Mama Z’s Natural Cleaners &

DIY Recipe Guide

by Sabrina Ann Zielinski

Copyright © 2020 by NaturalLivingFamily.com, LLC.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
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 Table of Contents
Click on Title to go to Chapter

Part One Importance of Doing It Yourself

Chapter 1 Avoiding Chemicals in Body Care & Cleaners 5
Chapter 2 Avoiding Chemicals in Laundry Products 18
Chapter 3 Avoiding Artificial Fragrances 26
Chapter 4 101 Essential Oil Uses 37
Part Two Easy Quick-Start Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner 44
Bathroom Spray 45
Carpet Spot Cleaner 46
Diffuser Recipes 47
Dish Soap 68
Dusting Spray 69
Floor Cleaner 70
Glass Cleaner 71
Heavenly Scent Room Spray 72
Heavy Duty Cleaner w/Reusable Wipes 73
Kitchen Cleaner Spray 74
Laundry Detergent 75
Lemon Odor-Eating Powder 76
Oven Cleaner 77
Shower Cleaner 78
Stain Remover 79
Tile Cleaner 80
Wool Dryer Balls 81
References 82
About the Author 86

3
 PART ONE
Importance of Doing It Yourself

4
 CHAPTER 1
Avoiding Chemicals in Body Care
& Cleaners
When we lather up in the shower or apply skin cream to our face, we think we
are using something that is healthy for us. Or at least safe. So for many of us, it
would come as a shock to realize some of the most toxic chemicals in our homes,
just dripping with known carcinogens, are hidden in our bathroom cupboards.

What is a Carcinogen?
Anything that leads to cancer is a known carcinogen. This could be drugs, energy,
or pollutants in the environment, additives in food or cosmetics, lifestyle factors
such as nutrition and physical activity, and even some medical treatments such
as radiation therapy. This may seem simple enough; however, it is not so cut and
dried.

Several authorities on the topic such as the World Health Organization’s (WHO),
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System
(IRIS) have delineated numerous carcinogen categories to assist consumers in
deciding exactly how potentially cancer-causing the substances in their food,
drugs, and cosmetics may be. (Scared yet? Not to worry—tips on easily avoiding
these known carcinogens will follow!)

THE IARC CHEMICAL CATEGORIES ARE:

⚫ Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans

⚫ Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
⚫ Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
⚫ Group 3: Unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans
⚫ Group 4: Probably not carcinogenic to humans

5
THE IRIS CHEMICAL CATEGORIES ARE:

⚫ Group A: Carcinogenic to humans

⚫ Group B: Likely to be carcinogenic to humans
⚫ Group C: Suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential
⚫ Group D: Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential
⚫ Group E: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans

As you may have already deduced, almost every substance tested falls in the
middle categories, Groups 2A, 2B, and 3, or Groups B, C, and D. Just over 100
substances ever tested have been listed as known carcinogens.

Other groups such as the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)

and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) list only known or suspected
carcinogens and seem to be somewhat more rigorous—they have listed
significantly more carcinogens to the benefit of consumers everywhere, at least
250 substances.

Clearly the tests used to fit into these categories varies widely. The international
community has higher standards yet—many ingredients considered safe for
use in US cosmetics are banned in Canada, the European Union, and Japan. This
suggests the need for a closer look at the potential harm, the tests that support
safety, and the reasons other governments are protecting their citizens from
products we glibly apply to our bodies and our children’s bodies daily.

Until the standards in the US change, it is wise to do some research ourselves.

Any of the above ratings at minimum indicates the substance has been
suspected of causing cancer, and any rating that does not completely clear away
the doubt means it is too risky to continue exposing your body to potential harm
in exchange for the dubious benefit of smoother, more beautiful skin; shiny,
manageable hair; or really great-looking nails.

6
Why Are Known Carcinogens in Bathroom Products?
Does skin absorb enough known carcinogens to really matter? Actually, skin
is your largest organ, and it does absorb a lot. Absorbency is not really the
problem. Permeability is. Your skin is permeable, meaning it not only absorbs
substances it contacts, it also allows them through the skin and into other
tissues, such as the subcutaneous fatty layer. Because many known carcinogens
are fat-soluble, this presents a huge problem.

TRANSDERMAL DRUGS SHOW THE POWER OF DIRECT CONTACT

People are increasingly aware that skin is more like living fabric than living plastic
wrap. Doctors prescribe transdermal patches to distribute some medications
without stomach upset or to ensure a continuous dose over time, as the patient’s
skin will slowly absorb the medicine through all its layers and into the tissue
beneath. Unfortunately, beneficial medications are not the only substances that
can travel through the skin into the body. Harmful ingredients in anything we
touch may travel in just as readily.

FUMES & INHALATION

Skin is VERY absorbent and permeable, but it is not the only inroad for known
carcinogens in your body care products. Many contain fragrances and solvents
to help the fragrances become airborne, so you inhale them more readily. Lung
irritation is a real risk when considering body care ingredients. The lovely scent
you inhale may enter through your lungs, but cause inflammation throughout
your body.

YOUR CONTACT PASSED TO CHILDREN

If you are a mother, remember, what touches you touches your baby. Pesticides,
phthalates, and UV filters or other known carcinogens from sunscreens were
found in high concentrations in human breast milk from the mothers’ use of
cosmetics—many in concentrations above the “safe” limit for adults! This is just
what was found in the mothers’ milk, without the more direct connection the
umbilical cord would provide during pregnancy.

7
TRY THE GARLIC TEST. DON’T JUST READ ABOUT IT AND TAKE MY
WORD FOR IT.

For a very quick, simple object lesson on the ability of the skin to open the
doorway into your entire body, take off your shoes and socks, and rub the sole of
your foot with a piece of garlic for a few minutes. Set a timer if you are curious.
How long does it take you to taste garlic in your mouth? The average time for this
test is 3 – 5 minutes. Garlic doesn’t have any penetration-enhancing ingredients
to force it deeper into tissue like many cosmetics, so most of them enter your
tissue even faster.

How Much is Too Much in the Human Body?

These ingredients are not in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) like
pollutants in drinking water (See our favorite water filter for solving THAT problem!)
or preservatives in food—they are often the main ingredients. Even in products
that only use known carcinogens as a preservative or emulsifying agent, the
ingredients are present in much higher concentrations than we usually think. For
example, the lead in drinking water or the tocopherols in cracker packages are
in extremely minute quantities compared to the sodium lauryl sulfate in body
wash.

They are applied to our largest organ and one of our most porous organs—
our skin, and many are applied directly to our hands, face, and lips—ingestion
and absorption of cosmetics is a fact. (Hint – this is why topical application of
essential oils is so beneficial!)

Is it ever safe to apply a chemical believed to be capable of causing cancer to

your skin, and hope it does not penetrate in sufficient quantities to harm you?
When dealing with known carcinogens it seems common sense to err on the
side of caution but that’s not how large corporations think. Most substances are
cumulative if they have been adulterated.

Our bodies are designed to ingest, absorb, utilize, and excrete many beneficial
foods, drinks, and even body care aids without any detrimental effects. The
trouble comes when we alter natural substances too much—we want to preserve
ingredients beyond their pre-programmed time for decay, we want to make
colors brighter and scents more powerful, we want soaps to foam like a science
experiment, we want anti-aging creams to penetrate through our skin and work
miracles, we want shampoos to strip every trace of natural moisture from our
hair, and we want conditioners to replace the stripped oils with synthetic ones.

8
All of these unnatural wishes yield unnatural consequences, and unnatural
consequences tend to be cumulative—that is, they add up in our systems over
time. It is difficult for our bodies to excrete the carcinogenic ingredients, and it
is difficult to heal the damage they cause—it all keeps adding up. Allowing your
body time to detoxify itself, or using essential oils to boost the detox process, can
be helpful. But minimizing your exposure and choosing healthier options is vital.

Many known carcinogens are fat soluble, so the protective hypodermis—the

subcutaneous fat layer—fails to protect us. Our skin’s innermost layer is a layer
of fat that protects us from thermal shock and other harm. Unfortunately, in
the case of fat-soluble carcinogens this protection backfires. If the ingredients
penetrate through the upper skin layers—usually with the addition of
penetration enhancers which are frequently fat-soluble—it is readily absorbed
into our own tissue where it does much unintended harm.

How much cancer do you want? How will you decide how much is too much
when considering exposure to known carcinogens? Is even a very small amount
of mercury acceptable in your child’s dental filling? How much formaldehyde do
you want to absorb? What is a tolerable amount of coal tar in your daughter’s lip
balm? Or how much cancer risk would you like to invite into your life?

Is the US the least-protected first world nation? The European Union (with Japan
and Canada not far behind) has banned over 1,300 cosmetic ingredients due to
safety concerns while the US has banned 11, not a typo; eleven ingredients are
banned for use in cosmetics in the US.

12 Known Carcinogens in Your Bathroom

1. FORMALDEHYDE – A WELL-KNOWN CARCINOGEN

Formaldehyde (and formaldehyde releasers such as: bronopol, DMDM

hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15) is classified
as a known human carcinogen by both the IARC and the NTP. This is the product
used to preserve bodies for scientific research—how can it possibly belong
in your cosmetics? It is frequently included as a preservative in nail polish,
shampoo, hair conditioner, baby wash, body wash, facial cleansers, and eye
shadow.

2. PHTHALATES – DANGER IN NEARLY EVERYTHING

Phthalates especially diethyl phthalate—feminizes American male newborns.

The emasculating effects of phthalates in otherwise healthy male infants,

9
including an irreversible decrease in genital growth and development, reduced
male hormone levels, and impaired adult sexual function, directly correlates to
the mother’s level of phthalates during pregnancy—a more severe effect than
exposure during adulthood. To make matters worse, maternal phthalate levels
during pregnancy also correlate with reduced IQ in children at 7 years of age,
even when levels are within safe limits.

Sources of phthalates include anything packaged in flexible plastic containers,

perfume, deodorant, hair spray, shampoo, soap, and lotion, as well as nail
polish and nail care products. Phthalates are also included in most fragrance
blends since the public is increasingly aware of the harm they cause, and since
cosmetic manufacturers are not required to list the individual ingredients in their
fragrance blends.

In addition, many infant care products, such as baby wash, baby shampoo, baby
lotion, diaper cream, and scented baby powder (with or without talc) increase the
urinary level of phthalates in infants. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that
raise the risk of breast cancer in women, induce early puberty in girls, and cause
reproductive birth defects in newborn boys and girls.

3. PARABENS – KNOWN CARCINOGEN FOR BREAST CANCER

Parabens are a known carcinogen that have been found intact in human breast
cancer tumors. Even prior to the discovery of parabens’ link to breast cancer, it
was widely known that parabens in cosmetics readily penetrate skin. Parabens
used in cosmetics have been shown to exhibit estrogenic effects (i.e. feeding
estrogen-dependent tumors and binding to estrogen receptor sites, thus
increasing circulating estrogen levels) in breast cancer cultures.

Parabens are alleged to increase the incidence of female breast cancer, to

interfere with male reproductive function, and to stimulate development of
malignant melanoma. Estrogenic stimulation itself has also recently been shown
to encourage the growth of malignant melanoma, so parabens may feed this
cancer in multiple ways, as they demonstrate both estrogenic and androgenic
disruption, and are genotoxic, meaning they damage genes in such a way that
cancer-causing mutations form.

Parabens lower sperm count and are associated with male infertility. Parabens
demonstrate similar hormone disrupting and carcinogenic activity in the
environment as they do in human health. Parabens alter maternal (and thus
infant) hormone levels during pregnancy. Parabens are used as synthetic
preservatives in cosmetics such as makeup, facial cleanser, body wash,
deodorant, and shampoo.

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4. SYNTHETIC COLOR (FD&C OR D&C COLORING AGENTS)

Even the earliest versions of these artificial colors were based on coal tar, and
some more recent ones are petroleum derivatives. All lakes (FD&C Blue Lake 1,
for example) are processed with 2 forms of aluminum. By law, any coloring agent
of any nature with any ingredients (except the 11 cosmetic ingredients already
banned in the US) may bypass the regulatory process if the manufacturer claims
it is added for a purpose other than coloring.

