Going Green for Spring Break

Routinely right about now there are a couple of things on my mind, spring break and spring cleaning. 
As a school teacher spring break can be a much needed time for resetting the overwhelmed and most often overworked mind and thinking about a break for spring cleaning can be an added source of exhaustion.   But right now there is a major intersection on what I am teaching in my classroom and the environmentally conscious lifestyle I am trying to live.  All parts of my life involving learning and sharing the importance of climate action.  At home, a major part of my personal commitment to climate action is reducing the harmful chemicals that I have so often in the past flushed down the drain.  Our western lifestyle has us constantly pouring chemicals and plastics into the environment and unlearning the wrongs that have been marketed to me throughout the years is a goal for myself and my family.  When I think about cleaning with essential oils I actually feel more motivated to get the winter cobwebs and dust bunnies out of my life, I enjoy how the aromas of the oils make me feel.  Here are some recipes for you to try in your home, maybe they will provide you with the motivation you need to go green AND have a toxin free spring break. 

Order Green Cleaning Kit Here

 ( All-Purpose Cleaner
1 cup filtered water
1 cup white distilled vinegar
​1 tbsp On Guard Concentrate
10 drops essential oil (give lemon, tea tree, or On Guard a try)
That’s it! Combine it into a spray bottle, and spritz away on your household surfaces and appliances.  

Stainless Steel Cleaner
Add up to 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 5 drops lemon oil to a rag, and rub on the surfaces to remove smudges.
Add up to 1 tablespoon of white vinegar on the other side of the rag and wipe the surface down.

Carpet Deodorizer
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
5 drops essential oil 
Mix the baking soda and cornstarch together, then add 5 drops of essential oil. Pour into a mason jar, and using a nail, poke holes in the mason jar lid. Sprinkle on your carpet, let sit for at least 30 minutes and then vacuum it up.  

Textile Freshening Spray
1/4 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oil
1-1/2 cups water
Funnel baking soda into a spray bottle, add the essential oil, then water and shake to combine. Always test your mixture out on a small area of your textiles (like under a couch cushion) to make sure it doesn’t leave a mark. Spray as needed for a scented boost.  

Glass Cleaner
2 cups water
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dish soap
Add all ingredients to a spray bottle, and shake to combine. Spray on windows, mirror and glass.  

DIY Floor Cleaner
1 gallon distilled water
1/2 cup vinegar + 20 drops Lemon Oil
Mix together distilled water and vinegar in a bucket and use to mop your floors. Just keep in mind that vinegar and other acidic cleaners shouldn’t be used on stone floors.