5 of the most TOXIC things in your home and how to change it!

Aly Essentially • June 2, 2019
1. Air Fresheners

I rated this #1 because personally this was the hardest to switch over. My daughter and I loved going to the mall and walking into the store with all the fun colorful candles, air fresheners, lotions, and soaps. It all smelled amazing and everyone was so nice! But studies show that those air fresheners with pictures of glittery morning dewy lavender and ever eternal oceans really have nothing of the sort inside. In fact, the University of California at Berkley found that when used excessively or in unvented areas, theyre releasing toxic levels of pollutants. YIKES! My tip: Diffuse! In every room if you can! Lemon and orange are great for purifying the air of foul odors. Lavender or peppermint are good for a calming effect. Where to buy? Diffusers can be found pretty much anywhere and range from $10-$200+. I personally buy from Young Living and Amazon. Another great natural option to make your own DIY air freshener. Here is my favorite recipe: 16 oz glass spray bottle ($5). 6 drops Eucalyptus, 6 drops Lemon, 6 drops Lavender. Fill with water. Shake. Viola! **Keep in mind that essential oils are tricky and the rule of thumb is you get what you pay for. This couldn't be more true with oils. I recommend purchasing from a credible source such as Young Living. Becoming a member has a ton of benefits! Contact Organically Maid for more info on that!

2. Dryer Sheets


This was interesting to me. I never really thought about why clothes smelled so fresh after tossing in a dryer sheet up until my chemical awakening a few years ago. And even now as I do research for this article, I'm learning even more disturbing facts about how toxic they are. Here are those facts. According to the author of The Brain Wash, there are seven potentially toxic common chemicals found in dryer sheets that contribute to central nervous system disorders and depression and may cause headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. SAY HUH? Chemicals found in dryer sheets infiltrate the clothes we wear and get absorbed into our body. And according to neurologists and other experts in this arena, contribute to dysfunction and disease of the nervous system. Um no thanks! Here is what I use in my dryer!  Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I love Gentle Baby from Young Living) to a couple of these natural wool dryer balls (less than $15) and bam! No toxins, but you still get super smelly good clothes! 


3. Nonstick pans

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I grew up in the country and my mom always cooked on this one cast iron griddle. It was the size of two burners and she cooked everything from eggs to turkey burgers to grilled veggies and beyond. She always told me that cooking on anything else would cause cancer. And as the unaware child I was, I'd always roll my eyes. But now I can say thanks Mom! Of course I'm no expert in cancer and I'm not saying my mom was right, buuuuuut per the Environmental Working Group, she had the right idea with this. They say that nonstick coatings can "reach 700 degrees F in as little as 3-5 minutes, releasing 15 toxic gases and chemicals, including two carcinogens." All I gotta say is cast iron guys!! A good cast iron skillet range is $30+.


4. Plastic food containers and plastic wrap


This might actually give you a reason to jump for joy! Who gets so annoyed every time they go for the cabinet of mismatched containers? Seriously where do all the lids go?! Same place the socks do I bet. But guess what? You can now throw it all out and replace it with... glass! Youll want to after reading this: Many containers are made from chemicals such as phthalates, which can interfere with the body's endocrine system to produce adverse developmental, reproductive and neurological effects. And since the plastic breaks down over time, it can cause the release of these dangerous chemicals into your food. YUCK! So, yeah, glass yall. And Beeswax Food Wraps ($15) to replace those pesky lids! 


5. Cleaning products


So this one is my favorite and I could talk for hours about the why and the how. Like literally there are TONS of studies and articles out there about this subject so its tough but I'll condense it to one paragraph ha! Cleaning ingredients vary in the type of health hazard they pose. Some cause acute, or immediate, hazards such as skin or respiratory irritation, watery eyes, or chemical burns, while others are associated with chronic, or long-term, effects such as cancer. So. Not. Worth. It. Making your own cleaners is super fun and even more super cost effective I promise! You can make it all from scratch or buy premixed like our fav Thieves Household Concentrate from Young Living. Honestly though, I do both. I hand mix my peppermint bathroom scrub and dusting spray but use the Thieves concentrate for floors and disinfecting. Highly recommend Thieves yall! Its a blend of Clove, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Rosemary, and Lemon. Costs under $30 and will last like forever.  Contact me if you want some! 


