Natural All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
‘Low-tox living’ is a lifestyle movement that is gaining increasing popularity, focused on using natural ingredients in our foods, homes, and cosmetic products. Our health is directly linked to the environment in which we live. You may not realise it, but we are exposed to chemicals and toxins in our everyday lives, from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, our skin care and cleaning products, as well as our electronic devices.
These toxins/chemicals have been linked to several health conditions. Approximately one-quarter of the global disease burden, and more than one-third of the burden among children under the age of five is due to modifiable environmental factors.14
While we cannot avoid toxins/chemicals entirely, the good news is that minimising our exposure to them is something we can change. Becoming more aware and making educated choices is the best way to reduce our toxic load.
Many commercial household products, including kitchen, bathroom and laundry detergents and cleaning agents (e.g., bleach, disinfectants, degreaser, surface cleaners, foam cleaner sprays, soap scum remover sprays, mould remover sprays, etc.) contain chemicals. Minimise the use of chemical-based and fragranced household cleaning products. Replace with natural/eco-friendly green cleaning products that are better for people and the planet. You can make your own natural, all-purpose cleaning spray at home, using the recipe below.
How to Make Your Own Natural, All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
1 cup vinegar
1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon baking soda
10 drops of your choice of essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, grapefruit and/or orange)
Instructions
1. Measure out the ingredients
2. Combine in a spray top bottle
3. Shake to mix thoroughly before use
Taking steps to make your home environment and garden cleaner and greener is one of the most effective ways reduce your exposure to hidden chemicals and improve your health and wellbeing.