Do you love to clean? No, nobody loves to clean, but cleaning is a necessary part of life. Cleaning helps get rid of germs, keeping you and anyone else who lives in your house safe. That said, many people clean with chemical cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients, many of which can damage endocrine function. 

Instead of polluting the home with chemicals while you clean, use a homemade, vinegar-based cleaner that is 100% safe. Vinegar is frequently recommended as a household cleaner and can be very effective on certain surfaces. We are, of course, referring to distilled white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar. It is important to note that vinegar is a cleaner and not a disinfectant like bleach or commercial cleaners. Because of that, it is not as effective at killing certain germs when compared to disinfectant sprays. 

Why Should You Clean With Vinegar?

Vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of some oils, dirt, films, bacteria, and stains. That same acetic acid can also harm certain surfaces, which is why vinegar cleaners aren’t meant to clean every inch of your home. Do not use vinegar on natural stone, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed wood. The “set time,” or the time a cleaner has to set on a surface in order to work, varies with a vinegar cleaner. Experts suggest that the set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes, especially if you use it to clean stained pots and pans. 

How Does Vinegar Work?

The acidity, as mentioned previously, makes vinegar a great cleaning agent. It can help dissolve soap scum, brines left behind by hard water, and even the glue from stickers. If you want to clean your windows or mirrors, mix vinegar with water and wipe with newspaper (not a paper towel) to avoid streaks. You can also use vinegar to get rid of stubborn stains, for example, from sweaty armpits or grass. Most of these types of stains are slightly acidic, meaning they will dissolve away in the presence of another acid, like vinegar. A paste made with vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve red wine stains. You can even use vinegar to get dog or cat urine out of carpets or clothes!

When To Not Use Vinegar

Because vinegar is highly concentrated, it can stain delicate fabrics and harm other surfaces. It will scratch natural stone like marble or granite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vinegar is not approved to disinfect surfaces. Unfortunately, there is no supporting evidence that shows that vinegar can get rid of harmful pathogens, like salmonella, that lurk on surfaces. Additionally, using vinegar on hardwood floors can eat away at the finish and make it look dull over time. 

Orange Basil Vinegar Cleaner

Not only does this recipe help clean certain surfaces, but it also leaves your home smelling floral and zesty. Instead of tossing orange peels into the trash, use the peels to provide that citrus scent to your vinegar cleaner. The peels from four oranges and four to five sprigs of basil will do the job!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) wide-mouthed mason jar
• Peels from 4 oranges
• 4-5 sprigs of basil
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions:

• Add the orange peels and sprigs of basil to the wide-mouthed mason jar and fill it to the top with vinegar. Tighten the lid and let it set for a minimum of 10 days. 
• After this infusion time, prepare a spray bottle and fill it halfway with the vinegar mixture (only the liquid, not the peels or sprigs). Add water to the spray bottle to fill it up. Shake well and use when ready. 
• Once you finish this solution, you can use the rest of the vinegar to create more. You shouldn’t keep your vinegar solution longer than one month, as you don’t want it to spoil.

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When people think about health, diet, exercise, and sleep come to mind. They aren’t wrong because all of those things are fundamental to overall health. If you’re truly committed to creating a healthier life, you have to address your home, where you spend a lot of your time. Depending on your type of dwelling, your living space may require very little or a lot of upkeep. Regardless of where you live, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind. In this article, we break down the most important ways to keep your home safe and healthy. 

Preserve Indoor Air Quality

The air you breathe inside your home is the first thing to address. After all, indoor air quality can positively or negatively affect lung health. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) said that 50% of homes potentially have six allergens detectable in the air. Of those allergens, popular ones include pet dander, mold, dust mites, and cockroach droppings. You should ventilate your home when possible, but the weather can dictate whether or not the windows stay open or closed. For better indoor air quality, consider the following:

• Vacuum any rugs or carpets regularly to control pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. 
• Try to keep your bathroom dry to help prevent mold and mildew from growing. Clean any mold you see on hard surfaces with bleach cleaners in a well-ventilated space. 
• Keep your thermostat below 70 degrees F and aim to have humidity levels between 40-50%, if possible. 
• Was all bedding once a week in hot water to help get rid of allergens. 

