To keep your workout gear clean and fresh without resorting to harmful chemicals, try making a DIY antibacterial spray. (h/t to Blog.PaleoHacks.com)
With this toxin-free spray, you won't have to worry about having to use a sweat-stained yoga mat full of germs. This DIY antibacterial spray is made with natural ingredients that will effectively disinfect and eliminate any lingering odors on your yoga mat.
The ingredients list for this fresh-smelling DIY spray includes witch hazel that can naturally fight off bacteria. It also includes some tea tree oil that can help prevent fungi from growing in your yoga mat. Tea tree oil will also prevent any germs from spreading infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
You can personalize this cleanser by adding some lavender or any other essential oil of your choice. If you don't have any witch hazel, substitute some apple cider vinegar (ACV) instead. ACV can also effectively fight funky odors and prevent germs from spreading. (Related: Natural, non-toxic DIY cleaning products you can make on a budget.)
How to make a DIY antibacterial spray
Follow the recipe below to make a fragrant antibacterial spray.
Tools needed:
- Bowl
- Funnel
- 4 oz. BPA-free plastic spray bottle
Ingredients:
- ? cup water
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- 3-5 drops of tea tree oil
- 1-2 drops of lavender or other essential oil for scent (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the water and witch hazel in the bowl.
- Add the tea tree oil and your chosen essential oil to personalize the scent of the antibacterial spray.
- Carefully pour the mixture into a spray bottle using the funnel.
Instructions for use:
Shake the bottle thoroughly. Spray the DIY antibacterial cleaner on your yoga mat before and after each workout session. Wipe the yoga mat and let the mixture air-dry before you roll up the mat.
Recipes for other homemade cleaning products
Why stop at a DIY antibacterial spray? Below are recipes for three more natural cleaning products that you can use around the house:
Homemade all-purpose cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ACV
- 2 tbsp. baking soda
- 10 drops tea tree, lavender, or lemon essential oil (these essential oils have potent disinfectant properties)
Combine the ACV, essential oils, and some water. Add the baking soda then transfer the mixture to a 12 oz. clean spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake gently to mix the ingredients. Just spray the cleaner, wipe with a cloth, and allow it to dry.
Homemade air freshener
Ingredients:
- 12-15 drops of pure essential oil (consider using grapefruit, lavender, lemon, or orange)
- ½ cup ACV
- 1 ½ cups water
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, and spray to freshen any room in your house. Always shake the bottle before each use. If you think the air freshener isn't strong enough, experiment with the ratios of essential oil and ACV.
Homemade carpet freshener
Aside from making your carpet smell good, the ingredients for this homemade carpet freshener can "disinfect, kill fleas and their eggs, and act as a rodent deterrent."
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Borax
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Store the mixture in an air-tight container. To use the carpet freshener, just sprinkle the mixture on the carpet. Let the carpet freshener sit for at least half an hour. Vacuum once you're done.
You can read more articles about safer alternatives to cleaning products and how to avoid toxic chemicals at Chemicals.news.
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