Essential oils are powerful plant extracts that have been used for thousands of years. They have aided many in regard to health, appearance, and mood. From cooking and cleaning to beauty and home remedies, essential oils can help you create a non-toxic environment for your family. Essential oils are a safe and green way to help you meet your goals. And as a bonus, your home is going to smell amazing without anything artificial. It finally feels like spring in Pittsburgh, so we have 5 DIY spring cleaning recipes to help you move away from using harsh chemicals and embrace warmer weather!
Some Basics First – Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils
There are three basic ingredients that are used for non-toxic household cleaning:
Baking Soda: Absorbs and eliminates odor. A non-abrasive cleanser to clean countertops, sinks, and tubs.
White Vinegar: Contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that cut grease and dissolve mineral deposits. A cleanser for a coffee makers, floors, and your refrigerator.
Castile Soap: Lifts dirt, fights tough grease, and eliminates stains.
DIY Spring Cleaning Recipe: All-Purpose Cleaner with Lemon
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon natural dish soap (NOT castile soap)
- 30 drops lemon essential oil
- 20 drops melaleuca essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a quart-sized spray bottle. Shake to combine. Spray and wipe on counters, cabinets, sinks, toilets, and anywhere else you deem necessary. It is “all-purpose” after all!
DIY Recipe Two: Fresh Mint Window & Mirror Cleaner
- 3 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 20 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a quart-sized spray bottle. Shake to combine, then spray on mirrors, windows, or stainless steel. Wipe off with paper towels or towel/rag for a streak-free shine.
DIY Recipe Three: Simple Citrus Soft Scrub
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops lime essential oil
- 10 drops wild orange essential oil
Mix ingredients together to form a paste (add more castile soap if needed). Apply with rag or sponge, then rinse with clean water. I especially like to use this on my stovetop and on grimy sinks.
DIY Recipe Four: Deep Clean Toilet Scrub
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3/4 cup water
Mix together in a squeeze-type bottle, then squirt into the toilet. Scrub and let stand 20 minutes before flushing clean!
DIY Recipe Five: Fresh Linen Spray
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 3 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops frankincense essential oil
Add all ingredients to a small spritzer and shake well. Then spray on sheets, pillowcases, and other linens for a burst of freshness.
Some Advice – Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils
Use Glass Bottles: Essential oils can degrade plastic. For this reason, it is generally recommended to only store oils in glass containers.
Other General Oils Suited for Cleaning: At Zock Family Chiropractic, we recommend using doTERRA Essential Oils Blends. OnGuard® and Purify® are the two best mixes for cleaning, as they both have powerful cleansing properties.
Essential Oils and Chiropractic Care
There are many pieces to the wellness puzzle. At Zock Family Chiropractic, we urge our clients to look at all the aspects of their wellness routine. Adding chiropractic care to your routine will only aid in your overall health. Dr. Zock would love to discuss your concerns in regard to resetting your health. Her vast knowledge of natural supplementation and body processes make her a great guide in helping you make the best choices for your body. Make an appointment in Cranberry today to schedule an introductory chiropractic treatment session. We can discuss your pains and needs as part of my initial chiropractic workup for you as a new patient to our practice!
* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.