Prevent Falls

Believe it or not, 60% of all falls occur in the home, where people spend the majority of their time. It’s very natural to let your guard down at home, so you move around in a distracted way without considering safety. To prevent falls or other injuries, the following tips may be helpful:

• Install handrails wherever possible: next to toilets, along stairs, and in bathtubs. 
• Wear a medical alarm if you are at a higher risk of falls. 
• Make sure that your home has sufficient lighting throughout, and install night lights in bathrooms and other spaces you may need to access at night. 
• Choose larger rugs over small area rugs. For those larger rugs, make sure that the corners are firmly affixed to the floor, or you have anti-slip pads in place.
• Make sure that there are no wires or cords obstructing common area walkways. 

Clean Your Home

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy home is to clean it regularly. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces, cleaning your bedding, vacuuming your carpets, and mopping floors work to prevent indoor allergens (discussed above). Having a regular cleaning schedule can help remove general grime and germs, including the norovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disinfecting the home may be necessary if you or another member of your household is sick. Clean the following areas to maintain a clean and healthy home:

• Carpets and other flooring
• Light switches
• Toys
• Countertops
• Doorknobs
• Laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices

In order to properly clean your home, you have to scrub surfaces with soap and water. Sanitizing the home is a little different, as it reduces germs with the aid of sprays or products that contain a small amount of bleach. Always remember to clean surfaces before sanitizing them. If you are sick, disinfection may be necessary, especially for high-touch surfaces. 

Store Your Food Properly

The way you store your foods is just as important as the foods you eat. Because of increased exposure to harmful ingredients in various plastics, health experts advise looking for containers that are free of bisphenol A (BPA). High exposure to BPA may have adverse effects on reproductive health. Glass containers are excellent, but make sure that you check that the materials are free of BPA. Additionally, make sure your bottled water, or reusable bottles, are BPA-free.

Personal Hygiene And Medical Supplies

Smelling great is a beautiful thing, but personal hygiene goes beyond soaps and bath supplies. Some people don’t have certain products in their medicines cabinets, but health experts recommend having the following on hand at all times:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Antibacterial ointment
• Bandages
• Calamine lotion for bug bites and minor burns
• Tweezers
• A thermometer
• Activated charcoal
• Allergy medicines

Foods That Support Your Health

Dietary needs and preferences vary from person to person. Some people may have food sensitivities that others don’t, so a healthy diet for you may be different than it is for someone else. That said, health experts agree on a list of basic food items that you should always have on hand in your pantry to promote better eating habits: 

• Steel cut oats
• Wild rice
• Beans (no salt added varieties if purchasing canned varieties)
• Raw nuts and seeds
• Raw nut or seed butters
• Coconut oil, avocado oil, and extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar and raw apple cider vinegar
• Natural sugars, including grade A maple syrup, stevia, and raw agave nectar
• Seasoning and dried herbs
• Frozen fruits and vegetables

Additionally, stock your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables. We all know that fruits and vegetables are essential for optimal health!

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently investigated household surfaces in the home of two people infected with monkeypox. Using PCR testing, the CDC found that over 70% of the surfaces were contaminated. Similarly, researchers from a separate study detected high concentrations of monkeypox on surfaces in infected patients’ rooms. Do these contaminated surfaces increase the risk of transmission?

According to the CDC, monkeypox can survive on surfaces for 15 days. The monkeypox virus is a DNA-based virus and you can kill it with various household disinfectants, UV light, and the like. This is the case with most viruses, and just because monkeypox may exist on a surface for a long time, it doesn’t mean that it can infect another person. In fact, the CDC noted that the virus on those contaminated household items was not able to be cultured. 

