SPRING CLEANING YOUR LIFE (PART 2)

OK, BUT WHAT ABOUT MY ACTUAL DIRTY HOUSE

Seriously, cleaning up my mindset is the first thing that helped me stop feeling overwhelmed by the potential 3+ moves in my near future with 3 kids and made me realize that I am actually in charge of what gets to come with me and those things should consider themselves #blessed to be on this journey. So first, I clarify my mindset, and second I clarify the mindset of each room.

I start by dreaming of a feeling, rather than a furniture layout plan or a chore chart, like my bathroom (for example).

What do I want my bathroom to *feel* like?

Clean (duh).  Energetic (to start my day).  Comfortable (to end my day).  Easy/Simple/Self Contained (should operate without too much oversight on my part).

HOW do I make this happen, when I am starting with this: 

(this is a photo of my pre-cleaned bathroom)

STEP ONE

Make sure all the cleaning products you need for the bathroom are IN THE BATHROOM & safe for your body.

Synthetic chemical cleaners are hormone disrupters and I simply can’t abide them in my house. So NOW, I keep/make the following boss-a cleaners. And before I hear you say, "its so expensive!" or "they don't work" or "my house just doesn't feel clean without the smell of Pinesol!"

You can recreate any hazardous cleaners with the all-natural, health supporters found in essential oils. These products WORK.  

These are not fake cheap or a bargain, it costs literally pennies- saving you BUCKETS of money to live your dreams. 

And if THAT doesn't wake you up- read up on the simple air effects on your kids (and your own lungs) HERE

Its really tough too, because making your own products, reducing toxic load doesn't feel cute. So avoid going to Target (or other such places) where 'cute' products are ALWAYS on sale. Always full of chemicals. Always cute.

Instead, take back your life. I swear since making these in our home, I can't walk down the cleaning aisle at a grocery store without holding my breath. My body knows the difference. And I'm learning to trust her.

And Im also learning to have fun on the internet finding places that can support my endeavors. And guess what? There are so many!!! You can find all these items at local shops near you OR on Amazon Prime.

So what are you waiting for? Its just one step.

Consider yourself officially invited to take the next step, and tell us about it in the comments.

Cheers & Happy Cleaning!  - Jes

P.S. Here are the 3 cleaners I mix up.

GLASS & MIRROR CLEANER

1/4 c. rubbing alcohol

1/4 c. white vinegar

1 Tbsp cornstarch

2 c. warm water

glass spray bottle 

Combine everything in a spray bottle, and shake well. Shake well before using, too, as the cornstarch might settle at the bottom (and subsequently plug the spray mechanism if it’s not mixed in well).

 

TUB & TILE CLEANER

1 cup white vinegar

4 teaspoons fragrance free dish soap

10 drops tea tree essential oil

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

colored (preferably glass) spray bottle

Combine everything in a spray bottle, and shake. The colored glass helps prolong the life of the essential oils you choose. I choose tea tree for the antimicrobial benefits, and eucalyptus because it helps eliminate mildew/mold (& I enjoy the scent combo!) Experiment, have fun and add oils as you see fit.

 

TOILET CLEANER

Baking soda

Cleaning vinegar in spray bottle

You can find cleaning vinegar MOST places. If not, regular vinegar does work. I purchase giant bags of baking soda from Costco- and put it in a large spice jar so that I can sprinkle baking soda in my toilet. Spray vinegar on area to clean. Wipe down with toilet brush (for interior), or damp microfiber cloth on outside.

TAH DAH!

My clean-er bathroom. Complete with spray bottles from Aromatools (local to me) & my baking soda spice jar :)