Toxic dyes that are banned for food use are exempt from regulation if used as
hair dye despite the fact that the scalp is both more sensitive and more porous
than skin in general. FDA approved dyes have been proven to cause acute
illness in children since 1950. Due to the adverse effects of coloring agents listed
as safe, a law prohibited permanently listing any color as safe; however, that
practice has been gradually phased out, and now almost all colors including lakes
are permanently listed as safe meaning a huge legal uproar would be needed to
remove a listed coloring.

Each batch of approved color is tested for properties such as moisture content
and color density, but not for safety, except for approving some level of lead,
arsenic, and mercury—which along with other carcinogenic coloring agents
are allowed. Finally, the IARC lists several colors as suspected or probable
carcinogens, and ALL dyes metabolized to benzidine are listed as Class 1
carcinogens—substances proven to cause cancer in humans.

5. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE – KNOWN CARCINOGENS THAT TICKLE

YOUR NOSE

Synthetic fragrances are among the trickiest labeling problems to address. Due
to a legal loophole intended to allow manufacturers to protect their proprietary
blends, secret formulas, or trade secrets, the ingredients in a fragrance blend are
protected from the normal ingredient declaration requirement under the Fair
Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). Fragrance blends and their secret ingredients
are strongly associated with allergic reactions and skin disorders.

Some are listed as likely carcinogens. Fragrance blends can be found in every
type of cosmetic and body care product imaginable, and although fragrance-free
options are increasingly available, almost all body care products contain artificial
fragrance. The phrase “fragrance” on the label could be any one of over 2,000
chemicals and you’d never know it!

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6. PESTICIDES – KNOWN CARCINOGENS FOR KILLING

Pesticides are commonly used in grass and weed killers. But did you know they
may be lurking in your favorite cosmetic and body care products?

Due to gross misuse of a conditional registration provision, many pesticides are

included in household products without completing the EPA’s required testing
process. In 2008, a watchdog group (the Natural Resources Defense Council)
called conditional registration into question. Here are some sobering facts: since
1972, approximately 90,000 pesticides have been registered, and over 25,000 of
them were granted conditional registration—more than 1 in 4 pesticides reached
market in nearly innumerable products without oversight of their safety testing,
if in fact, any testing was conducted at all!

In 2010, of the 16,000 pesticides currently registered and in use, 11,000

were registered conditionally. That is over 2/3 of the pesticides in use with
no accountability at all. Studies confirm the endocrine damage of pesticide
exposure, even at doses too low to produce acute symptoms. California EPA’s
Proposition 65 lists several pesticides as known carcinogens.

Pesticides are often present as contaminants in any product containing rice

(extracts, bran, starch, etc.), cottonseed oil or meal, corn and soy products of any
kind, and even oatmeal products. See toxic free alternatives for weed killers and
pest control that we use to avoid these chemicals.

7. TRICLOSAN (AND TRICLOCARBAN)

In addition to causing skin inflammation and contact dermatitis, triclosan also

a known endocrine disruptor, targeting thyroid hormone and reproductive
hormones. Studies suggest it can contribute to reproductive cancers, largely
through its estrogenic activity. Antibacterial agents, including triclosan, contribute
to resistance—that is, when we kill off 99.9% of the bad guys, the strongest, most
resistant 0.1% live on and reproduce, resulting in offspring with super-resistance
to our antibacterial chemicals. All this effort, it seems is for nothing, as no study
has demonstrated any benefit to using antibacterial washes, soaps, and hand
gels over ordinary soap and water.

In fact, the WHO recommends hand-washing with plain soap and water as the
best preventive measure against communicable diseases and pathogens. The
FDA has decided to ban triclosan in hand soap; however, some still contain
it, and many other products do as well, so be sure your toothpaste, soap,
deodorant, and even gym wear does not contain triclosan or its relatives.

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8. TOLUENE (TOLUOL, PHENYLMETHANE, METHYLBENZENE) –
SERIOUSLY POWERFUL TOXIN

Touene is one of the components in nail products that make your eyes burn, but
that minor irritation is the least of your worries. Toluene is a known carcinogen,
and a heightened risk of cancer is too high a price to pay for pretty nails. It also
targets the central nervous system (to the point of brain damage), can change
behavior and impair basic dexterity and memory, and cost you your ability to see
color even at “safe” doses!

A pregnant mother who simply breathes the fumes may cause reproductive
harm to her baby. Toluene is derived from petroleum and coal tar and is used
to manufacture benzene (another known carcinogen), and in nail polish, nail
treatments, hair coloring, and hair bleaching products.

9. PROPYLENE GLYCOL – HELPS TOXINS PENETRATE

Propylene glycol is a penetration enhancer, carrying other potentially harmful

ingredients deeper into skin and tissue layers than they would normally
penetrate. Propylene glycol has been shown to cause liver cancer, even if it
is only inhaled. It is associated with an increased risk of seizures in low birth
weight infants. It causes central nervous system depression and acute acidosis.
Propylene glycol has been shown to cause apoptosis, a cell-suicide mechanism,
in the central nervous system.

Propylene glycol toxicity is not uncommon in body care products and carries
a host of severe health consequences. In addition to direct risks of propylene
glycol, it is a sensitizer, meaning it makes the skin and surrounding tissue more
likely to react badly to other substances. Be sure to avoid propylene glycol in
sunscreen, moisturizers, lotions, makeup, and hair products.

10. ALKYLPHENOLS – KNOWN CARCINOGEN AND HORMONE

DISRUPTOR

These chemicals are often used in surfactants and in plastic manufacture are
xenoestrogens that contribute to greater risk of breast cancer. Other studies
focus on synthetic alkylphenols as endocrine disruptors due to their hyper-
estrogenic activity. Indeed, endocrine disruptors are shown to be carcinogenic
and are implicated in many types of cancer.

Remember the BPA scare that resulted in the mass replacement of all things
plastic due to its endocrine disrupting, estrogenic, cancer- feeding activity?

13
BPA is just one of the alkylphenols, namely bisphenol A (BPA) which has now
been replaced with bisphenol S (BPS) which is just as estrogenic as BPA. Don’t
settle for BPA-free plastics—read labels to ensure any plastic you buy is entirely
alkylphenol-free.

11. SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE (SLS) / SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

(SLES)

SLS and SLES chemicals comprise up to 50% of the volume of approximately 9

out of 10 cleaning and personal care products, so its effects are widespread. It
is added as a surfactant that greatly multiplies the foaming action of cleansers,
body wash, shampoo, baby products, and hand washes. Sodium lauryl/ laureth
sulfate damages skin, eyes, and lungs, and other internal organs.

SLS / SLES is also an environmental toxin, and SLS so reliably causes

inflammation that researchers frequently use it to induce acute skin and eye
irritation, allowing them to then test the healing efficacy of other substances.
Although SLS and SLES have so far evaded a listing as a known carcinogen by
groups such as IARC and the NTP, it’s material safety data sheets openly admit
it is mutagenic, meaning it damages DNA such that it can lead to cancer—not
exactly the same as carcinogenic (which means it directly causes cancer, but
close in that it can indirectly lead to cancer because the cellular damage is so
severe.)

The same safety data sheet also indicates a respirator should be worn when
handling SLS, it is corrosive to skin, and skin contact should be avoided. There is
controversy over the possibility that SLS can form nitrosamines when combined
with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane to make SLES since nitrosamines are listed as
known carcinogens.

12. SUNSCREEN CHEMICALS – SOME OF THE WORST KNOWN

CARCINOGENS

Sunscreen chemicals have a variety of label names from similar chemical families
– you might see benzenes, benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate,
methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate.
What we are seeing is that despite nearly universal use of sunscreens and the
presence of sunscreen active ingredients everywhere (including in human urine)
malignant melanoma continues to increase. Since this is the very condition that
sunscreens are purported to prevent studies have now been done investigating
the role of sunscreen active ingredients in this apparent paradox.

14
Findings show now that these toxic ingredients do actually increase reproductive
and developmental toxicity and disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-
thyroid axis. Numerous researchers have investigated the use of sunscreen and
its correlation with incidence of skin cancer; their findings indicate that some
types of sunscreens can increase the risk of cancer. There’s a reason we make
our own sunscreen for our family!

The WORST Body Care Products in Your Bathroom

These products contain high levels of dangerous ingredients, contain some of
the most harmful carcinogens, or numerous known carcinogens, and offer little
benefit in return.

⚫ Nail polish and other nail products are far worse for your health—and
your daughter’s—than you may believe. They combine nearly every
known carcinogen listed above in one bottle—at minimum toluene,
formaldehyde, synthetic color, and many more. Even the 3-free brands (or
5-free, 7-free, etc.) contain numerous seriously harmful ingredients, many
of which have long been known to cause cancer. Now, more than ever, it
is important to send a message our young women that they do not need
to paint themselves to be beautiful, especially when so much permanent
endocrine damage is likely.
⚫ Sunscreen and sunblock—with estrogenic ingredients, preservatives
like formaldehyde, BPA or BPS in the bottle, and synthetic color and
fragrances, most of the available commercial, chemical sunscreens pose
significant risks. Add to that the fact that they may cause the very cancer
they are meant to prevent, and it only makes sense to seek non-toxic
alternatives.
⚫ Anti-bacterial hand washes, hand sanitizers, and cleansers are among
the worst, especially those marketed for use by children. They generally
contain Triclosan or a substitute, SLS/ SLES, phthalates, parabens, and
formaldehyde, and are packaged in bottles made of alkylphenols, BPA
or BPS. In addition, there is no evidence of benefit and are creating
dangerous strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria making them something
to avoid whenever possible.

15
15 Non-Toxic Ingredients to Try Instead
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of poison all around you,
rest assured that there are safe, effective alternatives. The best news is that
many natural cleansers are multi-purpose, meaning the castile baby soap you
just bought to replace your child’s baby wash and shampoo can also be the
main ingredient in your body wash recipe, your shampoo base, and even a main
ingredient in your laundry soap, dish soap, counter scrub, and surface cleaner!

1. Castile soap—bars or liquid: replace almost any soap or cleanser with

castile soap alone or in recipes—gentle, safe, and effective.
2. Apple cider vinegar: this naturally occurring mild acid is great at cleaning
many things and is often used as a clarifying rinse.
3. Baking soda: Safe enough to use as a soak or scrub if diluted.
4. Borax? Yes, borax! Prior to the advent of commercial shampoo, most
women washed their hair with eggs or borax solutions.
5. Aloe gel—fresh or bottled: very soothing to skin of all types and ages;
aloe gel can replace many lotions and creams, alone or in recipes.
6. Witch hazel: a natural astringent, witch hazel is not as harsh as
commercial products with rubbing alcohol, yet still as effective.
7. Avocado: used alone, avocado is a luxurious moisturizing mask.
8. Food grade oils: can be used alone as healing cleansing oils or as carrier
oils in recipes to very convincingly replace commercial lotions and
creams.
9. Diluted essential oils: essential oils such as lavender, frankincense,
chamomile, neroli, rosemary, and oregano can be used for cosmetic or
healing properties in conjunction with many natural healing recipes.
10. Flax: soaked in water overnight, flax makes a great hair gel, and ground
flax is used in scrub recipes.
11. Bentonite/ French clay: historically, clay masks are a top clarifying and
detox mask ingredient for glowing skin.
12. Honey: very healing for the skin and helps promote probiotic activity and
reduce acne.
13. Milk: has long been prized for its hydroxy acid; used in milk baths—at
least since Cleopatra made milk baths a famous beauty treatment.
14. Fruit acids: mashed, blended, or freshly juiced fruits are natural sources
of alpha and beta hydroxy acids; try lemon, apple, cream of tartar (from
grapes), or strawberries.

16
 15. Cleaner, safer prepared products: Check with the Environmental
Working Group or other watchdog group for scorecards on better options
when buying body care items from the store to ensure you don’t become
the victim of greenwashing (false or misleading claims about natural or
green ingredients)! One of the companies we trust is Annemarie Skin Care
which uses only the best, non-toxic ingredients in their products. Try some
awesome sample kits by Annemarie Skin Care today!

