There's nothing quite like walking into a room filled with a delightful and soothing aroma. Reed diffusers are an excellent way to achieve this, and the best part is, you can make your very own using essential oils. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have the freedom to customize your scents to suit different occasions and areas of your home. In this blog, I'll walk you through the ingredients you'll need, provide step-by-step instructions, and share some fantastic recipes, including ones perfect for fall, the holidays, freshening up the bathroom, and creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Choosing a reed diffuser is a delightful and practical choice for many reasons. Firstly, it grants you the unique advantage of crafting custom aromas that align with your personal preferences and the ambiance you wish to create. Unlike commercially bought fragrance products that often contain synthetic chemicals and allergens, reed diffusers with natural essential oils are safe for both you and your dogs, ensuring a toxin-free environment. Moreover, they don't require electricity, making them perfect for small spaces like a bathroom. Crafting your own reed diffusers can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to tailor scents to match seasons, occasions, or your mood, ultimately enhancing your living space with a customized and inviting ambiance.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipes, let's gather the basic ingredients and materials:
- A narrow-necked glass vase or bottle: Upcycling an old glass container is eco-friendly and adds a touch of uniqueness to your diffuser. The narrow opening slows down evaporation, giving you a longer and lingering aroma.
- Reed diffuser sticks: You have several options here, with bamboo or rattan reeds being the most popular. After experimenting with both options, I've discovered that rattan reed diffuser sticks are the superior choice. Their small hollow channels facilitate the flow of the essential oil blend up the stick, ensuring a more effective room fragrance. With bamboo, I never got as strong of an aroma as with rattan. Rattan sticks are readily available on Amazon.
- Essential oils: Opt for premium, top-notch essential oils in your favorite fragrances. A key motivation behind our DIY reed diffuser project is to imbue our living space with a clean, toxin-free aroma. It's important to note that not all essential oils are of the same caliber, and numerous options in the market are tainted or adulterated. To guarantee the purity of what you're diffusing, it's crucial to identify a reputable supplier you can rely on for authentic, unadulterated essential oils.
- Carrier oil: I personally prefer fractionated coconut oil as my carrier of choice. It's a lightweight oil that effectively travels up the reeds, and its neutral scent doesn't clash with the custom fragrance you've created. While I've come across recipes suggesting a mixture of water and vodka as a carrier for essential oils, my experience has shown that this combination results in a less potent aroma and a shorter lifespan for the reed diffuser. As a result, I favor using a carrier oil for optimal performance and longevity.
- Decorative elements: Optional, but you can add dried flowers, colorful stones, or decorative charms to your diffuser.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean the Glass Container: Thoroughly wash and dry your glass container. You can use rubbing alcohol to ensure it's clean and free of any residues if needed.
- Add the Carrier Oil: Pour 1/4 cup of your carrier oil into the glass container. Adjust the amount based on the container's size
- Add the Essential Oils: You can add an individual essential oil or pre-purchased blend. You can also make your own custom scent, the sky's the limit! In general, about 30-50 drops to 1/4 cup of carrier oil works well. Adjust as you see fit for aroma and strength.
- Add One Reed Diffuser Stick: Add one stick first and use it to mix your essential oils and carrier oil well.
- Insert the Remaining Reed Diffuser Sticks: Place 4-8 reed diffuser sticks into the container. Allow them to soak for a few hours, then flip them over to increase fragrance diffusion.
- Flip Sticks: You'll want to flip your reed sticks once a week to every two weeks, this ensures continual gradual release of the essential oil as the carrier oil travels up the reed stick. Replace the oil mixture once a month.
DIY Reed Diffuser Recipes
- Fall Recipe: Combine 15 drops of cinnamon essential oil, 10 drops of clove essential oil, and 10 drops of vanilla essential oil.
- Holiday Recipe: Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, 10 drops of pine essential oil, and 10 drops of cinnamon essential oil.
