The beginning of the year is a common time to adopt new habits and make big life changes. Spring also marks a time of starting fresh, as flowers bloom and temperatures rise. There is a big push for a lot of people to freshen up the home and surrounding environment. Not only does spring cleaning create a more visually appealing space, but it also brings some notable health benefits for the body and mind. 

Mental health experts note that people with less clutter in the livers report higher psychological well-being. They may also express more happiness being in their own space. Additionally, people with respiratory problems, such as allergies or asthma, may find symptom relief after deep cleaning their indoor space. 

Now, spring cleaning should not be viewed as a chore, even though it technically is. Focus on the mental and physical health benefits that spring cleaning can provide and you’ll be scrubbing the floors in no time. Continue reading to learn about five possible health benefits of spring cleaning. 

May Enhance Productivity

One study found that people with cluttered office spaces experienced higher rates of emotional exhaustion, indecision, and job-related tension than those with less clutter. They also reported lower rates of job satisfaction and were not as efficient at time management. All of these factors contributed to poor overall job performance. Basically, cleaning your home or office desk may help clear your head and contribute to better workflow. Additionally, you may experience a boost in productivity, especially if you work from home. 

Potentially Minimize Allergies

Allergic to dust, pollen, dander, or other allergens? A deep spring clean may help reduce the severity (or completely get rid of) your allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to anything inside your home, such as pet dander or dust mites, spring cleaning may benefit your nose, eyes, and chest. According to health experts, removing indoor allergens from the home can reduce the signs and symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Such symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and general congestion. Use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove allergens as you clean. You can also use an indoor air purifier to help improve air quality in the home. 

May Boost Your Mood

Do you ever feel a sense of pride and mood elevation when you clean up your space? Well, researchers have observed that spring cleaning is a helpful strategy to improve overall mental wellness. One study found that people with less clutter in their homes reported a higher sense of well-being than those with more clutter. Additionally, other research indicates that more clutter in the home causes higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), especially in women. The reason for this is because clutter can cause distress or impairment in a person’s life. Getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose can help bring about a greater sense of self. 

May Promote Heart Health And Longevity

Spring cleaning, or any cleaning for that matter, is a form of light exercise. It gets your heart pumping and helps you burn some calories. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) even recommends spring cleaning as a way to get active and boost heart health. By improving heart health, you could positively affect your longevity as well. An earlier study found that housework was one of the many daily activities that contributed to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The only thing that would get in the way of cardiovascular benefits is using extremely harmful chemical cleaners. You can easily avoid this by using all-natural DIY cleaning products. 

May Improve Asthma Symptoms

The birds are singing and the flowers are in bloom, but people with asthma may dread this time of year. Flower plants and pollen can worsen asthma symptoms, but not all allergens exist outside. You can easily encounter asthma triggers in your home, but spring cleaning can help you keep your home allergen-free, potentially curbing your symptoms. Researchers note that spring cleaning can help remove cockroach allergens, dust mites, and pet dander in your home. Removing such allergens, if allergic, will help relieve any respiratory irritation or symptoms. Finally, consider wearing a mask while cleaning to help you avoid inhaling large amounts of allergens while cleaning.

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Whether you look under the kitchen sink or in the hall closet in the average home, you will most likely see an assortment of cleaning products. People have their preferences for brands and scents, but there are sprays or scrubs for different needs. One product cleans the countertops, while another one makes wood furniture shiny. And then you have products that clean showers, toilets, the floors, and so on. 

Building this collection of cleaners can be expensive, not to mention damaging to your health. According to a 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway, people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have the same lung function as people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. They also experience a 40% greater risk of developing asthma. There’s a reason why you cough or find it difficult to breathe when you use oven cleaner. In fact, many of these products have warnings that you should wear protective gloves or masks while using them!

Making the switch to natural products can seem challenging or overwhelming, but it’s an easy transition to make. You just need to master a few simple cleaning hacks with ingredients you may already have in your home. There are many harmless ingredients that prove to be excellent non-toxic cleaners. Continue reading to learn more about seven natural cleaning hacks. 

Load Up On Vinegar

Whether you need to clean tubs, windows, tile, or other surfaces, distilled white vinegar is right for the job. Although it isn’t a proper disinfectant, it does work great as a natural cleaner. It works to clean and mildly sanitize many surfaces, especially bathtubs, shower doors, and metal faucets. The downside to vinegar is the smell, but you can mix it with essential oils to counteract the intensity. Click here to learn more about scented vinegar cleaners. 