If this seems like too much information, try to improve just one product each
shopping trip. You may feel compelled to get rid of all known carcinogens in
your products at once and replace them all today! If you’re convinced, go for it,
but don’t become overwhelmed. Every small change helps improve your family’s
health.

Collection of Favorite Body Care DIYs

Visit the index of body care recipes in Part Two of this book! These recipes will
help you avoid toxic body care products and give you the confidence of knowing
exactly what’s in the products you’re using.

Many of my recipes include variations for simple options made from an all-
natural pre-made product that you can add essential oils to. She calls these her
“simple essential oil recipes” because there aren’t a lot of base ingredients to
purchase and mixing them up is a breeze. Because let’s face it, we don’t always
have time to make everything from scratch!

Now Enjoy!

17
 CHAPTER 2
Avoiding Chemicals in
Laundry Products
Commercial laundry products are a chemical cocktail of harm to people, pets,
and the environment, and avoiding dangerous chemicals in laundry detergent is
a must as you look for ways to improve the health of your family and home.

13 Dangerous Chemicals
Laundry waiting to be washed is as perpetual as doing dishes—the seemingly
endless chore! However, your loads of literal dirty laundry are nothing compared
to the dirty laundry of harmful chemicals in laundry detergent.

And the dangers to your health… Let’s help these companies air out THEIR dirty
laundry. Following is a list of the most common harmful chemicals in laundry
detergent products.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate/ Sodium Lauryl

Ether Sulfate (SLS/ SLES). A main ingredient in, and most common
chemical in laundry detergents as well as dish liquid, hand wash, and
shampoo, SLS and SLES are surfactants intended to remove soil and
as a foaming agent—they were originally developed as garage floor
degreaser. Unfortunately, they also inflame skin, eyes, and lungs, and
damage internal organs. SLS/ SLES is toxic in the environment as well.
SLS is so irritating, in fact, that researchers frequently use it to induce
acute skin and eye irritation, so they can measure other substances,
such as healing agents.
2. Phosphates. Phosphate exposure is linked to cardiovascular
disease, osteoporosis, and death from all causes in a general, healthy
population. Banning phosphates in detergents is a crucial step in saving
natural waterways from eutrophication—mineral poisoning that causes
high die-off of native marine animal species.
3. Formaldehyde. Yes, the toxic chemical used to preserve dead bodies
is in many laundry products and dish detergents. Exposure, even at low
levels, from breathing or smelling formaldehyde increases your risk of

18
 cancer according to the CDC. It has also caused spots of dying tissue
with regular exposure (necrosis), and an immune response consistent
with parasitic infection, an allergic reaction, or cancer. The EPA calls it
a class B1 probable carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and says it
causes acute toxicity when in contact with skin.
4. Chlorine Bleach. It’s not surprising that bleach is a skin and lung
irritant, but most people do not know either how common it is in
laundry products or exactly how harmful it can be, not to mention,
many people add at least an additional cup to every load of whites. The
material data safety sheet from a major bleach manufacturer tells us
exactly how dangerous this substance is.

CHLORINE BLEACH IS DANGEROUS?

Chlorine bleach causes: severe caustic burns to skin and eyes, blindness,
pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs that restricts breathing), respiratory
failure, and more; use of personal protection equipment is required when
using bleach, including a chemical resistant apron, chemical resistant
gloves, safety goggles to protect eyes from fumes, and even air respirators!

This belies their cheery ads depicting completely unprotected models

happily pouring bleach in the direct vicinity of their toddlers.

5. Ammonium Sulfate. This laundry additive is so toxic, it’s

manufacturers recommend not using it indoors! In addition to
impermeable gloves, and eye and lung protection, the requirements
for use of ammonium sulfate include never allowing the chemical or its
empty containers to reach drains or waterways, and it is a category 3
oral, skin, and respiratory toxin.
6. Dioxane (1,4 Dioxane/ Diethylene Dioxide/ Diethylene Ether/
Dioxan). This laundry additive belongs as far away from your home
and family as possible. Its liquid and fumes can spontaneously
combust; it’s a known carcinogen (known to cause cancer since 1988);
it causes skin, eye, and lung inflammation (some irreversible); it should
only be used with protective gear including respirators; and once you
are exposed (via inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact including
fumes in your eyes), it targets the following organs: kidneys, central
nervous system, liver, respiratory system, eyes, and skin.
7. Optical Brighteners/ UV Brighteners. Optical brighteners are
included in laundry detergents as stain treaters; however, they do
not remove stains at all. They coat clothing with a substance that

19
 reflects visible light, so you can’t see stains; they are stain-hiders. In
addition, it is an eye, skin, and lung irritant; extremely toxic to aquatic
life; may spontaneously combust and cannot be in the presence of
static electricity—such as that from your clothes dryer; and correct use
includes safely discarding any clothing that comes in contact with it!
8. Ammonium Quaternary Sanitizers (Quats/ Synthesized Cationic
Surfactants). This cleaning additive, commonly known by teenage
food-service workers as “quat”, is known to be corrosive, and it should
not be in household cleaning products, as it causes eye, skin, and
lung damage. There’s no reason to include these chemicals in laundry
detergent.
9. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (Nonoxynol, NPEs). In addition to many
warnings of harm to eyes, skin, and lungs, this laundry detergent
ingredient states that prolonged exposure to inhaled fumes or mist
may be fatal!
10. Fragrance (Unspecified/ Parfum). Manufacturers are not required
to list the ingredients of their fragrances because of a legal loophole.
Adding fragrance to detergent gives a false impression of cleanliness
without improving the action of the product in any way. The deception
goes much further than most people think—due to generations of
indoctrination by unethical marketing schemes, studies show that
women in particular choose products based almost solely on fragrance
even when the product is clearly demonstrated to be ineffective
at cleaning. Artificial fragrances are usually to blame in cases of
chemical sensitivity, allergic reactions, and rashes. Pulmonologists
almost universally recommend removing the artificial fragrance from
commercial products unless specifically sold as perfuming agents, as
our lungs are constantly inundated with harmful, unnecessary fumes.
Many are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
11. Dyes. Not only do dyes add no cleaning power at all, they are another
frequent culprit when unexplained allergies or rashes appear. Many
are proven carcinogens and almost all are endocrine disruptors.
12. Benzyl Acetate. This additive is harmful if inhaled or spilled on skin
and targets the kidneys and nervous system.
13. Dichlorobenzene (P-Dichlorobenzene/ Benzene). Benzene has
an immediate, highly toxic effect on aquatic life that can continue
poisoning the watershed for years to come. The fumes cause optical
damage, and it is listed with a carcinogen warning for humans.

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Safer Alternatives
Your laundry chore is not going away, so one popular option is to look for better
modern detergents—detergents with safer and greener alternatives to the
dangerous toxins. Always choose a detergent with plant-based surfactants that is
free of phosphates.

Since detergent manufacturers are not required to list all their ingredients,
consult an organic watchdog group for a list of what is actually in there before
you buy. Some also publish a list of known-good brands you can safely use for
clean clothes and a clean conscience. We also make some recommendations of
healthy products our family trust and use here.

New and improved clean, green laundry detergent options:

⚫ Refills from a company dedicated to truly safe products (think of the

plastic you’re not wasting!). We love MyGreenFills for our laundry product
needs.
⚫ Homemade soap/ milled laundry soap (Mama Z has an essential oil based
laundry detergent recipe as well as a natural stain removing DIY)
⚫ The vinegar thing is REAL, but only if you wash daily and pre-treat stains
(just vinegar, no soap or detergent required)
⚫ Safer commercial detergents can be found if you carefully investigate
⚫ Free and clear commercial detergents are NOT green cleaners! They are
the same dye and fragrance laden product with added ingredients to HIDE
and MASK the fragrance and/ or dye!

Note: Some of these soap-based laundry detergents may leave a residue on

clothing if used incorrectly, but it is nothing like the residue from commercial
toxic detergents. Any of these methods in combination, or alone will prevent or
correct buildup: add washing soda, baking soda, or borax to the wash cycle and
add vinegar or citric acid to the rinse cycle.

NATURAL BLEACH ALTERNATIVES

⚫ Lemon juice + sun + time = natural bleach. I love adding lemon essential oil
to my natural laundry detergent recipe for essential oil cleaning power.
⚫ Diluted hydrogen peroxide works great, but unlike lemon, do not let it sit
in the sun, as it may damage fabric. Keep a squirt bottle handy to spot
treat before washing rather than treating an entire load.

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 ⚫ Pre-soak stains in an oxy-boost or enzyme stain remover from
MyGreenFills prior to washing.

SAFE FABRIC SOFTENERS WITHOUT HARMFUL CHEMICALS

⚫ Baking soda in the wash and vinegar in the rinse is perfect for many
clothes.
⚫ Line dry for a fresh scent when the weather permits.
⚫ If machine drying, try wool dryer balls or a couple balls of foil with or
without essential oils.
⚫ Essential oils for scent—add some to a spray bottle with water and mist
the inside of your dryer or mist the clothes on the line.
⚫ If your water is hard, you may find that washing with rain water or adding
a water softener eliminates the need for fabric softener.
⚫ Many people say that washing laundry with saponin plants requires no
fabric softener.

Other Non-Toxic Household Cleaners

Ever get a headache or sinus attack while walking down the cleaning aisle at the
store? Yeah, me too… Sadly, a vast majority of cleaning products are filled with
toxic chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution and have been linked to
allergies, headaches/migraines, cancer, autoimmunity and more.

Truth be told, the best way to protect you and your family is to DIY, but I
understand that you don’t always have the time to make your own. Neither do
we.

That’s why I am thrilled that MyGreenFills has released a whole new line of
cleaning products with the same commitment to safety and attention to earth-
friendliness that they put into their laundry care. Everything is truly clean – no
fragrances, dyes, fillers, formaldehyde, triclosan, ammonia, chlorine, or other
harmful chemicals.

We just tried them all and can proudly say that they are exactly what we were
hoping for (and more). Everything about MyGreenFills is #nextlevel and truly
clean. Best part, they put together a sweet deal for us to fit anyone’s budget with
the Natural Living Family. Try their new household cleaner line also:

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 1. Shop Stain & Odor Eliminator – By now you probably know how we feel
about synthetic air fresheners and deodorizers. They can house some of
the most toxic chemicals in your home cupboards with hidden VOCs and
phthalates. This new product is perfect for gym bags, kids’ rooms, musty
carpets and more.
2. Shop Heavy Duty Degreaser – Stoves and ovens can build up grime
and grease, but that doesn’t mean you have to turn to toxic cleaners
like standard oven cleaners. These often contain butane, sodium lauroyl
sarcosinate and DEA. Make the switch and you’ll have the best of both
worlds – highly effective and truly clean.
3. Shop Glass Cleaner – Most glass cleaners are highly toxic and have
chemicals like ammonia which can damage your respiratory system. The
new cleaner from MyGreenFills are the perfect alternative. You get a glass
bottle and small refill pouches so things ship as earth-friendly as possible.
4. Shop Everyday Cleaner – Countertops, wall smudges from kids playing,
and more it seems every surface of the home needs a touch up at some
point. This multi-purpose cleaner if so effective but has no solvents or
toxic chemicals. More than that it’s sent in concentrated, eco-friendly
packaging to save you money.

We have used MyGreenFills products for years and are so excited that they’ve
expanded into additional cleaning products. Make the switch now and make sure
2020 is the year you eliminate toxic chemicals from your home!

Note About Traditional Laundry Cleaners

Commercial detergent is a modern invention, ergo, there are very viable
alternatives from world history. Dangerous chemicals in laundry detergent aren’t
required to clean clothing.

As the millennial generation reaches adulthood and begins establishing families,

many more informed consumers are choosing to let history teach valuable
lessons about safer, more natural cleaning methods. Obviously, this is not
limited to millennials—previous generations have also gained life experience and
many people of all ages are no longer comfortable using harsh cleaners to clean
house.