- Bathroom Freshener Recipe: Opt for 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 15 drops of lemon essential oil to keep your bathroom smelling fresh.
- Company-Ready Recipe: For an inviting and balanced scent, blend 15 drops of lavender essential oil, 15 drops of orange essential oil, and 15 drops of vanilla essential oil.
In conclusion, creating your own DIY reed diffusers is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy natural fragrances throughout your home. Experiment with different essential oil combinations to suit your preferences and the occasion, and don't forget to upcycle glass vases for a touch of sustainability and style. Elevate your space with these delightful scents and welcome guests with a warm and inviting atmosphere, no matter the season. Happy diffusing!
If you're curious about where I source my pure essential oils, I invite you to explore Young Living—a trusted brand renowned for its Seed to Seal commitment to quality. To enhance your aromatic journey, I've curated a special bundle tailored perfectly for your reed diffuser DIY project. This bundle includes all the essential oils mentioned in the recipes above, making it effortless for you to acquire the specific scents you need to create your custom fragrances. Just a heads up, this is an affiliate link, and when you make a purchase through it, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. After your order, I'll personally reach out to express my gratitude and send you something special as a token of appreciation. Happy scenting! Discover Young Living and my special bundle HERE.
Embracing the journey of caring for your horse is a remarkable experience filled with learning, companionship, and growth. As you delve into the world of equine care, you'll encounter various tools and approaches to support your horse's wellbeing. One such approach gaining popularity is the use of essential oils. In this informative guide, we'll unravel the potential of essential oils for your horse, providing insights into their applications, benefits, and how to get started. From relaxation to revitalization, essential oils can play a role in enhancing your horse's life in a natural and holistic way.
The Power of Essential Oils for Horses:
Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from plants, each carrying a distinct aroma and a range of potential health benefits. Just as these oils have been used for human health, they can also offer positive effects for your horse. It's important to note that while essential oils can be a valuable addition to your horse care routine, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
Choosing the Right Essential Oils:
Navigating the realm of essential oils for your horse requires careful consideration, especially given the lack of industry regulation. Quality is a cornerstone in this journey, as it directly influences the safety and effectiveness of the oils you use. When selecting essential oils, read your labels and choose those labeled as pure essential oil without fillers or additives. Source your essential oils from reputable companies known for their commitment to purity and premium products. The essential oil market's lack of regulation underscores the importance of scrutinizing your choices. By investing in trustworthy brands, you're safeguarding your horse's wellbeing.
Methods of Application:
Essential oils can be used with horses in various ways:
1. **Aromatically:** Aromatically means infusing the air with the aroma of essential oils. An easy way to do this is by wearing the essential oils as a personal perfume, essentially becoming a walking diffuser. Additionally, you can offer the bottle for your horse to smell, allowing them to experience the aroma. If they show interest, place a drop of oil in your hand, let them inhale it, and then rub the residual oil on your neck. I'm very fond of always saying we are half the equation with our horses and when we are calm and balanced, our horses are too.
2. **Topical Application:** Topical application involves applying essential oils directly to your horse's skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, which is why it's important to dilute them with a carrier oil. Dilution minimizes the risk of adverse reactions and ensures a safe experience for your horse. Essential oils are much more concentrated than the plant they're derived from, underscoring the importance of careful dilution. Diluting also lets you use the smallest amount necessary to get the job done over large surface areas.
My personal favorite carrier oil for dilution is fractionated coconut oil. This choice combines affordability, excellent absorbency, and the absence of a strong aroma. It's an ideal medium to blend with essential oils, as it remains in liquid form, even in cooler temperatures, makeing it easy to work with and apply.
3. **As a supplement:** Another approach involves incorporating essential oils as a supplement to your horse's diet. This can be easily achieved by adding them to a hay cube, mash, or supplement bucket. However, an essential consideration here is to carefully read the labels of your essential oils. Only use oils that are labeled for ingestion to ensure your horse's safety and wellbeing. This method offers a subtle yet effective way for your horse to benefit from the properties of essential oils. For instance, certain oils like frankincense are known for their potential immune system support. By including them in your horse's diet, you're providing a gentle boost to their overall wellness.