Investigators Look At Household Surfaces

Referring to the investigation in the first paragraph, two infected individuals lived together, isolating together for 20 days. Both individuals experienced fatigue and body aches eight days after symptom onset. Only after this 20-day period did investigators perform real-time PCR-confirmed tests of common household items. 

Out of the 30 collected specimens, 21 tested positive for monkeypox. These positive tests came from cloth furniture, blankets, and other porous items. No specimen contained live virus, though. Because of the inability to detect viable viruses, this means that virus viability may decay over time or through chemical/environmental inactivation. 

Hospital Patient Study

For this study, researchers swabbed the surfaces of rooms being used by two hospitalized monkeypox patients in Germany. Bathrooms and adjacent rooms where workers changed out of personal protective equipment (PPE) were also swabbed. Researchers noted that highest viral loads came from surfaces that the infected patients touched directly. These were primarily from the bathrooms, particularly on the toilet seats, levers, and washbasins. Chairs in the patients’ rooms and the fabrics in their rooms (towels, shirts, and pillowcases) contained the virus as well. Researchers also detected the virus on handles of cabinets and major contact points in the rooms where staff changed out of PPE.

Do Contaminated Surfaces Increase The Risk Of Viral Transmission?

The current data on this matter makes it difficult to answer this question with certainty. As of right now, the findings are still unclear about increased viral transmission from contaminated surfaces. That said, it is cause for concern and infected patients should increase cleaning within their households. Additionally, limit contact to communal spaces for at least three to four weeks that people are infectious. 

Similar to the CDC investigation, the German study stated that, although unlikely, infection could potentially occur from coming in contact with contaminated surfaces. Touching these surfaces and then touching mucous membranes could result in transmission. The researchers found no evidence of secondary transmission from contaminated surfaces in the study, though. The primary takeaway from that German study is that, despite high contamination of monkeypox on the surfaces, research did not indicate that infection could occur. 

Does This Information Change How We Approach Monkeypox?

The current research doesn’t change anything regarding the current monkeypox outbreak. It does, however, show that monkeypox can contaminate surfaces in the homes of infected people. Whether or not this leads to infections is still a matter of debate. This is because the virus has to be viable or alive to transmit, and in sufficient quantity to cause infection. As of now, the transmission rate between household members is still below 10% if those household members are not in direct contact with each other. 

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The United States currently leads the world in monkeypox cases, and national and global numbers continue to rise. Although the virus has predominantly spread among men who have sex with men, some women and children are now contracting the illness. Recently, the first case in a pet was reported. It was an Italian greyhound in Paris, France. 

Due to the fact that there are more than 42,900 cases of monkeypox across 95 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency. The WHO calculated nearly 7,500 new cases in the week prior to August 17, 2022, marking a 20% increase from the previous week. After the United States, Spain has the largest outbreak, with 6,119 cases, followed by Brazil with 3,450 cases. Germany comes in fourth with 3,295 cases, and the United Kingdom with 3,081 cases. 

Before this current outbreak, most human cases of monkeypox came from close contact with infected animals while farming or hunting. Monkeypox is dissimilar to smallpox in that it does not exclusively infect humans. Monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus, which is less discriminating in its host. That means that squirrels, prairie dogs, rats, and groundhogs can be infected.

What Pet Owners Should Know

There are more dogs and cats in the U.S. than the combined human populations of Australia and The U.K. The role that these animals play in the spread of infectious diseases within households has been ignored. Because monkeypox can jump species, health experts want people to think how a human infection affects pets. It gets dangerous when an animal infects another animal, and another, and another. If too many animals contract the virus, they can pass it back to humans in a more altered, vicious form. That’s when you start to see a rapid evolution of the virus, which is the last thing the world needs. If

Earlier this month, the Lancet medical journal published a scientific account of the first human-to-dog monkeypox transmission. The dog was an Italian greyhound in Paris, France, and it caught it from his infected owners by sleeping in their bed. Veterinarians want people to understand that pets show affection for owners. They climb in their bed, lick their faces, nuzzle their skin, and go wherever they go. All of these habits are potential transmission pathways. An infected pet can easily pass the virus to other animals via bites, scratches, feces, or urine.