Historical options vary by culture and time period, and many are useful and
viable today. So, if I don’t want to use dangerous chemicals in laundry detergent
at my house, what are my choices? (Also known as, “I just know there will be a
mutiny at my house if I stop buying Laundry Pods?)

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⚫ Homemade lye soap. Whose grandma didn’t wash with lye soap? Lye
soap boasts generations of effectiveness and safety, and it is an excellent
stain pretreat product for all other natural laundry methods.
⚫ Sal soap. This is a homemade or commercial lye soap with baking soda
or washing soda added during processing. It is a standby for effective
cleaning as the added soda softens hard water and magnifies the power of
the soap to equal or exceed the cleaning power of detergents.
⚫ Baking soda. Simple, safe, and natural—you can’t beat baking soda for
basic, gentle washing needs. It is perfect for baby clothes (but remember
to pretreat stains as needed).
⚫ Washing soda. This soda is more caustic and more powerful than baking
soda, making it a great product for anyone who wants a safe, simple wash
routine, but has doubts about baking soda’s effectiveness. It’s one of the
ingredients in my natural laundry detergent recipe and it works very well
against stains.
⚫ Borax. Another naturally occurring soda, borax has been used for
centuries alone or as a booster for other laundry products. It brings a lot
of non-bleach whitening power to your wash day without harming colors
or darks. Use borax to replace oxy-cleaners or on its own.
⚫ Saponin plants, such as soapnuts, horse chestnuts/ conkers, and
soapwort/ bouncing bet. Just soak fresh or dried raw material in water
overnight (then strain) for an excellent, effective laundry liquid that will
keep for up to a week. Many people gather their soap plants once a year
when they’re in season and dehydrate them for use throughout the year.
⚫ Vinegar / lemon water. Both will clean clothes effectively if used daily—
the clothes can’t sit more than 24 hours before being washed with this
method. However, it’s natural, so harmless that you can literally drink it,
and so abundant that you can make it in your own kitchen out of scraps.
Note: vinegar washing will not fade dark clothes, but lemon washing may.
⚫ Boiling water. Kills pathogens. Very important for cloth diapers or if
anyone in the house has been ill. Boiling also significantly softens clothes
by breaking up and washing away residues.
⚫ Fuller’s clay. Widely used to wash clothes and people in ancient Middle
Eastern regions. Your children will love the idea of washing with “clean
mud”. Great for hair, too. Rinse thoroughly.
⚫ Water. Yes, even plain water all by itself will clean almost anything.
Remember from science class that it is the universal solvent? Pretreat
stains, especially with this method.
⚫ Floral waters. Cleans as well as water, but with a lingering, light, natural
fragrance.

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 ⚫ Airing, sunning, and brushing. Almost every pre-1950s culture practiced
this method either between other washing methods or as the sole
method.

Note: Many people are returning to use of soapnuts, horse chestnuts, bouncing
bet / soapwort, and other saponin-producing plant methods out of concern
for the environment and their health to minimize harmful chemicals in laundry
detergent. However, please use a product that is relatively native to your area, as
the sudden popularity and mass export of soapnuts to the US and other Western
countries has made them prohibitively expensive in their native growing areas—
an unintended social injustice.

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 CHAPTER 3
Avoiding Artificial Fragrances
As science continues to scratch the surface of how artificial fragrances are
destroying our health and indoor air quality, a common question we get is, “How
are air fresheners bad for you?”

One of the first things you do when you step into your home after a busy day
running errands, is take a deep breath. Heave a big sigh of relief and relaxation.
But… what if that “ocean breeze” or “linen fresh” scent you are inhaling from your
fragrant home decor is actually hurting you?

Let’s see what the research says…

More and more unscented, fragrance-free, and free-and-clear products are

commercially available as the public becomes increasingly aware of skin
irritations and allergy symptoms associated with highly scented personal care
and cleaning products. However, the problem goes deeper than the minor
inconveniences on most consumers’ minds.

How Are Synthetic Fragrances Monitored?

The lack of oversight in the US fragrance industry leaves the public open
to massive exposures to a barrage of potentially deadly chemicals. We are
surrounded by household cleaners, laundry products, air fresheners, sunscreen,
shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, body lotion, makeup, facial cream, skin
toner, serums, exfoliating scrubs, and perfumes—all with unnamed artificial
fragrance blends.

Around 4,000 fragrance ingredients are disclosed on the International Fragrance

Association (IFRA) transparency list, and many of them are known to cause
serious health problems such as cancer, respiratory difficulty, and hormone
imbalances. This means that the word “fragrance” on a label can be any one of or
a combination of over 4,000 ingredients!

Something else that causes concern is the concentration of artificial fragrances in

enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation, including most vehicles and offices,
and many homes; modern homes are designed to be as airtight as possible. They

26
are designed for comfort, cost-effectiveness and convenience, not health and
wellness. This may save on our utility bills, but it exacerbates the issue of indoor
air pollution from artificial fragrances (as well as other sources).

No Labeling Required

Unfortunately, due to a legal escape clause, manufacturers are not required to

individually list the ingredients they include in their fragrance blends. Originally,
this law was meant to allow perfume manufacturers to protect their proprietary
blends as trade secrets.

Thus, the ingredients in a fragrance blend are protected from the normal
ingredient declaration requirement under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
(FPLA). In fact, the FDA is not charged with regulating labeling at all—only with
overseeing the chemicals that go into the products.

Fragrance free products cannot contain any artificial fragrances or fragrance

masking ingredients. However, they may contain ingredients that impart or
mask a fragrance, and they may contain ingredients listed by IFRA as fragrance
ingredients if the manufacturer claims they were included for a purpose other
than fragrance.

SNEAKY LABELING OF HARMFUL FRAGRANCE CHEMICALS

One example of this practice is including the very carcinogenic phthalates as a
fixative, thus bypassing the need to admit there are synthetic fragrances in the
product or to list phthalate as an ingredient.

Unscented products do not elicit any discernible scent; however, this in no

(technical) way means that it does not have synthetic fragrance ingredients. In
fact, a product labeled “unscented” usually has at least one synthetic fragrance
added to mask the unpleasant odors of the active ingredients, surfactants, or
cleansers.

Watch out for any product with the following words on the ingredient label:

⚫ fragrance
⚫ perfume
⚫ parfum
⚫ aroma

27
 ⚫ flavor
⚫ unscented (usually)

In fact, by using any of these words in the ingredient list, the manufacturer
is boldly proclaiming that they refuse to disclose the actual ingredients to
consumers whose health is at stake.

What Are They Made Of?

When asking are air fresheners bad for you, consider the toxic chemicals
involved! Fragrance blends may contain solvents, stabilizers, UV-absorbers,
preservatives, and dyes as well as any chemical that imparts or hides a scent,
including:

⚫ carcinogens
⚫ respiratory irritants
⚫ endocrine disruptors
⚫ neurotoxins
⚫ allergens
⚫ environmental toxins

How Fragrances Cause Harm

Synthetic chemicals on the fragrance list have been shown to wreak havoc on the
human body. Any of the following health problems may be a result of exposure
to artificial fragrances. Are air fresheners bad for you? See the symptoms that
can result from exposure.

ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA

Many people are allergic to specific fragrances, and a few people with multiple
chemical sensitivities (MCS) react very badly to nearly any synthetic fragrance.
This may be as minor as coughing, sneezing, and inflamed eyes or as severe as
anaphylactic shock. In any case, these allergy symptoms are meant to tell you
that your body is trying to expel and reject the substance, and bigger internal
damage is afoot.

28
Synthetic fragrance overload is also implicated in many if not most instances of
childhood asthma and in adult recurrence of childhood asthma.

CANCER

Many fragrance ingredients in popular use are listed by the World Health Organi-
zation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and other au-
thorities as known or probable human carcinogens. Our society must question
why we are willing to literally torture and kill ourselves for the sake of pleasantly-
scented body care and cleaning products. This is not a new question—some of
the ingredients such as formaldehyde have been known carcinogens for de-
cades.

CONTACT DERMATITIS

Possibly the most common complaint caused by artificial fragrances, acute or

chronic skin irritation is not as minor is it may seem. Inflamed skin becomes
more porous, and it allows product to penetrate in far greater quantities and
with far greater speed than healthy skin.

Human skin is not like living plastic wrap which nicely separates each ingredient;
it is more like living fabric, allowing fragrance ingredients to absorb into the skin
layers themselves and to penetrate through the skin into the subcutaneous fatty
layer and the blood stream, and thus to circulate throughout the body.

DEPRESSION

Especially in people who are highly sensitive to scents, these chemical blends can
alter brain chemistry, resulting in increased incidence of depression and/or panic
attacks.

MIGRAINES AND OTHER HEADACHES

A very frequent presenting symptom of neurology patients is persistent mi-

graines or cluster headaches with migraines or cluster headaches with no known
cause. Many doctors actually track the particular scents, and scented products
that are most likely to cause problems for their patients.

Plug-in style air fresheners often top the lists, with fabric softeners, laundry scent
crystals, and specific perfumes or colognes not far behind. If you find yourself
suffering from frequent headaches, eliminating artificial fragrances may help!

29
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS

Some fragrance-related illnesses are quite serious; in addition to cancer, some

fragrance ingredients are capable of causing neurological damage and harm to
the central nervous system. Examples of neurological disorders include brain
damage, some autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease,
and seizure disorders. Clearly for this type of damage to occur, the exposure
would have to be excessive, and/ or long-term.

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

Acute breathing difficulty is not uncommon upon exposure to synthetic fra-

grances even in minute quantities, and they can also cause long-term respiratory
harm. At high exposures, some can cause respiratory failure, that is death by
asphyxiation.

The material safety data sheets (MSDS) of many fragrance ingredients recom-
mend use of a respirator when handling the chemical because the manufactur-
ers are well aware of the pulmonary risks. Our pursuit of unnatural odors is
literally strangling us.

VERTIGO, DIZZINESS, AND NAUSEA

These symptoms are early warning signs of chemical overload that is harming
the nervous system. Don’t ignore what you body is telling you – learn how to see,
and avoid, these harmful chemicals in your home. When looking to relieve nau-
sea symptoms or treat dizziness naturally, look to eliminating unsafe fragrances
from your home as a first step!

Harmful Chemicals In Fragrances

These harmful chemicals are often used as synthetic fragrances. But look at the
known harmful effects of these dangerous scents. Then ask yourself how are air
fresheners bad for you? So many ways!

PHTHALATES – A COMMON SCENT INGREDIENT

Due to the ubiquitous presence of phthalates, including use in fragrances and

fragrance-free products everywhere, most people are far more exposed to
phthalates than they think, and children’s exposure may be 20 times the safe

30
limit. Phthalate overexposure in American children begins long before their first
use of scented baby soap.

Maternal phthalate levels late in pregnancy have emasculating effects on other-

wise healthy newborn boys including irreversible reduction of genital growth and
development, diminished levels of male hormones during adolescence, and im-
paired sexual function during adulthood, and all of these effects are more severe
for boys and men exposed to phthalates in the womb than those exposed during
childhood or adulthood.

There is evidence of reduced IQ among 7-year-old children whose mothers were

exposed to phthalates during pregnancy, even when the levels were within safe
limits. Most scented baby care products, including baby wash, shampoo, lotion,
diaper cream, and powder, raise the infant’s urinary level of phthalates.

They are linked to hormone imbalance, reduce sperm counts, reproductive

and genital malformation, breast cancer, liver cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism,
ADHD, and neurological disorders. Phthalates are found in almost all body care
products (around 75% that list “fragrance” as an ingredient), and many house-
hold cleaners, including some unscented and fragrance free products.

ACETALDEHYDE – A DANGEROUS PERFUME

Acetaldehyde is used so frequently in the fragrance industry that perfumers

describe its distinctive fragrance notes as “aldehydic” in their marketing copy.
Unfortunately, numerous agencies have listed it as carcinogenic, meaning there
is compelling evidence that it’s use may cause cancer. It is responsible for signifi-
cant damage to the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and reproductive system.