**Disclaimer: I am in no way a medical expert. Do your own research and find what works best for your personal situation. Also, research which oils are safe for your family members including pets. 


Let me know what you think of my new blog! Thanks! -Aly


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You love that freshly cleaned feeling after our team visits — the sparkling counters, crumb-free floors, and that light, citrusy scent in the air. But what about the days between your professional cleanings? Here’s the good news: keeping your home cleaner longer doesn’t mean spending hours a day tidying up or doing it all yourself. With a few small habits and smart systems, you can maintain that clean-home calm — with minimal effort. Here are our favorite low-effort, high-impact tips: โœ… 1. Embrace the “5-Minute Reset” At the end of the day (or after dinner), set a timer for 5–10 minutes. Have everyone in the house reset their own space: dishes in the dishwasher, shoes put away, blankets folded, toys in bins. Quick group resets prevent small messes from turning into full-blown chaos. ๐Ÿงบ 2. Keep a “Clutter Basket” in Every Room Instead of running around trying to tidy everything right away, keep a stylish basket in high-traffic areas. Toss in stray toys, mail, or out-of-place items. Once a day (or once a week), do a quick sort and put things back where they belong. ๐ŸŒฟ 3. Choose Smarter Storage Make it easier for everyone to be tidy — especially kids — by using open bins, labeled baskets, and hooks at eye level. If your home is “set up to succeed,” less mess piles up. ๐Ÿšช 4. Create a Drop Zone Keep dirt and clutter from spreading by creating a small landing area at the entrance: a mat for shoes, a basket for bags, and a hook for keys or backpacks. It keeps the mess contained and makes getting out the door easier, too. ๐Ÿงผ 5. Spot Clean as You Go A quick wipe of the bathroom counter after brushing your teeth or a swipe of the stovetop after cooking takes seconds — but makes a huge difference. Keep microfiber cloths or plant-based cleaning wipes handy in the kitchen and bathroom for easy access. ๐Ÿค And Remember: You’re Not Meant to Do It All Keeping your home consistently clean doesn’t have to be a solo mission. When you have Organically Maid on your side, you’re already ahead of the game. With regular maintenance visits, your home stays fresh, your time stays yours, and your sanity stays intact. Want to make your clean last even longer? ๐Ÿ“… Book a recurring clean or join our Green Home Club for exclusive perks, priority scheduling, and a consistently beautiful space — no burnout required. ๐Ÿ’š You do your life. We’ll handle the clean.

Why Hiring a Cleaning Service is an Act of Self-Care

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When we think of self-care, images of spa days, bubble baths, and quiet walks in nature might come to mind. But what if one of the most impactful forms of self-care isn’t about adding something to your life — it’s about taking something off your plate? At Organically Maid, we believe that hiring a cleaning service isn’t an indulgence — it’s a practical, powerful act of self-care that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s why: ๐Ÿง  1. A Clean Space = A Clearer Mind Clutter and mess create visual chaos that can increase stress, anxiety, and decision fatigue. Studies show that people in clean environments tend to sleep better, focus more easily, and feel less overwhelmed. By outsourcing your cleaning to professionals, you're not just creating a tidy home — you're creating a space for calm, clarity, and creativity to thrive. โฐ 2. Your Time Is Precious Between work, parenting, appointments, errands, and trying to squeeze in rest, your time is more valuable than ever. Every hour you spend scrubbing baseboards is an hour you could spend doing something that restores you — connecting with family, catching up on sleep, or just taking a moment to breathe. Hiring a trusted cleaning service gives you back your most limited resource: time. ๐ŸŒฟ 3. Your Health Matters — Physically and Emotionally At Organically Maid, we use non-toxic, eco-friendly products that are safe for families, pets, and the planet. Regular cleaning can reduce allergens, bacteria, and dust buildup — supporting your immune system and long-term health. And beyond the physical benefits? Coming home to a clean, peaceful space is an emotional lift that helps you reset after long or difficult days. ๐Ÿก 4. You Don’t Have to “Earn” a Clean Home Many of us grew up believing that we have to “do it all” to be good parents, partners, or professionals. But hiring help doesn’t mean you’re lazy or incapable — it means you’re wise enough to protect your energy and invest in what matters most. You deserve a home that feels like a sanctuary — not another to-do list. ๐Ÿ’š Self-Care Starts at Home Let us help lighten your load. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or want to join our Green Home Club for regular, recurring visits, we’re here to help you breathe easier — in every sense of the word. Ready to experience self-care through a clean, refreshed space? Request a quote today and take the first step toward a lighter, brighter life. Because peace of mind isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Organically Maid cleaning services can help keep your home or office sparkling naturally with organic and non-toxic cleaners and can save you time and energy! Contact us today for a free estimate.

