There has been a lot of scare and sickness recently going around and I wanted to share my favorite, natural and DIY tips and tricks to keep your home healthy and family happy.
H A N D - W A S H I N G
below are my top hand soaps to keep the germs away!
First up is ever spring Foaming Hand Soap - not only is it fun because of the foam but it is an all natural hand soap with added essential oils, for example below: lavender + bergamot, to keep those hands extra clean.
Check out more from ever spring here!
Want to go a more DIY route? Check out these tips on how to make your own hand soap!
"DIY Non-Toxic Foaming Hand Soap from Puddles and Pine!
This soap is ridiculously easy to make, it takes literally like 2 minutes to put together and it foams up so well!I initially put it in a traditional soap dispenser and it was a little too much of a liquid consistency, though it still worked great.Then I tried it in a foaming dispenser and got major bubbles!
Another great thing about this soap is that you can change up the scent however you like with each bottle.I generally use thieves essential oil in my bottles for it super strong anti-bacterial properties but you could use lemon or tangerine or grapefruit for a fun citrus scent or maybe cinnamon bark and orange in the fall.You could get as creative as you want with it."
Ingredients
1/3 cup liquid castile soap (this is a coconut based soap that is very gentle and non-toxic. I use it for so many things because it’s incredibly versatile!)
1 Tbsp witch hazel
1 cup water
1 tsp aloe vera gel (this is a natural moisturizer and will help keep your hands hydrated)
10 drops essential oil
It’s super simple to make, just add everything together in the soap dispenser and shake to disperse!
I love that this soap is 100% natural and safe and it’s cheaper than the “natural” soaps you can buy elsewhere. "
Need to buy essential oils and do not know where to start? I recommend DoTerra Oils and you can buy them here if you have any questions feel free to comment!
L A U N D R Y
Sadly everyone has to do laundry some more than others but hopefully these natural tips and tricks can help your home stay healthy and save you some money along the way!
W O O L D R Y E R B A L L S
What if you could have a safe, energy-efficient substitute to dryer sheets? Toss toxic dryer sheets and fabric softeners for a natural alternative: wool dryer balls. Learn how to make your own all natural wool dryer ball blends using essential oils that help dry your clothes faster and smell better. (from Purely Kate)
Picture from: lalalisette.com
Benefits Of Wool Dryer Balls
Much Faster Drying Time – most dyer balls dry 20-40% faster because they absorb the moisture from washing. This means you’re saving money on your electricity bills for one, and two, you’re getting through laundry much quicker.
Eliminates Static -static build-up happens in the dryer because your clothes cling together. Wool balls tumble with your clothing and keep them separate.
Eco-friendly and Sustainable – dryer balls are made from sheep's wool which is a sustainable resource that’s got minimal production requirements. You use the same balls over and over for a thousand-plus loads, which makes them very eco-friendly. And because they’re chemical-free, they are much friendlier to the environment!
Wool Dryer Ball Blends Supplies:
HOW TO MAKE WOOL DRYER BALL BLENDS YOU WILL LOVE
You can use 4 wool dryer balls for small loads and 6 for full loads, but I suggest using 6 all the time because it will shorten your drying time even more. In general, the more the better.
You can add fragrance and essential oils to your dryer balls. For a fresh scented laundry just add a few drops (3-5) of your favorite essential oil to each ball before each cycle. Allow absorption for a few minutes, then toss them in the dryer with your laundry.
For maximum scent effect add the essential oil towards the end of your cycle, 10 minutes before the end, on a low heat setting.
DIY Essential Oil Dryer Balls Combinations To Try:
Lavender and Lemon
Bergamot and Orange
Rosemary and Lemongrass
Lavender and Eucalyptus
Bergamot and Grapefruit
Lavender is most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body, therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for the skin. The smell alone can help produce a calm, peaceful tranquil environment.
Bergamot is a citrus essential oil with a fresh and uplifting scent. It boosts mood, acts as an antidepressant, purifies the air, reduces stress, promotes feelings of happiness and excitement and also freshens your mind, body and soul.
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a woody aroma. Breathing rosemary oil may help you focus and remember information.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR WOOL DRYER BALLS
Store them in a well ventilated area. Never store them in plastic. Many people prefer to just leave the balls in the dryer or store in an organic cotton bag.
If your dryer balls get dirty, wash them by hand with a mild soap in lukewarm water. I love this all-natural castile soap recipe.
M U L T I - P U R P O S E N A T U R A L C L E A N E R
Make your own 2 Ingredient All Purpose Cleaner with all natural ingredients to help keep your living spaces spotless.
"One of the things that I have been slowly doing to help improve my home, is switching out store bought cleaning products for all natural homemade. A couple of days ago I made some money saving hand soap (shown above) which I really love." says Purely Katie. The next cleaning product I just made is this this 2 Ingredient All Purpose Natural Cleaner and I have to say that it works great. This cleaning solution will come in handy for some spring cleaning and help keep us from getting sick!
You can by all-natural cleaners at the store but they are expensive. The recipe for my natural cleaner will save you money and a peace of mind of what ingredients you are using in your home.