BENZENE GROUP OF CHEMICALS (ANNULENE; BENZOL; BENZOLE;

BENZOLENE; BICARBURET OF HYDROGEN)

Benzene and its many relatives have long been known to cause leukemia and
other cancers. It is derived from toluene, another known carcinogen. It is a re-
spiratory, developmental, reproductive, and environmental toxin, yet it is among
the most common fragrance ingredients used.

FORMALDEHYDE – A SERIOUS CARCINOGEN

Formaldehyde has long been recognized as a human carcinogen. This is the

same toxic chemical used to preserve frogs in biology class and to keep cadavers
from decaying for scientific experiments.

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SYNTHETIC MUSK (TONALIDE; GALAXOLIDE; MUSK KETONE;
MUSK XYLENE)

Synthetic musk causes cancer, is linked to increased rate of breast cancer, and
is a known endocrine disruptor. One form of synthetic musk is detected in the
blood of at least 95% of women who seek specialized care for endocrine dysfunc-
tion. Synthetic versions of musk accumulate in human tissues, and are found in
human breast milk, body fat, and umbilical cord blood.

DICHLOROMETHANE AND (METHYLENE CHLORIDE)

Dichloromethane is listed as potentially carcinogenic by the IARC and the NTP. It

is also implicated in breast cancer, and it is one of only 11 ingredients considered
so toxic that it is prohibited by the FDA. Almost unbelievably, it is still used in
fragrance blends.

STYRENE (ETHENYLBENZENE; VINYLBENZENE; VINYLBENZOL; STY-

ROLENE; STYROL; STYROLE; STYROPOL; STYROPOR; STYRON; CIN-
NAMENE; CINNAMOL; PHENETHYLENE; PHENYLETHYLENE; PHENYL-
ETHENE)

Styrene is shown to cause lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers. It damages

the central nervous system, red blood cells, and the liver.

1,4-DIOXANE IS A TOXIC BY-PRODUCT

1,4-Dioxane is usually present as a contaminant or byproduct of other compo-

nents, so it is rarely listed on ingredient labels. However, it is highly toxic, is asso-
ciated with birth defects, and is listed as a known or possible carcinogen by most
authorities.

MYRCENE (Β-MYRCENE; BETA-MYRCENE; 2-METHYL-6-METHY-

LENE-2,7-OCTADIENE; 7-METHYL-3-METHYLENE-1,6-OCTADIENE)

This fragrance ingredient is still widely used in fragrance blends despite a conclu-
sive 2-year study that demonstrates it causes liver and or kidney cancer in every
class tested. It was nominated for testing by the National Institute of Environ-
mental Health Sciences (NIEHS) because it is in high production, has a high level
of human exposure, is chemically similar to another known carcinogen, and is
used in food and drink as well as numerous body care products.

32
ETHANOLAMINES (MEA; DEA; TEA; ETC.)

Ethanolamines readily form nitrosamines when used in products with specific,

common preservatives. Nitrosamines are listed by both the IARC and the NTP as
potentially carcinogenic while the California EPA lists several ethanolamines as
known carcinogens.

Alternatives To Avoid Harmful Air Fresheners

By now, you may be concerned about ever again using anything that smells nice,
and rightfully so. But are air fresheners bad for you if they don’t include these
harmful chemicals? Good news! Here are some safe, effective alternatives to all
the toxins and carcinogens in synthetic fragrances.

Homemade Air Freshener – Use your favorite brands of essential oils to create a
heavenly room spray.

Add Scent and Healing – Use customized essential oil blends to add to home-
made, or carefully purchased natural lotions, soaps, and body care products.

Exchange Plugins for Diffusers – Create your favorite essential oil blends for
diffusers to create lovely scents for your family without the toxic chemicals. (use
caution with infants).

Homemade Potpourri—add your favorite dried flowers or herbs to a warming

pot or try sachets or decorative bowls around your home.

Plant Fragrant Herbs – Plant herbs such as mint, rosemary, and lemon balm in
kitchen window herb gardens to freshen the air and provide culinary herbs for
your meals. They also help keep stray insects out.

Air Purifier – Eliminate musty odors from mold and mildew with a professional
quality air freshener. Visit AIR Doctor with our referral link to get a great discount
+ Replacement filters just for Natural Living Family readers!

Buy Wisely – Consult a watchdog group like the Environmental Working Group
(EWG) for recommendations on safe, green versions of your usual products.
Don’t be a victim of greenwashing! See some of our favorite, trusted companies
and products.

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Synthetic chemical fragrances are frequently detected in products claiming to
use only natural fragrances, so read labels carefully and do your homework.

It’s so easy to get tricked by the pleasant scent we’ve been trained to look for in
our laundry, cleaners, body care products, and other household items. But more
often than not, these fragrances are harmful and aren’t what we need in our
homes for us or our family.

God says in Scriptures that He breathed into us the breath of life. The last thing
we want is to be breathing death into our homes with dangerous chemicals and
fragrances.

Living the abundant life can be as simple as making simple changes in your life’s
routine. Start with a switch to God-given fragrances from natural sources.

An Interview With The “Air Doctor”

In this Web Class, I present Healthy Home Expert and product inventor, Peter
Spiegel, who reveals the hidden dangers lurking within our indoor air and offers
simple solutions for breathing clean, pure air in your home.

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Importance Of Clean Air
Without doubt, pure air is the #1 determinant of health. Followed by water and
then food. Just think about it. You can live for several days without water, a cou-
ple weeks without food. But, without air, you’ll suffocate in just minutes.

Truth is, we consume a mass, ton of air (infinitely more than the water that we
drink and food that we eat), but a vast majority of people are more concerned
about their diet, supplement & exercise regimens and neglect the air that they
breathe… innocently allowing toxins into their body at an uncontrollable rate.

It wasn’t until we completely detoxed our house and cleaned up the air in our
home that we finally knew what health really was.

⚫ Seasonal allergies disappeared.

⚫ Inflammation, aches and pains vanished.
⚫ Brain fog cleared up.
⚫ Unexplained symptoms like itching, allergies to airborne particles and Can-
dida overgrowth resolved.
⚫ Literally, our health (and lives) transformed within weeks.

If it weren’t for Air Doctor, I don’t know what we would have done. We have two
units in our home and our air quality improved instantly. In just a few hours, we
couldn’t detect any mold or foul smell in the air and our health soon followed……
Because we fell in love with the product, we met with Air Doctor and discussed
how we can give YOU (our Natural Living Family) a “group buy.”

Indoor air pollution is caused by a combination of particles like pollen, dust, pet
dander, mold spores and smoke combined with ozone, invisible gases and vola-
tile organic compounds which are emitted by building materials, furniture, car-
peting, paint, cleaning and personal care products.

This is a recipe for a health disaster – and we can personally testify to how pol-
luted air almost devastated our health.

Polluted air has been linked to:

⚫ Birth defects & infertility

⚫ Autoimmunity
⚫ Cancer
⚫ Obesity

35
 ⚫ Allergies
⚫ Brain fog
⚫ Dementia & Alzheimer’s
⚫ And the list goes on and on

Take control of your air with Air Doctor.

36
 CHAPTER 4
101 Essential Oil Uses
Knowing the concepts of aromatherapy and enjoying the 101 essential oil uses
for your home is key to living a clean, healthy and abundant life! But don’t worry,
you don’t have to have a full cabinet of essential oils at home to get a wide –
extremely wide! – range of uses. Some of the most gentle and effective essential
oil uses are also the most versatile.

Lemon, lavender, and peppermint are three of the most commonly purchased
and used oils out there. Aside from some caution against using peppermint
directly on small children, all three of these oils are known as extremely safe and
effective for most of the population.

Essential Oil Uses for Freshening Up

1. Add lavender to an alcohol or vinegar spray for refreshing linens and
creating a bedtime ambiance.
2. Put a couple of drops of lavender essential oil or lemon on a cloth in the
closet to remove stale odors.
3. Make a lavender spritz to spray the “monsters” away at bedtime – they’ll
be relaxed and ready to snooze!
4. Freshen up an old mattress with a lavender-peppermint or lemon spray,
or add the oils to baby powder or baking soda and sprinkle it on before
adding sheets.
5. Wash towels with some lemon to freshen up that stale towel smell.
6. Add lemon or peppermint to baking soda and sprinkle in stinky shoes.
7. Wash sporting gear or sprinkle it with baking soda and a lemon
peppermint mix to kick that sweaty athlete smell to the curb.
8. Remove cigarette smoke odors with a diluted alcohol or vinegar based
spray with lemon and peppermint.
9. Clean pet stains with a castile soap and lemon essential oil, or spray pet
beds and pet potty areas.
10. Put a couple drops each of lavender and lemon in a simmering pot on the
stove after dinner to cut the heavy cooking smell.

37
11. Pour a few drops in the bag of your vacuum cleaner for a fresh scent
throughout the house.
12. Add essential oils to baking soda and sprinkle on the carpet before
vacuuming.
13. Add a few drops to the wash (not the dryer), especially with no-additive
unscented laundry soap.
14. Use a drop of lemon as a spot treatment to cut grease and lift stains –
especially effective with peroxide!
15. Run another quick rinse with a few drops of lemon in some vinegar to cut
the “I forgot to switch the laundry”
16. Add a couple of drops of peppermint or lemon to a gallon of paint to help
disperse the chemical fumes.
17. Drop some lemon or peppermint onto sponges or washcloths and run
them through the dishwasher for heavy sanitization and refreshment.
18. Put a drop in the inside of the toilet paper roll for a boost of scent every
time the roll turns!
19. Brighten potpourri by sprinkling a few drops of your favorite oils onto it
to avoid artificial air fresheners.
20. Coat unscented incense sticks in several drops of essential oils and allow
to dry for a full day before using.
21. Create a diluted vinegar, witch hazel, or alcohol based spray with your
favorite scented essential oils, then spritz into the potty before use for
direct odor control!
22. Combine 10-15 drops of lavender and lemon essential oil with baking
soda and sprinkle into the bottom of the diaper pail.
23. Lemon and peppermint combined with baking soda sprinkled into the
trash can before the bag goes in will keep trash odors at bay.
24. Freshen the car even if you don’t have a car diffuser – just add a drop or
two to a central air vent for circulated aroma!
25. For more specific car use, choose lavender and bergamot to calm traffic
anxiety or peppermint and ginger to minimize car sickness.

38
How to Use Essential Oils for Cleaning
26. Add lemon essential oil to a combination of baking soda, a squirt of dish
soap, and a dash of vinegar for a grout cleaning
27. Lemon, lavender, and peppermint blend well with tea tree for a
disinfecting spray or air-cleaning diffusion.
28. Mix dish or castile soap with water and lemon into a squeeze-top bottle;
squeeze into the inner rim of toilets and scrub.
29. Use your baking soda, soap, and vinegar grout cleaning scrub with lemon
and peppermint for a non-toxic shower scrub.
30. Skip the scrub altogether with a daily shower spray. Vinegar, a squirt of
soap, and your favorite essential oils, sprayed daily after showering.
31. Combine a gallon of hot water with ¼ cup castile soap and a total of 40-60
drops of any combination of essential oils – lemon and lavender work well
here – to clean the floors.
32. Wash windows with vinegar and water boosted with peppermint and
lemon. (See our favorite essential oil powered glass cleaner.)
33. Dishes get an extra boost with a drop of lemon in the dishwater or
dishwasher soap compartment.
34. Use a few drops of lemon oil on a rag for polishing silverware.
35. Take dusting to the next level with a drop of essential oil on the rag.
36. Refresh old wooden surfaces with a bit of lemon oil on the polishing rag.
37. Wipe down sinks and surfaces with a diluted vinegar or alcohol based
spray brightened with antiviral lemon and antibacterial lavender.
38. Clean the fridge with a few drops of lemon and lavender added to some
vinegar, water, and a dash of dish soap.
39. All purpose cleaners can be mixed up and ready to go – try combining all
three (lavender, lemon, peppermint) with a bit of dish soap, vinegar or
alcohol, and water as an all purpose disinfectant cleaner.
40. Cut grease with lemon oil added to your dish soap.
41. Clean stainless steel with lemon or peppermint in a bit of soap mixed into
water.
42. Burned pan? Add some lemon oil to a bit of water and boil to loosen
burnt residue.
43. Bugs don’t like peppermint – spritz it on them directly or add to baking
soda and powder it around bug entrances.

