Removing Chemicals From Our Home Saved Our Health

This was a sign I needed on my front door before I started this journey to wellness back in late 2012. It never even crossed my mind that not only what I was feeding my family was destroying their health so was my choice of cleaning products and personal hygiene products.

I was only doing what we were shown on all the adverts on the TV and in the Supermarket. I was naive to think that companies could not possibly produce and be allowed to sell anything that would cause harm to our health and wellbeing.

I am a bit of cleaning freak if truth be told. Some would say OCD as I am only in a happy calm place when the house is clean and tidy. So how was I going to clean my home when everything I was using was no good and certainly impacting on our health?

So how do chemicals affect us? Here is a document which gives you an insight into what harm chemicals in cleaning products can do to you and you may want to watch this clip.

Interestingly after we had removed toxins in our home for 18 months my husband decided to buy a toilet duck that sat under the rim. As soon as he installed it my asthma returned. It did not last long in the house I soon had it put into the outside bin.

Ever wondered how the toilet cleaner has the pine forest scent?

Stopping Chemicals Cold Turkey

So first things first I bit the bullet and threw all my cleaning products away. That meant no more washing up liquid, dishwasher powder, rinse aid, washing powder, fabric softener, bleach, antibacterial spray, Fly and Ant Killer, Mosquito repellent, air freshener and a whole heap more and while we are listing the cleaning stuff what about the personal hygiene products. They also had to go.

So no more shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, hair styling products, hair dye, face wash, toner, moisturiser, face scrub, perfume, make up and suncream to name but a few.

So the decision was made and the items were all thrown out and replaced with more natural products. I obviously had to research where to find toxin free alternatives and then also find some that actually worked. There was a bit of trial and error as we found what worked well for our family and produced the cleaning results that we required. Or stopped
us from being smelly especially in the hot summer months in QLD.

Easily Replace Household Products

Here are some of the products we now use and have found to be great for our family and a word of caution even though a product says it is Organic don’t be fooled as it can still contain some nasties.

The best deodorant we initially found on the market that does not leave oil stains on cloths and keeps you smell free even on the hottest most humid days of summer here in QLD was Black Chicken but as soon as doTERRA brought out the Balance Deodorant and the Bicarb free Douglas Fir and Greek Orange Deodorant we have not looked back they work so well even in the QLD heat.

We have found the best shampoo and conditioner and face products to be made by The Purist Company and is the range Alchemy and Akin. These come recommended from our Holistic GP and I trust him with our health and wellbeing.

We have found Melrose Castille Soap to be the best for shower gel and hand soap. They do a large 9 litre refills which are extremely economical and last my family a year. We also use the doTERRA On Guard Toothpaste.

The best dishwasher powder in our opinion (and we have tried a fair few) is Kin Kin, we also use their dishwashing liquid, toilet cleaner and stain remover/in wash boost. In the washing machine I use the doTERRA On Guard Laundry Liquid which is amazing as getting the washing clean even cricket whites have no grass stains in the knees when using this
powerhouse.

If you want to help soften your towels I recommend adding a few drops of the doTERRA cleansing essential oil blend the reason I use this is it is an essential oil blend containing Lemon Peel, Lime Peel, Siberian Fir Needle, Austrian Fir Needle, Pine Needle, CitronellaGrass, Melaleuca Leaf and Cilantro Herb. It is beneficial for the following;

● Refreshing aroma
● Eradicates unpleasant odours and clears the air
● Protects against environmental threats

Here is the product description

The cleansing blend is an exclusive combination of essential oils that purify and eradicate odours in a natural, safe way. This uplifting blend combines citrus and pine essential oils that leave an airy, fresh scent on surfaces and in the air. A favourite among essential oil users, it can eliminate foul odours quickly and be an effective cleaner throughout the home. It contains Lemon, Lime, and Pine essential oils, known for their powerful cleaning properties, along with Siberian and Austrian Firs to purify the air and protect against environmental

threats. The addition of Citronella, Melaleuca, and Cilantro give this blend an enticing aroma that’s unique and unmatched in purification properties.

Use My Favorite Green Products

If you would like to purchase the cleansing blend please contact me at jo@agutinstinct.com to find out how. The cleaning products I use are a bicarb paste, multipurpose cleaning spray, disinfectant spray, cleaning gel, floor cleaner, toilet cleaner, furniture oil, air freshener and mould spray from Our Eco Home. I discovered these wonderful chemical free, organic cleaning products through my daughters school as the lady who owns and makes Our Eco Home had a
daughter in my daughter’s class.

I can not praise these products highly enough. The bicarb paste has stainless steel sparkling, removes soap scum from showers, grease from the oven, the multipurpose cleaning spray polishes mirrors, glass, tiles and worktops with ease. I would highly recommend you try these products as I have not found anything as good on the market so far.
I am also starting to make my own cleaning products using essential oils. The oils that are used the most in the DIY cleaning products are Wild Orange – renowned for its ability to cut through grease and its primary benefits are the
following:

• Powerful cleanser and purifying agent
• Protects against seasonal and environmental
threats
• High in antioxidants, which are essential to
overall health
• Uplifting to the mind and body

Protective Blend – Renowned for its ability to disinfect and its primary benefits are the
following:
• Supports healthy immune function
• Protects against environmental threats
• Cleanses surfaces
• Purifies the skin while promoting healthy
circulation
• Energising and uplifting aroma
Lemon – Renowned for its cleansing properties and its primary benefits are the following
• Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces
• Naturally cleanses the body and aids in
digestion
• Supports healthy respiratory function
• Promotes a positive mood and cognitive
ability

As you can see the essential oils are multiple purposes and with 250 drops in a bottle they go a long long way. I will be writing another post on other uses for these amazing essential oils but they most certainly are great in DIY cleaning products but have a whole host of other uses too.

● DIY Window Cleaning Recipe
● DIY All Purpose Spray
● DIY Wood Furniture and Floor Polish
● DIY Homemade Cleaning Wipes
● DIY Garbage Disposal Refreshers
● DIY Toilet Pods
● DIY Laundry Cleaner
● DIY Dishwasher Detergent
● DIY Bathroom Soft Scrub

If you are interested in getting the essential oils used in these cleaning products reach out to me so I can help you save at least 25% off these amazing oils.

Would you like a copy of my ebook Detoxing your Home? Full of DIY cleaning recipes.

Please complete the form below and an email will be winging its way to you with your copy of the ebook!