A 4-ingredient, natural foaming hand soap that will keep your hands moisturized and clean.
I’m super particular with everything I use on my skin.
Growing up, my mother used to purchase the most deliciously smelling hand soaps.
It’s safe to say that I was once obsessed. Unfortunately, many hand soaps contain overly processed chemicals and can cause skin irritations. The Food and Drug Administration even put a ban on certain soaps on the market.
“Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water.
In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Luckily, it’s easy to cut out harsh chemicals found in store-bought hand soaps by making your own. Thanks to a few of Mother Nature’s ingredients, you can even make your own foaming hand soap that’s safe for regular use.
For this homemade foam hand soap recipe, we’ll be using castile soap, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil.
Natural Ingredients
Castile soap and water are the base of this recipe, creating the foaming sensation.
Jojoba oil is popular for its moisturizing benefits and is commonly used in oil cleansing regimens. Similar to coconut oil, you can use this carrier oil as a natural makeup remover.
Tea tree oil is by far my favorite essential oil due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. I use it in recipes to help extend its shelf life and prevent mold, as well as to clean table tops, electronics, and screens. It’s extremely versatile and acts as a natural cleansing ingredient.
Note: Due to the potency of oil essence, remember to use a glass soap dispenser for this recipe to prevent the plastic from breaking down.
As with all topical products, be sure to first test a small spot of skin for adverse reactions.
Natural DIY Foaming Hand Soap
Recipe by Destiny Lalane
A 4-ingredient, natural foaming soap that will keep your hands moisturized and clean.
Tools:
Foaming soap dispenser
Funnel
Small bowl
Ingredients:
2.5 cups boiled or distilled water
2 T castile soap
1/2 T jojoba oil
10 drops of tea tree oil
Instructions:
Boil water and let cool. If you’re using distilled water, simply pour the distilled water into a bowl.
Add castile soap, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil into a small bowl.
Mix well until a cloudy consistency forms.
Funnel the mixture into your soap dispenser of choice.
Store in a cool or room temperature location and use within 1 month.
Destiny is a lifestyle blogger and entrepreneur. Her mission is to inspire others to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. When she’s not creating recipes and sharing life hacks on her blog DestinyLalane.com, she enjoys photography, travel, and trying new things.
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.
It may sound crazy to hear that the dust in your home could be contributing to your health symptoms, but according to research, this statement isn’t far-fetched.
Indoor dust found in the average US householdhas been shown to contain approximately 45 toxic endocrine disrupting chemicals, including flame retardants and phthalates, which are linked to weight gain, obesity, thyroid issues, cognitive impairment, and cancer.
Since we tend to think of our homes as safe havens, free from unavoidable outdoor pollutants, it may come as a surprise that the seemingly harmless dust bunnies in your living space are a major source of chemicals – which can accumulate in your body, build up in your blood and tissues, and cause a long list of health problems.
The good news is that there are easy and effective ways to begin reducing the number of chemicals that settle into the dust in your home.
How Do Chemicals End Up in Your Household Dust?
According to EWG, “products inside your house ‘shed’ chemicals over time,” including shoes, food and any chemicals released from cooking, plastics, stain-resistant furniture, electronics, and flooring materials – as well as fragrances, cosmetics, and any other household items that contain chemicals, such as cleaning products.
The chemicals that accumulate from indoor dust can come from outside, too.
Outdoor pollutants can enter the air in your home when you have your windows open, and get tracked indoors from your shoes and from having an outdoor pet. Car seats even contain fire retardant chemicals that accumulate in dust.
4 Dangers of Household Dust
Before you even consider the addition of chemicals, dust is basically a combination of pollen, microscopic organisms, pet dander, dead skin cells, and/or plant material.
All of these substances are known to cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath. In addition to being a known allergen, here are five big dangers of household dust when chemicals are added to the mix.
1. Household Dust May Cause Thyroid Dysfunction
A common household chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) can build up in organs and tissues – and research has shown that one of the main sources of PFOA is household dust.
According to studies, those who have high levels of PFOA in their blood are more likely to develop thyroid problems and other hormonal imbalances than those who haven’t been exposed to this chemical. What’s worse is that once PFOA enters your bloodstream, it’s stable enough to remain in your body for several years.
