Healing HOME

In the serene embrace of the home, where we seek refuge and comfort, the essence of green living begins with the simple yet profound act of cleanliness. A clean home is not just a reflection of how we care for our surroundings, but also a testament to our commitment to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

When we prioritize cleanliness, we create a sanctuary free from toxins and pollutants. This mindful practice reduces our reliance on harsh chemicals that are as harmful to humans as they are to the environment. Instead, we turn to natural alternatives – like vinegar, baking soda, borax, essential oils, castile soap, etc. – that cleanse without compromising our well-being.

(Consider that what we inhale – all that we smell and do not smell – can enter our bloodstream through the lungs, and then the liver has to deal with processing any toxins that are present. What we breathe is literally assimilated into our bodies.)

Moreover, a clean home fosters a sense of peace and balance. It allows us to breathe easier, knowing that the air we inhale is free from dust and allergens. This harmony extends beyond the physical, nurturing our mental and emotional well-being.

Cleanliness is far more than a daily set of chores. It is a ritual that can be cherished, and it is a way to honor our homes, our health, and the planet we call home. Here are some natural remedies for common household issues that align with a green living philosophy:

GENERAL CLEANING:

White vinegar is great for glass surfaces, and mirrors too, though it might take more care (a separate cloth at the end) to erase any streaks.

Baking soda is excellent for scrubbing in the kitchen and bathroom. You can also make your own “Carpet Fresh” with baking soda and essential oil. Just pour your baking soda into a jar and add several, maybe 20 or so drops of essential oil of your preference. Put the lid on, shake it up, sprinkle it around, brush it in with a broom. Let it sit a while, perhaps overnight, before vacuuming.

AIR-FRESHENING:

Add water and several drops of essential oil – whichever scents you prefer – into a spray bottle and shake it well. Lemongrass smells clean and invigorating, but household pets might not care for it. Lavender is wonderful and healing, as is a mystical blend of frankincense and sandalwood.

And don’t underestimate opening windows on a breezy day!

PEST CONTROL:

Carpenter bees, termites, etc., are repelled by the strong scent of vinegar and fragrances like clove, orange peels, etc., so add some vinegar and water (50/50) to a large container. Add a bunch of whole cloves, perhaps pounded with a hammer to release the essence, and small pieces of orange peel. Let this sit for a few weeks, stirring or shaking it daily. When it smells nice and potent, filter it into a large spray bottle to use as needed.

STAIN REMOVAL:

A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide works very well. Some people also use lemon and salt (which I personally have not tried).

ODOR ELIMINATION:

Activated charcoal tucked away is great to keep around cat boxes and other problematic areas. Coffee grounds can be used similarly but are not as effective as activated charcoal.

NATURAL DISINFECTANTS:

Tea tree oil added to water can be used as a spray for its antimicrobial properties, but while this might be one of nature’s best disinfectants, pets will not tolerate it well. Tea tree has been known to cause seizures in cats and dogs when their owners try it as a flea treatment. Clove oil, lavender and many others would also work and be pet-safe.

Hydrogen Peroxide works so well that it is used in places like doctor’s offices to sanitize surfaces. When you see it making bubbles, you know it’s killing germs!

MOLD AND MILDEW

Spray undiluted white vinegar on moldy surfaces and let it sit for an hour or so before wiping clean.

A teaspoon or more of tea tree oil to a cup of water makes a potent spray that can be sprayed and left to dry naturally.

For black mold, borax will minimally change its molecular structure, somehow rendering it less harmful (supposedly). Borax does not dissolve well, even when boiling the water firstly, so run it through a coffee grinder to powder it as finely as possible and apply it very gently like a paste. Pat surfaces and saturate them thoroughly – do not scrub – and let the borax do its job before carefully wiping the area clean. Wear a mask, and finish with modest and careful use of an ozone generator if you have one. (No pets may be in any space where an ozone generator is running at anything above a very low “safe” setting.)

Hanging mugwort in damp areas (again, supposedly) can inhibit the formation of molds.

And a dehumidifier can work wonders. Find one that registers the humidity level digitally, and do your best to keep it below 55%.

Here we have covered a variety of remedies that not only help to maintain a clean and healthy home, but also align with a sustainable lifestyle by reducing the need for chemical-based products. I hope you’ve found this helpful. We will address natural body care and other forms of green living in future articles.