Did you know that the average home harbors more than 150 chemicals that are alleged to contribute to respiratory disorders, cancer, birth defects, psychological disorders, and impaired fertility?

Your so-called cleaning products are loaded with chemicals that make the air inside the average home up to 70 times more toxic than outdoor air. By learning what hazards lurk in your home, the products you use (from laundry detergent to cleaning supplies…and yes, even the green products) you can make informed decisions by reading the labels and find out how herbs can help to really “clean” your home without any worries.

Herbal Cleaning Formulas

Dishwashing Liquid

Liquid castile soap
10 drops lemon essential oil
6 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops orange essential oil

Fill a clean 22-ounce plastic squirt bottle with castile soap, add the essential oils. Remember to shake the bottle before each use.

Lavender Automatic Dishwasher Soap

2 cups washing soda (such as Arm & Hammer’s Super Washing Soda)
2 cups borax (Dial’s 20 Mule Team Borax)
20 drops of lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients and mix together well. Store mixture in a plastic container, using about 2 tablespoons per load of dishes.

Lemon Fresh Clothes Wash

2 cups liquid castile soap
1/2 cup aloe vera juice
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon powdered citric acid
2 teaspoons grapefruit seed extract
15-20 drops lemon (or lemongrass) essential oil

Combine all ingredients into a plastic container and mix well. For an average load, use ¼ cup.

Orange Fabric Softener

8 cups water
6 cups white vinegar
1 cup baking soda
25 drops sweet orange essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a plastic container, shake well before adding ½ cup to the rinse cycle.

Lavender Soft Cleaner

¾ cup baking soda
¼ cup powdered milk
1/8 cup liquid castile soap
5 drops lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a squirt-top bottle and add enough water to make a smooth paste. Mix well. Apply to surface, then wipe area clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well.

All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes

1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
15 drops basil essential oil
Cotton or microfiber cloth

Cut the cloth into small squares or rectangles and stack them on top of each other. Pour the water, vinegar and basil essential oil into a heavy-duty plastic bag with a zipper closure. Close the bag and gently squeeze to blend the ingredients. Place your stacked cloth pieces into the bag and close the bag again, pressing down to squeeze out excess air. Use these wipes for quick cleanups, making sure to squeeze out the excess liquid from each wipe first. Not recommended for non-sealed wood.

The basil essential oil is not only antiseptic, but it’s also stimulating and may help to increase productivity. You can also reuse the cloths after cleaning them in the normal cycle of the dishwasher.

Easy Glass Cleaner

1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
10 drops lemon or lime essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake a few times to blend. Spray lightly onto a cleaning cloth and wipe surfaces until dry. Shake before each use.

Please always do your research and consult with your physician, naturopath, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested on this page. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or naturopath can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or to diagnose your particular medical issue.