Lemon Essential Oil For A Clean Microwave

Need to clean your microwave and make it smell great at the same time? Combine 15 drops of lemon essential oil and one and a half cups of water in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave for five to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense inside the microwave. Once complete, remove the bowl safely and wipe the grime away with a damp sponge. 

Degrease Your Stove With Baking Soda

Stovetop cleaners and degreasers are some of the harshest cleaning products to inhale. They emit very unpleasant odors and it can be difficult to breathe when you use them. Instead, pour baking soda on your stove, sprinkle with a little water, allow it to sit for one hour, and then wipe away. Your stove will look shiny and clean as ever!

Baking Soda Removes Carpet Smells

Because it’s such a great natural cleaner, let’s stick with baking soda for a moment. If you want to get rid of carpet odors, baking soda is right for the job. Next time you vacuum your carpet, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Vacuum the carpet and you’ll be left with an odor-free carpet. This is great if you have pets that love to get their stank on carpets. 

Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

This isn’t so much a natural cleaning hack as much as it is a useful pearl of wisdom. Pet hair can be very difficult to vacuum off carpets or furniture, especially if your pet sheds a lot. When your standard vacuum can’t get the job done, slide on the rubber gloves and rub any areas that need extra cleaning. You’ll find that pet hair clings to your rubber gloves, and it will only unstick when you wash it away. 

Dust With Coffee Filters

Need to dust your electronics, which you probably neglect to clean for most of the year? Grab a coffee filter or two to help clear dust from tv screens, computer monitors, and any other electronics you have in the home. The great thing about dusting with coffee filters is that they don’t leave behind any fibers. 

Buff Surfaces With Olive Oil

You may be familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, but do you know that it can help you clean the house? Olive oil can help buff stainless steel, pots and pans, and other appliances. Drizzle some olive oil on a soft cloth and apply it in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots. You may need to give the surface a wipe with a clean rag to reduce oil residue on the surface you buff.

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Get those harsh chemicals out of your home with a natural alternative to a classic toilet bowl gel cleaner. This homemade scrub is nearly as effective as store bought cleaners and it doesn’t plague your home with harsh chemicals. Made with borax and baking soda, this scrub may help you remove stains from a dirty toilet bowl. 

Cleaning a toilet is not necessarily the first thing on everyone’s to-do list. In fact, nobody wants to do it, but nobody wants to look into a stained porcelain bowl either. You want to keep that porcelain looking polished and as good as new. Many chemical cleaning products promise that they can keep your bowl looking as sparkly as ever, but seldom do they do the trick. The difference between those products and the DIY toilet bowl cleaner in this article lies in the ingredients. 

Borax

Borax, not to be confused with boric acid, is composed of oxygen, sodium, and boron. It is commonly used as a cleaner, mildew remover, flame retardant, and handful of other things. Because borax has a 9.5 pH, it is alkaline and forms a basic solution when combined with water. A basic solution has an easier time breaking down acidic, fatty, and oily substances. For example, borax can loosen the accumulated grime in a toilet bowl, but just know that it does not disinfect. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a lot of uses, both in and out of the kitchen. Due to its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda has an innate ability to clean and remove stains. Baking soda reacts with the grease in stains to form glycerol, a common ingredient in soaps. When you mix baking soda with vinegar, it creates carbonic acid, which is a weak base that boosts vinegar’s corrosive nature. Additionally, baking soda is a weak alkali, meaning it can neutralize acids in odor molecules, which can help eliminate strong smells. 

Castile Soap

The genius of castile soap is the fact that it is equally gentle and powerful at the same time. Created from saponified oils with moisturizing properties, castile oil is commonly used as a gentle, natural soap for the skin. That said, it is capable of fighting tough stains. In fact, you can use castile soap to clean just about anything. Just do not mix castile soap with acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, or else it may leave behind a sticky film on the surface you’re cleaning. 

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water 
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup castile soap
• 25 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and still until the borax and baking soda are dissolved. 
• Pour the mixture into a squirt bottle and use when ready. 
• Make sure to shake well before each use. Spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution on the toilet bowl and use a scrub brush to clean. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing.

