9 Natural DIY Cleaning Products for a Toxic-Free Home

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

When we hear the term “environmental pollution”, what usually comes to mind are the toxins we encounter when we venture outside, like exhaust fumes, smog, pesticides, and even radioactive chemicals.

However, there is another major source of toxins that are lurking a little closer to home. These toxins follow you home from the grocery store, where it settles onto your countertops, your dishware, your bathroom, your clothes, your hair, and eventually, your body. This source is your cleaning products.

“Fresh”, “sparkling”, and “germ-free”, are all familiar terms used by companies to describe mainstream cleaning supplies. While these labels may make consumers feel safe and clean when using these products, the truth is much dirtier and far from safe.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic fumes emitted from solids and liquids, and are extremely common in household products. Cleansers, disinfectants, air fresheners, glues, and aerosol sprays (think Lysol, Tide, Febreeze, etc.) are just a handful of products that contain high levels of VOCs.

Most of these VOCs, such as ethylene-based glycol ethers common in water-based cleaners, are classified as hazardous air pollutants under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act Amendments and as toxic air contaminants by California’s Air Resources Board.

Yet, even though they can cause major toxicity symptoms, ranging from eye and throat irritation to liver, kidney, and nervous system damage and even cancer, they are still promoted for use indoors.

And the scariest part? If you’re using these substances in your home, your exposure isn’t limited to the timeframe that you used it in. For instance, you aren’t limiting your exposure time to these chemicals only when you’re cleaning the shower or the toilet; VOCs expose you to very high pollution levels during use and remain in the air long after you’re finished.

Natural Alternatives

Luckily, nature has provided plenty of natural options for cleaning that won’t give off toxic VOCs and aren’t classified as carcinogens. In addition, many are cheaper than their chemical alternatives and can be made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Natural Cleaning Recipes: Main Ingredients

You’ll notice that most of these recipes include baking soda and/or white vinegar as their base. This is because both vinegar and baking soda are nature’s powerhouse stain removers, buffers, and disinfectants (not to mention super cheap).

Baking soda in particular has a strong alkalinity (8.1 on the pH scale) and a crystalline structure that acts as a gentle abrasive to help dissolve stains and buildups.

Baking soda also has antibacterial properties, making it a great natural deodorizer – another reason you’ll see it in the ingredient list of store-bought natural toothpastes and deodorants.

Vinegar also has some pretty impressive antibacterial properties. In one study, vinegar was shown to be effective against several foodborne bacteria strains, including E-coli. Interestingly, this effect was increased when the vinegar was combined with salt, which is exactly what several of the recipes below do.

When combined, vinegar and baking soda create a highly effective natural stain remover and antibacterial cleaner base that won’t add to your daily toxin exposure.

9 Natural DIY Cleaning Products

So without further ado, let’s dive into those natural cleaning recipes.

Don’t worry: even if you’re not in the mood for a cleaning spree, you’ll still find yourself rummaging through your cabinets for the ingredients once you see how simple they are to put together!

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Use this cleaner for countertops, windows or bathrooms!

Tools:

• 16 oz glass spray bottle

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in your glass bottle and shake.

• Spray on kitchen countertops and other surfaces as needed. Since the ingredients will settle and separate, give this cleaner a light shake before each use.

Homemade Shower and Tub Cleaner

Kill germs and fight mold with this bathroom cleaner.

Tools:

• 16 oz glass spray bottle

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 3-5 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in your glass bottle and shake.

• Spray throughout your tub and shower as needed. Since the ingredients will settle and separate, give this cleaner a shake before using.

Homemade Glass Cleaner

Use this cleaner to wipe smears off windows and mirrors.

Tools:

• 16 oz glass spray bottle
• Cloth or paper towel

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the vinegar and water in your spray bottle.

• Use on glass or mirrors as needed, letting the solution sit for 30 seconds to a minute before wiping away for hard stains.

Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Use this cleaner instead of bleach to clean your toilet bowl

Tools:

• Large bowl and whisk
• Funnel
• Bottle with squeeze top

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a large bowl, stirring thoroughly.