Keep in Mind:
As you embark on your journey with essential oils for your horse, it's natural to have some concerns, especially as a beginner. Here are some tips to help guide you:
1. **Safety:** Your horse's safety is paramount. Ensure that the essential oils you choose are of the highest quality, pure, and premium. Always dilute essential oils with a suitable carrier oil to minimize any chance of adverse reactions. Dilution not only makes the oils safer for your horse but also allows you to stretch their use over time.
2. **Amount:** Embrace the 'go low and slow' mantra. Opt for a lower concentration of essential oils but apply them more frequently, rather than using a large amount all at once. This gentle strategy allows your horse to experience the potential benefits of the oils without overburdening their system. Keep a keen eye on your horse's reactions, and adapt your approach based on your observations. This way, you can ensure that your horse's introduction to essential oils is gradual, comfortable, and aligned with their needs.
3. **Sensitivity:** Just like people, horses have unique sensitivities. Factors such as your horse's size, age, and overall health play a role in how they might react to essential oils. Pay close attention to any cues your horse gives and tailor your approach accordingly. Observing their reactions allows you to fine-tune your use of essential oils and create a positive experience that aligns with their individual needs.
By addressing these considerations, you're well on your way to incorporating essential oils into your horse care routine in a safe, effective, and tailored manner.
Getting Started with Essential Oils for Your Horse: 4 Easy Ways to Benefit
Introducing essential oils into your horse's routine doesn't need to be complicated. Here are four easy ways to use essential oils with your horse that can offer significant advantages for your equine companion.
1. **Calming:** If your horse tends to feel anxious or stressed, using a calming essential oil can work wonders. Choose from lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, or frankincense essential oils. Click HERE to head to my blog post all about specifically using essential oils to help calm your horse.
2. **Muscle Support:** After a workout, your horse's muscles deserve some extra care. Try making a peppermint brace (get the recipe HERE) or a muscle rub with peppermint, lavender, or copaiba essential oils. Dilute them with a carrier oil and create a soothing massage blend. Gently massage this mixture onto their muscles to promote relaxation and ease any tension they might be experiencing.
3. **Breathing:** Clear airways are essential for your horse's overall health. Rub a few drops of diluted eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils onto their chest to help maintain their respiratory wellness.
4. **Hoof Care:** Your horse's hooves play a vital role in their mobility. Incorporating essential oils like tea tree oil or cedarwood oil, properly diluted with a carrier oil, can contribute to their hoof health. Applying this blend to their hooves can help prevent minor issues and maintain their overall condition. Click HERE for my best essential oil recipes for horses hooves.
With these four easy approaches, you can start harnessing the power of essential oils to enhance your horse's quality of life. As you begin this journey, remember to introduce oils gradually, observe their reactions, and tailor your usage based on their needs.
Creating a Positive Experience:
Introducing essential oils to your horse can be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Here are some tips to ensure a positive introduction:
1. **Let Your Horse Choose:** Select an essential oil and present it to your horse. If it piques their interest, wonderful! If not, consider trying another one. Alternatively, you can offer a variety of essential oils to your horse and observe which one captures their preference. They might display extended curiosity towards the bottle or even attempt to gently nibble it.
2. **Observe Closely:** Pay attention to your horse's reactions. If they show signs of discomfort, discontinue use.
3. **Use Positive Reinforcement:** Associate the use of essential oils with positive experiences, such as treats or soothing grooming sessions. This will anchor in positive emotions with the essential oils.
Essential oils can be a valuable addition to your horse care routine, offering natural support for various aspects of your horse's wellbeing. Consult with a holistic veterinarian well trained in essential oils if you have concerns about incorporating essential oils, and be attentive to your horse's individual needs and reactions by starting low and slow. Discovering the potential of essential oils to enhance your horse's quality of life is actually quite simple and can be a delightful journey where you both enjoy the benefits together!