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Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

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If you wear makeup then you probably use micellar water to remove it at the end of the day. It dissolves makeup gently and cleanses the skin with ease. If you are conscious of what you put on your skin, perhaps you use a non-toxic micellar water, which can be quite expensive. Can you make your own non-toxic version and will it be as effective? The last thing you want is to have to scrub your face with elbow grease to remove makeup.

What Is Micellar Water?

Micellar (pronounced “mi-sell-ar”) water originated in France and is a common skin care product that aids makeup removal. Additionally, it works to remove impurities from the skin in a gentle way. The name comes from the word micelle, which is a collection of molecules. Micellar water has a mild concentration of soap or detergent molecules in the water, so there are microscopic bubbles that float in the water. It doesn’t feel like a soapy solution when you apply it; rather, it just feels like washing your face with water.

How Is It Different Than A Toner?

In a typical skin care routine, you apply a toner to your face after washing it with a cleanser. You usually follow up the toner application with a moisturizer or serum. Traditional toners help to get rid of excess oil or residual dirt or makeup that you don’t wash away with your cleanser. New toners are more focused on skin hydration, with cleansing taking a back seat. Water is the primary ingredient in most toners, and the same goes for micellar water. The difference between micellar water and toners is in the added ingredients (there are no micelles of soap, but low concentrations of alpha or beta hydroxy acids for anti-acne purposes). 

Does Micellar Water Remove Makeup?

Dermatologists agree that micellar water can get rid of most makeup and some waterproof cosmetic products. This is because regular micellar water contains a mild detergent. It doesn’t remove all types of makeup, though. Specialized makeup like stage makeup or certain types of waterproof cosmetics, such as mascara, prove difficult for micellar water to remove. It may remove some, but not all of it, and that is usually sufficient for most people. 

The Non-Toxic Version

The non-toxic micellar water recipe in this article only contains five ingredients, all of which are completely natural. It contains jojoba oil, coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, almond oil, and witch hazel. Jojoba oil is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin and it is incredibly hydrating, working to lock moisture into your skin. Some people use coconut oil to naturally remove makeup because it dissolves makeup and cleanses the skin with its antimicrobial properties. Almond oil isn’t necessary for the recipe, but it helps to add extra moisture and reduces puffiness. Vegetable glycerin is another moisture-locking ingredient that helps to soothe the skin and break down grime and makeup. Finally, witch hazel works to relieve inflammation, fight acne, and tighten your pores. 

DIY Non-Toxic Micellar Water

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon almond oil
• 2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a sealable container and shake well to combine. 
• When you use this micellar water to remove makeup, make sure to use it with a reusable cotton round. 
• This recipe feels exactly like any store bought version, if not better! Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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From descaling coffee makers to getting rid of grime and water stains, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Distilled white vinegar is a versatile cleaner in the non-toxic cleaning world, but multi-purpose does not mean it is all-purpose. When it comes to cleaning with vinegar, there are household items that can easily damage if you clean them with vinegar. Additionally, if you mix vinegar with other cleaning agents, especially bleach, the acid in vinegar can create dangerous chemical reactions.

People like vinegar because it is both inexpensive and non-toxic. Even though it is readily available, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning obstacle you face. You don’t want to ruin wood finish or damage your stone countertop. For these reasons, we’ve highlighted seven things that you should never clean with vinegar.

Grout

If you have unsealed or damaged grout, do not clean it with vinegar. Over time, vinegar can wear grout away and cause it to deteriorate. If you have sealed grout, however, you can clean it with vinegar, but you should still use non-acidic cleaners to avoid ruining your grout. 

Cast Iron

Don’t let any cast iron lovers ever see you soak your cast iron pans in vinegar. There is a specific set of rules to follow when it comes to seasoning and cleaning your cast iron pans. The seasoning process slowly builds up a coat of oil that helps keep cast iron non-stick. The reason that you should not use vinegar to clean your cast iron is because it cuts through that film, in addition to reacting with cast iron and causing it to rust.

Hardwood Floors

Tile floors can take a beating, but hardwood floors are a little more sensitive. People have mixed feelings about completely avoiding vinegar on hardwood floors or using a diluted vinegar solution to clean them. Most flooring manufacturers recommend that you do not clean floors with vinegar because the strong acid can eat away at the finish, causing it to dull over time. 

