Back in the day, before I had a kid and I started my own company I didn't mind cleaning.  Now-a-days though, I'm not a big fan of cleaning - mainly because I feel like there's much better things I can do with my time.  However, even if you're fortunate enough to have someone else cleaning your home, it's nice to have simple, easy toxin and chemical-free solutions to provide for them and/or grab when you need them.

This 10 day cleaning challenge is designed to make things simple.  We can over complicate things when it comes to cleaning, so the purpose of this cleaning challenge is to provide you with easy recipes for cleaning around your home.  There are a TON of recipes out there, so don't get overwhelmed.  

Bonus, if you don't like the oil that I'm using in the recipe - change it up.  Here are some swaps you can make while still using an essential oil that's great for cleaning (except for the stain remover).  
  

Lemon -OR- Wild Orange, Grapefruit or Lime  
  
Arborvitae -OR- Wild Orange or Lemon  
  
On Guard -OR- really I'd use this blend, but you can pull more citrus out by adding Wild Orange or Citrus Bliss to it   
  
Melaleuca (Tea Tree) -OR- Eucalyptus, Lemon or On Guard  
  
Lavender -OR- Serenity or Purify

Day One: Windows

Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup water, and 10 drops Lemon in spray bottle. Spray on the glass and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth (or, if you can find a soy-based newspaper this will actually clean your windows lint-free too.)



Day Two: Install a new air filter

This makes the list because of the importance of having clean air in our homes. If it’s been a bit since you changed your air filter, it’s time to switch it out. If you’re already replacing it regularly, great job! Either way, add three drops of Purify to your air filter to help purify the air in your home.



Day Three: Furniture polish and duster
For wood furniture, add 15 drops of Arborvitae to 1 cup of olive oil, and 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a glass spray bottle. The best part about this cleaner is that it both dusts and polishes—no need for expensive cleaners.



Day Four: Countertops
Fill a spray bottle with water and add doTERRA On Guard® to clean all countertops and surfaces. (Make sure each time you use it that you shake it well before spraying!)

Day Five: Dishwasher

Add Lemon to your dishwasher fluid to remove water spots from your dishes. Or, if you just want to clean out your dishwasher, run it through a rinse cycle with Lemon oil.  You can use 1/2 teaspoon On Guard Concentrated Cleaner as your dishwasher fluid or make your own dishwasher detergent  tabs.

Day Six: Stainless Steel
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and add 6 drops of Lemon essential oil. Spray your stainless steel appliances and wipe following the grain of the stainless steel.



Day Seven: Toilet Bowl
To make your toilets sparkle, put ½ cup of baking soda, 10 drops of Melaleuca (Tea Tree), and ¼ cup of white vinegar directly into the bowl. Scrub as the vinegar and baking soda react.



Day Eight: Tub and Tile
Combine 1 cup white vinegar, 4 teaspoons castile soap, and 10 drops each of Melaleuca and Eucalyptus in a glass spray bottle. Shake well, and spray generously on tub and tile. Allow to sit for 5–10 minutes and wipe clean.



Day Nine: Stain Remover
Add 1–2 drops of Lemon on stains, let stand and then clean with a damp cloth.



Day Ten: Linen and Air Spray
Mix together 2 cups of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and 15 drops Lavender. Spray your linens and even the air wherever you want a refreshing scent in your home.