If you're eager to take the next leap and immerse yourself in a deeper understanding of essential oils and their application for your horse, I extend an invitation to join my mini course called 'Oily Horse Intro.' In this course, you'll gain comprehensive insights into 'The What, Why, Where, When, and How' of commencing your journey with essential oils and your equine companion. To access this course, simply click HERE.
As pet owners, we constantly seek ways to enhance the well-being of our furry companions. Essential oils have garnered attention for their wellness properties and natural benefits, not only for us but also for our dogs. However, before delving into the world of aromatherapy for our canine friends, it's crucial to understand the dos and don'ts of using essential oils for dogs. While these oils can offer various advantages, improper use may pose risks to our pets. In this blog post, we will explore the essential guidelines for safely using essential oils with dogs, ensuring that their health and happiness remain a top priority. By gaining insight into the appropriate usage and pet-safe oils, we can create a harmonious and beneficial aromatic environment for our beloved four-legged companions.
1. The Dos of Using Essential Oils for Dogs
When used correctly, essential oils can provide various wellness benefits for dogs. Here are some essential dos to keep in mind:
a) Consult A Holistic Veterinarian Familiar And Trained In Aromatherapy: When it comes to using essential oils for your furry companion, consulting a holistic veterinarian trained and experienced in the art of aromatherapy can make a significant difference. Unlike regular vets who might dismiss essential oils without understanding their potential benefits, a holistic veterinarian possesses specialized knowledge of natural therapies and their applications in pet care. These experts understand the intricacies of essential oils, including their chemical properties, appropriate dilution ratios, and suitable oils for specific conditions. By seeking guidance from a holistic veterinarian, you can ensure a tailored and safe approach to using essential oils for your pet's well-being, making informed decisions that promote their health and happiness. Their expertise allows you to explore the world of aromatherapy for your pet with confidence and peace of mind.
b) Choose High-Quality Pure Essential Oils: Quality matters when it comes to essential oils. Opt for pure, premium essential oils that are free from additives or synthetic ingredients. Low-quality oils may contain harmful substances that can be toxic to dogs.
c) Proper Dilution: Essential oils boast incredible concentration; for instance, it takes approximately 27 square feet of lavender plant to produce a mere 15 ml bottle of lavender essential oil. Due to this potent concentration, diluting essential oils offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows us to use the smallest amount necessary to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, diluted oils can be applied over larger surface areas, reducing the risk of skin reactions. Moreover, the dilution process enables the essential oil to stay on the skin for a longer duration, countering the rapid evaporation typical of highly volatile oils. By slowing down the absorption rate, we facilitate the body's safe and efficient processing of the essential oil. Embracing proper dilution practices ensures a harmonious and secure experience when utilizing essential oils for our fur kids well-being.
d) Start Slowly and Observe: When introducing essential oils to your dog, start with low concentrations aromatically and observe their response. Some dogs may be more sensitive than others, so it's essential to monitor for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions. For more tips on getting started using essential oils aromatically with your dog, click HERE.
e) Monitor Behavioral Changes: Keep an eye on your dog's behavior after using essential oils. If you notice any abnormal signs, such as excessive drooling, lethargy, stupor, or even vomiting, discontinue use immediately and remove your dog from the area.
f) Use Pet-Safe Oils: Read your labels and avoid buying products where the label advises against use with pets. Not all essential oils are created equally. A pure and premium essential oil, properly diluted, can be safe for dogs. Get to know your essential oil company and if they can't answer yes to the following questions, they may not have a pure product:
When you are just getting started, stick to well regarded pet-safe oils like lavender, copaiba, or frankincense, which are generally well-tolerated by dogs.2. The Don'ts of Using Essential Oils for Dogs
While essential oils can be beneficial for dogs, there are several important don'ts to be aware of:
a) Don't Force essential oils on your dog: Start low and go slow! Offer the essential oil bottle to your dog and see how they react. Dogs have a much greater sense of smell than we do and they are getting a whiff even with the lid on!