Freedom From Cleaning

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This Independence Day, we’re celebrating freedom in the best way possible — by giving busy families and overwhelmed homeowners a well-deserved break from scrubbing, mopping, and dusting! โœจ We’re giving away FOUR FREE initial maintenance cleanings (valued at up to $400 each!) to new clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. That’s right — four lucky households will enjoy a sparkling clean home, on us! ๐Ÿงผ What’s Included: Each giveaway winner will receive a professional maintenance cleaning by our expert, eco-friendly team. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a clean, healthy home without lifting a finger — just in time for post-holiday recovery! ๐ŸŽ‰ How to Enter: Request a quote using our online form (link below). Mention "Freedom From Cleaning Giveaway". That’s it — you’ll be automatically entered to win! ๐Ÿ“… Important Details: Cleanings must be scheduled for next week (July 8–11). Winners will be selected from eligible entries submitted by Sunday, July 7th at 11:59 PM. Offer valid for new clients only. Terms and conditions apply. Don’t miss your chance to free yourself from cleaning and relax in a beautifully refreshed home. Whether you're recovering from the July 4th festivities or just need a clean start, this is your moment. ๐ŸŽ‡ Let freedom — and cleanliness — ring!

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The Safest Way to Clean & Refresh Yoga Mats

April 28, 2025
Your yoga mat is more than just a surface—it’s where you ground yourself, breathe deeply, and care for your body. But over time, sweat, oils, and dirt can build up, leaving your mat less than fresh. If you're using your mat regularly, cleaning it safely and naturally is essential—not just for your hygiene, but for the longevity of your mat and the health of your skin and lungs. At Organically Maid, we’re all about protecting your health and the planet. So, we’ve put together a guide to the safest, most effective ways to clean and refresh your yoga mat without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. 1. Know Your Mat Material Before you start cleaning, check what your mat is made of. Natural rubber, PVC, TPE, and cork all require slightly different care. Always check your manufacturer’s care instructions first, but generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid submerging rubber and cork mats, and skip essential oils if your mat is made from materials that degrade easily. 2. Make a DIY Natural Yoga Mat Spray Here’s a gentle, non-toxic cleaner that’s easy to make at home: DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray: 1 cup distilled water 1/4 cup white vinegar or witch hazel 3–5 drops of tea tree essential oil (natural antimicrobial) 3–5 drops of lavender or lemon essential oil (optional for scent) Instructions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Lightly spray your mat (don’t saturate) and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Let it air dry fully before rolling it up. 3. Deep Cleaning for Heavily Used Mats If your mat needs a deeper refresh: Fill a tub or large basin with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild, organic dish soap. Submerge the mat briefly and gently wipe with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well with clean water. Hang to air dry away from direct sunlight. Note: This method works best for mats that are not made of porous materials like cork or natural rubber. Always spot-test first. 4. Avoid These Common Mistakes No harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and artificial fragrances can break down your mat and irritate your skin. Don’t soak too long: Prolonged soaking can damage some mats or cause them to absorb water, leading to mildew. Skip the washing machine: Unless your mat’s label specifically says it’s machine-washable, hand washing is safer. 5. Keep It Clean Between Washes Wipe down your mat after each session with a natural spray or damp cloth. Always allow your mat to dry completely before rolling or storing. Store your mat in a clean, dry space—not in the trunk of your car or damp gym bag. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Organically Maid cleaning services can help keep your home or office sparkling naturally with organic and non-toxic cleaners and can save you time and energy! Contact us today for a free estimate. Disclaimer: The recommendations and recipes provided on the Organically Maid Blog are intended for informational purposes only. Please use caution and consult with a professional if you have any concerns or allergies. Organically Maid is not liable for any adverse effects or damages that may result from following the recommendations or recipes shared on this blog. Always follow manufacturer's recommendations and proceed at your own risk.