Low tox living … how to reduce the chemical load in your home
There are a huge amount of chemicals in our homes, from the cleaning products in our cupboards, to the make-up we put on our skin, and the products we use to take care of our gardens. Washing liquids, disinfectants, alcohol, perfume the list of products containing chemicals that we use in our home goes on. If you’re keen to reduce the amount of chemicals in your home, we can help.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the chemicals in your home is by using eco-friendly/green cleaning products. There are a great range of green cleaning products on the market, ranging in price and availability, and if you have the time you can make your own.
Below we’ve got a recipe for an effective multipurpose cleaning spray that’s quick to make (it still requires a little prep) and incredibly low cost. Be sure to keep some citrus peels set aside (lemon, orange peel, etc.) because they are a great way to add a fresh scent to your spray if you don’t have access to essential oil. You will need to add a step to the process by soaking the peels in vinegar for up to 8 weeks before proceeding with this recipe.
Super easy multipurpose cleaning spray:
What you’ll need:
A spray bottle – Glass or Aluminium
White Distilled Vinegar – 1 Cup or Citrus Peel Infused Vinegar
Distilled/Filtered Water – 1 Cup
100% Pure Essential Oil – Scent of your choice (One of our favourite combinations is Lavender and Orange).
Method:
If making with citrus peels: Submerge peels in 1 cup of White Distilled Vinegar and let sit for approximately 8 weeks.
After allowing the citrus peels to steep, strain and dilute with distilled water 1:1 (1 cup) and add into a spray bottle.
If you aren’t using your citrus-infused vinegar: Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to 1 cup of distilled/filtered water and add approximately 10 – 20 drops of the 100% essential oil
What can you use it for?
Use this multipurpose spray to clean your kitchen benches, mirrors, and floors. Vinegar is also a natural deodoriser, so this combination is also a great air freshener. As with any new product, be sure to patch test first. Vinegar is not recommended for cleaning granite and marble.
Other changes you can make
Perfume - One of the largest hormone disrupters to the endocrine system is a toxin we don’t often consider, and that’s perfume. Perfumes across the world are under-regulated and unlike most other cosmetics don’t require a list of ingredients to be present on the packaging at all. They also consist of approximately 80-90% alcohol, which is used as a carrier and is also a common household toxin. So, how can you reduce the toxic load that comes from using traditional perfumes? Use an alternative that has been created with 100% natural essential oils and a carrier that is non-drying and non-toxic (like fractionated coconut oil). There is a wide range available on the market and most of them are Australian-made.
Laundry detergent - Move to a natural laundry liquid or make your own washing powder. Making your own washing powder is also super easy, there are heaps of great recipes available at the tip of your fingers by searching online.