b) Don't Apply Undiluted Oils: Undiluted essential oils can be too much for your dog. It's generally best to always dilute essential oils properly before applying them to your dog's skin or fur.
c) Don't Overdo It: Moderation is key when using essential oils for dogs.Essential oils work better with a small amount more frequently. Allow your dog an 'out'. Let them choose to leave the aroma if they'd like.
d) Avoid Sensitive Areas: Dogs have more sensitive noses than humans, so generally it's best to avoid applying essential oils around their head unless you are using them for something specific. Also, avoid applying directly to their eyes, nose, mucous membranes, or genitals.
e) Don't buy essential oils from a company you haven't researched and know, like, and trust: Not all essential oils are created equally. Unfortunately many essential oils on the market today are adulterated. There is little regulation in the industry and other factors such as the actual growing of the plant, harvesting, and distillation all contribute to whether a pure essential oil comes out the other side. Be sure to research where and whom you are buying your essential oils from.
Essential oils can offer a wealth of benefits to us and our fur kids when used properly. Remember to consult your holistic veterinarian, choose pet-safe oils, dilute properly, and closely observe your dog's response. By following the dos and don'ts outlined in this blog post, you and your dog can enjoy all the benefits that essential oils bring to the table.
Wondering where I get my 100% pure and premium essential oils? Click HERE to explore Young Living™ Essential Oils. With Young Living, you can experience the benefits of high-quality essential oils and infused products backed by their Seed to Seal® promise, ensuring purity, potency, and sustainability. Start your aromatic adventure today and discover the world of pure, premium, and authentic essential oils from Young Living. Click HERE to learn more! (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business! I'm so excited to help you get started, that I'll connect with you once you order and send you something special!)
As equestrians, we always strive to provide the best care for our horses, ensuring their well-being and peak performance. While there are numerous methods and supplements available to support their health and performance, one natural option that has gained popularity is the use of essential oils. Derived from plants, essential oils can offer a wide range of benefits for both humans and animals alike. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of essential oils for equestrians, exploring how these natural remedies can enhance the performance and aid in the recovery of our beloved equine partners.
1. Understanding Essential Oils
Before diving into the specific benefits of essential oils for horses, let's start by understanding what essential oils are. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the beneficial properties of various botanicals. They are obtained through processes such as steam distillation or cold-press extraction, resulting in highly potent and aromatic substances. Did you know that it takes an average of 75 lemons to produce one 15 ml bottle of lemon essential oil! Each essential oil possesses unique chemical compounds that contribute to its specific wellness effects.
2. Promoting Relaxation and Reducing Tension
One of the key benefits of essential oils for horses is their ability to promote relaxation and reduce tension. Equestrian activities can be demanding and stressful for our equine companions, leading to tension and unease. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and vetiver are known for their calming properties. By wearing these essential oils as a perfume, we can become a walking diffuser promoting calmness and relaxation. Horses are a partnership and we are half of the equation, so anything we can do to keep our emotions in check and on the positive side will support our horses. We can also diffuse these essential oils in the barn and even apply them topically. To dive more in depth on using essential oils to help calm you and your horse, click HERE.
3. Supporting Respiratory Health
Maintaining healthy respiratory function is crucial for the performance and overall well-being of horses. Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree have been studied for their possible expectorant and decongestant properties, making them an ideal choice to support the respiratory system. This study supports the inhalation of eucalyptus in "reducing airway inflammatory parameters". Inhalation of these essential oils may help maintain healthy airways and enhance breathing capacity, ultimately benefiting the horse's performance during intense workouts or competitions.
