An All-Natural, All-Purpose Cleaner

If you've ever done a little cleaning around the house you may not have thought about all the artificial chemicals you were inhaling in the process. They may smell good due to the artificial scents they add (including herbal imitations like the lavender scent that's become so popular with the rise of interest in herbs) but the are they good FOR you? Some of these cleaners, dangerous as they are, may be a necessary evil, however for some there are natural alternative. Take for example this all natural cleaner I like to make for myself at home.

What You'll Need: 

• Lavender and Tea Tree Oils
• Spray Bottle (usually can be found at your local dollar store)
• Water

That's right these simple ingredients and you'll be good to go. Once you have your ingredients you're ready to complete a few simple steps. First add approximately a tea spoon of each of your essential oils to 8-16 ounces of water. Shake up your mixture and spray to clean.

Lavender and Tea Tree oil both make excellent cleaner, boasting of antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. They're also not bad for dust, dirt, and minor stains. I've used them to clean wooden surfaces like tables, counters and desks and even to mop hardwood floors (though make sure to dry afterwards as water can seep into the crack and rot the wood). Tea tree oil also possess anti fungal qualities and helps to rid your home of various allergens.

Tea tree oil does carry a bit of a strong, pungent odor, it's not one I've found unpleasant to too much of an extreme, however it can be bothersome to some. This is partly where the lavender comes in, it gives it a soft sweet scent.

Also in addition to the pleasant aroma and addition antibacterial qualities the scent of lavender has also been said to have a calming effect. It's used in aroma therapy in the treatment of anxiety and other nervous disorders. A study was once even conducted and found that college students over all expressed less test anxiety when releasing its scent into the classroom. So not only can you have a room that's clean and free of filth, but with one with a soothing atmosphere. In no time you'll be spreading positive vibes all over your home.

Don't forget to shake before each use. Oil is lighter than water and is not water soluble, that means the two will separate and the oil typically floats to the top, but nothing a good shake doesn't help with.

And now you have an all natural, all purpose cleaner free of toxic and synthetic chemicals.