Concerns About Human To Dog Transmission

Before people get up in arms about a serious monkeypox outbreak in pets, there are a few things to know. A severe outbreak may not result just because one case of human-to-dog infection occurred. Veterinarians just want people to understand that pets, especially dogs, are easily susceptible to monkeypox. Additionally, there is no evidence on paper that reported just how much monkeypox was found in the dog’s DNA. That means that the dog may not have had enough for an active infection. Reports about the dog’s antibodies to monkeypox have not been documented either. 

If People Have Monkeypox, Should They Isolate From Pets?

Anyone with a known infection or suspected exposure should not engage in close contact with their pet. Additionally, anyone who is immunocompromised and living in the same house with an infected person should isolate or leave during the infection period. Any and all animals should be kept in isolation from all other animals and people for at least 21 days after the pet’s first known exposure to the virus. That means no dog park!

Lastly, do not surrender, euthanize, or abandon pets just because of a potential monkeypox exposure. Keep the pets isolated after exposure to keep them and everyone safe from infection. Additionally, don’t bathe or wipe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. If you are infected and cannot be isolated from your pet, make sure to wash your hands or care for them with gloves before and after caring for them.

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Embarking on a cleansing experience means eliminating a plethora of unhealthy foods from your diet. As many people who use the Full Body Cleanse know, the goal is to focus on fresh foods that aid the cleansing process and provide the body with various phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other vitamins & minerals. Diet, while it plays a crucial role in weight loss and achieving a healthier body, is merely one aspect of cleansing.

Cleansing Beyond The Diet

The chemicals in cleaning and beauty products can enter the body via skin absorption or inhalation. Because the average person is accustomed to using these products, he or she may not interpret the side effects of those harmful chemicals in the body as wrong or “out of the norm.” After you cleanse the body, you may notice skin irritation, coughing, or sinus irritations when using commercial cleaning or beauty products. This is why you may want to consider using all-natural alternatives.

Common household cleaners make your living space look clean, but they simultaneously fill the area with chemicals that have caused asthma in children and skin irritations in adults. Indoor air pollution, which ranks high on the list of environmental dangers, is primarily caused by cleaning products. After cleaning with such products post cleanse, you may notice eye irritation, sore throat, runny nose, or headaches. A lot of this has to do with how the government regulates cleaning products.

Cleaning with natural cleaning products may be unfamiliar or different, but so is the thought of completing a Full Body Cleanse. We aren’t saying that you need to trash all of your cleaning and beauty products, but we are suggesting that keeping the body clean and healthy requires a multifaceted approach. Your skin rash or chronic cough may be attributed to your favorite lotion or countertop cleaner. In an effort to expose you to more natural options, here are some of our favorite skin care and cleaning products to incorporate into your new, healthier lifestyle. 

DIY Whipped Body Butter

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup each: Shea butter, cocoa butter, virgin coconut oil, and sweet almond oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

• In a double boiler or sauce pain over medium-low heat, combine all of the ingredients, except the essential oils. Stir this mixture until it becomes liquid.
• Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool and set. Make sure it is set before completing the next step.
• Add the essential oils and whip with a stand or hand mixer, whipping until you get fluffy peaks. The mixture will not whip if you don’t let it set.
• Spoon this into a glass jar and store in a cool dry place, or in the fridge. Use on dry or cracked skin.