4. Enhancing Focus and Mental Clarity
Achieving optimal focus and mental clarity is vital for both the rider and the horse in equestrian disciplines. Certain essential oils, such as rosemary, lemon, and frankincense, are known for their ability to enhance cognitive function and promote alertness. These clinical trial results, published on PubMed.gov, found that "rosemary produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors". By incorporating these essential oils into grooming routines or using them during training sessions, we can help our horses maintain focus and concentration. As riders, a sharp mind can help improve our performance and memory for dressage tests or obstacle courses! An easy way to incorporate this is by making a roller bottle. Then, you can roll a small amount onto your hand when grooming and offer it to your horse. Next, you can apply the leftovers to the back of your neck. For a step by step guide to making a roller ball, click HERE.
5. Supporting Muscle Recovery and Joint Health
The physical demands placed on horses during training and competition can lead to muscle soreness and joint discomfort. Essential oils like peppermint, copaiba, helichrysum, and wintergreen possess properties that can aid in muscle recovery and support joint health. Topical application of these oils, either through massage or liniments, can help alleviate discomfort, reduce tension, and support the horse's recovery process. This study, found on PubMed.gov, concluded "that the anti-inflammatory activity of Helichrysum italicum can be explained by multiple effects, including inflammatory enzyme inhibition, free-radical scavenging activity and corticoid-like effects."
This randomized controlled trial, on PubMed.gov, reports that "Peppermint and its active ingredient menthol have long been used for the treatment of various pain conditions including headache." One of my favorite things to do for my horse after a workout is to rinse them with a peppermint brace. This is cooling and refreshing and may soothe fatigued muscles. For the recipe and other easy ways to use peppermint oil, click HERE.
6. Ensuring Safety and Proper Usage
While essential oils offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of our horses. Here are a few important considerations when using essential oils:
a. Quality: Choose high-quality, pure and premium essential oils from reputable sources to ensure their potency and effectiveness. (If you're curious about where I source my essential oils, I highly recommend joining me on a journey with Young Living™. Their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and purity through their Seed To Seal™ process makes them my top choice.)
b. Dilution: Essential oils should be properly diluted before application to avoid skin irritation or sensitization. Using carrier oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil for dilution, as well as incorporating the essential oil into natural products, will minimize potential sensitivities. It's always best to operate with the "less is more" mentality and observe your horse closely for any negative reactions. If any are noticed, usually the application of more carrier oil is sufficient to reduce the reaction.
c. Patch Testing: Before applying any essential oil to a larger area, perform a patch test on a small area of the horse's skin to check for any adverse reactions.
d. Professional Guidance: Consult with a holistic veterinarian familiar with essential oils or equine aromatherapist for personalized advice and guidance on essential oil usage, especially if your horse has any pre-existing health conditions.
It is important to note:
When participating in competitive events, you will want to exercise caution when using essential oils topically, as certain governing bodies may impose regulations on their usage. To avoid potential issues, a simple and effective alternative is to harness the benefits of essential oils through inhalation only. Inhaling the aromatic compounds of essential oils, without topical use, will still positively impact mood, focus, and overall well-being. In fact, this study, found on PubMed.gov, found that "lavender oil inhalation decreases pain levels of children." Simply inhale from the bottle, allow your horse to inhale from the bottle, then you can wear topically as a perfume. When you are wearing the essential oil as a perfume, your horse will benefit from the aroma as well. You and your horse can experience the effects of essential oils without the need for direct skin application, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting a healthy competitive spirit.
Incorporating essential oils into the equestrian routine can be a natural and effective way to enhance the performance and aid in the recovery of horses. From promoting relaxation to supporting respiratory health, enhancing focus, and aiding in muscle recovery, essential oils offer a wide range of benefits.
However, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of our equine partners by using high-quality oils, proper dilution, and seeking professional guidance when needed.
By embracing the power of nature through essential oils, equestrians can create a harmonious and supportive environment for their horses, leading to improved performance, enhanced well-being, and a deeper connection between rider and horse.
