natural cleaning

Every time I cleaned the house, I felt tired and sniffly afterwards. You might think, “Well, of course you’d feel tired after doing all that work!” But, it wasn’t an exercise type of tired like what happens after a good workout. No. It was a lethargy that set in, almost like trying to move through water. I didn’t know then that every time I cleaned, I exposed myself to household toxins that can cause those symptoms. After all, I was a teen cleaning my parents’ house using the popular foaming bubbles bathroom cleaner, wood polish, and pine floor cleaner. Back …

When I started college, my parents built a new house two hours away from where I went to college. Trying to stay within their budget, they chose cheaper materials whenever possible, from flooring to cabinets. That meant lots of synthetic fibers and particle board. In addition, they also owned a lot of furniture made from particle board. What’s so bad about particle board? Well, the glue off gasses fumes. So does new carpet. So does new paint. You can imagine all the toxic fumes floating around in that place. As a result, when I stayed there during my first summer …

Growing up, I spent every Saturday morning cleaning the house. I cleaned the bathroom, vacuumed, and dusted. I especially disliked cleaning the bathroom because I always felt sick afterwards. You see, my mother bought toxic cleaners for my sister and me to use when we cleaned. I think she distrusted natural options, but her choice contributed to my later development of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), allergies, and maybe even fibromyalgia. Many people use these popular cleaners because of low cost, perceived greater effectiveness, ease of use, and brand recognition. Just spray on the foam and wipe off. What could be …

I like to make homemade cleaners with essential oils because sometimes, natural cleaners are not all that we think they are or, they need a little boost. For example, I recently came across a post from Consumer Reports that discussed cleaning myths. Some of the myths they debunked included things like coffee grounds, string mops, and vinegar. Yes, vinegar. They said that vinegar works, but only at full strength and, it can damage certain surfaces because of its acidity. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to use full-strength vinegar. That is no longer cost-effective and the thought …

Ah, spring! Finally, we throw open the windows to let out the stuffy winter air. Time for new beginnings, fresh looks, and a super clean home that invites people in for parties and cookouts! It’s time for spring cleaning and that means everything, from the house to the patio to the garage. This spring cleaning round-up has got you covered. In the Botany Momma Tribe, we talk about the importance of clearing the home of toxins and clutter when it comes to our physical and spiritual health. A truly clean home gives life and embraces God’s best for us. We …

Teaching kids to clean seems daunting. Where do you start? The task takes twice as long when we have to teach and do at the same time. It’s so much easier to just do it ourselves! But, the long-term benefits of teaching kids to clean outweigh the short-term challenges. If we want our teaching to be effective, though, we need to keep the following tips in mind. Make sure the chore is age-appropriate Keep it simple for little kids when teaching kids to clean When the 2-year-old colors on the wall and the 5-year-old spills milk all over the floor, …

At this time of year, we often find ourselves frantically cleaning in order to get the house ready for visiting relatives. With small children, it feels like the filth multiplies and we can’t keep up. It certainly challenged me. I often felt like a maid on steroids. Keeping the house clean with four children under age 10 exhausted me. When my kids were small, I loved to go on field trips just so I wouldn’t have to clean up after them. I struggled with comparing my home to the pristine clean of some of my acquaintances. Never mind that their …