39
 44. Clean cutting boards with lemon and lavender to stop the spread of food-
borne illness.
45. Sticky surface? Soak a rag in water and add a bit of soap and lemon oil –
lay it over the sticky then wipe it up a few minutes later.
46. Put some baking soda and a combination of lemon, lavender, and
peppermint into a mason jar with holes in the lid. Set in the bathroom
and shake periodically to reboot its air freshening power.
47. Polish scuffed surfaces with a rag and a bit of lemon oil.
48. Kick your hand soap up a notch with a few drops of lemon and lavender
mixed in.
49. Spritz cut produce with diluted lemon oil to minimize browning.
50. The best cleaning tool is good old fashioned motivation – diffuse
peppermint for a stimulating energy boost to get you going.

25 Ways to Use Essential Oil for Pampering

51. Add a drop of peppermint to toothpaste.
52. Make your own mouthwash with a diluted alcohol base and oils like
peppermint, clove, and myrrh.
53. Shampoo is transformed with just a few drops of peppermint or lavender
shaken into the whole bottle.
54. Make DIY deodorant with baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil, and your
favorite combination of oils.
55. The most basic lotion is simply coconut oil scented with a bit of lavender
oil.
56. Acne doesn’t stand a chance against antibacterial lavender oil. Apply a
drop neat or slightly diluted to a cotton ball and swab affected areas.
57. Sugar scrubs with lemon, lavender, or peppermint simply can’t be beat.
58. Make a soothing facial mask with honey and lavender oil.
59. Rebalance the skin’s pH with a witch hazel, lavender, and peppermint
toner.
60. Soothe tired feet by diluting peppermint and lemon into an evening foot
soak.
61. Dilute lavender into an Epsom salt mixture for a calming bath.
62. Put a few drops of peppermint onto a rag in the bottom of the shower for
an energizing start to your day.

40
 63. Melt a bit of beeswax into your coconut oil and lavender mix for an all
purpose soothing balm.
64. Massage your aches and pains away; dilute peppermint or lavender into
the carrier oil of your choice.
65. Add a bowl of water and essential oils to a sauna to maximize their
respective benefits.
66. A vinegar rinse is excellent for conditioning your hair but smells like a
pickle jar. Add some lemon and lavender to freshen it up.
67. Fix cracked feet with an overnight application of lavender and coconut oil.
68. Settle into a restorative night of sleep with lavender diffused at your
bedside.
60. Create a simple perfume with your favorite oils diluted into a carrier and
poured into a roller ball.
70. Beat dandruff with a few drops of lavender and a couple drops of tea tree
added to shampoo.
71. Whiten teeth periodically with the odd but effective combination of lemon
and fresh, mashed strawberries mixed with coconut oil. Rub onto teeth,
let sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse off.
72. Add your favorite essential oils to a small amount of alcohol or witch
hazel in a spritz bottle, topped off with water, for a custom body spray.
73. A small spritz bottle of peppermint essential oil in alcohol and water
makes a quick and easy breath spray.
74. Peppermint and lavender in coconut oil relieve tension, especially
massaged onto the temples for headaches.
75. Diffuse peppermint and lemon before and during exercise routines for
energy and endurance.

Using Essential Oils for Health

76. Sooth mild burns with lavender and coconut oil.
77. Anti-inflammatory lavender and cooling peppermint are a must for any
balm made for soothing sores.
78. A drop of lavender directly on bug bites can soothe itching.
79. Inhale or massage diluted peppermint oil for headache relief.
80. Include lavender in massage oil blends to help relieve body aches.
81. Breathe clear with peppermint added to aromatic chest rub formulas.

41
82. Or, simply place a drop each of lavender, lemon, and peppermint into a
bowl of steaming water. Lean over it and breathe deep.
83. Improve digestion with a drop of peppermint or lavender diluted into honey
and added to your favorite drinks.
84. Inhale peppermint to relieve acute bouts of nausea.
85. Soothe psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions with
lavender preparations.
86. Calm an inflamed sunburn with aloe vera, lavender, and peppermint sprays.
87. Diffuse or inhale lavender to lessen the severity of anxiety.
88. Find a boost of energy with stimulating lemon and peppermint diffusions.
89. Melt stress away with lavender rubbed onto temples and neck.
90. Cleanse the air with antiviral lemon and antibacterial lavender diffused.
91. Help curb cravings and appetite with peppermint diffused between meals.
92. Improve focus and calm anxious minds by diffusing lavender during study
times.
93. Dilute peppermint onto a rag soaked in cool water, and sponge onto the
neck and back of someone feverish. (Head to the doctor if it gets too high!)
94. Keep lemon and peppermint on hand to inhale when morning sickness
takes over.
95. Add lavender to compresses for an added anti-inflammatory effect.
96. Make a gentle spray of lavender and water to ease kids’ minds that you can
take care of boo-boos when they’re too old for magic kisses but too young
to shake it off. (Do shake the bottle well, however!)
97. Add some diluted peppermint to your clove based toothache remedy and
apply with a cotton ball or swab.
98. A drop of peppermint and lemon mixed into a spoon of honey can sooth a
painful sore throat.
99. Massage diluted lavender oil around lymph glands and ears to help ease
discomfort and promote drainage for ear infections.
100. Put a drop or two of lavender into your humidifier per manufacturer’s
instructions for a quick, multi-purpose diffuser.
101. Cold sores are soothed with a drop of lavender applied with a cotton ball or
swab.

42
 PART TWO
Easy Quick-Start Recipes

43
 All-Purpose Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

All PurPose CleAner Powder

Ingredients
M ½ cup baking soda
M 15 drops lemon essential oil
M Glass shaker jar

Instructions
g Mix baking soda and lemon essential oil together and store in a glass
container. I like cheese shakers for this because they make it easy to use,
but any glass jar will do!
Use as you would a normal cleanser, making a bit of a paste with water and
scrubbing with a clean damp cloth. Rinse.
Notes: For a little extra cleaning power, spray the soiled area with white vinegar be-
fore sprinkling on the cleanser and add an additional drop of a citrus oil like orange
or grapefruit!

All PurPose CleAner Powder

Ingredients
M ½ cup baking soda
M 15 drops lemon essential oil
M Glass shaker jar

Instructions
g Mix baking soda and lemon essential oil together and store in a glass
container. I like cheese shakers for this because they make it easy to use,
but any glass jar will do!
Use as you would a normal cleanser, making a bit of a paste with water and
scrubbing with a clean damp cloth. Rinse.
Notes: For a little extra cleaning power, spray the soiled area with white vinegar be-
fore sprinkling on the cleanser and add an additional drop of a citrus oil like orange
or grapefruit!

44
 Bathroom Spray
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade BatHroom Cleaner

Ingredients
M 2 Tbls. of Dr. Bronner liquid cleanser
M 1 Tbl. of baking soda
M 2 cups of distilled water
M 25 drops of tea tree essential oil
M 20 drops of orange or lemon
essential oil
M Glass spray bottle

Instructions
g Add dish soap, baking soda and essential oils.
g Mix well.
g Pour in distilled water and shake heavily.
g Store in a glass spray bottle.

Homemade BatHroom Cleaner

Ingredients
M 2 Tbls. of Dr. Bronner liquid cleanser
M 1 Tbl. of baking soda
M 2 cups of distilled water
M 25 drops of tea tree essential oil
M 20 drops of orange or lemon
essential oil
M Glass spray bottle

Instructions
g Add dish soap, baking soda and essential oils.
g Mix well.
g Pour in distilled water and shake heavily.
g Store in a glass spray bottle.

45
 Carpet Spot Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade Carpet Spot Cleaner Foam

Ingredients
M 1 Tbl. white vinegar M 3 Tbls. soap – can be castille
M ¾ cup hot water soap or a natural dish soap
M 3 drops essential oils

Instructions
g Use a bowl you can run a hand mixer in.
g Add all ingredients.
g Use a mixer to whip on high and create a lot of foam. The foam is what you
want to use to clean the carpet.
g Use a brush to scrub the foam into the carpet.
g Wipe with a damp rag.
g Shake or mix before each use to make foam.

Homemade Carpet Spot Cleaner Foam

Ingredients
M 1 Tbl. white vinegar M 3 Tbls. soap – can be castille
M ¾ cup hot water soap or a natural dish soap
M 3 drops essential oils

Instructions
g Use a bowl you can run a hand mixer in.
g Add all ingredients.
g Use a mixer to whip on high and create a lot of foam. The foam is what you
want to use to clean the carpet.
g Use a brush to scrub the foam into the carpet.
g Wipe with a damp rag.
g Shake or mix before each use to make foam.

46
Diffuser Recipes, Christmas Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

CHRISTMAS BLEND

Ingredients
M Fir (Balsam, Douglas, white)
M Peppermint
M Vanilla absolute

Instructions
g Mix the Christmas diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

CHRISTMAS BLEND

Ingredients
M Fir (Balsam, Douglas, white)
M Peppermint
M Vanilla absolute

Instructions
g Mix the Christmas diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

47
 Diffuser Recipes,
Deep Breathing Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

DEEP BREATHING BLEND

Ingredients
M Cardamom
M Eucalyptus
M Lemon
M Peppermint
M Rosemary
M Tea tree

Instructions
g Mix the deep breathing diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
breathe easier.

DEEP BREATHING BLEND

Ingredients
M Cardamom
M Eucalyptus
M Lemon
M Peppermint
M Rosemary
M Tea tree

Instructions
g Mix the deep breathing diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
breathe easier.

48
Diffuser Recipes, Focus Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

FOCUS BLEND

Ingredients
M Cedarwood
M Frankincense
M Sandalwood
M Vetiver

Instructions
g Mix the focus diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

FOCUS BLEND

Ingredients
M Cedarwood
M Frankincense
M Sandalwood
M Vetiver

Instructions
g Mix the focus diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

49
 Diffuser Recipes,
Good Bye Allergy Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

GOOD BYE ALLERGY DIFFUSER BLEND

Ingredients
M Lavender Essential Oil
M Lemon Essential Oil
M Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions
g Mix the allergy diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
breathe easier!

GOOD BYE ALLERGY DIFFUSER BLEND

Ingredients
M Lavender Essential Oil
M Lemon Essential Oil
M Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions
g Mix the allergy diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
breathe easier!

50
 Diffuser Recipes,
Healthy Digestion Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

HealtHy Digestion BlenD

Ingredients
M Anise essential oil M Ginger essential oil
M Caraway essential oil M Lemon essential oil
M Fennel essential oil M Tarragon essential oil

Instructions
g Mix the digestion diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

HealtHy Digestion BlenD

Ingredients
M Anise essential oil M Ginger essential oil
M Caraway essential oil M Lemon essential oil
M Fennel essential oil M Tarragon essential oil

Instructions
g Mix the digestion diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

51
 Diffuser Recipes,
Holy Anointing Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

HOLY ANOINTING BLEND

Ingredients
M Cinnamon essential oil* M Myrrh essential oil
M Frankincense essential oil M Cassia essential oil

Instructions
g Mix the holy anointing diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

Note: *Cinnamon is a hot oil when used topically. Always dilute it appropriately
or use in a diffuser instead of topical blend.

HOLY ANOINTING BLEND

Ingredients
M Cinnamon essential oil* M Myrrh essential oil
M Frankincense essential oil M Cassia essential oil

Instructions
g Mix the holy anointing diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for.

Note: *Cinnamon is a hot oil when used topically. Always dilute it appropriately
or use in a diffuser instead of topical blend.

52
 Diffuser Recipes,
Immune Boosting Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

IMMUNE BOOSTING BLEND

Ingredients
M Cinnamon M Rosemary
M Clove M Orange
M Eucalyptus M Lemon

Instructions
g Mix the immune boosting diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
boost your immune system.

