By Cathy Smith

I love simplifying house chores. Are you with me on that?

What if it cleaning could be fun and creative using healthy ingredients? Who doesn’t want to make quick work of clearing dirt? You can leave the whole house gleaming while saving money and reducing chemicals and plastic!

White vinegar, witch hazel, and essential oils are my best cleaning friends. Pair with microfiber cloths which are excellent for wiping counters, sinks, mirrors, and glass. Essential oils naturally possess anti-microbial properties while imparting their clean scent into your living space. They can be used undiluted in your garbage disposal and toilet bowl, in the washer when laundering sheets and towels, and mixed with baking soda to freshen rugs and carpet before vacuuming.

Here are some of my favorite combos:

Lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus are wonderful spa-like aromas: simultaneously relaxing and invigorating.

Lemon and tea tree mixed with equal parts water and witch hazel is a terrific disinfectant, a genius at removing oily substances from any surface.

Rosemary, orange, and thyme will brighten your mood, improve mental clarity (I’m all about that), and help give the immune system a boost.

Try making your own blends! Below is a lit of some favorite oils and their properties:

Tea tree: antimicrobial, anti-fungal; deters lice and other pests.
Peppermint: a natural deodorizer and the perfect topical solution to stop the itch of a mosquito bite.
Lavender: antiseptic and freshens everything; 4 drops on a wool dryer ball or old washcloth instead of dryer sheets.
Lemon: antiviral and degreaser to wipe down the fridge; mix with olive oil and white vinegar for polishing wood furniture.
Orange: bright and cheerful aroma; great glue and stain remover that won’t discolor fabric.
Rosemary: clears stale air, opens clogged sinuses and boosts memory. Mix with peppermint to clean car interiors and inspire a mindful commute.
Eucalyptus: fights germs and mites. On laundry day, add to wash water for sheets. Mix with water for a room spray during and after a virus.
Thyme: powerful germicide; wipe down cutting boards and add to dish soap.

Want more info and recipes? Visit the link here!

Wellness Tuesday Tips: Cleaning with essential oils