Natural cleaning

Ever since Kaylee's been sick, and especially since she's been on Imuran (which surpresses the immune system), I've been trying to do better about keeping the house clean. With three dogs and a very messy husband, it's hard, considering I hate cleaning, but I'm trying my best.

In addition, Kaylee's allergic to some chemicals (she gets hives from window cleaners - so we tend to have very dirty windows :), so I've been looking for more natural cleaners. I've tried several brands, but just haven't found anything I've liked.

So I decided to make my own.

Not as easy as it sounds. But after some trial and error, I think I've found a few recipes that work for me. To spare others the trouble of trial and error, here's what I've come up with:

All-Purpose Cleaner

1/8 cup undiluted castile soap
20 drops tea tree oil
10 drops of your favorite essential oil
water

Combine first three ingredients in a 12-16 oz. spray bottle and fill with water. Shake well. To use, spray on surface and wipe clean. For stubborn spots, allow to sit for five minutes, then wipe clean.

Dusting/Wood Cleaner

1/4 cup vegetable-based oil soap (like Murphy's)
20 drops of your favorite essential oil
1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. To use for dusting, lightly spray on cloth and dust. To use for cleaning wood, spray directly on wood and wipe clean.

I find that these work wonderfully on pretty much all the surfaces in my house. It's almost - but not quite! - fun to clean using these. And my hands and house don't smell like chemicals, and I'm not hurting the environment. And hopefully, this will help keep Kaylee from getting any sicker.

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