Chemical Free Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup castor oil
• small soft washcloth
• small container for storing oil mixture

Instructions:

• It is recommended that you only apply this mixture once a day before bed to allow the oils to nurture your skin overnight.
• Mix the oils together in a glass jar.
• Pour about one teaspoon of the oil mixture in your hands, rub them together, and apply the mixture all over your face.
• Take the washcloth and run it under hot water. Place this over your face and leave it on until it becomes cool.
• Using the washcloth, wipe your face and then rinse the washcloth off.
• If you feel that your skin is dry, apply a couple drops of olive oil on your skin.
• Store the mixture in a cool, dry place.

Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried green tea leaves (can be taken from 2-4 tea bags)
• 1 cup organic brown sugar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Mix all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Scoop this mixture into an airtight container and then store it in a cool dry place.
• When you want to use this exfoliator, apply about 1 tablespoon to your hands and massage it onto the face/body for 30 seconds. Rinse this from your skin with warm water and pat dry.

Appliance Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 part distilled white vinegar
• 1 part water

Instructions:

• In a spray bottle, mix one part distilled white vinegar and 1 part water. Spray on your appliances and wipe away with a microfiber cloth.

Citrusy Dish Soap

Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 5 cups boiling water
• 5 tablespoons liquid castile soap
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

• Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Add the liquid castile soap and stir until everything is dissolved. Let this cool.
• When the mixture is cooled, stir in the essential oils and pour it into a bottle. It is important to shake well before you use it.

DIY Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• Enough lemon peels to fill up a quart-size mason jar
• Enough distilled white vinegar to fill that mason jar
• A spray bottle

Instructions:

• Fill a quart-size mason jar with lemon peels.
• Fill the jar almost to the brim with distilled white vinegar. Seal the jar and allow it to sit for about one day in a cool dry place.
• Strain the vinegar through fine mesh strainer into another jar or bowl.
• Pour the strained vinegar into a spray bottle, screw the top on, and spray away and start cleaning!

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What are some of the best scents of the holiday season? Some people side with pumpkin spice while others have an affinity for cinnamon. Both of these spices, however, can be quite pungent and overwhelming when incorporated into homemade cleaning products. Plus, you may not want your home to smell like a coffee shop or packet of cinnamon gum. 

Lucky for you, pine happens to be a wonderful holiday scent. If you have a Christmas tree in your home, you can get a little extra out of it by using some of the branches to make a natural cleaning spray. It’s the perfect scent to make your home smell like the wilderness, and the best part is that you don’t have to venture into the cold mountains to smell that crisp aroma. A simple pine-infused vinegar spray will accomplish that!

Scenting Vinegar

There are people who won’t ever clean with vinegar, not even if you pay them. The odor can be intense, but that’s where scenting vinegar comes into play. It’s very easy to make scented vinegar that is natural, effective, and less offensive to your respiratory system. All you have to do is add the pine needles and branches to a jar of vinegar. Screw on the lid and allow the infusion to take place. You can steep the mixture in a cool, dark place anywhere from six weeks to six months. 

Some pine-scented cleaners used to be healthier, but now they are typically free of any natural pine substance. Pine oil used to be in PineSol, but it was eliminated from the ingredients in 2014. The manufacturer replaced it with artificial fragrance and it has a petrochemical base. For people who want to be on the safer, more natural side, cleaning with non-toxic products like the DIY recipe in this article is more beneficial. 

Cleaning With Vinegar

Although it’s not a disinfectant, distilled white vinegar is an excellent cleaner that’s made from acetic acid. It’s been known to dissolve mineral deposit, grease, dirt, and general grime. If you have a chrome shower head or faucet, you can soak it in white vinegar to get rid of water spots. Vinegar also helps to kill some bacteria, but you do have to be cautious about where you use vinegar, as it can damage certain surfaces. Make sure that you do not use vinegar to clean wood, granite, metal, or marble surfaces. 

When you clean with vinegar, you don’t need to use a lot. Since it’s such an affordable product, you’ll have one jug of vinegar for months, years even! And like we said, snap a couple branches off your Christmas tree for the pine infusion. If you don’t have a Christmas tree, there are many fallen pine branches lining the streets during the winter. Don’t be afraid to grab a handful!