Ready to take your knowledge of essential oils and horses to the next level? Dive deep into the world of essential oils and horses with my beginner course, "Oily Horse Intro." Gain a thorough understanding of what essential oils are, where and when to use them, how to apply them effectively, and why they are beneficial for your equine companion.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to become a confident and knowledgeable essential oil user.
Click this link today and enroll in "Oily Horse Intro" Your equine partner deserves the best, and you have the power to provide it. Take action now and embark on this transformative journey together!
In today's fast-paced world, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of our beloved canine companions. One area that often goes overlooked is the impact of toxins present in our homes, including cleaners, air fresheners, and other household products. These products can not only harm humans but also affect the health and well-being of our four-legged friends. Fortunately, there are less harmful products we can use, including essential oils, to offer a natural and safe alternative to these harmful substances. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using natural products and essential oils for canine wellness and how easy it is to replace toxic household products with more natural alternatives. By doing so, we can create a healthier and safer environment for both ourselves and our furry companions.
Understanding the Dangers of Common Household Cleaners and Air Fresheners
To fully appreciate the importance of transitioning to natural alternatives, it's essential to understand why common household cleaners and air fresheners pose a risk to people and dogs alike. Many commercial products contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritations, hormonal disruptions, and even cancer. Dogs are particularly vulnerable as they often lick or sniff surfaces treated with these chemicals, exposing themselves to harmful toxins. Additionally, they spend their lives much closer to the floor where common toxic household products can live from cleaning. In many households, our dogs spend much more time inside the home than we, as owners do, since we're off to work for the day. This can make them more susceptible to the adverse effects of these products.
Common Myths About Natural Cleaners
Common myths often circulate around the use of natural household cleaners versus chemical cleaners.
Myth #1: Natural cleaners are less effective than chemical cleaners.
- Fact: Several products on the market today can offer a safer alternative to clean with. Plain ol' soap and water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol have long been used to clean and disinfect surfaces. According to this article published by the CDC, "Published reports ascribe good germicidal activity to hydrogen peroxide and attest to its bactericidal, virucidal, sporicidal, and fungicidal properties". The addition of essential oils can add wellness benefits as well. The Antimicrobial effects of Tea Tree, a popular essential oil that many people like to add to their home cleaning products, has been studied on PubMed.gov.
Myth #2: Natural cleaners are expensive and hard to find.
- Fact: Essential oils and other natural ingredients are often affordable and readily available in local stores or online. After the initial purchase and investment of ingredients for DIY's, many natural homemade cleaners are less expensive in the long run. If you're not into DIY, check out my favorite toxin free cleaner, Thieves™ Household Cleaner concentrate, from Young Living™ Essential Oils. One bottle of concentrate can make over 20 quarts of cleaner, making it one of the least expensive toxin free cleaners on the market!
Myth #3: Natural cleaners lack a pleasant scent.
- Fact: The addition of essential oils offers a wide range of fragrances, such as lavender and citrus, providing a delightful aroma while effectively cleaning your home. Some alcohols that you can use for cleaning have no aroma at all.
Dispelling these myths can help pet owners and families make informed choices in opting for safer, more natural alternatives for their homes. To make it easy, I've got an 'Essential Cleaning Supplies Checklist' so you can grab the products you need to get started. Click HERE!
Benefits of Essential Oils for Canine Wellness
Essential oils, derived from plants, offer numerous benefits for canine wellness. They are natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals. When used correctly, essential oils can promote relaxation, reduce tension, support healthy skin, and enhance overall well-being. Essential oils can also be used for odor, making them ideal for various household applications. Some essential oils can even be used for outdoor and indoor annoyances, helping to keep unwanted critters at bay. This study on PubMed.gov, found essential oil vapors "effective in reducing microbial contamination". They can add a wellness and cleaning boost to your natural products. In fact, many 'natural' cleaners on the market today include essential oils.