• Using a funnel, pour the cleaner into your bottle.

• Squeeze the cleaner around the rim of your toilet bowl and let sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and flushing.

Homemade Air Freshener

Freshen up the room with this DIY cleaner in place of Febreeze!

Tools:

• Glass bottle with spray top

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 T baking soda
• 5-6 drops grapefruit essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in your spray bottle.

• Give it a shake, then spray to freshen up any room.

Homemade Drain Cleaner

Clear out the drains in both your bathroom and kitchen.

Tools:

• Small bowl

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup cream of tartar
• 2 cups boiling water

Instructions:

1. Combine the baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar in a small bowl.

• Sprinkle half of the mixture down the drain, then pour the boiling water over it. Let sit for roughly an hour, then rinse with cool water.

• If your drain is still clogged, try pouring a full cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain, then let it sit overnight. This recipe works for both kitchen and bathroom drains.

Homemade Oven Cleaner

Remove oven residue with this DIY concoction.

Tools:

• Small bowl

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup castile soap
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup coarse salt
• Warm water, to make a paste
• White vinegar, to rinse

Instructions:

1. Combine the baking soda, salt, water, and castile soap to form a paste.

• Apply a layer to the interior of the oven and let sit overnight.

• Remove with a sponge and warm water, using the white vinegar as a final rinse to remove residue.

Homemade Disinfectant Wipes

These disinfectant wipes are re-usable, so there’s no waste!

Tools:

• Empty container to hold wipes
• 15-20 squares of old cloth, like dish towels or old T-shirts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 8 drops tea tree oil
• 8 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. Place your cloth squares in the container.

• Combine water, vinegar, and essential oils in a bowl, then pour over the cloths.

• Once the mixture has soaked in, use the cloths as needed. These are reusable, so once you’re finished, toss them in with the laundry and repeat!

Homemade Dishwasher Cleaner

Make your dishwasher work like it’s brand new again with this cleaner.

Tools:

• 2 small glass containers (like measuring cups)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda

Instructions:

1. Prepare your dishwasher by removing the dish racks and wiping away debris around the drain and crannies.

• Put the racks back and set the vinegar in your small container on the bottom rack.

• Do the same for the baking soda, but place it on the top rack.

• Run the dishwasher, then let it sit for 20 minutes after the cycle has finished for a natural steam clean. Now open the dishwasher and give it a quick rub down.

Watch this video – 20 DIY NATURAL CLEANING RECIPES, TIPS AND HACKS THAT ACTUALLY WORK!

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Dry Vs. Dehydrated Skin – What’s The Difference and Treatments

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Looking in the mirror can sometimes feel less like looking at your reflection and more like gazing out across the dunes of the Sahara Desert.

If this is true for you, your skin might be dry, dehydrated, or even both. But what’s the difference between dry vs. dehydrated skin? While you might be thinking they’re one and the same, think again.

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are two separate conditions, and determining which it is can make a huge difference in treating the root of the problem. So how can you tell the difference?

To put it simply: Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin is also considered a skin type, meaning that due to genetics, you naturally produce less oil or sebum. This manifests as skin that is scaly, sensitive, and flaky.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition, meaning it is a temporary result from diet and environmental factors. Dehydrated skin may feel taut, itchy, and appear dull.

Interestingly, dehydrated skin can cause dry skin that is both flaky and oily, due to the body attempting to overcompensate with sebum (oil) production to moisturize the skin. This is why we really want to focus on hydrating from the inside out before attempting to treat dry skin.

Treating Dehydrated Skin

Hydration is all about increasing the amount of water in your skin cells (and helping to keep it there!). Aside from keeping skin plump and dewy, cellular hydration has been shown to improve and help maintain efficient cellular function, which allows for better absorption of nutrients. There are several ways to hydrate the skin, as well as a few things to avoid.