IMMUNE BOOSTING BLEND

Ingredients
M Cinnamon M Rosemary
M Clove M Orange
M Eucalyptus M Lemon

Instructions
g Mix the immune boosting diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
boost your immune system.

53
Diffuser Recipes, Joyful Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

JOYFUL BLEND

Ingredients
M Orange
M Lemon
M Bergamot
M Grapefruit
M Vanilla Absolute

Instructions
g Mix the joyful diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
breath easier.

JOYFUL BLEND

Ingredients
M Orange
M Lemon
M Bergamot
M Grapefruit
M Vanilla Absolute

Instructions
g Mix the joyful diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
breath easier.

54
Diffuser Recipes, Sleepy Time Blend
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

SLEEPY TIME BLEND

Ingredients
M Roman chamomile
M Lavender
M Vetiver

Instructions
g Mix the sleepy time diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
have a good night’s sleep.

SLEEPY TIME BLEND

Ingredients
M Roman chamomile
M Lavender
M Vetiver

Instructions
g Mix the sleepy time diffuser blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
have a good night’s sleep.

55
 Diffuser Recipes,
Good Morning, Sunshine!
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!

Ingredients
M 3 drops orange
M 1 drop ylang ylang
M 1 drop bergamot

Instructions
g Mix the Good Morning, Sunshine! Blend in your diffuser. Enjoy!

GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!

Ingredients
M 3 drops orange
M 1 drop ylang ylang
M 1 drop bergamot

Instructions
g Mix the Good Morning, Sunshine! Blend in your diffuser. Enjoy!

56
Diffuser Recipes, Clothesline Fresh
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

CLOTHESLINE FRESH

Ingredients
M 2 drops lemongrass
M 2 drops cedarwood
M 2 drops grapefruit

Instructions
g Mix the Clothesline Fresh Blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
enjoy!

CLOTHESLINE FRESH

Ingredients
M 2 drops lemongrass
M 2 drops cedarwood
M 2 drops grapefruit

Instructions
g Mix the Clothesline Fresh Blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
enjoy!

57
Diffuser Recipes, Happy Gardener
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

HAPPY GARDENER

Ingredients
M 1 drop basil
M 2 drops peppermint
M 2 drops lime

Instructions
g Mix the Happy Gardener Blend directly to your diffuser and enjoy!

HAPPY GARDENER

Ingredients
M 1 drop basil
M 2 drops peppermint
M 2 drops lime

Instructions
g Mix the Happy Gardener Blend directly to your diffuser and enjoy!

58
Diffuser Recipes, Raindrop Lullaby
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

RAINDROP LULLABY

Ingredients
M 3 drops lemon
M 3 drops vetiver

Instructions
g Mix the Raindrop Lullaby Blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
enjoy!

RAINDROP LULLABY

Ingredients
M 3 drops lemon
M 3 drops vetiver

Instructions
g Mix the Raindrop Lullaby Blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
enjoy!

59
Diffuser Recipes, Clean, Clean, Clean
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

Ingredients
M 2 drops lemon
M 2 drops lime
M 1 drop rosemary
M 1 drop lavender

Instructions
g Mix the Clean, Clean, Clean Blend directly to your diffuser and enjoy!

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

Ingredients
M 2 drops lemon
M 2 drops lime
M 1 drop rosemary
M 1 drop lavender

Instructions
g Mix the Clean, Clean, Clean Blend directly to your diffuser and enjoy!

60
Diffuser Recipes, Tutti Frutti Candy
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

TUTTI FRUTTI CANDY

Ingredients
M 2 drops geranium
M 2 drops lemongrass
M 2 drops grapefruit

Instructions
g Mix the Tutti Frutti Candy Blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
enjoy!

TUTTI FRUTTI CANDY

Ingredients
M 2 drops geranium
M 2 drops lemongrass
M 2 drops grapefruit

Instructions
g Mix the Tutti Frutti Candy Blend in equal amounts.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops that your diffuser calls for and
enjoy!

61
 Diffuser Recipes,
Oh, Christmas Tree!
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! BLEnd

Ingredients
M 3 drops douglas or white fir oil
M 2 drops cedarwood oil
M 1 drop of juniper berry oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! BLEnd

Ingredients
M 3 drops douglas or white fir oil
M 2 drops cedarwood oil
M 1 drop of juniper berry oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

62
 Diffuser Recipes,
Grandma’s Cookies
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

GRANDMA’S COOKIES BlEND

Ingredients
M 3 drops ginger oil
M 2 drops clove oil
M 1 drop cinnamon oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

GRANDMA’S COOKIES BlEND

Ingredients
M 3 drops ginger oil
M 2 drops clove oil
M 1 drop cinnamon oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

63
Diffuser Recipes, By the Fire
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

BY THE FIRE BlEnd

Ingredients
M 3 drops cardamom oil
M 1 drop orange oil
M 1 drop cinnamon oil
M 1 drop clove oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

BY THE FIRE BlEnd

Ingredients
M 3 drops cardamom oil
M 1 drop orange oil
M 1 drop cinnamon oil
M 1 drop clove oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

64
Diffuser Recipes, Let it Snow!
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

LET IT SNOW! BLENd

Ingredients
M 3 drops eucalyptus oil
M 2 drops juniper berry oil
M 1 drop sage oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

LET IT SNOW! BLENd

Ingredients
M 3 drops eucalyptus oil
M 2 drops juniper berry oil
M 1 drop sage oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

65
Diffuser Recipes, Kingly Gifts
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

KINGLY GIFTS BLeNd

Ingredients
M 3 drops frankincense oil
M 2 drops myrrh oil
M 1 drop sage oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

KINGLY GIFTS BLeNd

Ingredients
M 3 drops frankincense oil
M 2 drops myrrh oil
M 1 drop sage oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

66
 Diffuser Recipes,
Carol in the Woods
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

CAROLS IN THE WOODS BLEND

Ingredients
M 1 drop sandalwood oil
M 1 drop cedarwood oil
M 1 drop cypress oil
M 1 drop myrrh oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

CAROLS IN THE WOODS BLEND

Ingredients
M 1 drop sandalwood oil
M 1 drop cedarwood oil
M 1 drop cypress oil
M 1 drop myrrh oil

Instructions
g Follow the instructions that came with your diffuser.
g Place the total amount of essential oil drops and diffuse.

67
 Dish Soap
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade disH soap

Ingredients
M 16 oz. Glass Bottle with Pump
M ½ cup Dr. Bronner’s Liquid
Castile Soap
M 2 tsps. Vegetable Glycerin
M 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
M 6 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
M Water

Instructions
g Pour your liquid castile soap and vegetable glycerin in your glass bottle.
g Add the 8 drops of your essential oils.
g Fill the remaining space in the bottle with water, allowing enough room
for the pump.
g Replace the pump and lid.
g Shake well.

Homemade disH soap

Ingredients
M 16 oz. Glass Bottle with Pump
M ½ cup Dr. Bronner’s Liquid
Castile Soap
M 2 tsps. Vegetable Glycerin
M 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
M 6 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
M Water

Instructions
g Pour your liquid castile soap and vegetable glycerin in your glass bottle.
g Add the 8 drops of your essential oils.
g Fill the remaining space in the bottle with water, allowing enough room
for the pump.
g Replace the pump and lid.
g Shake well.

68
 Dusting Spray
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

DIY DustIng spraY for WooD

Ingredients
M 4 oz. Mama Z’s Oil Base or M 20 drops lemon essential oil
your choice of carrier oil*

Instructions
g Combine in a 4oz glass spray bottle with a fine mister. Use liberally on all
your wood surfaces, wiping with a soft clean cloth.

Essential Oil Options: I love the smell of lemon for cleaning, but you’re welcome
to mix and match your favorite oils. Many people choose orange for dusting!

Notes: * No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right
for you. You can use any, or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated
Coconut, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond.

DIY DustIng spraY for WooD

Ingredients
M 4 oz. Mama Z’s Oil Base or M 20 drops lemon essential oil
your choice of carrier oil*

Instructions
g Combine in a 4oz glass spray bottle with a fine mister. Use liberally on all
your wood surfaces, wiping with a soft clean cloth.

Essential Oil Options: I love the smell of lemon for cleaning, but you’re welcome
to mix and match your favorite oils. Many people choose orange for dusting!

Notes: * No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right
for you. You can use any, or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated
Coconut, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond.

69
 Floor Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade Floor Cleaner

Ingredients
M 1 gallon hot water
M ¼ cup Murphy oil soap
M ¼ cup Dr. Bronner’s Liquid
Castile Soap
M 4 drops essential oil – pine or a fir
needle (use for sure if you choose
the castile soap)
M 4 drops peppermint essential oil
M 4 drops lavender essential oil
M 4 drops orange essential oil
M 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
M 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
M 2 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions
g Mix soap and oils together in large bucket
g Pour in hot water
g Gently stir and use with mop

Homemade Floor Cleaner

Ingredients
M 1 gallon hot water
M ¼ cup Murphy oil soap
M ¼ cup Dr. Bronner’s Liquid
Castile Soap
M 4 drops essential oil – pine or a fir
needle (use for sure if you choose
the castile soap)
M 4 drops peppermint essential oil
M 4 drops lavender essential oil
M 4 drops orange essential oil
M 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
M 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
M 2 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions
g Mix soap and oils together in large bucket
g Pour in hot water
g Gently stir and use with mop

70
 Glass Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade Glass Cleaner spray

Ingredients
M ½ tsp. Dr. Bronner Liquid Castile Soap M 25 drops of citrus essential oils
M ¼ cup white vinegar M Glass spray bottle
M 1½ cups distilled water

Instructions
g Add dish soap, vinegar, and essential oils.
g Mix well.
g Pour in the distilled water and shake heavily.
g Store in a glass spray bottle.
g Spray directly on glass windows and mirrors for cleaning.

Essential Oils for Cleaning Glass: lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit

Homemade Glass Cleaner spray

Ingredients
M ½ tsp. Dr. Bronner Liquid Castile Soap M 25 drops of citrus essential oils
M ¼ cup white vinegar M Glass spray bottle
M 1½ cups distilled water

Instructions
g Add dish soap, vinegar, and essential oils.
g Mix well.
g Pour in the distilled water and shake heavily.
g Store in a glass spray bottle.
g Spray directly on glass windows and mirrors for cleaning.

Essential Oils for Cleaning Glass: lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit

71
Heavenly Scent Room Spray
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Heavenly Scent Room SpRay

Ingredients
M Glass amber spray bottle
M 5 drops magnolia essential oil
M 2 drops key lime essential oil
M 2 drops lemon essential oil
M 2 drops blood orange
essential oil
M 1.5 oz distilled water
M 0.5 oz 190 proof alcohol

Instructions
g Add essential oils to the bottle. Add the 190 proof alcohol and mix well.
g Fill the rest of the way with the distilled water and shake gently to mix.
g Spritz on yourself, or in a room that needs freshening.
g Enjoy!

Heavenly Scent Room SpRay

Ingredients
M Glass amber spray bottle
M 5 drops magnolia essential oil
M 2 drops key lime essential oil
M 2 drops lemon essential oil
M 2 drops blood orange
essential oil
M 1.5 oz distilled water
M 0.5 oz 190 proof alcohol

Instructions
g Add essential oils to the bottle. Add the 190 proof alcohol and mix well.
g Fill the rest of the way with the distilled water and shake gently to mix.
g Spritz on yourself, or in a room that needs freshening.
g Enjoy!

