Keeping it Simple

I have a about a zillion things I want to blog about but I just never seem to get around to writing. I figured I would do a quick post since it is Friday and most people are getting ready to start their weekends.

When Eliza was born I threw out MOST of our traditional cleaners and started cleaning differently. I couldn't stand the thought of using chemicals in the house where her little lungs were breathing. I just don't buy into that open a window nonsense. I always felt like I was about to die after cleaning the bathroom-open window and all. So I started looking into using vinegar and baking soda to clean the house. I discovered that you can pretty much clean anything with these two things- and do it cheaply and safely. Lemon is also a great addition to this duo.

Now that I am pregnant and E is around me all the time I am so happy I use safe cleaners. I never feel worried as I spray vinegar and water on her table or her toys. I can have her help me clean and never worry about her safety or about the tiny little baby growing in my belly. I have never locked my cleaning cabinet because there is nothing in there that could hurt her.

Recently I have started to think about adding essential oils to my cleaning repertoire. I did use lemon and lavender essential oils in my classroom. I would spray a solution with lemon in the morning to give the kids a pick me up and then after recess it was all about lavender to help them settle back down. I am pretty sure I started this after taking a workshop on brain based learning.

ok back to cleaners...

I actually do LOVE the smell of vinegar but I wanted to get a little more creative. I picked up Tea Tree Oil and Lavender because I could also use them in a homemade wipe solution. I started adding a few drops to my kitchen cleaner and it smells wonderful. Tea tree oil is also a disinfectant and the calming properties of lavender are wonderful.

This is how I make my all purpose cleaner...

I mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar. Then I add a few drips of essential oils. DONE! And my cute purple spray bottle makes me smile!


I do have three cats and I have found at times (cleaning up cat puke!) I need something a little more powerful than vinegar and baking soda. I have recently been testing out some WOW Green products and will post about them sometime next week. However, for the most part I am extremely happy with my homemade cleaners.