Water, Water, and More Water

This one’s a no-brainer. Staying hydrated helps to keep the skin soft and supple, with studies showing that drinking just two cups of water increases blood flow to the skin. This results in more nutrients being delivered to the outer layer, which aids in maintaining supple skin in the long term.

How much water is enough? While it may be tempting to start guzzling gallons of water to hydrate your cells, it’s best to aim for roughly eight 10-ounce glasses spread throughout the day, as the body can only absorb so much water at once.

Also, be sure to supplement your intake by eating a variety of fresh, high water content foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, radishes, celery, and grapefruit.

Aloe

Aloe is a powerhouse hydrator for the skin when used both topically and internally. Its gel is 99 percent water and contains over 200 active compounds (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids) to help nourish parched skin.

It’s best to use fresh aloe in your hydration routine by simply scooping out the clear gel from a leaf and adding it to juices and smoothies, while also rubbing it into your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body whose levels decrease as we age. As a humectant, it is responsible for holding water in the cells and maintaining elasticity of collagen.

In fact, research shows that hyaluronic acid supplementation has a direct correlation with skin moisture and smoothness, and may even be one of the best supplements to increase suppleness in the skin.

Hyaluronic acid supplements can help add moisture and smoothness to dehydrated skin.

It is possible to naturally increase hyaluronic acid production through diet by consuming lots of leafy greens, root vegetables, and homemade bone broths. It can also be applied topically as a serum, where it is able to penetrate and repair the skin’s outermost layers.

Invest in a Humidifier

This is especially important during the winter months and for those living in dry climates. The lack of moisture in the air can cause skin to easily become dehydrated and tight, no matter how much water you drink.

Investing in a humidifier adds water vapor to the air, so water isn’t pulled from your skin. At the very least, aim to leave it on overnight to avoid drying out.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

There’s no gentle way to tell anyone to avoid their daily java or glass of vino, but cutting back could drastically improve dehydrated skin: both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they flush water out of the body. This is counterproductive to hydrating the skin, so try to limit your intake and drink more water to offset your consumption.

Treating Dry Skin

Treating dry skin involves dealing with the lack of protective oils on the topmost layer of the skin. This involves a more topical approach that locks in moisture, while aiding the skin in balancing its natural oil production.

Moisturizing with Natural Oils

Synthetic lotions and creams contain a host of unappealing and toxic chemicals that can penetrate skin and make conditions worse. Moisturizing with natural oils, however, helps to provide deep, penetrating moisture to the skin, and can also help to regulate natural sebum production.

You may have to experiment with an oil that’s right for you. Coconut oil is great for sensitive skin types, while jojoba is perfect for deep moisture (plus, it’s the closest in composition to skins’ natural oils). Other options include olive, avocado, argan, and sesame oils.

Topical Honey

Honey, like hyaluronic acid, is a natural humectant, meaning it pulls in and retains water. Plus, it is also antibacterial and contains a rich array of minerals that support glowing skin. Raw honey is recommended for this (as it has all of its enzymes intact), and apply it as a face mask a few times a week along with adding it to your diet.

Eliminate Harsh Cleansers

Commercial cleansers are huge contributors to dry skin, as most contain chemicals that strip skin of its natural sebum layer. This results in further drying of the skin, which then overproduces oil to compensate. The result is a not-so-great combination of flakey and oily.

Instead, try a natural cleanser of diluted apple cider vinegar (one-part vinegar to three parts water) before bedtime.

As mentioned, it might be difficult to tell if you’re suffering from dry or dehydrated skin due to the similarities in symptoms.

However, if you begin to properly hydrate your skin and start a moisturizing program with natural oils, you’ll likely address both simultaneously (a win-win in our book).

With these tips and a little wandering, you’ll soon say farewell to parched desert skin and hello to a lush epidermal oasis.

Watch this video – Dry Vs. Dehydrated Skin – What’s The Difference and Treatments

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

7 Toxins in Deodorant and Which Are the Safest Alternatives

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

7 Toxins Lurking in Your Deodorant (and How to Find a Safe, Natural Solution)

While many deodorants may work for sweat patrol, they can be a sneaky source of toxins that are dangerous to your health.