72
 Heavy Duty Cleaner w/
Reusable Wipes

Heavy Duty Cleaner witH essential Oils

Ingredients
M 5 oz. rubbing alcohol
M 4 oz. water (distilled/purified)
M 3 oz organic, white distilled vinegar
M 12-24 drops essential oils*

Instructions
g Add the essential oils to your rubbing alcohol in a glass bowl and
gently mix.
g Add the vinegar, mixing gently, and then add the water.
g Add your tee shirt pieces to the quart jar and pour your cleaning
mix on top. You want enough tee shirt pieces in the jar so that
they are damp, but not dripping, and the majority of the cleans-
ing mix is absorbed.
g This is perfect to help simplify chores for kids, scrubbing up a
quick yucky, or giving a little extra attention to an area that needs
a special blessing.
g Toss the shirt wipe into the next load of laundry so it can be re-
used!
* I love using an immunity blend with equal parts cinnamon, clove,
eucalyptus, lemon, orange and rosemary when there’s some-
thing being passed around the kids’ play groups or around the
neighborhood. You can also use your favorite citrus oils, tea tree,
thyme, or other essential oils as desired.

73
 Kitchen Cleaner Spray
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade KitcHen cleaner Spray

Ingredients
M 8 oz. of water M 10 drops of tea tree oil
M 4 oz. of white vinegar* M 10 drops of lemon essential oil
M 3 oz. of 91% isopropyl alcohol M 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
M 1 tsp. of Dr. Bronner liquid M Glass spray bottle
castile soap

Instructions
g Add your essential oil to the isopropyl alcohol. Slowly add the vinegar.
g Mix your castile soap into the distilled water and gently add this to the alco-
hol, essential oil, and vinegar mixture. Mix gently, but well.
g Spray kitchen counters with your homemade cleaner and wipe down.

* Take out the vinegar if you have granite countertops as it can cause etching or pitting. Replace with
distilled water. It’s recommended to make new cleaner each week if you can. You may be able to
get up to a month out of this recipe. Be sure to check your cleaner for bacterial and fungal growth
before each use. Keep in cold storage if you can.

Homemade KitcHen cleaner Spray

Ingredients
M 8 oz. of water M 10 drops of tea tree oil
M 4 oz. of white vinegar* M 10 drops of lemon essential oil
M 3 oz. of 91% isopropyl alcohol M 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
M 1 tsp. of Dr. Bronner liquid M Glass spray bottle
castile soap

Instructions
g Add your essential oil to the isopropyl alcohol. Slowly add the vinegar.
g Mix your castile soap into the distilled water and gently add this to the alco-
hol, essential oil, and vinegar mixture. Mix gently, but well.
g Spray kitchen counters with your homemade cleaner and wipe down.

* Take out the vinegar if you have granite countertops as it can cause etching or pitting. Replace with
distilled water. It’s recommended to make new cleaner each week if you can. You may be able to
get up to a month out of this recipe. Be sure to check your cleaner for bacterial and fungal growth
before each use. Keep in cold storage if you can.

74
 Laundry Detergent

Homemade Laundry detergent

Ingredients
M ¾ cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent
Booster & Household Cleaner
M ¾ cup OxiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker
M ½ bar Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Soap
M 3 glass gallon containers (5-gallon heavy duty plastic buckets
work as well)
M Bottle of any citrus essential oil

Instructions
(Stove Top)
g Grate the ½ bar of soap over LARGE pot on low heat – you can split
in two batches if you don’t have a large enough pot.
g Add 5 cups of water.
g Stir soap and water until dissolved on medium-high.
g Add OxiClean and Washing Soda in mixture until dissolved
g Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

(In Glass Jars)

g Pour 4 cups hot water into each of the 3 jars.
g Evenly distribute the soap mixture and 40 drops of your favorite
citrus oil to each jar.
g Stir, then add enough cool water to fill each bucket.
g Let each bucket thicken over night.
g And don’t forget to stir before each use because the detergent may
get lumpy or gelatinize.
g Easy peesy!

Quick Note: Depending on whether you have a high-efficiency washer

or not, you should use between ¼ – ½ cup scoop per load.

75
Lemon Odor-Eating Powder
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Lemon essentiaL oiL odor-eating Powder

Ingredients
M ½ cup baking soda
M 15 drops lemon essential oil
M 5 drops lemongrass essential oil

Instructions
g Mix well together.
g Store in glass shaker bottler and use to freshen up shoes and stinky
athletic gear
g You can also shake some on carpet and vacuum to freshen up the house.

Lemon essentiaL oiL odor-eating Powder

Ingredients
M ½ cup baking soda
M 15 drops lemon essential oil
M 5 drops lemongrass essential oil

Instructions
g Mix well together.
g Store in glass shaker bottler and use to freshen up shoes and stinky
athletic gear
g You can also shake some on carpet and vacuum to freshen up the house.

76
 Oven Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade oven Cleaner Spray

Ingredients
M ½ cup liquid soap M ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
M 1 cup baking soda M 10 drops of lemon essential oil
M 2 Tbls. white vinegar (additional M 10 drops of tea tree oil
vinegar for rinse) (optional)

Instructions
g Empty everything out of the oven including the racks.
g Wipe the oven down with hot, soapy water.
g Mix together all the ingredients to make a paste.
g Spread the paste all over the inside of the oven except on the heating elements.
g Let it sit for at least 4 hours; the longer you let it sit, the more it can work. You
can leave it on overnight and it won’t hurt anything.
g Remove the paste with a rag, brush, or scrub sponge.
g You can do a final rinse with a mixture of ⅓ vinegar and ⅔ water in a spray
bottle.
Some helpful items: a spatula for scraping, gloves to protect your hands.

Homemade oven Cleaner Spray

Ingredients
M ½ cup liquid soap M ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
M 1 cup baking soda M 10 drops of lemon essential oil
M 2 Tbls. white vinegar (additional M 10 drops of tea tree oil
vinegar for rinse) (optional)

Instructions
g Empty everything out of the oven including the racks.
g Wipe the oven down with hot, soapy water.
g Mix together all the ingredients to make a paste.
g Spread the paste all over the inside of the oven except on the heating elements.
g Let it sit for at least 4 hours; the longer you let it sit, the more it can work. You
can leave it on overnight and it won’t hurt anything.
g Remove the paste with a rag, brush, or scrub sponge.
g You can do a final rinse with a mixture of ⅓ vinegar and ⅔ water in a spray
bottle.
Some helpful items: a spatula for scraping, gloves to protect your hands.

77
 Shower Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade SHower Cleaner Powder

Ingredients
M 1 scoop MyGreenFills OxyBoost Brightener
M 1 scoop MyGreenFills Enzyme Stain Remover
M ½ cup warm purified water
M 3 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions
g Mix well and use with your favorite scrubbie to get your shower clean!

Notes: You can also use some tea tree essential oil to help fight fungus like
mold! Simply add three drops to this recipe, or replace the lemon if you’d like.

Homemade SHower Cleaner Powder

Ingredients
M 1 scoop MyGreenFills OxyBoost Brightener
M 1 scoop MyGreenFills Enzyme Stain Remover
M ½ cup warm purified water
M 3 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions
g Mix well and use with your favorite scrubbie to get your shower clean!

Notes: You can also use some tea tree essential oil to help fight fungus like
mold! Simply add three drops to this recipe, or replace the lemon if you’d like.

78
 Stain Remover
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade Stain RemoveR SpRay

Ingredients
M ½ cup water M About 2 drops lemon essential
M ¼ cup castille soap oil – optional but it adds extra
M ½ cup hydrogen peroxide anti-bacterial, anti-stain power.

Instructions
g Mix your ingredients together.
g Put in glass spray bottle – dark glass or covered with a dark bag and store in a
dark place at room temperature to help the peroxide last longer.
g Gently shake before use.
g If it’s a liquid stain, blot as much of it as you can first.
g Spray and let the spray sit for about 5 min.
g Scrub with your finger, a soft brush, or rub with a rag.

Homemade Stain RemoveR SpRay

Ingredients
M ½ cup water M About 2 drops lemon essential
M ¼ cup castille soap oil – optional but it adds extra
M ½ cup hydrogen peroxide anti-bacterial, anti-stain power.

Instructions
g Mix your ingredients together.
g Put in glass spray bottle – dark glass or covered with a dark bag and store in a
dark place at room temperature to help the peroxide last longer.
g Gently shake before use.
g If it’s a liquid stain, blot as much of it as you can first.
g Spray and let the spray sit for about 5 min.
g Scrub with your finger, a soft brush, or rub with a rag.

79
 Tile Cleaner
Print out these recipe cards and share one with a friend.

Homemade Tile Cleaner SoluTion

Ingredients
M 2 Tbls. of Dr. Bronner’s liquid M Gallon of hot water
castile soap M Glass bowl or mop bucket
M ¼ cup of vinegar
M 20 drops of essential oils

Instructions
g Fill mop bucket or glass bowl with hot water first to prevent bubbles.
g Add vinegar and essential oils.
g Stir well.
g Use to mop your tile floor or clean your bath tub.

Essential Oils for Cleaning: *Tea Tree (an anti-fungal and kills mold), Lemon (kills
bacteria), Eucalyptus (kills dust mites), Pine or Fir Needle (antiseptic and leaves a
pleasant smell), Citronella (wards off bugs).

Homemade Tile Cleaner SoluTion

Ingredients
M 2 Tbls. of Dr. Bronner’s liquid M Gallon of hot water
castile soap M Glass bowl or mop bucket
M ¼ cup of vinegar
M 20 drops of essential oils

Instructions
g Fill mop bucket or glass bowl with hot water first to prevent bubbles.
g Add vinegar and essential oils.
g Stir well.
g Use to mop your tile floor or clean your bath tub.

Essential Oils for Cleaning: *Tea Tree (an anti-fungal and kills mold), Lemon (kills
bacteria), Eucalyptus (kills dust mites), Pine or Fir Needle (antiseptic and leaves a
pleasant smell), Citronella (wards off bugs).

80
 Wool Dryer Balls

Homemade Wool dryer Balls

Materials
M 1 skein of 100% pure wool yarn (see notes above
when choosing your yarn)
M Old pantyhose or knee-high stockings

Instructions
g To start your homemade dryer ball, wrap the yarn around two fingers
about 10 times. Slide the yarn off your fingers, then wrap yarn around
the middle of the yarn bundle. This will be the base of your ball.
g Continue wrapping the yarn around the base in every direction, until
your ball has reached the desired size. Be sure that you are wrapping
the yarn tightly. Tennis ball sized is sufficient, but you can go as large
as softball sized to help decrease drying time even more.
g Once you have completed wrapping, cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Use a
crochet hook or large needle to pull the thread into the ball. Trim the
excess from the tail.
g Place your dryer ball(s) into the pantyhose or knee-high, knotting
them closely in between and at the end. You can simply tie the hose
or you can use cotton yarn to tie off each section. Do NOT use wool
yarn for this step, as it will felt.
g Wash your newly wrapped dryer balls on a hot water cycle and dry on
high heat to felt them. This can be done with loads of laundry to help
conserve energy. It may take 3-4 cycles for the wool strands to bond
together and have the “felted” exterior that you want to achieve.
g When the felting process is complete, remove the dryer balls from the
hose, and pop them in your dryer with each load. For best results, use
3-4 DIY dryer balls for small and medium loads, 5-6 balls for larger
loads. You can use them as-is or add 3-4 drops of essential oils to
each ball with each load of laundry.
g When learning how to make wool dryer balls, it’s nice to be able to
add your own essential oils. If you add oils to your dryer balls, you
should wait a bit to allow absorption of the oils into the wool before
tossing into the dryer. Though it is unlikely that there would be spot-
ting from the oils if you skipped this step, it’s better to err on the side
of caution and protect your clothing.

81
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Chapter 1 - Avoiding Chemicals in Body Care & Cleaners
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Chapter 2 - Avoiding Chemicals in Laundry Products

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83
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Chapter 3 - Avoiding Artificial Fragrances

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8879930/

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 About the Author
SABRINA ANN ZIELINSKI is a certified
group fitness and martial arts instructor,
health coach, lactation consultant, and a
natural health
guru.

The mastermind behind the allergyfriend-

ly food recipes and do-it-yourself reme-
dies featured on NaturalLivingFamily.com,
she’s known as “Mama Z” to many fellow
moms who are looking for natural ways to
care for their families.

Now visited by more than six million

natural health seekers every year, Natu-
ralLivingFamily.com has rapidly become
the number one online source for bibli-
cal health and non-branded essential oils
education.

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