Pine-Scented Vinegar Cleaner

Ingredients:

• Pine branches, or pine needles
• Distilled white vinegar
• Mason jar

Instructions:

• Place a generous handful of pine branches or needles into a clean glass Mason jar. If you have a jar that holds 750 milliliters, that would be best, but a smaller jar is perfectly acceptable. 
• Fill the jar with white vinegar. Screw the top on the jar and place the jar in a cool, dark place for six weeks to six months. The longer you allow it to infuse, the stronger the pine scent will be. 
• After completing the infusion process, strains the liquid into your spray bottle of choice and start cleaning.

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Have you ever noticed a foul smell in the kitchen? There are a few potential sources, but when you scrub away on those dishes or wipe down the sink area the smell intensifies. You may even put your face down into the sink and realize that the source is your garbage disposal. Don’t worry, because this is an extremely common occurrence. How do you get rid of the smell, though?

Some people have their tricks to get rid of foul garbage disposal odors, but not many last for very long. Fortunately, you can use all natural disposal fresheners that help eliminate smells and bacteria. The great thing about the freshener pods in this article is that they take less than an hour to make. They are completely natural and safe for the environment. Another major plus is that they won’t release harmful chemicals into your home. How do they do that? Continue reading to find out!

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a long list of benefits, and it seems that more and more people find unique ways to use it. On its own, baking soda can help remove odors from almost anything, be it a damp carpet or funky garbage disposal. Sprinkling baking soda in shoes can also help reduce fouls odors. The reason it can do this is because most smells are acidic. Baking soda is a natural base, helping to neutralize the acids that cause bad smells.

Salt

Salt is a mild antiseptic that works to cut through grease. It also has the ability to lift stains and eliminate odors. The great thing about salt is that it’s non-toxic, inexpensive, and readily available. Some people pour rock salt and ice down the garbage disposal and run it to help clean grime or bacteria off the blades. This powerful duo also helps to break up or dislodge food particles and excess debris in the disposal. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Each essential oil has its own set of benefits that can benefit your body or home. Many people use them for aromatherapy benefits, but some are beneficial for non-toxic cleaning products. Lemon essential oil, for example, exhibits a powerful aroma that contributes to a fresher smelling space. The astringent and disinfectant properties help to fight grime and eliminate funky or musty odors from the air. 

DIY Garbage Disposal Fresheners

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup salt
• 3/4 cup liquid Castile soap
• 30 drops lemon essential oil
• 1/4 cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Pour the baking soda and salt into a bowl and mix well to combine. 
• Add the Castile soap and essential oil to the same bowl, and then pour in the water, one tablespoon at a time. 
• Continue to mix while you add the water until the mixture resembles wet sand. 
• If you add too much water, you can add a little more baking soda to achieve the wet sand texture.
• Pack the mixture into a silicone ice tray so you have little cubes. Let the molds set for about 24 hours. 
• Carefully pop them out of the molds and store the refreshers in a glass jar. 
• When ready to use, pop one refresher into the garbage disposal. Run a steady cold stream of water into the disposal and turn on the disposal for one minute. You should find that the smell disappears. 

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Everyone can agree that taking a soothing bath is the perfect way to step into tranquility. Soaking in the warm water helps you unwind, and the stress seems to wash away as the water goes down the drain. Everyone can also agree that a grimy bathtub with soap scum and mineral deposits is disgusting. How do you get rid of such grime without using harmful chemicals, though?

Nobody wants to clean their bathtub or shower. It’s an annoying chore that people typically neglect. Unfortunately, all of that neglect results in a gross bathtub that makes the thought of soaking in a bath horrifying. A bathtub or shower is a magnet for soap scum and even mildew. This often results in water stains or rust stains. 

What Is The Answer To Bathtub Scum?

Not everyone wants to use the bathtub cleaners because they are replete with toxic chemicals. If you have ever sprayed one of these cleaners in your bathtub, you know that that aroma is pungent and causes you to cough. In case you aren’t aware, that’s not a positive reaction. Additionally, you have to spray a lot and scrub hard in order for these solutions to be effective. 

