Get Ready for a FRESH Start with Natural Spring Cleaning Tips!

EPISODE 031 - Get Ready for a FRESH Start with Natural Spring Cleaning Tips!

🎧 Download Your FREE Natural Spring Cleaning DIY Recipe eBook HERE 👉 https://bit.ly/SparklingFreeGuides

Welcome to a new season of renewal! As we bid farewell to Winter, it's the perfect time to naturally refresh your home and health this Spring!

In this episode, discover practical, budget-friendly DIY cleaning recipes and decluttering tips. We'll share our top tips for rejuvenating your living space naturally, explore the refreshing benefits of Spring cleaning, and the importance of using natural, non-toxic alternatives.

Tune in for inspiration to refresh your home naturally and embrace a Sparkling life!

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Natural Spring Cleaning
• 1:51 The Hidden Dangers of Conventional Cleaners
• 5:27 Natural Cleaning Solutions and Ingredients
• 9:15 DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
• 13:54 Decluttering for a Fresh Start
• 16:08 The Benefits of Natural Cleaning
• 18:17 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Cleaning
• 19:41 Listener Challenge

Transcript

Get Ready for a FRESH Start with Natural Spring Cleaning Tips!

It is that time of year again, isn't it? When most people are starting their spring cleaning projects Now, before you roll your eyes and think, oh, great, just what I wanted to talk about chores. I know, but be honest. Isn't it true, there's something so refreshing about hitting the reset button on our homes, clearing out the old, and making space for fresh energy? And here's the twist. We are gonna be discussing how to do it the natural way. No toxic chemicals, no artificial fragrances, and definitely no harsh fumes that leave you feeling dizzy. Instead, we are talking about simple, safe, and effective natural cleaning solutions that will leave your home sparkling and your body thriving. So stay tuned as we get into the magic of spring cleaning naturally, 'cause I have a bunch of easy do-it-yourself solutions that'll have you rethinking that chemical-filled cleaner sitting under your sink.

Welcome to the Sparkling Life Coach Podcast. 

Hey, Sparkling One. Welcome to this episode of the Sparkling Life Coach Podcast, where we talk about all things that make life brighter, healthier, and more vibrant. I'm your host Dee Diaz, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and today we are discussing the world of natural, non-toxic cleaning. Why it matters, how you can do it easily, and how making a few simple swaps can create a healthy home for you and your family. 

Let's start with a hard truth. Most of the cleaning products we use today are packed with harmful chemicals. And I'm not just talking about a little irritation here and there. I mean serious long-term health effects. If you're anything like me, I always just grabbed whatever brightly colored bottle, promised the best results without a second thought about what was inside until I learned that experts suggest that there are more than 60 toxic chemicals in the average American home. Did you know that the air inside our homes is often two to five times more polluted than outside air?

Yeah, and a big culprit is the cleaning products we use. Many store-bought cleaners contain ammonia, which can irritate the eyes and lungs. Bleach, which has been linked to respiratory issues, especially for kids and pets. And as a matter of fact, chlorine bleach a common ingredient is a known irritant. And mixing it with ammonia can create dangerous chlorine gas.

And let's talk about fragrance for a second. Artificial fragrances often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. The term fragrance seems innocent enough, but it can hide a slew of synthetic chemicals that may affect our health. It's estimated that between 80 to 90% of the raw materials used in cosmetic and cleaning fragrances today are synthetic versus natural plant-based. 

I know we all love that clean smell, right? But what's actually in that scent? Well, it turns out that many artificial fragrances contain something called phthalates, which are chemicals linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and even developmental problems in children. Unfortunately, there are no legal requirements for cleaning product companies to disclose their ingredients.

While some manufacturers voluntarily disclose some ingredients, very few list fragrance ingredients, and get this, studies have shown that women who regularly use household cleaners have a lung function decline, similar to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Crazy, right? Think about it. How many times have you seen warnings on cleaning products about eye and skin irritation or the need for ventilation? 

These aren't just suggestions. They're red flags. According to research, recent studies point to certain cleaning chemicals, having a link to asthma and reproductive harm. Now, I know this sounds scary, but here's the good news. You don't need any of those toxic, harsh chemicals to have a sparkling clean home.

In fact, you can clean just as effectively, if not better, with safe natural alternatives because our Creator has already provided everything, we need in nature. 

So, what's the alternative? How can we keep our homes clean without compromising our health and well-being? That's where the magic of natural cleaning comes in. So, let's talk solutions. I wanna empower you because when I started experimenting with simple ingredients, I was amazed at how effective these natural solutions are.  