PFOA is found in carpet, flooring that’s treated with wax, sealants, carpet stain remover, and non-stick cookware.
2. Household Dust Contains Chemicals Linked to Fertility Issues
You’d never think that pulling out the vacuum more often could improve your chance of conceiving, but it’s true: phthalates and PCBs are two other chemicals that accumulate in dust, which can lower sperm count and cause reproductive issues in women.
Phthalates are found in car interiors, vinyl shower curtains, vinyl wall paper, and cosmetics. PCBs are found in oil-based paint, electrical equipment, plastic, and floor finish. You’re more likely to find PCBs in materials in older homes, as the use of PCBs was banned in late 1979.
Similar to PFOA, both of these chemicals take a long time to break down, and can remain in your organs and tissues for a number of years.
3. Household Dust Can Trigger Skin Flare-ups
Bacteria and fungi are among the organisms found in household dust that can produce their own type of chemicals. Although these chemicals are more natural as opposed to man-made (such as phthalates or PCBs), they are still allergens. The chemicals produced by bacteria and fungi have been linked to skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.
4. Chemicals in Household Dust Can Interfere with Cognitive Development
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, a type of flame retardant found on mattresses, computers, car stereos, and couch cushions, are linked to cognitive impairment and neurobehavioral disorders in children. Studies show that a whopping 80% of our exposure to a chemical called PBDE is through household dust.
Although anyone who’s been exposed to toxic chemicals is at risk for developing health problems, infants and toddlers are at an even greater risk when it comes to household dust.
Crawling on the floor, playing with toys that are stored in bins, and frequently putting their hands in their mouths creates an easy pathway for PBDEs in dust to wind up in their bodies.
High levels of PBDEs are also linked to liver dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, behavioral problems and low immunity.
4 Ways to Fight the Dangers of Household Dust
Now that you know the dangers of dust, here’s how to turn your household into a clean, chemical-free environment!
1. Use Organic and Natural Products in Your Home
As mentioned above, cosmetics, personal care products, flammable materials, and chemical-laden household cleaning products are at the top of the list when it comes to toxic exposure in dust. Therefore, swapping household products and cosmetics for natural alternatives is the best place to begin to make your dust less toxic.
Consider using coconut oil as your go-to moisturizer, essential oils instead of fragrances, and a combination of water, lemon juice, white vinegar, and antibacterial essential oils as an all-purpose cleaner around your home.
Better yet, check out this guide on how to make your own natural DIY cleaning products and make everything from your own natural dishwashing soap to a toilet bowl cleaner.
2. Use a HEPA Filter to Vacuum
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and it’s a special filter you can attach to your vacuum cleaner to trap dust and other pollutants, such as mold, tobacco smoke, and pollen. The benefit of using HEPA filters over regular vacuum filters is that they can trap microscopic particles that regular filters can’t suck up.
3. Regularly Damp Dust Surfaces
Skip the feather duster and opt for a damp cloth, a microfiber duster or an electrostatic cloth. Regular feather dusters tend to spread the dust even further, rather than picking it up. Some major dusty culprits include:
Electronics: Even when your flat screen doesn’t look too dusty, pull out a microfiber cloth and dust it off anyway. Electronics are a major source of the flame retardants linked to hormonal imbalances and impaired cognitive function in babies, and they “release” these chemicals over time into the air in your home.
Dusting your electronics at least once a week is an easy way to keep toxic dust to a minimum. Note: Just make sure to unplug them first!
Baseboards: It’s incredible how dusty these can get without us noticing. Since these are so low to the ground, baseboards are big collectors of toxic dust. Spray them with a natural all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth.
Behind microwaves, fridges and stoves: Crumbs, insects (yikes) and spills tend to accumulate behind kitchen appliances, so make sure to regularly give these a good cleaning. For hard-to-reach areas like behind the fridge, use a sponge mop with a long handle.
Ceiling fans, vents, window sills, etc.: Remember, dust can collect almost anywhere, so make sure to clean your home regularly to keep you and your family healthy!
4. Wash Your Hands with Plain, Natural (not Fragranced) Soap and Water Before Eating
Although it may sound simple, washing your hands before every meal is something everyone in your family can start doing right now – especially children, who are at a higher risk for developing health issues from dust, and unfortunately spend the most time playing in areas where dust accumulates.
