Hey chicks!
Our FIT CHICKS Bootcamp classes started this week and we couldn’t be more excited -yay!
But what also has us pretty pumped is this weather – we think Spring actually is just around the corner! And with that season comes spring cleaning (not so exciting?). Stephanie, our fab Chick Services Specialist, is also currently studying to be a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and not only does she love to share her knowledge of great foods for optimal health, weight loss and energy but also about how the way you clean your house can affect your health. You may be asking what that has to do with being fit…well, chicks read on to find out!
FIT CHICKS Guide to Using All Natural Cleaning Products
Why make the switch to natural cleaning supplies?
Most cleaning supplies contain some major chemicals such as formaldehyde, pesticides, parabens and sodium laurel sulfate (which are actually banned in Europe), ethanol and more. Many of these products suggest using these in your kitchen, bathroom, children’s room, etc. The problem? There has been a link to increased asthma (as you’re inhaling these chemicals), cancers and other health issues. For example, think about the harsh chemicals used in cleaning your bathub. Your skin is your biggest organ, so when you take that relaxing bath, you’re actually absorbing all those chemicals right into your bloodstream.
The good news is that the switch is easy – and cheaper! Not only that, but you probably already have the ingredients in your home.
How to Clean with Vinegar for Better Health
Mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar (we promise the smell will go away once the mixture dries).
You can use it to clean:
- the bathroom (to get rid of toilet rings, just use pure vinegar)
- the kitchen floor
- the kitchen countertops (except marble)
- your laundry! This naturally softens fabrics and is great for those with allergies to detergents. Just add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- your microwave (Microwave a bowl of 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar for 3 min. Leave it for 3 min then wipe away the gunk!)
How to Clean with Baking Soda – It’s an all natural cleaning product!
You can use it to clean:
- your stinky fridge – just place an open box in the fridge for it to absorb those odors
- your countertops. Baking sode is just as abrasive as many commercial cleaners
- your oven (mix 1/2 cup salt, 1 1/2 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup water to make a paste. Cover any spaces with aluminum foil and leave overnight. In the morning, rinse with 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar)
- your clogged pipes. (pour 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain. Cover and wait 15 min then add 1 gallon of hot water)
How to Clean with Lemon Juice (and you save money!)
You can use it to clean:
- your furniture! (Mix 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1 cup olive oil)
- stubbron stains or crusty dishes (sprinkle baking soda on half of a lemon and use it to scrub away!)
- brass, copper, hard water deposits
How to Clean with Club Soda
You can use it to clean:
- your windows and mirrors! Just spray and wipe
How to Clean with Rice (it’s not only a healthy snack!)
Yep, you can use rice! If you want to get rid of that gunk that builds in vases, just fill with warm water, add a tablespoon of rice and shake away! Rinse it out and voila! (Don’t ask us why it works, it just does).
Other Tips to Clean Safely
Even though they are natural, you still want to keep your space well-ventilated and have the products away from little hands. Check out http://hanover-cleaning.com/carpet-cleaning/ for professional cleaning services.
There are some safe products out there, so you can definitely still pick some up at the grocery store. Just remember to read labels! Just because you aren’t eating it, doesn’t mean it’s not entering your body!
How do you keep your house clean and safe? What all natural cleaning products have you tried? We’d love to hear tips from you, chicks!
Have a FAB day!
FIT CHICKS
