DIY Lavender + Lemon natural dish soap for sensitive skin
Aly Essentially • June 17, 2019

When researching for this article, I first went to the www.EWG.org
for toxic ratings. This organization lists ingredients of all sorts of products and gives them a rating based on how toxic it is to our health and the environment. Just a warning, once you start looking up your favorite products, you will likely get upset and appalled at the level of harmful chemicals that are packed into them and WANT to go natural! I hope so anyway!
So here is something to thing about: It took me about 5 seconds to find 284 "hand washing detergents" from 56 companies along with all of their specs (who knew there were so many dish soaps out there?!). Of those 284 hand washing products, 209 of those rated a C or lower (the ratings indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product). Some top selling liquid dish soaps that are major household names, are among the worst with a rating of "F." Ya'll an "F" is baaaaad. Ya'll know our skin is the largest organ of our body so touching toxic cleaners every day can cause issues. Effects to the body include damage to DNA, respiratory effects, developmental/endocrine/reproductive effects, digestive system effects, nervous system effects, acute aquatic toxicity, damage to vision, and cancer.
>>>Pause for dramatic effect<<<<
Ok, so yeah...we want to get away from all that nonsense! And a great way to do this is to make your own cleaning products with ingredients you know are natural and trust wont hurt your family.
DIY natural Lavender + Lemon dishsoap
Shopping list:
Organic Lavender castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner's)
Aloe gel
Organic washing soda
Organic vegetable glycerine
Lavender and Lemon essential oil (I use Young Living)
Step 1. Boil 1 1/4 cup water and pour in glass bowl
Step 2. Add 2/3 cup of Lavender castile soap. Stir.
Step 3. Add in 1 tbsp of aloe gel. This is for sensitive hands. Stir.
Step 4. Mix in 1 1/2 tsp washing soda. This is where the grease fighting power comes in. Then stir 1 tsp vegetable glycerin.
Step 5. 10 drops of Lavender, 10 drops of Lemon.
Step 6. Mix well!
Step 7. Transfer to bottle of your choice.
Step 8. Make your husband/partner do the dishes because you just spent the last 20 minutes thoughtfully making this healthy non toxic soap and you deserve a break!
Happy cleaning!
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Aly
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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.

Laundry rooms and mudrooms are among the busiest spaces in any home, often collecting dirt, dust, and grime from daily use. Unfortunately, many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can linger on surfaces, irritate the skin, and affect indoor air quality. Switching to organic cleaning methods ensures these high-traffic areas stay fresh, safe, and toxin-free for your family and pets. Here are some simple, effective ways to maintain a naturally clean laundry room and mudroom. Naturally Freshen Up the Laundry Room 1. Switch to a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Many traditional detergents contain synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and harsh surfactants that can cause skin irritation and contribute to indoor air pollution. Opt for a natural, plant-based detergent or make your own by mixing: 1 cup washing soda 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup Epsom salt 1 bar of grated castile soap Store in an airtight container and use 2 tablespoons per load. 2. Ditch Fabric Softeners for Vinegar Conventional fabric softeners often contain artificial fragrances and chemicals that coat fabrics. Instead, use distilled white vinegar as a natural softener and odor remover. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle for fresh, residue-free clothing. 3. Keep the Washing Machine Clean Naturally To prevent mold and mildew buildup, run a monthly cleaning cycle using: 2 cups white vinegar in the detergent dispenser 1/2 cup baking soda directly in the drum Run a hot water cycle and leave the door open afterward to air dry. 4. Use Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets Conventional dryer sheets are often coated with synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the skin. Swap them out for wool dryer balls, which naturally reduce static and soften clothes. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls before tossing them into the dryer for a fresh, chemical-free scent. 5. Prevent Musty Odors Dampness can lead to mildew smells in the laundry room. Keep the space dry by: Using a dehumidifier or opening windows for airflow Wiping down surfaces regularly with a vinegar-water solution Storing detergent and other products in sealed, dry containers Eco-Friendly Mudroom Cleaning Tips Mudrooms tend to collect dirt, dust, and outdoor debris, making regular cleaning essential. Using natural cleaning solutions will help keep this space fresh without introducing harmful chemicals. 6. Sweep and Mop with a Non-Toxic Solution Dirt from shoes can accumulate quickly, so sweep the floor daily and mop weekly using this DIY cleaner: 1 gallon warm water 1/2 cup white vinegar 10 drops tea tree or lemon essential oil (for antibacterial properties) This solution is safe for tile, laminate, and hardwood floors. 7. Disinfect Door Handles & Light Switches Mudrooms see a lot of hand traffic, so it's important to keep high-touch surfaces clean. Instead of using chemical disinfectants, spray a mixture of: 1 cup water 1/2 cup vinegar 10 drops eucalyptus or lavender essential oil Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and cubby handles regularly. 8. Keep Shoe Odors Under Control Shoes can carry dirt and bacteria into your home. Use these natural tricks to keep odors at bay: Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight and shake it out in the morning. Place cedarwood shoe inserts inside boots and sneakers. Store a small bowl of activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the mudroom to absorb odors. 9. Clean Muddy Footprints Naturally For fresh mud stains on floors, let them dry completely before sweeping. If needed, use a gentle paste of baking soda and water to scrub stubborn spots. For rugs, sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to remove dirt and neutralize odors. 10. Organize with Eco-Friendly Storage Solutions Keeping your mudroom tidy is key to minimizing messes. Opt for sustainable, non-toxic storage options such as: Wicker or bamboo baskets for organizing shoes, gloves, and scarves. Glass or metal containers instead of plastic bins for storing laundry pods or dryer balls. Repurposed wooden crates for a rustic, sustainable storage solution. Keep Your Home Naturally Clean with Organically Maid A fresh, organized laundry room and mudroom make daily routines smoother while keeping your home free from harsh chemicals. By switching to organic cleaning methods, you can maintain a healthy, toxin-free environment for your family. 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.