Supplies for 2 Ingredient All Purpose Natural Cleaner:
You will also need a spray bottle. I am using this glass spray bottle because essential oils do not do well in plastic containers. Make sure to sterilize your bottle before making the cleaner.
Here are 3 ways to use this cleaner concentrate:
1. Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Instructions
Mix 2 Tbsp (1 oz) of concentrate per 24oz water into glass spray bottle.
Shake the bottle vigorously before using to allow all ingredients to distribute evenly throughout.
Spray directly onto the surface or onto a cotton towel and wipe area clean.
Repeat as necessary.
2. Dish Cleaner
Instructions
Mix 3 Tbsp (1 oz) of concentrate per gallon of water.
Wash dishes and rinse thoroughly!
Repeat as necessary.
3. Bathroom Cleaner
Instructions
Mix 3 Tbsp of concentrate per 24oz water into glass spray bottle.
Shake the bottle vigorously before using to allow all ingredients to distribute evenly throughout.
Spray directly onto the surface or onto a cotton towel and wipe area clean.
Repeat as necessary.
D I F F U S I N G E S S E N T I A L O I L S
Essential oils have so many health benefits but they also smell amazing. It would be a shame not to use them to scent your home! For that, however, you need a diffuser.
You can routinely use essential oils in your diffuser to create the exact blend for you and your family. Oils used in diffusers can be uplifting, energizing, immune-building, soothing and relaxing along with many health benefits.
What Is An Essential Oil Diffuser?
Simply put, a diffuser dispenses and spreads a fragranced (herbal) mist. These widespread-used appliances have many benefits. Everyone knows them as harbingers of great health.
The diffusing of oil dates back to ancient civilizations. Treatments of vapored oils would be used in healing diseases of all types.
Back then, diffusing essential oils was more difficult. But, now we have both science and art putting tremendous effort into creating high-tech devices.
How Do Diffusers Work?
The diffuser mixes water, essential oil fragrance and heat to create a vapor/mist. It then ejects it into the atmosphere.
The heat helps break down the water and oil into micro-particles.
The good thing, nowadays new technology is minimizing the need for either heat or water. It instead brings in sonic waves to help produce the micro-particles.
Essential oils charge the air with negative ions. Thus, they have the ability to purify the air.
There are many different diffusers out there that fit your budget and style, here are a few of my favorites!
Essential Oils You Can Use With These Diffusers
Here are a few essential oils you could use with this type of diffuser. Knowing how to use essential oil diffuser is not enough. You also need to have an idea of how essential oils affect your skin and body in general.
1. Sandalwood
This essential oil is well known for its woodsy and sweet smell. It repairs DNA and has energizing properties (source).
Therefore, would be good to use it in the morning while the whole day is still ahead of you. It’s anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory too.
Thus, feel free to diffuse it whenever you’re feeling a little bit ill or just under the weather.
2. Frankincense
Many feel that frankincense essential oil calms them down and lets them relax.
It’s like a key to the spiritual world and self-awareness. It also helps with wrinkles and reduces acne blemishes. Surely, that’s something that could be appreciated by anyone.
Blend Sandalwood and Frankincense to help alleviate perennial allergic rhinitis.
3. Lavender
If you’re not a big fan of lavender, you might become one. It not only smells great but also offers so many diverse benefits. Its antioxidants slow aging and help your skin to get that healthy, youthful glow back. It relieves pain and reduces acne.
Additionally, studies show that it cures a headache too! Moreover, it reduces anxiety and helps to get some good, holly sleep. Therefore, it should probably be used before going to sleep.
4. Mandarin
Even those who don’t know how to use essential oil diffuser must have heard of this essential oil. It’s very simple and yet effective. Also, it can be anyone’s, who likes the smell of citrus fruits, favorite.
Studies show that mandarin can combat cancer due to its ability to inhibit tumor growth. It also reduces pain, anxiety and diminishes stretch marks.
5. Citronella
In case you have a problem with insects and you’re searching for a natural way to deal with that, then citronella is just for you. It repels insects, fights bacteria, fungi and fights respiratory infections.It might be a good idea to use it in autumn/winter, when viruses and bacteria tend to catch us. It’s believed that it relaxes muscles too. Thus, you may want to use it with your nebulizer after the gym.
6. Geranium
Inflammations are caused by most of the health conditions and treating it is usually the way to go about getting rid of a disease. Geranium inhibits the skin’s inflammatory responses and helps your organism to fight with different issues a bit easier.
Use it to fight with dermatitis, reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, relieve stress and anxiety. Moreover, it repels insects just as citronella. Both you and your home will benefit from this little miracle.
Keep in mind that in high concentration essential oils can be potent so always look to ‘diffuse’ in a well-ventilated room or area.
These simple tips and tricks can help keep your home healthy + happy and save you a few dollars along the way!
Let me know what you think of this and as always if you have any questions please ask in the comment section!
Some sources I used for this blog post: Puddles and Pine (Wool Dryer Balls Instructions) + Purely Katie (Cleaner Intro) + Mama and Her Littles (Cleaner Picture) + Cushy Spa (Diffusers + Oils) + Oily Chic (Diffuser Picture) + Unsplash (Various Pictures)
To view more products visit: http://my.doterra.com/alysonthompson