How to Reduce Inside Air Pollution

Anyone else out there tired of the strong chemical smells, or just want to get rid of the toxins in your home? Did you know that many times the air inside our houses in more polluted than the air outside? That’s right! Not only do we have many of the pollutants from outside getting in, but we also have the pollutants from items you might use everyday. How many of you use cleaning products from the store to clean your house? Or love to have scented candles lit in every room? What about those wax melts? Those should be better than candles right? Any plug-ins around your house? Spray air fresheners? I’m going to give you some information I wish I had had a long time ago to reduce the inside air pollution in your home.

Where to Start

The first thing I wish I had known was how to make my own cleaners that were not chocked full of chemicals and smell great. The best part is that they actually work! (We all have tried some sort of “natural” cleaner that did nothing but waste our time.) The first thing you will need to do is pick up some glass spray bottles. I use these from Target because the store is right down the street from my house. 😆 https://www.target.com/p/grove-co-reusable-cleaning-glass-spray-bottle/-/A-89196998

Most of the ingredients for these cleaners will be in your kitchen already, but the ones you might not have on hand are the essential oils you will need. I use dōTERRA oils because I know I can trust that I am getting the most pure essential oil possible. If you do not know someone who sells them or don’t have access to anywhere that might have them on hand, then you can click on this link to order the ones you will need. my.doterra.com/melissawhite34

Dusting Spray

You will need: 1 cup water (distilled or boiled and cooled), 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 15 drops of lemon or wild orange essential oil. Combine all of the ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake. Spray on a microfiber cloth and apply to surface. You will need to shake it up each time you use it as the olive oil will separate between uses. I absolutely love the light scent and how well it works!

Glass Cleaner

You will need: 2 cups distilled water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. Combine all of the ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake well. Spray on windows or mirrors and wipe dry. This can be stored for up to two months. I absolutely love using this because peppermint is also a natural repellent for spiders and ants.

Mold & Mildew Preventer

You will need: 2 cups distilled water, 30 drops of tea tree essential oil, and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Combine all ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well. Spray directly on mold or mildew. Do not rinse. Repeat as needed as long as the surface has time to dry in between applications. This is a GREAT spray to keep in your bathroom so you can spray down your shower!

Stove Cleaner

You will need: 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tablespoons natural dish detergent, 5 drops lemon essential oil, and white vinegar. Combine the baking soda, dish detergent, and lemon essential oil, and then add the vinegar until the mixture has an olive oil consistency. Rub the mixture onto stove top and let sit for 15-30 minutes. Use a damp scouring pad to scrub surface clean. Rinse with water. I used this on my stove after our Thanksgiving cooking and candy making and it worked SO well!! Here’s some pictures of the before and after!

Getting Rid of Air Freshener Toxins

The first thing you need to do is to get rid of all of those plug-ins, candles, and wax melts. I know, it is so easy to just plug something in and forget about it, but trust me. You will be glad you did this! This is a must to reduce your inside air pollution! Obviously, you won’t be able to go out and buy a diffuser for every single room of your house right off the bat, but you can pick the top two rooms you’d like to have something in. I started with my living room and bedroom. If you need assistance choosing a diffuser, check out this link: https://www.doterra.com/CA/en/blog/healthy-living-which-essential-oil-diffuser-should-i-use

Favorite Diffuser Recipes

Liquid Summer– Fill diffuser with distilled water and add 3 drops Grapefruit, 2 drops Wild Orange, 2 drops Turmeric, and 1 drop Ylang Ylang. I love the mix of the citrus, spice, and floral in this one!!! (I actually have it going in the house right now!)

Energy Boost– Fill diffuser with distilled water and add 3 drops Spearmint, 3 drops Lemongrass, and 3 drops Tangerine. I know this one sounds like it would be terrible, but I LOVE this one. I diffuse this one in my classroom. It seems to keep my students engaged but not wired. (You could also swap out the Lemongrass for Rosemary.)

Motivation-Fill diffuser with distilled water and add 3 drops Basil, 3 drops Grapefruit, 2 drops Bergamot, 2 drop Sandalwood, 1 drop Rosemary, and 1 drop Ylang Ylang. I diffuse this one when I know that everyone has a lot to get done, but might not want to. They have no idea! 🤭

I hope this information helped you to see how just a few changes will help you to reduce your inside air pollution. For more oil info or diffuser recipes follow our Facebook page! Search for Oils for This and That Team.