DIY Antiseptic Cleanser for Cold and Flu Season
The cold and flu cycle is in full swing and parents across the nation are looking for ways to stymie sickness with myriad products that kill viruses and germs. Anything to make it stop! But, many conventional products contain harsh ingredients that can pose risks to your child's health.
Our friend and expert, Annie B. Bond, posted this easy, affordable, and effective recipe at Green Chi Café:
If you use this great formula you save about $7.66 for this one cleaner alone. (And it asks for essential oils, too, which aren't cheap!) Not only does this preparation clean, but the essential oils disinfect and provide a natural fragrance.
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2 cups:
DIY = $0.84
Store Bought = $8.50
Up to 1 teaspoon antiseptic essential oil (thyme, sweet orange, lemongrass, rose, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, birch, lavender, or tea tree)
1 teaspoon washing soda
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
2 cups hot water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to dissolve and to blend the minerals. I like to spray this cleanser onto a surface, then leave it for 15 minutes or so before I wipe it up with a rag, to give the essential oil's antiseptic qualities time to work.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is indefinite; just store in spray bottle or in a glass jar with a screw top.
For more ways to save money cleaning, see Cleaning for Pennies.
Note: Keep out of reach of children. Even products made with safer, natural ingredients can cause reactions in sensitive children or pose ingestion risks.
What do you use to keep germs at bay?
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