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So, funny story.

I’ve known about using natural cleaning products in the home for years.  Years and years, actually.  Morgan’s mom has used Borax to wash her clothes since, well… ever. And that’s just washing clothes.  I mean, we could sit and have hours of conversation about what natural cleaners she uses and how and why, but I’ll spare you! Needless to say, she is the queen of the Naturally Fresh Home!

It’s funny to me how crazy popular making your own cleaning products has gotten.  It’s such a good thing, and they are really much cheaper to use.  I’ve used them on and off over the past 17 years, but I’m now really starting to make my own, and I LOVE it. Nay, I’m obsessed with it.

So, over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing loads of ways to have a Naturally Fresh Home.  But, before we get started, I think it’s cool to know what you are using, why you are using it and how it works.  I learned a ton doing this research, and I hope you do too.

Remember, don’t just be a zombie when it comes to living.  Be curious and investigate!  Know what you are using in your home and why.

That’s the Bold way to live.  So, now… let’s see what we’ll be using and why!

Ingredients for a Naturally Fresh Home

Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar is made from fermented apples and has many uses both medicinal, nutritional and cleaning properties. It can be used to cut grease, eleminate odors, remove mildew and wax-build-up.

You can read this article for more information about the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda, also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, is a common household powder used to absorb odors, soften water, scour surfaces and, in cooking, to leven breads.  It can also be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires by throwing it over the fire to smother it.

Check out this article for more information on the uses of Baking Soda.

Borax

Broax, or sodium borate {but not boric acid!}  is a natural mineral used in laundry boosters, soaps and toothpaste.  It cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, and cleans a myriad of surfaces.

Read more about the safety of Borax in this article.

Castile Soap

Castile Soap is a gentle, liquid soap traditionally made from Olive Oil.

Read more about Castile Soap right here.

Citric Acid 

Citric Acid, a natural preservative,  is a crystallized form of fruit sugars often used in foods, cleaning and beauty products.  It’s great for removing hard water, too.

You can check out this article to learn more about Citric Acid.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is oil taken from the meat of the coconut and has many, many uses in food, medicine and cosmetics.

For more information about the health benefits of Coconut Oil, check out this article.

Distilled water 

It’s important to use distilled water in your personal care products to ensure that you are not contaminating them.  Using tap water might cause them to spoil sooner! 

Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly aromatic substances found in certain plants who use them to attract pollinators or deter predators.  To use the oils, they are extracted from the plant via distillation process.  Essential oils are highly concentrated, and it is very important to learn more about the quality and production process of the oils you buy since there currently no regulations for them. 

Want to learn more about Essential Oils?  From Faye has a spot on post about them.  She says pretty much everything I have thought and felt about Essential Oils.  I had even found Mountain Rose Herbs {which she uses} and ordered the Classic Essential Oils Kit the day before I read her post. One of the BEST things about Mountain Rose Oils, other than their high quality, is the price. It’s very, very reasonable.  So whomever you purchase your oils from, be sure to do plenty of research and comparison from third-party, unaffiliated sites.

 

Click the image above to visit Mountain Rose Herbs. {aff link}

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and is used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. It’s often used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.  It’s best kept in a dark bottle because the light will break it down and make it ineffective.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol is widely used in health and beauty products and as a disinfectant.  It is combustible, so take care when using it!

Lemon

Lemons, an incredibly strong food acid, are anti-bacterial and great for cutting grease!

Olive Oil

Olive oil is the oil that is produced from pressing whole olives. It is used in a wide variety of products, in cooking, cosmetics, soaps and can be used as a fuel for traditional oil lamps. 

You can learn more about the health benefits of olive oil in this article.

Washing Soda

Washing Soda, or sodium carbonate decahydrate, is similar to baking soda, but stronger.  Although both baking soda and washing soda can be used to treat stains, washing soda is better at it. 

To learn more about the difference between Washing Soda and Baking Soda, check out this article. 

White Vinegar 

White vinegar, a natural disinfectant,  is very good at cutting grease and removing mildew, odors and waxy build-up.

Read this article to learn about the different types of vinegar and their uses.

That’s everything!

Have fun getting your pantry of cleaning supplies together.  It’s a great way to keep you home fresh and clean without harsh chemicals and perfumes!

xoxo

Gwen

P.S. Get More Cleaning Ideas, Tips and Tricks right here!