Rubber Gaskets And Hoses

If you repeatedly expose rubber gaskets and hoses to vinegar, they will disintegrate over time. Make sure that you check the manufacturer’s instructions before you clean household appliances with vinegar. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may contain rubber that can easily disintegrate when exposed to vinegar. 

Pet Messes

If you have a pet, especially a new one, they will most likely pee or poop in the house. Vinegar is not an ideal cleaning agent for surfaces like mattresses, upholstered furniture, or carpeting. The Humane Society of the United States does not recommend the use of vinegar on pet messes. The reason for this is because the strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area. Ideally, use an enzyme-based cleaning agent for pet messes. 

Your Phone Or Tablet

Maybe you are following a recipe and dirty the screen of your phone or tablet. Whatever you do, don’t clean the screen with vinegar. Additionally, if you are making dressing or something that calls for vinegar, avoid splashing vinegar on the screen. The screen has a fingerprint-resistant coating that vinegar can damage. Should you need to clean your screen, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water. 

Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces, such as slate, should not be cleaned with vinegar. That means don’t use vinegar on home furnishes like countertops, floors, or shower walls, or household goods like tabletops or serving pieces. The acid in vinegar can etch stone or cause pitting that you cannot undo.

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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have upgraded their hand soap game. There are so many soaps on the markets, and the truth is that many of them are filled with harmful chemicals that are difficult to pronounce. Are there non-toxic hand soaps in stores? Some brands use reputable ingredients, but they may also use fragrances or other substances that can disrupt the skin barrier. 

Unlike making body butters, lip balms, or bath bombs, making your own non-toxic soap is a very simple process. When you go to purchase ingredients for the soap, you will also need to acquire a soap dispenser. You can either purchase a foaming soap dispenser, or any old hand soap dispenser. If your old hand soap is running out, give it a good rinse, let it dry, and use that for this DIY hand soap. 

Castile Soap

Is castile strong enough to kill germs? The short answer is: no, but it is still effective. Rather than killing bacteria, castile soap, which is a surfactant, removes germs and bacteria (like dirt and grease) with the aid of running water. That makes castile soap an excellent ingredient for cleaning your hands. Liquid castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, is free of synthetic ingredients or foaming agents. It is a blend of ethically sourced carrier oils and aromatic essential oils.

Dermatologists like to say that castile soap speaks the language of the skin. That means that it incorporates three essential moisturizing components: humectants, emollients, and occlusives, all of which benefit the skin. 

Humectants

Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper layers of the skin. Coming in naturally derived, unchanged, or synthetic forms, humectants bind with water and break down dead skin cells. They typically break down those skin cells first, making it so your pores remain unclogged. Once humectants loosen dead skin cells, they draw moisture from the air or deeper layers of the skin. 

Emollients

Emollients are ingredients in skin care products that help to relieve dryness or skin irritation. Skin care experts refer to emollients as skin barrier creams because they help form a protective film on the skin’s outer. Dermatologists usually recommend emollients for skin conditions that cause dryness, for example, eczema and psoriasis. Emollients attract moisture to the skin, help prevent moisture loss in the skin, and work to soften peeling or scaling skin. An emollient differs from a moisturizer because it works to soften the skin, whereas a moisturizer contains other ingredients that bring water into the skin.

Occlusives

Occlusives are moisturizing agents that help form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Typically, they are waxy or oily and almost act like plastic wrap for the skin. What we mean by this is that plastic wrap forms a barrier between food and the outside environment. Similarly, occlusives aim to prevent harmful pathogens or particles from entering the skin, while keeping the skin moist at the same time. They help protect against dehydration, infection, and environmental damage, making them a great addition to any skin care regimen. 

DIY Non-Toxic Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup filtered water
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• Soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Pour the water into the soap dispenser, followed by the liquid castile soap. 
• Add 20 drops of lemon essential oil, which works to remove odors and provides a refreshing aroma. 
• Screw the top on the soap dispenser, shake well, and use when ready.

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It’s no secret people have changed quite a bit over the years. The demand for higher-quality products with little to no harmful ingredients is greater than ever. There has been a shift to more natural cleaning products, hygiene products, skin care products, and more in recent years. Given what people know about the harmful ingredients in certain products, more and more people continue to opt for non-toxic products. 

