for burnt-on food. To refresh and disinfect carpets and rugs, add a few drops of essential oil to dry bicarbonate of soda, sprinkle onto the carpet, then vacuum the following day. This is much kinder to pets and leaves a natural freshness around the home.
For surface cleaning, dilute oils in alcohol (this helps the oil to disperse) then add distilled water, in a spray bottle this can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces anywhere in the home.
Recipe ideas…
For an effective surface spray- Sweet Orange, Lemon, Cinnamon and Thyme essential oils combined with alcohol (vodka works well!) then dilute with distilled water. Use up to 20 drops of essential oil to 5ml of alcohol, then top up to 150ml with water and put into a spray bottle.
Glass cleaner- combine 20ml of white vinegar with a teaspoon of unscented hand soap and a total of 5 drops of lemon and/or tea tree essential oil. Spray onto windows, mirrors, etc for a streak-free finish.
Fridge cleaner/deodoriser- make a liquid (as for the surface spray above) with Lemon and Thyme to wipe through the fridge. This will also deodorise your dish cloth at the same time!
Bespoke blends of essential oils can be supplied so you can make these products at home. Contact me for more information.