Essential Oil Safety Guidelines for Canine Wellness
While essential oils have numerous benefits, it's important to use them safely around dogs. The two most important factors when using essential oils around dogs are quality and dilution. To learn how to make sure you are using a pure, high quality, and premium essential oil, click HERE. When you are adding essential oils to, or making your own cleaners, you'll already be diluting the essential oil for safe use in the home.
Replacing Toxic Cleaners with Essential Oil-Based Alternatives
Transitioning to toxin free cleaners can be simple and easy. Here are some popular household cleaning products you can use:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Vodka
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Essential Oils
1. All-purpose cleaner: Mix half water and half vinegar, and add several drops of essential oils like lemon or tea tree oil for a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner that can be used on countertops, floors, and other surfaces. Yes, you can use tea tree oil around your dogs, click HERE for what you need to know. If you have natural stone, granite, or marble, vinegar isn't recommended as it can scratch and dull the countertop, and affect the sealers. You will want to use plain ol' soap and water. For more in depth info on using natural cleaners specifically, check out my 'Healthy Hacks To Clean Your Home' article by clicking HERE!
2. Air freshener: Instead of using aerosol sprays or plug-in air fresheners, consider making your own natural alternatives. You can easily make a room spray with essential oils. Click HERE for a step by step guide to making a spray. Consider an investment of an essential oil diffuser. Placed strategically in your home, adding several drops and diffusing daily can be a perfect way to uplift and freshen your home. There are many diffusers on the market today, for help in picking out the right one for you, check out my blog HERE!
3. Odor control: To combat unpleasant odors, baking soda can be your new BFF.
You can add essential oils to baking soda and make closet and drawer sachets as well as standing air fresheners around your home. For more easy ways and ideas to replace chemical laden air fresheners, check out my 'Ultimate Guide To Eliminating Pet Odors Naturally' by clicking HERE!
4. Carpet cleaner: Add about 20-30 drops of an essential oil or blend to 1 cup of baking soda. Mix well and then sprinkle on carpet you have already vacuumed. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes or even overnight for heavily soiled areas, then vacuum up.
5. Mop water: Add around 10 drops of essential oils like lemon, pine, or lavender to your mop water for a natural and refreshing scent while cleaning your floors.
6. Bleach and Hand Soap: For my favorite bleach alternative and hand soap recipes, click HERE. Sometimes its easy to think that your exposure to chemicals isn't that big, but how many times do you wash your hands each day? We may not realize it, but with each hand wash and product use, we accumulate a significant chemical load. Moreover, products labeled with "fragrance" can hide a multitude of chemicals, as they are protected by 'trade secret' laws and may contain hundreds of undisclosed substances. Making your own natural alternatives empowers you to lead a healthier, chemical-free lifestyle for you, your furry friend, and the planet.
7.Window and Mirror Cleaner: Click HERE to learn how to make an all-natural window and mirror cleaner using just four ingredients, ensuring a streak-free shine while promoting a healthier living environment for you and your furry friend.
By replacing toxic household products with natural alternatives, we can create a safer and healthier environment for both ourselves and our canine companions. Essential oils offer a versatile and effective solution to eliminate harmful chemicals from our homes while promoting canine wellness. With a little knowledge and effort, you can easily make the switch and experience the benefits of essential oils for your home and your furry friend's well-being.
If you're curious about where I source my essential oils, I highly recommend joining me on a journey with Young Living™. Their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and purity through their Seed To Seal™ process makes them my top choice. Explore the Thieves™ product line, a perfect addition to creating a natural home environment. Embracing safe and toxin-free cleaning products has never been easier. If you prefer not to DIY, Young Living™ offers a complete product line ideal for cleaning your home. Check out the Make a Shift™ Happy, Healthy Home™ Kit HERE. This kit is all you need to get started with natural home cleaning today!(This is an affiliate link, and I earn a small commission from your order at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business! I'm thrilled to assist you in getting started and will connect with you after your order to send something special your way!)