Did you know that you can easily make non-toxic renditions of products that you buy in stores or online? Not only is making your own products more cost-effective, but it is also more sustainable and you are in complete control. That means that there are no surprise ingredients that may cause adverse side effects. There are no fragrances or “natural flavors” that hide ingredients that can damage lung function or disrupt the endocrine system. 

We don’t mean to scare you out of the store because it can be quite labor-intensive to make every single product you use. That said, there are certain things that are just as effective as the products you purchase in stores, not to mention a whole lot safer, too. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite DIY recipes. We’ve got everything from cleaning products to hygiene products, and we think that your body and health will appreciate them. If you make some of the products, leave a comment to let us know how you liked them. 

Cleaning Products

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Having an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner that’s free of vinegar is quite rare in the DIY cleaning space. Feel free to use this spray almost anywhere in the house because it is essential for cleaning.

Click here to make the cleaner.

Bathroom Disinfectant Spray

Kill those germs in the bathroom without using harmful chemical cleaners. This DIY bathroom disinfectant is eco-friendly, efficient, and doesn’t make your lungs hurt if you inhale the aroma!

Click here to make the spray.

DIY Bathroom Spray To Get Rid Of Odors

Nobody wants to leave the bathroom like a smelly wasteland. Make this DIY bathroom spray with simple ingredients that help eliminate odors.

Click here to make the spray.

All-Natural Glass Cleaner Spray

Don’t you wish you could clean windows and mirrors without spraying toxins all over the home? That’s exactly what this DIY glass cleaner is for. You don’t need chemicals to make those windows streak-free.

Click here to make the glass cleaner spray.

Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner

Cut through the toughest grease and clean up the grimiest messes in your kitchen with this DIY all-natural, orange-scented grease cleaner.

Click here to make the grease cleaner.

Beauty/Hygiene Products

DIY Lavender Sage Deodorant

Reduce sweating and help establish healthier bacteria under your pits with this DIY deodorant that is very refreshing and fragrant. You’ll smell great without the need for a bunch of aluminum or chemicals.

Click here to make the deodorant.

DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer

Four ingredients yield an incredible olive oil-based moisturizer that is a wonderful, natural alternative to store

Click here to make the moisturizer.

Lemon Vanilla Body Butter

Silky smooth skin is just a few ingredients away! Whip up a batch of this lemon vanilla body butter and keep your skin soft all day long.

Click here to make the body butter.

Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Nourish the hair and scalp with ingredients that contain compounds that may promote hair growth, increase thickness, and reduce inflammation.

Click here to make the shampoo.

Shaving Butter For Smooth Skin

Shave with ease and moisturize the skin at the same time when you lather up with this all-natural homemade shaving butter. It’s very safe and there’s room for customization.

Click here to make the shaving butter.

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Do you ever wish that your hair was soft, silky, and ready for a hair care commercial? While we cannot promise miraculously luscious locks, we can provide an all-natural shampoo that contributes to healthier hair. The shampoo recipe in this article may help your hair get its bounce back! It only consists of three ingredients: coconut milk, liquid castile soap, and lavender essential oil. 

Most store bought shampoos contain ingredients that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Harmful chemicals in name brand options may not do your hair any favors, despite the promises they advertise. Switching to homemade, natural hair care products can often bring your hair back to life. You just have to find which ingredients work for you, but the following ingredients help promote scalp and hair health.

Coconut Milk

Rich in beneficial nutrients like vitamins B12, C, and E, zinc, healthy fats, and vital proteins, coconut milk is highly beneficial for hair and skin. Vitamin E works to protect your hair from free radical damage. Several studies indicate that volatiles in canned coconut milk change over time. For this reason, hair care experts recommend homemade coconut milk (recipe here) for optimal hair care. The lauric acid in coconut milk can easily penetrate hair and strengthen the cuticle. Additionally, the high protein profile of coconut milk works to keep your hair strong and healthy. 

