Natural Solutions for Hygiene and Household Products

Have you ever felt dizzy or unwell while doing a deep clean at home? That happened to me a few years ago, and I soon discovered it was due to the chemicals in the cleaning products I was using. Since then, I’ve researched the harmful effects of these chemicals and decided to make some changes.

First to bring awareness and share what I’ve found, here are some chemicals and their effects on us:

• Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
• Ammonia commonly used in glass cleaner or polishing solutions can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If mixed with bleach it produces toxic chloramine vapors.
• VOCs found in air fresheners and aerosol sprays can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues.
• Triclosan which is an antibacterial agent found in some soaps and detergents can disrupt hormone function.
• Phthalates which can be found in air fresheners and soaps can affect the endocrine system.
• Glycol Ethers which are used in some cleaning solutions can cause skin irritation, cause respiratory issues, and have been linked to reproductive issues.
• Parabens found in soap and cosmetics can disrupt hormone function, cause obesity, infertility, and found linked to cancer.

Inspired by what I learned; I decided to replace some of my regular purchases. My goal was to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals in daily life, promoting a healthier environment and personal well-being. For instance, I switched to soaps free of phthalates, parabens, or SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Here’s a few options if you aren’t familiar with some of the choices available.

• Pure castile soap does not contain phthalates, parabens, or SLS and uses essential oils for scented products. I personally like using wholenaturals Pure Castile Soap unscented and add in essential oils depending on what I’m using it for. For example, if someone has an illness in the household, I add essential oils for hand soap. I like using a blend called Thrive Eternity Blend from barefut which contains Clove, Lemon, Orange, Cinnamon, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus oils. It smells great too!
• Shampoo and conditioner bars free of phthalates, parabens, or SLS like Viori Tea Tree Mint Essential Oil Shampoo Bar and Viori Advanced-Repair & Moisturizing Conditioner Bar | Coconut Bliss are a couple favorites (be sure to use my coupon code KAYHIGHTOWER for a discount).

Since I spend hours outside every day tending to my garden and taking care of the animals, using bug spray has become a necessity. To avoid the chemicals in commercial products, I decided to make my own bug spray using witch hazel, water, and essential oils. I use a metal atomizer bottle with a press pump, filling it about two-thirds with witch hazel, adding around 20 drops of Insect Away Eternity blend of essential oils, and topping it off with water. I spray on my skin and clothing whenever needed.

For a multi-purpose household cleaner, I’ve adopted a method that utilizes citrus peels, ensuring I maximize their use before composting. The citrus peels not only impart a delightful fragrance but also contain oils that effectively tackle tough stains and hard-to-clean areas. This cleaner is incredibly versatile, suitable for countertops, sinks, and various other surfaces. Additionally, it’s non-toxic and safe for most household cleaning tasks. If you’re interested in a straightforward recipe, here’s how I make mine:

1. Collect Citrus Peels: Save peels from oranges, lemons, limes, or any citrus fruit. I store them in the freezer until I have enough to fill up a mason jar.
2. Fill a Jar: Place the peels in a large mason jar until it’s about three-quarters full.
3. Add Vinegar: Pour white vinegar over the peels until the jar is full.
4. Infuse: Seal the jar and let it sit in a dark place for a minimum of two weeks. This allows the vinegar to absorb the oils and scents from the peels.
5. Strain and Use: After two weeks, strain the liquid into another jar or spray bottle. I keep some in a jar and add 2 Tablespoons to each dishwasher load. I also transfer some to a spray bottle, add 2 teaspoons of Castile soap, dilute with a little bit of water, and add about 15 drops of Thrive Eternity Blend essential oil.

Lastly, if you love candles for their scent, but are looking for healthier alternatives, there are a few options to consider. One approach I plan to try is making beeswax candles infused with essential oils. Currently, I use an essential oil diffuser, which is a fantastic way to enjoy pleasant aromas without the potential harm of traditional candles. There are many diffusers available, and one that stands out for its design is the Northern Lights Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser.

I hope you have fun exploring these alternatives! I’d love to hear which ones you enjoy the most or any new ideas you’ve discovered. I would especially love to hear if you make beeswax candles and where you get the supplies. And hey, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss out on the latest updates!

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy from these links. However, I only share things I use and love, so I’m happy to recommend them.