Don’t fight the tub and don’t scrub until you inflict pain on your elbows and shoulders. Use simple ingredients to your advantage and allow them to fight through scum and stains with minimal effort on your part. The following two ingredients will help transform the look and cleanliness of your tub. 

Dish Soap

More often than not, dish soap will work to clean most showers and tubs. Some are more effective than others, as not all varieties can easily fight through built-up grime. If you only use dish soap and a little water, you can actually scrub with a broom and get the tub sparkly and clean. The purpose of dish soap is to break up oils and lift grease from flatware and utensils. It tackles the grease and soap scum that accumulates in your shower the same way. When you wash away the suds, you’ll be shocked to see how clean your tub is. 

White Vinegar

Depending on the type of tub you have, a gentle cleaner like white vinegar may be better for the surface. For example, porcelain bathtubs offer a signature, shiny, luxurious appearance. To keep them that way, you can avoid damage by using a gentle cleaner that combats aromas and grime. Vinegar’s high acidity level helps to loosen mineral deposits, including lime and rust. This same acidity makes it difficult for bacteria and other harmful organisms to exist in your tub. Ultimately, vinegar helps dissolve soap scum to make your tub as shiny and clean as possible. 

DIY Bathtub Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dish soap 
• 1 cup white vinegar
• spray bottle
• scrubber

Instructions:

• Warm the vinegar in a heat-safe glass measuring cup in a microwave until it is hot. Pour this into your spray bottle. 
• Pour the dish soap into the bottle after you pour in the vinegar. 
• Screw on the lid and shake gently to combine. 
• Spray liberally around your tub or shower and allow this mixture to sit for about 30 minutes to one hour. Because of the strong scent, make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated and that the fan is on. 
• Scrub gently and then rinse. You’ll be shocked when you see how clean your tub is!

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People love their pillows and mattresses, but they are probably the least clean items in the home. Chances are that people don’t even think about washing pillows or cleaning mattresses. Considering that people spend an average of six to eight hours on their mattresses every night, they deserve regular cleaning, right? That’s the hope, but it’s unfortunately not a reality.

Sheets and mattress protectors can keep a mattress clean to a certain degree, but dead skin cells, hair, sweat, body oils, and dust eventually make their way onto it. All of that sounds gross, doesn’t it? Sorry, but we are not the perfect creatures we think we are, and we need to put in a little effort to keep the house, and the things in them, clean. One of the ways to prevent the mattress from becoming a bacterial haven, and to keep it clean and odor-free, is to use a mattress spray.

What Are Dust Mites?

These microscopic, insect-like pests love dust, in case the name didn’t give that away. They feed on pet dander, dead skin cells, and all of the other tiny particles that comprise dust. Dust mites can actually cause severe allergic reactions, and they can even worsen respiratory symptoms like asthma. They love fabrics or upholstered items, including carpets, curtains, furniture, bedding, stuffed animals, and mattresses. The scary thing is that roughly 10,000 dust mites can exist in one square meter in your average home. 

In order to prevent them from accumulating in your home, it’s wise to keep all of your fabric or upholstered items clean and fresh. Since most people neglect their mattresses, we’re putting a bigger emphasis on that for this article. 

How To Deter Dust Mites From Mattresses:

Before you even decide to clean your mattress, remove all of the bedding and throw it in the wash. When the weather permits, open the windows and allow fresh air into your home. Dust and dust mites easily accumulate in a house with stagnant air that doesn’t circulate. While the sheets are in the wash, it’s time to clean the mattress, which means you bust out the DIY mattress spray recipe below. Spray it onto the mattress and it will help absorb the odors, deter dust mites, and keep the mattress smelling fresh. Allow your mattress at least two hours to fully absorb the spray. After this time, vacuum the top of the mattress and then put your sheets back on. 