Washing your hands thoroughly with a chemical-free soap before you eat or prepare a meal is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of toxins you and your family are exposed to each day.
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.
Black Mold – 4 Signs It’s in Your Home & How to Get Rid of It
Finding or suspecting you have a black mold infestation in your home can often leave you with a feeling of panic.
Just how toxic is black mold? Is getting rid of it expensive? Do I need to sell my home? (Yikes!)
All of these thoughts are common, and reasonable. However, keep in mind that most cases of black mold, if caught early, are easily fixable. Keep reading to get an understanding of exactly what black mold is, how you can determine if your home is infected, and how you can get rid of it.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is one of the most common indoor molds. It grows in damp, humid, and dark areas in homes. Like other molds, it releases spores into the air surrounding it, which can be inhaled by humans or absorbed through your skin, and can also allow it to be transported to other areas of a home.
Why Is Black Mold So Dangerous?
Black mold is commonly referred to as toxic mold, and for good reason. Aside from causing all kinds of respiratory reactions like coughing, sneezing, sore and itchy throats, and watery and itchy eyes, prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences. Black mold is toxic, and prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences.
One study found that exposure to mold during infancy led to asthma at 7 years of age, while others have linked exposure to brain inflammation, behavioral dysfunction, movement disorders, and neurological deterioration.
In short, black mold warrants its reputation as a toxin, and should be treated as soon as it’s discovered. Below are several signs it may be inhabiting your home.
4 Black Mold Signs and Symptoms
1. Musty Smell
Mold has a pungent, earthy, musty, and rather unpleasant smell. Even if you can’t see it, if you notice a weird smell when you enter a certain room, be sure to thoroughly check that room.
If you can’t find anything at first glance, you (or a mold inspector) may have to remove wallpaper, plastering, or tiles, as it could be hiding underneath.
Side note: Some people can become accustomed to the smells in their homes (even if they are bad). It might help to have a friend come over with a “fresh nose”, if you will, to tell you if anything smells off in your home.
2. Visible Dark Rings and Spots (Water Damage)
One of the early signs that mold could be lurking in your home is the appearance of dark rings or spots on the ceilings or walls. Even if these spots aren’t mold per se, they may be indicative of water damage or pooling water, which is a recipe for mold growth. Dark rings on your ceiling? It might be an early sign of black mold.
If you see anything like this in your home, it’s best to mop it up as quickly as possible and clean the area using disinfectants. If you can’t access the area, get an inspector to do it for you. Be sure to check other areas as well, since there could be more widespread water damage.
3. Respiratory Irritation
Common early symptoms of black mold exposure can cause itchy skin, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, headaches, coughing, and skin irritation. If you suspect black mold is growing in an area in your home and you’re experiencing these symptoms, you need to get it checked out and removed quickly.
4. Visible Growths and Odd Colors
You may be able to visibly see a black mold growth in your home. While most black mold is indeed black, it can have a wide range of variations. For instance, you may notice a dark, furry growth or what appears to be a black stain, or there could be white, orange, brown, and even green specks.
A good rule of thumb is no matter what the color, get it treated to avoid damage to your health.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold?
Once you’ve discovered where the black mold is hiding, either by doing a thorough search around your home yourself (checking in dark, damp places, in small cracks, beneath tiles and wallpaper, etc.) or hiring a professional to check for you, it’s time to get rid of it.
1. Kill It Yourself
Below are instructions on how you can kill black mold yourself, but first:
Protect Yourself: Wear a pair of latex gloves, goggles, a dust mask, and clothing that covers your entire body to avoid contact with the toxic mold spores.
Step 1
Close off the area of the mold infestation using duct tape over vents and cracks, and close doors. You can also use a small fan to direct spores out an open window. You need to do this because spores can transport the mold to other areas of your home.
Step 2
Clean the area with a scrub brush and soap and water. Don’t scrape it dry, as this can release it into the air. Bag up and throw away anything that was infested with the growth.
Step 3
Apply a strong disinfectant to the infested area (see below) and, to be safe, a good amount of the area around it.
Step 4
Ventilate the area and keep it dry.
Disinfectants That Banish Black Mold
The following disinfectants are antifungals that can be used to kill and prevent mold growth.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: Combine 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray on the affected area and let dry.