Liquid Castile Soap

As a quick note, switching from regular shampoo to liquid castile soap can take time because it is more alkaline than your typical shampoo. This may disrupt your scalp’s pH level, but that is why you dilute it with other ingredients. Castile soap contains lye (a metal hydroxide obtained from wood ash) and produces soap molecules. It is natural, oil-based, and non-toxic, so it cleanses gently, which is highly beneficial for people with scalp issues like dermatitis or eczema. Because liquid castile soap is free of fragrances, detergents, and irritants, it works to preserve the scalp’s natural oils. That may help keep hair follicles healthy and promote a healthier growth rate for your hair. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, lavender has been used in medicinal practices for over 2,500 years. It has been a popular ingredient in folk medicine in various treatments for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and depression. Lavender essential oil’s antimicrobial properties may help reduce the risk of dandruff, which is caused by yeast infecting the scalp. Depending on the cause of dandruff, lavender essential oil may prevent the formation of flakes. The anti-inflammatory properties also encourage a healthier scalp, which is essential for aiding hair growth. 

DIY 3-Ingredient Lavender Shampoo

Ingredients:

• 1.75 cup coconut milk (ideally homemade, but canned is acceptable)
• 1.5 cups liquid castile soap
• 30 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix well to combine.
• Pour the mixture into some shampoo bottles and close tightly. 
• Shake the bottle before each use.

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The New Year is synonymous with weight loss, dieting, and new career goals. People often put so much emphasis on themselves that they don’t pay attention to their homes. Unlike the human body, the home is not something that can clean itself. You are responsible for limiting the build-up of grime and keeping it a space for wellness by maintaining awareness. 

There are many ways to establish a healthy home, but with the New Year approaching, one of the best ways to clean the slate is through a home detox. Over time, the home can easily accumulate dust, allergen, mold, and germs. Not only can these things cause allergic reactions, but they can also weigh down the energy in your home. If you are into the concept of Feng Shui, then you understand how simple detox tips can spruce up your indoor space. Below, we detail simple ways that you can detox your home for a fresh start in the New Year. 

Shoes Stay At The Door

When you walk in the front door of your home, remove your shoes, plain and simple. When you wear your shoes inside the house, you track pesticides, bacteria, and more via the soles of your shoes. Removing your shoes prior to entering your home also supports the idea that your home is a sacred space, separate from the outside world. Wear socks, go barefoot, or have slippers for chilly days. 

Use Green Plants As Natural Detox Agents

Certain houseplants have the ability to remove pollutants from the air, ultimately improving indoor air quality. Some studies found that houseplants can remove substances like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Breathing easier is much easier when the air in your home is cleaner. Click here for the best houseplants to clean your air. 

Open Your Windows When You Cook

Cooking over a gas flame can generate large amounts of nitrogen dioxide and other tiny particles that can irritate the nose and lungs. In addition to using the exhaust hood or range, open your windows to ventilate your space. This process helps remove particular gasses from your home, reducing the risk of future headaches or fatigue from inhaling those pollutants. 

Bye Bye Dryer Sheets

Not all dryer sheets are bad, but they aren’t necessarily eco-friendly. Instead of contributing to more waste, do your part to help the environment and opt for wool dryer balls. These dryer balls are chemical-free and help soften your laundry during the drying process. Wool dryer balls tend to last up to 1,000 loads, which is 1,000 less dryer sheets in landfills. They also reduce drying time, which can lower your energy usage. 

Use Simple DIY Cleaning Products

There are many non-toxic cleaning products that you can purchase in store, but a lot of them still contain synthetic fragrances, colors, and other preservatives. If you are trying to detox your home, you don’t want to continue polluting it. You can easily make your own cleaning products that are 100% non-toxic. We have a large catalog of these recipes on our website, but you can click here to view some great ones to have on hand. 

From Floor To Ceilings

When you vacuum, it’s best to use one that has a HEPA filter, as that not only helps decrease allergens in the home, but also creates a healthier, more breathable space. The HEPA filter in your vacuum traps bacteria, dust, pathogens, and particles. Additionally, it also reduces the levels of many chemicals in your home. Don’t just vacuum your carpets or rugs, though. Vacuum under your furniture, behind bookshelves, on the side of your washer, and the corners of your house. 

Ditch Synthetic Air Fresheners

We cannot stress the importance of this point! A lot of people love the scents of synthetic air freshener sprays or plug-ins, but these products are filled with irritants and chemicals. You can still create a pleasant smelling home without these chemicals. There are essential oil diffusers, bouquets of fresh flowers, potpourri, and more. You can also make all-natural air freshener sprays by clicking here. 

Even the simplest of home detox efforts can improve the entire energy of your home. Do whatever you feel is best and simplest on this list to begin your home detox. Relish in the results you feel when the new year arrives!

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