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Natural Year Challenge: Household - Month Four
Clean Your Bathroom
Now that you're well-stocked with natural cleaning solutions, you're ready to tackle the bathroom!
For simple cleaning, use your white vinegar with some added essential oil like tea tree oil. For specific recipes such as Vinegar of the Four Thieves (a wonderfully natural, safe disinfecting cleaner) and a fragrant scrubber, plus tips for cleaning toilets and preventing mold, see our article on The Naturally Healthy Bathroom.
Be sure to keep toothbrush holders, toothbrushes, and hairbrushes clean by soaking in a solution of white vinegar, water, and tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract.
This month we’ll focus on cleaning the shower head, removing stains, air freshening, and for those who would like to try a new recipe using your five supplies, we'll look at a wonderful soft scrubber.
Shower Head
Mineral deposits can form on shower heads, which can cause water backup and possible leaks if pipes are old or weakened. To clean shower heads, remove and soak in a solution of hot water and white vinegar. If the shower head is non-removable, fill a gallon-size plastic bag with approx 1/4 c. baking soda. Just before you attach the bag, add 1 c. white vinegar. Secure the bag with a rubber band and leave for several hours or overnight. Wipe clean.
Use a shower filter, if possible, as they help reduce deposits. They also inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. There are many options on the market, including the Berkey shower filter.
Stain Remover
Great for removing stains from tubs, sinks, and tile. Combine 1 tablespoon cream of tartar and 3% hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl, adding enough peroxide to make a paste. Food grade 8% hydrogen peroxide may also be used (diluted to 3%). Rub the paste on the stain and let sit for a couple of hours. Wipe off and rinse with water.
Air Freshener
Options for air fresheners are endless. One simple idea is to put several drops of your favorite essential oil on the toilet paper tube. Add new drops every few days.
Another option is to combine 1 c. distilled water with 8 drops essential oil of choice. Place in a spray bottle and use to freshen the air. Lemon, lavender, and/or orange work well.
You can also make a sachet with dried herbs and flowers, or make potpourri and place in a bowl. There are a myriad of combinations. Here is one simple version:
- 6 cups dried rose petals or lavender flowers
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Several drops essential oil of choice
Place in jar. Shake every few days. Allow to sit for at least 1 week. If using in a sachet, grind or crush using mortar and pestle. If using for potpourri, place mixture in bowl and place on counter.
Soft Scrubber
This recipe makes cleaning any tub, sink, or tile a breeze! Use any essential oil of choice or combine several. This is best used in a plastic squirt bottle (inexpensive and available at bed/bath stores).
- 1 c. baking soda
- 1/4 c. liquid castile soap
- 5 drops tea tree oil or essential oil(s) of choice
- 1-2 tsp. vitamin C powder (optional)
Combine in bottle and shake. Add enough water to make a thick liquid paste. Apply to sponge or directly to surface and wipe with damp cloth or sponge. Rinse with water.
Join video host Andrea Fabry for a closer look at the bathroom cleaning ideas offered here.