Your skin is an absorbent sponge. Whatever touches it has the potential to be absorbed through your skin’s layers and enter your bloodstream. This includes toxins and chemicals that can be found in lotions, makeup, shampoo, and even the deodorant you swipe on every day.

Many of the conventional body care products we use on a daily basis are made with a long list of chemicals, many of which haven’t been tested for safety. When these chemicals are absorbed into our bodies, it’s our liver’s job to detoxify them.

While this creates extra work for your liver, many of the chemicals found in body care products have been shown to disrupt hormone and cognitive function, and in some cases, promote the growth of cancer cells.

Today, there’s a growing concern regarding underarm deodorant and breast health. Since deodorant is applied directly beside the breasts, it’s suggested there’s potential for harmful chemicals to damage breast cells.

Clinical observations have shown “a disproportionately high incidence of breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, just the local area to which these cosmetics are applied”.

However, you don’t have to give up deodorant altogether. When it comes to 100% natural, chemical-free body care products, such as coconut oil or shea butter, dermal absorption isn’t a problem. But knowing which chemicals to stay away from when choosing your deodorant can make all the difference to your health and well-being.

Here are 7 of the worst ingredients found in deodorants and how to find a safe, natural replacement that actually works.

The 7 Worst Ingredients Found in Your Deodorant

1. Aluminum

If you have an antiperspirant stick somewhere in your bathroom, I’m willing to bet that if you look at the ingredients list you’ll find some kind of aluminum component on the label, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium or aluminum chlorohydrate.

You see, aluminum, or aluminum-based compounds and salts, are the main ingredients in most antiperspirants. The aluminum helps “plug up” sweat ducts so less sweat is produced.

Now, this may be helpful in the short-term for controlling perspiration. However, chemicals such as aluminum found in antiperspirants may alter the balance of odor-causing bacteria in your armpits, which can make the smell of your B.O. worse.

Even more concerning is research showing that aluminum can cause changes in DNA when absorbed – preventing certain cells in your body from working properly. Aluminum deodorant can cause changes in DNA and hormones.

Based on where deodorant is applied – right next to breast tissue – research suggests that aluminum may interfere with estrogen receptors and alter estrogen gene expressions. This is troubling data, as estrogen is the hormone that can promote the growth of cancer breast cells.

And let’s not forget: while breast cancer is thought of as a female cancer, it also affects approximately 2,600 American men each year.

As a heavy metal, aluminum is also recognized as a neurotoxin that can promote serious cognitive disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And while it’s argued that the amounts of aluminum we absorb from our environment and body care products are miniscule, it’s suggested that only a very small amount of excess aluminum in our bodies is needed to alter the structure of cells.

The first step to finding a safe deodorant is looking for “aluminum-free” on the label.

2. Parabens

Parabens, a preservative and antimicrobial found in commercial deodorants, are linked to hormonal imbalances within the female and male reproductive tracts.

Studies on breast cancer tumors have shown concentrations of methylparabens in breast tissue, which suggests there’s a link between parabens and breast cancer cell development.

In addition to deodorant, parabens are also found in other cosmetics, body lotions, perfumes and moisturizers.

3. Propylene Glycol (1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, 1,2 dihydroxypropane and trimethyl glycol)

Propylene glycol helps absorb water, making it an ideal ingredient for antiperspirants.

Unfortunately, research suggests that propylene glycol has a negative impact on the central nervous system, and may be linked to seizures and depression.

Although more research is needed on how the propylene glycol in deodorant impacts health, studies show that as a main component in burn creams, propylene glycol is most dangerous when it’s applied to and absorbed through injured skin (which includes a nick or cut from underarm shaving).

4. Talc

Talc, which also goes by the name hydrous magnesium silicate, is one of the ingredients that provides the chalk-white color to deodorant.

There’s a lack of evidence to show the long-term effects talc can have when it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, but some sources suggest it contains asbestos, a known irritant and carcinogen.