Tea Tree Oil: Combine 1 teaspoon with 1 cup water in a spray bottle, spray on the affected area, and let dry.
White Vinegar: Pour undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray directly on the area and let dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Spray a 3 percent concentration on the area. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Note: Bleach will also work as a disinfectant, but it is not recommended. Bleach can burn human tissue and has been known to cause respiratory problems (while also irritating the mouth and eyes).
2. Professional Treatment
While it can be a little more costly to have your home professionally treated to remove black mold, it is a good option if the infection is widespread or in an area you can’t clean thoroughly. Professional removers will also ensure that the spores don’t spread by using air cleaners, so if you want total peace of mind that spores aren’t spreading, this may be your option.
How to Prevent Black Mold?
Once you get rid of black mold, there are several steps you can take to keep it from returning.
Reduce Humidity
Mold thrives in humid, damp conditions. Regularly check areas in your home that accumulate dampness, like in your bathroom or around heating and cooling systems.
To take it a step further, invest in a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in your home low.
Watch for Leaks
Be on the lookout for leaks around your appliances and ventilation ducts, as this moisture can accumulate and encourage growth.
Improve Ventilation
If you don’t have access to a dehumidifier, make sure your home stays well-ventilated. This is important not just for preventing mold growth but also for removing spores from the air.
Professional Testing
You might be wondering if you should test for black mold specifically if you do find it. This isn’t entirely necessary, since testing can only be done under a microscope and can be pretty costly. A good perspective to have is that “any mold is a bad mold,” and to get rid of it accordingly.
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.
Something I love about the Paleo lifestyle is that once you start purging toxic chemicals out of your food and beauty regime, the easier it becomes and the more inspired you are to do it. The same holds true for this homemade peppermint lip gloss!
I recently started using spearmint in my daily beauty routine to help prevent dry scalp, and I even use it to make my own mouthwash. It’s not only tasty (just don’t eat it!), but it also helps me feel awake and energized in the morning.
Although I’ve said goodbye to my makeup kit and anything unnatural in it, I started to miss my favorite minty lip gloss. I wanted something to dress up my daily beauty look.
This peppermint lip gloss recipe is my natural replacement to my coveted mint gloss. I apply it in the morning on my lips and even on my forehead, temples, and wrists when I’m feeling unusually stressed or if I feel a migraine coming.
It’s really easy to make this peppermint lip gloss. Just remember to keep it stored in a cool or room temperature location. I recommend making a new batch of gloss every 1-2 months or as needed.
The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients
Tea tree oilis one of my favorite essential oils. Its powerful antifungal properties make it a natural remedy for fungus and blemishes, and its rise in popularity has made it a go-to active ingredient in a number of cosmetic and household products.
Peppermint oil is great for easing indigestion and, thanks to its minty smell, also acts as a refresher to help wake you up.
Coconut oil will act as a carrier oil in this recipe, and adds both shine and moisture to your lips.
If you’re a peppermint fanatic like me, feel free to add an extra drop or two of peppermint oil to your gloss. If you’re sensitive to mint or smells, reduce the amount of peppermint you add to your gloss.
Regarding the coconut oil, you MUST use fractionated coconut oil in this recipe. The difference between fractionated coconut oil and your typical coconut oil?
Fractionated coconut oil maintains its liquid form regardless of temperature. Regular coconut oil hardens when stored in cool rooms.
Peppermint Lip Gloss with Coconut Oil
Recipe by: Destiny Lalane
This natural mint lip gloss adds shine and moisture, while also helping to reduce stress and headaches!
Tools:
Small bowl
Strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag
Funnel
15ml roll-on applicator
Ingredients:
8 drops peppermint essential oil
1 drop tea tree essential oil
1 T fractionated coconut oil
1 loose mint leaf
Instructions:
Pour coconut oil, mint, and tea tree oil into a bowl. Mix well.
Add mint leaves to the mixture and let sit for 20-30 minutes in your refrigerator.
Strain the lip gloss, removing any remaining mint leaves from the gloss.
Destiny is a lifestyle blogger and entrepreneur. Her mission is to inspire others to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. When she’s not creating recipes and sharing life hacks on her blog DestinyLalane.com, she enjoys photography, travel, and trying new things.
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.