The Ingredients

Lavender Essential Oil

A calming essential oil that exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. You may also find that the scent helps promote relaxation, contributing to sounder, more peaceful slumber. 

Distilled White Vinegar

This mild disinfectant helps to deodorize fabrics and works to clean surfaces. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The minty aroma is not only refreshing, but it also works to repel insects. This is excellent news if you have dust mites!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This essential oil is beneficial for the respiratory system, working to improve airways for optimal breathing. It also has air-purifying properties, and it may help to cleanse surfaces. 

DIY Mattress Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water (boiled and then cooled)
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops peppermint essential oil
• 500ml spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour the water and vinegar into the spray bottle and then add the essential oils.
• Screw the top on the bottle and shake it vigorously to combine. 
• Spray this mixture directly on the mattress and let it remain there for a couple hours. Remember to shake the bottle before each use. 

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The post Natural DIY Mattress Spray For A Cleaner Mattress appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you’re a messy person, the longer days and blooming flowers don’t indicate that it’s time to spring clean the house. At the same time, you know, deep down, that cleaning needs to happen. It doesn’t have to be a painful experience that involves days upon days of scrubbing, sweeping, and getting rid of things. We’re not saying that cleaning is the most enjoyable experience, but you don’t have to dread it either. There are ways to make the cleaning work for you.

Many people give advice about spring cleaning, but the general gist is, “Just do it.” Listening to your favorite songs doesn’t make the process easier, but it does make you want to sing and dance, putting you in a better mood. A naturally messy person won’t necessarily be inspired to clean from a song, though. That’s why you need advice from messy people who have risen from the ashes of their own mess and transformed their livings spaces. We gathered those tips and you can continue reading to see what they are. They’ll definitely make spring cleaning your home less painful and a whole lot easier.

Declutter The House

No matter if you live in a studio apartment or four-bedroom house, it’s possible to accumulate clutter. Before you even get out the cleaning spray and the broom, you should get rid of excess clutter. When you have too many miscellaneous junk items and you’re trying to clean and organize, you burn out and get exhausted. The clutter makes it more difficult to organize and to clean. It’s hard to get rid of things, but you’ll feel lighter and happier when you do. Clearing out a space to make room for the necessary things will make spring cleaning a breeze. 

Clean Room By Room

The house is an intimidating beast to tackle when it comes to cleaning. It can be overwhelming and cause a person, who may not be inclined to clean, to give up altogether. The best way to clean a house is to clean room by room. You don’t have to clean all the rooms in one day; rather, focus on a room and complete it before you move to any other part of the home. Cleaning a house takes time, and there’s no reason that you have to rush through it in one go. Take your time and do it steadily. 

Get Everything Off The Floor

A common theme between messy people is that the floor serves as the ultimate miscellaneous drawer. Dirty clothes, wrappers, dust, hats, books, headphones, pens, and all sorts of things find their way to the ground. When you see all of that on the floor, it’s easy to feel intimidated. Before you attempt to clean, get everything off the floor and place the items where they should go. Once everything is in its right place, cleaning will feel more approachable and you’ll have to exert a lot less effort. The important thing is to not put everything on the bed and then put it back on the floor once you’re done cleaning.

Entertain Yourself While You Clean

A lot of people advise putting your favorite show on while cleaning. You’ve watched, rewatched, and then rewatched all the seasons again. More often than not, you end up doing more watching than cleaning. That said, it can be beneficial to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music while you clean. They don’t involve visual cues, so your attention can remain on the cleaning tasks at hand. 

Top To Bottom And Left To Right

This tip can be used in conjunction with the room by room tip. Once you select your room and enter it, turn to your left, look up, and start cleaning. Work your way around the room, scanning from top to bottom as you move left to right. Once you finish the perimeter of the room, direct your attention to the floors and the center of the room. The most messy areas tend to be on the perimeter, so this is where you’ll most likely direct the majority of your time and energy. 

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