5. Triclosan

As an antibacterial and antifungal agent, triclosan is a chemical that’s used to help keep the odor-causing bacteria out of your pits. However, the FDA has issued warnings against triclosan for its ability to disrupt the functioning of thyroid hormones.

While the long-term impact of triclosan on human health is still being studied, it’s worth noting that coconut oil is a natural ingredient that has the same antibacterial and antifungal properties. When it’s an option, why not go chemical-free and natural?

6. Silica

If you’ve ever felt irritated or itchy from your deodorant, silica could be to blame. Silica is added to deodorant to help absorb moisture from sweat, but it’s also known for being a skin irritant.

The silica found in deodorant may also be contaminated with a compound called crystalline quartz, which has been linked to respiratory diseases and the development of cancer cells.

7. Steareth (Steareth-2, Steareth-15, Steareth-20, Cetereath-20)

Steareth are waxy chemicals that help keep the deodorant’s ingredients from separating. In other words, steareths prevent you from ending up with an oil and vinegar, salad dressing-style deodorant.

The toxicity of steareths are said to be low according to the EWG. Nonetheless, you’re rolling the dice when it comes to applying any untested chemical to your skin.

The Problem with ‘Natural’ Deodorants

While there are many natural deodorants on the market, there are a few problems when it comes to trying to beat B.O. and excess perspiration naturally.

First of all, many natural deodorants aren’t strong enough. Luckily, this can easily be resolved with natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda, which help control and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Witch hazel has also been said to lower the pH of the skin in your armpits, preventing bacteria from being able to survive there. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda can help make homemade deodorants stronger.

The second problem with natural deodorants is that the world of marketing uses “natural” as a buzzword without much authenticity. By this, I mean that you’ll see many deodorants with the word “natural” on the label, based on a few natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, while the rest of the ingredients list is still loaded with the chemicals listed above.

This is also true with deodorants that are advertised as being aluminum-free. While choosing an aluminum-free deodorant is the first and most important step to finding a safer deodorant, it’s important to be aware of the other chemicals that may be present.

It should also be noted that many natural deodorants are made with baking soda as the base, but aluminum is almost always present in baking soda unless it’s labeled as aluminum-free baking soda on the ingredients list.

How to Find a Safe Deodorant That Works?

The easiest way to find a safe, natural deodorant is to read the ingredients list and scan for chemicals. It’s best to find a natural deodorant that uses organic ingredients such as:

• Aluminum-free baking soda
• Essential oils
• Beeswax
• Apple cider vinegar
• Unrefined coconut oil
• Witch hazel

Our recommendation: Primal Pit Paste Lavender Deodorant. No strange chemical ingredients you can’t pronounce. No questionable pesticides or additives. Just 100% organic and Paleo ingredients.

These guys hit all the marks, which is why our team swears by them. Coconut oil, beeswax and aluminum-free baking soda keep odor-causing bacteria under control, while arrowroot powder naturally soaks up perspiration.

If you’re a newbie to natural deodorant, start with the Primal Pit Primer, which helps soothe pits and prevent skin irritation when making the switch to baking soda-based deodorants.

Watch these 2 videos below –

Deodorant Q&A: natural vs aluminum, cancer risk, botox, odor

How to Make Natural Deodorant (3 ingredients!)

The Bottom Line

Give what goes on your body the same amount of attention you give to what goes into it. Choose your body care products like you choose your food.

When it comes to finding a safe deodorant with no harmful side effects, it’s important to choose products that contain no aluminum, no parabens, no GMO, no additives, and no chemical toxins.

Make sure what you’re using uses trusted, organic ingredients and gets the job done naturally.

Written by Brandi Black

Author Bio:

Brandi Black is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the creator of Feel Best Naked, a health blog for women who want to clear up their skin, lose the muffin top and make the bloat disappear. After years of experiencing (and then healing) her own unbalanced hormones, she’s now obsessed with helping other women feel spectacular in their own skin with natural remedies for hormone balance.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook