This article was originally published by mindbodygreen.com. Read the original article here.

It might just be that I’m spending a lot of time outdoors with my kids, but this summer has seemed unusually hot to me.

Not only has it been hot, but the humidity and heat index seem to be competing to see which can break the most records. While some days I’d rather just camp out inside (maybe in an ice bath), summer is the time for backyard shenanigans, sprinkler-running, slip-and-slides, hiking, and ziplines… so outside it is!

This DIY cooling spray feels amazing on the skin on a hot summer day and is my secret weapon for staying cool outside. Bonus: it uses only 3 ingredients I almost always have around!

Natural Cooling Spray for Skin

The idea for this spray came about when taking a break from working outside to reapply homemade bug spray and drink a gallon of water. I noticed that the bug spray left a cooling sensation on the skin and helped it seem not so hot.

Surprised at how refreshing it was, I realized that the natural properties of the witch hazel and peppermint essential oil in the spray created the cooling sensation.

I decided to make a spray for times when I wanted to cool off without smelling like a citronella candle. The result was this cooling spray which I now keep on hand during yard work, beach time, or backyard BBQs.

I’ve also found that this cooling spray works really well for helping take the “itch” out of bug bites and the burn out of sunburn.

How to Make Anti-Itch DIY Cooling Spray

This spray uses only three natural ingredients that benefit the skin:

1. Aloe Vera – Aloe is naturally anti-inflammatory and great for skin. It is moisturizing without being oily and is perfect for those with normal or slightly oily skin. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it is often used in anti-aging skin products as well.
2. Witch Hazel – Though I was first introduced to witch hazel after the birth of my first child, when I was given a container of round cloths soaked in witch hazel and told to use them on hemorrhoids (which I didn’t even have). Though we didn’t get off to the best start, I’ve grown to love witch hazel for its benefits in skin care and natural remedies. It is slightly antiseptic, which makes it cooling and great for skin. In fact, it is often used to remove excess oil and fight blemishes and blackheads. Its ability to shrink blood vessels and reduce inflammation makes it beneficial for hemorrhoids and also for cooling the body.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil – Most aromatherapists would say that in this small concentration, peppermint is generally considered safe. It never hurts though to check with an aromatherapist or qualified practitioner before using this or any essential oil while pregnant/nursing or on small children. Omit it if in doubt. You could also infuse dried or fresh peppermint leaf into the witch hazel for a week or so before making this spray for a less concentrated version. To do this, add 3 tablespoons of dried mint to a glass jar and cover with 1/2 cup of witch hazel. Cap tightly and stir daily for 1-6 weeks. Strain and use the witch hazel.

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DIY Cooling Spray Recipe

A quick spritz of this super-simple cooling spray on the skin feels amazing on a hot day and makes great after-sun care as well.

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle.

• Shake or stir until well mixed and blended.

• Spray as needed to help cool off in the summer or on bug bites or sunburn.

Notes

Note: Keep this spray in the fridge for extra cooling power! Ahhh…

Goal: Embrace Summer While It Lasts!

I may complain about the heat from time to time (especially when it gets muggy), but don’t get me wrong… I love this season! There are so many health benefits to being outdoors, and I never regret it when I resist the urge to stay in the air conditioning and cross off some more summer bucket list items!

Has it been hot where you live? If you live on the other side of the world, can you send us some cool weather soon?

This article was originally published by wellnessmama.com. Read the original article here.

This article was originally published by mindbodygreen.com. Read the original article here.

This article was originally published by mindbodygreen.com. Read the original article here.

This bath and shower spray is just one of the cleaners in my natural bathroom cleaning arsenal. The way it cuts through tough rust and soap scum though it might just be your new favorite. Even better, it’s simple and pulls together fast!

The recipe is concentrated and doesn’t call for any water. Not only do we not have to worry about microbes growing in our bathroom cleaner, but a little goes a long way!

How to Make a Natural Bath and Shower Spray

The tougher the mess the tougher the cleaner needs to be. We don’t have to use harsh, synthetic chemicals to tackle difficult bath and shower messes though. Natural cleaners can be just as tough as their conventional counterparts.

When hard water minerals bind with soap it creates a filmy, white layer known as soap scum. Hard water is also notorious for leaving behind rust-colored stains. The best way to nix hard water stains and soap scum is to stop them before they start.

A water softener paired with a whole house filter helps prevent hard water deposits from damaging surfaces. If that’s not an option, a bathtub or shower filter can help. Even so, sometimes we just need a solid bath and shower spray to get the job done.

I recommend storing this cleaner in a glass spray bottle. Over time the acid in vinegar can break down certain plastics and it’s something our family tries to avoid in general. I found some cute and functional glass spray bottles from both Grove Collaborative and on Amazon.

Scrub vs. Spray?

I have a scouring powder that’s great for those tough jobs, but sometimes I want another option. This bath and shower spray doesn’t have any abrasives so it won’t scratch more delicate surfaces. You can use it on tile, acrylic, and fiberglass tubs and showers. Just avoid spraying on metal fixtures or marble because of the vinegar.

Scouring pads may help get rid of more stubborn stains, but they do just that: scratch. Over time this can damage the protective coating on certain bathroom surfaces. If we’re using the right cleaner though there’s no need to scratch away at rust and soap scum!

For extra cleaning power, apply the bath and shower spray then leave the mixture for about fifteen minutes to do its thing. Wipe with a damp cloth after.

Need even more oomph to your bathroom cleaning? You can also sprinkle on some baking soda and spray extra tough areas before scrubbing with a cloth or sponge.

Soap and Vinegar Don’t Play Nice

We’re using simple ingredients here, but it’s important to choose the right ones. Vinegar is acidic and helps cut through hard minerals. The dish soap helps lift away soap scum and other stuck-on dirt. Regular soap, especially castile soap, isn’t going to work in this recipe.

Dish soap is actually a detergent and works differently at a chemical level than castile soap. While I love using Bronner’s castile soap for hand wash, baby wipes, and even plant spray, it’s not my choice here.

When vinegar and soap are mixed together there’s a chemical reaction, and not a good one. According to Lisa Bronner, vinegar unsaponifies the soap. This means the soap is no longer soapy and can’t do its job. Instead of a powerful cleaner, we’re left with a goopy white mess.

Because dish soap is a detergent it plays nice with vinegar and we get an even better cleaner. If you don’t have a natural dish soap on hand, then Sal Suds will also work. And I’m talking about regular dish soap for handwashing dishes, not dishwasher detergent.

The Best Vinegar for Bath and Shower Spray

I use plain white vinegar for cleaning. White vinegar is affordable, natural, and does the job well. Save the good apple cider vinegar for things like this apple kale salad or spicy fire cider.

Adding a Scent Boost

Vinegar and dish soap (or Sal Suds) work just fine on their own to clean tubs and showers. I like adding some essential oils for extra cleaning and disinfecting power though. Here are a few options that smell yummy and are great for cleaning with:

• Lemon
• Lime
• Wild or sweet orange
• Grapefruit
• Germ fighting blend
• Tea tree
• Pine or fir needle

Before and After

Here’s what the shower looked like before cleaning. It’s normally not this bad but I let it go for a little while so the effects would be more dramatic after cleaning.

And here’s what it looked like after. Big difference right?! This was after spraying the cleaner on, letting it set for 10 minutes, and then scrubbing with a microfiber cloth. I did need to add a little baking soda to the toughest spots.

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Bath and Shower Spray Cleaner Recipe

Tackle tough hard water and soap scum without damaging surfaces. This spray is great for getting the tub back in shape and helps keep it that way.

Ingredients

• 16 ounce glass spray bottle
• 1 and 1/2 cups white vinegar
• 1/2 cup dish soap OR 2 Tablespoons Sal Suds
• 20 drops essential oil(s) of choice optional

Instructions

• Combine all of the ingredients in the bottle, pouring in the vinegar last. Depending on the exact size of your bottle and sprayer you may not need all of the vinegar. Be sure to leave a little room at the top to allow for mixing.

• Shake well to combine and before each use.

Notes

To use: Spray liberally on bathtub and shower surfaces, avoiding any metal fixtures. Scrub off with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

What are some of your favorite ways to get your bathroom sparkling clean? Leave us a comment and let us know!

This article was originally published by wellnessmama.com. Read the original article here.