There’s something holy about a calm home. Not perfect, but peaceful. A space that welcomes, comforts, and renews. As homemakers, we have the privilege of shaping that atmosphere daily.
With the holiday gatherings starting this week, there’s very likely some cleaning that needs to be done. Just as food is medicine, our environment can be healing when we eliminate toxins.
A Home That Heals
Our homes are meant to be places of restoration. When we walk through the door, we should feel peace, not pressure that raises cortisol and tenses muscles.
God created us to flourish in order and beauty, not chaos and clutter. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us,
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”
A healing home mirrors His character: calm, orderly, and sanitary.
Clearing the Clutter
Physical clutter creates mental clutter; clearing it reduces stress and calms the mind. I hope you’re not stressing in chaos this week, but if you still have clutter, here’s my best cleaning tip!!
Get your empty Amazon boxes from the recycling pile and fill them with all of the stuff on the flat surfaces in your living and dining area. Leave a few decorative items out to make it look welcoming. Wha-la! Instant stress reduction!
You’ll find that as your space clears, so does your spirit.
The Power of Scent
God loves scents, and we do too; that’s why they are such a big business and in every product. The problem is that the artificial ones harm the brain, glands, and hormone systems.
By swapping candles and plug-ins for diffusers with therapeutic-grade essential oils, we can not only please the nose but also purify the air and offer health benefits to the body. This is helpful for guests with chemically induced headaches and respiratory issues.
If you don’t have a diffuser and/or bioactive oils, try this simple stove-top air freshener to replace toxic air-fresheners in your home.
Simmering Potpourri
3 cups of water
1 oranges (slices)
1 apple (sliced)
4-5 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp-sized cut of ginger
Orange peels cut into slices
Add spices to a pan of water, bring to a boil, and simmer to scent your home. For use in other rooms, purchase the mini-crockpots to divide the liquid and set on warm.
Non-Toxic Cleaning, God’s Way
God gave us plants with natural cleansing power. These plants used in the Holy Anointing Oil in Exodus 32 have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Oils like lemon, thyme, and eucalyptus not only clean surfaces but also purify the air.
When it comes to natural household cleaners, I love the Thieves product line because of its proven plant properties. During holiday seasons, I like to add a few drops of Christmas Spirit for extra aromatic pleasure.
If you need a quick, natural cleaner, here’s an all-purpose cleaner you can make. If you don’t have the bioactive essential oils, substitute citrus peels to enhance the scent. (*Distilled vinegar has some disinfectant properties, but it is not the equivalent of bioactive essential oils. The goal is to remove the toxins from the home that cause more harm to the body.)
Simple All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops thieves or eucalyptus oil
- 16 oz spray bottle, glass if using essential oils
Shake and spray on counters, sinks, and windows. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Fresh, pure, and safe.
With our precious toddlers and pets constantly on the floor, it’s crucial to use non-toxic cleaners when mopping because their feet and skin quickly absorb the cleaning residue. Thieves is my favorite for this, but in a pinch, here’s a mop solution recipe.
Simple Mop Solution Recipe
-1 cup of vinegar
-1 gallon of warm water
Mix to make a mop solution, and add pine or lemon essential oils for a fresh scent. This is best on tile or linoleum.
Two other handy products that I use as natural cleaners are:
Baking soda, as a non-abrasive cleaner, mixed with vinegar for scrubbing bubbles.
Kosher salt for cleaning iron skillets.
Hospitality as Ministry
Whether you serve soup and sourdough or a 4-course meal at your gatherings, the important thing is to make space at your table for fellowship. A healing home doesn’t require perfect decor; it needs merry hearts, because love and laughter heal, too.
Take the Next Step Towards a Non-Toxic Home
I hope these tips help you create a home that offers peace and health. If you're interested in learning more about how my favorite cleaning products can revolutionize your cleaning routine, I invite you to click the LEARN MORE button to explore the natural solutions God has graciously provided for us.
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