Can you feel it?  That time of year is here again when winter’s germs need to die to make room for the fresh, clean renewal of spring.  Yet, often with the urge to sanitize comes a slew of toxic cleaners that are heavy-laden with chemicals and warning labels of “may cause skin irritation”, “flammable”, “vapors harmful”, “may cause burns on contact”, and “can be fatal if swallowed”. Eeeek! My lungs are gasping for air already.

Rest assured, there is a better way. With only a few simple ingredients and the power of essential oils, homemade cleaners are just as effective, will save you money, and come with aromatherapy benefits that actually improve your health instead of putting you at risk.

With so many cleaners worthy of replacement, I chose to share healthy versions for two of the most harmful cleaners available, the “toxic twins”…Clog Remover and Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Enjoy!

DIY Clog Remover & Drain Cleaner

Cleaning Ingredients:

• ¼  cup baking soda
• ¼  cup salt
• 10 drops Lemon essential oil
• ½ cup vinegar

How to use them: 

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 drain “snake”
• Glass bowl or jar to mix and store remaining ingredients. (Essential oils can absorb into and break down plastic)

For a kitchen sink or slow-drain kind of clog, try this first!

Remove the drain cover or stopper and pour one cup of baking soda, followed by a ½ cup of distilled vinegar down the open drain. Cover drain immediately with a plug or plate to trap the foaming/cleaning action.  Let sit 30 minutes, then rinse with 2 cups boiling water afterwards.  Better yet, let the solution sit overnight and pour 2 cups boiling water in the morning.

No improvement?  Want water that “swirls” when it goes down the drain?  Try these:

1. For bathroom sinks and tub drains, the best way to start is by using a “snake” plumbing tool to remove the blockage manually.  These can be found at just about any local department store.  Simply feed the snake brush down the drain, twist, and pull out the hair that is usually the main culprit in the bathroom.

2. For a deeper clean, remove the “trap” under the sink (if accessible) and clean it thoroughly using a paper towel.  Yes, it’s kind of gross, but effective!  Lay down a towel and have a bucket or large bowl ready to catch the water underneath or you’ll learn that lesson the hard way.

3.  Now that most of the gunk and grime is removed, it’s time to disinfect! Mix the baking soda, salt and essential oils, then sprinkle half the powder mixture down the drain and follow with boiling water. The salt and baking soda help scour and break up the buildup, while the essential oils naturally clean and disinfect leaving a fresh citrus scent.

No fumes to run away from!  In fact, you may suddenly find yourself locked in with a good book, shouting an occasional “I’m cleaning the bathroom!!” when the kids (or hubs) come a knockin’…

Let it sit for 45 minutes to an hour so it can work it’s magic, then rinse with tap water.

A weekly treatment keep drains clear.

Quick & Easy Toilet Cleaner

My three favorite ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 20 drops *Purify or Lemon essential oil
• white distilled vinegar

Mix baking soda and essential oils in a glass bowl, then store in a glass mason jar (or cute decorative jar) for multiple use.

Flush toilet to wet the sides, then dust inside of bowl with 2-3 Tablespoons of powder mix and scrub with toilet brush or rag.  Add 4 Tablespoons (or more) of white vinegar and scrub again while fizzing.  The baking soda acts as a scouring agent, while the essential oils and vinegar act as the cleanser and disinfectant.  The foaming action helps loosen dirt and grime.

Shannon is an essential oils educator and MOM-trepreneur with a passion for empowering individuals and families with simple ways to take control of their health naturally by means of holistic and purposeful living. I believe that total wellness and being WHOLE is a journey. Finding balance in mind, body and spirit creates passion and a purpose that becomes greater than ourselves.