Naturally Safe from the Swine

Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2009 by Jen

Chemical companies are the only ones out there welcoming the H1N1 virus (swine flu) with open arms. Why, you ask? Because there are many scared parents out there trying to protect their families from a potentially fatal illness. Never have the bulging muscles of Mr. Clean seemed so appealing. Who better to come to our rescue?

My motivation for this post is that I was watching TV the other night and saw a chemical cleaning company’s commercial which began with, “Are you protecting your family from H1N1?” Before I got angry, I first applauded their marketing genius. I then had to add my own lines to their commercial, “Would you like your child to get cancer? Have reproductive problems? Get respiratory diseases? Then do we have the product for you!”

Argh… Did you know that chemical disinfectants have to be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as they are classified as pesticides?

I would like to share with with you some natural alternatives to disinfection that will likely do a better job than most conventional chemical disinfectants without posing any harm to your family. There are a number of recipes out there that you can make at home.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have antimicrobial properties. Some better than others. The best out there are citrus, lavendar, tea tree, and bergamot.

I found a great recipe for an essential oil disinfecting spray at http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/using-essential-oils-as-disinfectants-331528.html

• 6 drops grapefruit oil
• 6 drops rosemary oil
• 4 drops lemon oil
• 2oz filtered water

Lemon

Lemon is one of nature’s best disinfectants. Its low pH (high acidity) kills all in its path. Straight lemon juice (either freshly squeezed or from concentrate), can kill most bacteria in your home. After cleaning with an alkaline cleaner to neutralize soils and stains (borax, soap, baking soda etc.), use a lemon-based disinfectant to effectively “zap” any remaining microbes. Those little guys can’t live in the acidic environment (do not use on marble).

Lemon Disinfectant Spray

• 8oz filtered water (fill a spray bottle)
• 25 drops of lemon essential oil

Shake well and this can be used on counter tops, faucets, door knobs, and bed linens. It is safe if it comes into contact with food. Recipe from http://greenkeen.blogspot.com/2009/04/lemon-natural-cleaner-and-disinfectant.html This site also has more great lemon-based cleaning product recipes that I am excited to try out such as Copper Polish, Microwave Cleaner, Coffee Pot Cleaner, Cutting Board Sanitizer, Grills and Pans, Floor Cleaner and a Laundry Enhancer. What a great site!

Vinegar

Vinegar has been a known disinfectant since ancient Roman times. Heinz company spokesperson, Michael Mullen, references numerous studies to show that a straight 5% solution of vinegar- kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% germs (viruses). He noted that Heinz cannot claim on their packaging that vinegar is a disinfectant since the company had not registered it as a pesticide with the EPA. I can understand why, would you like some pesticide on your french fries? What?!

Vinegar is certainly the cleaner of choice in my house. I actually like the smell of it. I use it in our bathrooms mainly with microfiber cloths.

Wet Wipes

First off, I am NOT a fan of disinfecting wet wipes. I cringe when I see mothers wipe their kids’ hands and faces with these poisonous cloths. I have been searching high and low for a natural alternative on the market to no avail. I have however, found some great recipes that you can make at home for your family to use. These are great to send your kids to school with these days to prevent the spread of Swine Flu

Recipe #1 Natural Disinfecting Wet Wipe courtesy of http://alexandranow.com/index.php/2009/03/03/clean-and-disinfect-without-a-single-toxic-chemical/

• one empty wipes container (washed and dried)
• 1/4 cup filtered water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 6 drops lemon essential oil

Put mixture into wipes container and mix well. Then add paper towel. This works best if you cut the paper towel roll in half and then carefully take out the cardboard inner roll. Place paper towels into the container and allow them to soak up the mixture. Feed through the top and Voila!

Recipe #2 Natural Disinfecting Wipe

If you want a less wasteful option. Simply get a face cloth and wet it. Add 5 drops of tea tree or lemon essential oil and wipe away the germs! I often bring a few of these with me in sealed containers where ever I go with my kids. These are perfect for after playing at the playground, which we affectionately refer to as the “germ pit”. I have friends that send their kids to school with these in their lunch kits for before they eat.

I hope this entry has been helpful. Please forward to everyone you know! There is no need to poison your family to avoid the flu!!!!!!