Spring cleaning isn't just about wiping things down, right? It's about resetting your space and your energy. And when you use natural products, we're not just cleaning, we are creating an environment that truly supports our health and well-being. So, what do we use instead of chemicals? Well, I'm gonna give you a list of some natural powerhouse ingredients that you probably already have in your home.

Or if not, you'll wanna make sure that you keep these on hand, that will replace your toxic cleaners. Starting with white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that cuts through grease and kills bacteria. It's highly acidic, which makes it effective at destroying bacteria, and is often used as a glass and window cleaner due to its ability to produce a streak-free shine.

The next ingredient you'll wanna have on hand is baking soda. Baking soda is perfect for scrubbing, deodorizing, and lifting tough stains. Next is essential oils. Essential oils are not just for aromatherapy. They also have natural antibacterial properties. I especially like using doTERRA's certified pure tested grade essential oils because they put the clean back into cleaning. It's clean for our bodies and clean for our environment.

There are several essential oils that have natural disinfectant properties such as Wild Orange essential oil. On Guard Protective blend. Tea tree essential oil, also known as Melaleuca Thyme, Cinnamon Peppermint, the Purify Cleansing Blend, Lime, Geranium, rosemary, Clove, Oregano essential oil, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lavender, and Frankincense all have natural disinfectant properties. For example, Lemon Essential oil is a natural antibacterial. It's fresh smelling and it's a natural degreaser and Tea Tree essential oil fights mold and mildew like a champ.  

 What you'll find is that a simple switch in what you clean with can have a huge impact on how you feel in your home. And the best part, these ingredients are budget-friendly and multipurpose. Of course, if you've been following this podcast, you know that I always encourage you to make sure you're using Certified Pure Tested Grade essential oils from dōTERRA.

Just so you know, this episode is not sponsored by them. Although I am an affiliate. I just love their product so much, and they're my favorite natural products, so I love to share with you what's working for me and my clients.

But I'd love to hear what you are using too. So please feel free to leave me a brief audio message at fan list.com/sparkling life coach. Or reach out via our social media channels, especially if you're watching this on YouTube. 

Now let's get practical. I wanna share with you a few of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes that are quick, easy, and super effective.

So, I'm gonna leave a link in the show notes for a free eBook where you'll find easy-peasy, do-it-yourself recipes for an all-purpose cleaner. You'll get a recipe for a refrigerator and microwave cleaner. I have an essential oil glass cleaner, a garbage disposal refresher, a bathroom scrub and toilet bowl cleaner, a spring laundry refresh, an air purifying room spray, and more.

These are just a few examples and there are endless possibilities for creating your own natural cleaning solutions. And these recipes are not only safer, they're less expensive, and just as if not more effective as store-bought options. And finally, I know that do-it-yourself isn't for everyone. And sometimes we need a little extra convenience in our busy lives, right?

If you want a super easy way to transition out of your toxic cleaning supplies, then check out dōTERRA’s cleaning line. Their OnGuard products make it simple to keep your home toxin-free without any guesswork. My personal favorite is dōTERRA’s OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate. This little bottle is amazing.

It's made with essential oils like Wild Orange, Clove, and Cinnamon. And it works on everything. Counters, sinks, even your laundry. It's cheaper than any toxic cleaner you're gonna get at the Dollar Store. And their Abode Cleaning Line offers a range of cleaner, safer products that don't compromise on performance or effectiveness. From laundry and dishwasher pods to a multipurpose surface cleaner and hand lotion. dōTERRA’s Abode Line has you covered. I especially love their focus on sustainability with features like reusable glass bottles, recyclable materials, and concentrated formulas that reduce packaging waste.

For instance, the Abode pouches are 70% more efficient to ship than hard-sided packaging. Also, I'm sure you're aware that 90% of a typical cleaning product is just water. So, using concentrates reduces the amount of packaging needed and minimizes the carbon footprint from shipping. Now I wanna tackle a huge misconception.

The idea that if something doesn't smell clean, it's not working. We've been conditioned by marketing companies to associate the scent of bleach or pine with cleanliness, but here's the truth. Clean has no smell. But most commercial cleaners contain fragrance as an ingredient, and here's the catch. They don't have to disclose what's actually in that fragrance. Some can contain hundreds of synthetic chemicals. So if you've ever walked into a room and instantly felt dizzy or nauseous from a strong cleaner, that's your body's way of saying, Hey, this is not working for me.

Right? Okay. 

