At-Home cleaners to help you get through cold and flu season

By Nicole:

Do-It-Yourself cleaners just as good as store
bought cleaners.

As we approach cold and flu season a lot of us tend to grab the nearest antibacterial wipes/spray with the hopes that it will help keep us well.  Unfortunately, antibacterial products really aren't effective and can do more harm than good.

So, a few years ago we decided to take a different approach and actually start making a few things for our family. If you haven't noticed, I really like to know what is in everything we eat and use. We learned how to make "409," laundry detergent, and deodorant.  Trust me, it is worth the switch and much cheaper too!

Check out the recipes below, all of the ingredients are easy to find in your grocery store.

General Spray Cleaner- this is fantastic! 

1- 16 oz spray bottle

2 TBSP vinegar

1 tsp borax

1/8 cup dish soap

1 cup hot water

20 drops essential oils (we like lavender oil.  We have used citrus oils as well, which are naturally antimicrobial)

Pour vinegar, borax and hot water into the spray bottle and swirl.  Fill the bottle to 16 oz with cold water.  Add the dish soap and essential oils last.

Deodorant

I promise, this is the real deal and even works for men!

1/4 cup arrowroot powder

1/4 cup baking soda

4 TBSP coconut oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

3-4 drop patchouli essential oil

*When I made this for Jeff I did not use the patchouli oil, he is not a fan of it.  I did use the lavender and added a few drops of tea tree oil.  It is wonderful and works all day!

In a medium bowl sift arrowroot powder and baking soda.  Add coconut oil and essential oils.

Using a fork, combine well (as if you were cutting butter into flour- I usually use my hands)

Pack mixture into a glass jar and store at room temperature.  

So people have even put this mixture into a used "regular" deodorant stick.  I have been nervous about trying that, since coconut oil will become liquid in the summer time.

Laundry Detergent

1- 4 lb 12 oz box of borax

1- 3 lb 7 oz box of washing soda

1- 3 lb container of OxyClean

2- bars Dr. Bronner's soap- grated

1 4 lb box baking soda

Optional; 1- container fabric softener crystals (these really aren't a very natural product, but just give your clothes a scent).

Mix all ingredients in a large container and use about 1-2 TBSP per load of laundry.  This can be used in HE washers.