In the quest to simplify my life I opened the cabinet under my kitchen sink. I was greeted with a host of chemicals each declaring their own special use. This toxic station was screaming for simplification.
Four reasons I decided to stop buying chemical cleaners:
- Simplification: Life is easier with less stuff. The companies and their brands are great at marketing products, but the bottom line is they are out to make money. I decided to stop listening to advertisements and commercials.
- Financial: Adding up the financial cost of each item I discarded from under my sink was in the hundreds of dollars combined. Using natural cleaners will save on my budget.
- Toxic: Not one of the cleaners under my sink came with no warnings to health or environment. I want to be responsible with my choices.
- Health: I began this quest for health reasons. I need to reduce the toxic load inside my body. I desire to teach my children and grandchildren that chemical use comes with a high cost to life and the environment.
Making household cleaners is not difficult. Most can be made with ingredients already in your kitchen. Here is a basic list of things I use most often. Not everything is risk free but it is a great start.
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Epsom Salts
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Essential oils; tea tree oil, lavender oil, pine oil, Rosemary oil, lemon oil
- wool dryer balls
- Castile Soap
- Original formula Dawn Dish Soap
- Cotton dish towels
The internet is a great source for all natural or mostly natural cleaning solutions. I especially like Pinterest for recipe hunting. Here is one example that will get you questing for recipes.