But you know, spring cleaning isn't just about scrubbing. It's also about decluttering because let's be real, the best way to have a fresh, clean home is to have less stuff collecting dust, right? So, I want you to try this three-step decluttering method. The first one is the Does This Spark Joy test?  Shout out to Marie Kondo. 

You're gonna hold each item and ask yourself, do I love this? Do I use this? If not, donate it or recycle it. The second step is the 12-12-12 Rule. You're gonna find 12 things to throw away, 12 things to donate, and 12 things to put back where they belong. Simple and effective, right?

And then there's the One-Year Rule. If you haven't used it in a year, let it go. Here's the thing, decluttering clears not just your space, but your mind also, and when you pair it with natural cleaning, you're setting yourself up for a fresh, stress-free season. Here's something you might not think about. Spring Cleaning isn't just for your home, it's for your spirit too. So, while you're cleaning, try this. Open your windows. Let fresh air and new energy into your home. Play uplifting music or a podcast like this one. This is gonna help keep your vibe high or diffuse your citrus or mint essential oils.

They boost mood and energy. Also set an intention. As you clean, say to yourself, "I am clearing out the old and making space for new blessings". Done this way, cleaning can be a mindfulness practice, not just a chore. 

Okay, so we've talked about the how, but let's get back to the why.

Why should you make the switch to natural cleaning? It's not just about having a spotless home. It's about creating a healthier, happier environment for yourself and your loved ones. When you ditch the harsh chemicals, you reduce your exposure to potential irritants and toxins.

You create a space that supports your well-being, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of calm. Plus, there's an undeniable sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you are making a positive impact on the planet. It helps to avoid harmful fragrance chemicals, and by reducing exposure to those chemicals, we can lessen the health impacts and lower the levels of these chemicals in our bodies. Here's the thing. I remember when I transitioned to using natural cleaning products in my home. It wasn't just my home that was transformed, it was me. As I started using these gentle, natural products, I noticed a shift in my mood and energy levels. The headaches disappeared, the air felt fresher, and I actually started to enjoy the process of cleaning. Well, sorta of kinda. 

Here's the thing, it becomes a form of self-care, a way to nurture our environment and create a sanctuary for ourselves and our families. And that's when I realized the connection between a sparkling home and a sparkling life. When our surroundings are clean and clear, it creates space for clarity, creativity, and joy to flourish. So, are you ready to embrace the sparkle? If so, here's a few tips to help you get started. 

First, do a quick inventory of your cleaning supplies. Look at the labels. If you see words like fragrance, ammonia, or sodium hypochlorite, which is basically bleach, consider swapping them out. And start small. You don't have to overhaul your entire cleaning routine overnight.

You could if you're able to, or just pick one or two products to replace with natural alternatives and gradually expand from there. Make sure you're reading labels, become a conscious consumer, and pay attention to the ingredients in your cleaning products when you purchase something new. Avoid anything with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or vague descriptions.

In other words, they're not really wanting to tell you what's inside. And then embrace experimentation. Have fun trying different recipes and essential oil combinations to find what works best for you. And make sure to check out the free eBook for my favorite do-it-yourself natural cleaning recipes. Make it a ritual. Turn cleaning into a mindful activity by setting intentions, playing uplifting music, and focusing on the present moment. And I have a challenge for you this week, I challenge you to replace one conventional cleaning product with a natural alternative. It could be as simple as swapping your chemical-laden window cleaner for a vinegar and water solution. And if you want, you can give that a boost by adding an essential oil to the mix, or making your own essential oil-infused dusting spray. 

All right, Sparkling One, I hope this episode has opened your eyes to the power of natural cleaning, that you're now feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to refresh your home naturally.

Now that you've discovered the unexpected sparkle of a clean home, and you have the tools to create a healthier, happier living space. Remember, it's not just about the cleanliness, it's about the intention, the connection, and the positive impact you are making on yourself and the world around you.

Let's ditch the chemical cleaners and embrace natural alternatives. Try out one of the DIY cleaning recipes you'll find in my free eBook today. The link is in the show notes and declutter your space to invite fresh energy into your life. And most importantly, enjoy the process. Cleaning doesn't have to be a boring, dreaded task.

It can be a ritual of renewal, a way to clear out stagnant energy, and a step toward a healthier life. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with your family and friends who need a little spring-cleaning inspiration. And if you try any of these natural cleaning tips, tag me on social media. I'd love to see your sparkling homes and hear about your experiences with the DIY recipes.

I can't wait to see what you create. Until next time, stay healthy, stay happy. Sparkle On and Don't Forget to Sprinkle a Little Sparkle Everywhere You Go. Ciao!