A Simple Essential Oil Recipe Makes An Effective Natural Cleaner.

As a baby-step towards a more natural, environmentally-friendly home, I decided to analyze one of the cleaning products that I use each week. I gotta be honest, this is the first time that I have even looked at the ingredient labeling on my cleaners, let alone analyzed whether they were toxic. I know, that’s bad, right? But maybe like some of you, the time-suck of career and kids didn’t allow me much free time and I trusted manufacturers would produce non-toxic furniture cleaners. So here I go…better late than never!

I started with my wood furniture polish. Grabbing two cans (one almond and one orange scented) out of my cupboard, I sat down to review their toxicity and eco-friendliness. Let’s start with the fact that both cans were aerosols. Yikes. The good news was that both cans were recyclable, and neither product contained ozone-depleting CFCs which were banned in 1996.

Commercial Product Ingredients

Next on to the ingredients. One product did not even display a list of ingredients. Instead, a lengthy “caution” section stated that it contained petroleum distillates, and could produce allergic reactions by inhalation or skin contact. The label recommended use only in well-ventilated areas while using protective gloves. Double yikes. This cleaner definitely fell outside the non-toxic definition.

The second product label included 12 ingredients. The top 3 ingredients were Water (I’m good with that), Isoparaffin, and Dimethicone. Through my research I learned that Isoparaffin is a mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is known to be a mild eye and skin irritant. The National Institute of Health warns that furniture polish hydrocarbons are very dangerous if ingested, and that breathing them can have similar toxic effects. The Environmental Working Group lists the third ingredient, Dimethicone, as a silicone-based chemical that is a moderate risk for organ system toxicity. In addition to toxicity effects, petroleum-based cleaning products contribute to the depletion of non-renewable resources and continue our nation’s dependence on imported oils.

Both products were also scented. This in itself is concerning, because proprietary laws protect companies from having to disclose what’s in the fragrance. Phthalates, known endocrine system disruptors, are common in products which contain a scent.

Green Alternatives

So what IS an environmentally-friendly, safe alternative to my current furniture polish? Several simple, non-toxic, and low-cost recipes offered a natural solution to my problem. Here is my favorite:

Natural Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 10 drops doTERRA essential oils (Wild Orange, Arborvitae, or Lemon)

Instructions:

1. Add olive oil and vinegar to glass spray bottle.
2. Add 10 drops of essential oil.
3. Shake well before each use.
4. Apply to a microfiber cloth and wipe wood surfaces clean. Repeat every 2–3 months or as often as needed.

Eco-Friendly Results

I’ve mixed this up using my favorite doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil and not only does it smell wonderful, but it makes dry Arizona furniture shine. I’m excited to have implemented one of my first green-living practices into my cleaning routine. You can bet my two old cleaner cans are now in the recycling!

Try a batch and comment on how you liked it, what variations you’ve tried, or other recipes you’ve enjoyed.

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