It can seem hard to change the habits of a lifetime, even when the reasons are clear. In keeping with the spotless approach, we think it is important to address not only the practical how-to-do-it aspect. If you want to get from wherever you are now, to the freedom from expensive and harmful chemicals that you, others and the earth’s ecosystems need and deserve, you also need to think about the way you’ll go about approaching it, and what barriers you’ll face. That’s what this page is about.
One thing at a time
It’s a bit overwhelming to change the way you do everything all in one go. So,
- choose a place to start and try out just one of the recipes here. Choose something really easy (which covers most of them!) For example, when your washing powder and softener run out, instead of buying more, get a much cheaper box of bicarb and follow the spotless laundry instructions. You probably have salt and vinegar at home if you want to add those. We know you’ll be amazed at how fresh, clean and soft your laundry ends up being. And your skin will benefit too.
- If that went well, try replacing other things with the spotless recipes as the products you usually use run out. You’ll find them wonderfully effective but gentle on your hands with no chemical fumes.
- Make your way through the household cleaning section first, or try out a recipe from here and there on the site.
- As with any new thing, the first time you try these they may take a bit longer while you are hesitant and checking on the instructions. But you’ll soon gather confidence and find that spotless cleaning actually saves you time (and lots of money) and is very simple.
- Go easy on yourself, but take action. Don’t panic about all the things you should change and all the things you aren’t doing yet. Just take each job at a time, try it, get used to it. Choose a nice container to reuse for the purpose and label it; do whatever makes it clear, easy and pleasant to use.
- The more you take the spotless approach, the less you’ll want to use commercial products as your eyes become opened to how unnecessary, expensive and hazardous they really are. Delve a bit further into the site and you’ll realise there’s a spotless way to do anything.
Stumbling blocks
- If it all seems like a hassle, remind yourself often of the very many and real reasons for making the change. Humans are notorious for avoiding relatively small but important changes today, not wanting to put themselves out, and suffering disastrous and irreversible consequences later.
- When you are tempted by the rows of miracle products available in shops, remember that their mysteries have a very dark side too. Little is known, and much less disclosed, about their negative health and environmental effects. In contrast, I’ve tried to provide rich information (and links to more) on the often quite fascinating facts about all the ingredients you’ll need to do things spotlessly. Empower yourself with knowledge and put yourself in the miraculous hands of nature, instead of surrendering your health and environment into the hands of companies driven by making a profit.
- If you miss the artificial smells of commercial cleaners, add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender (which is relaxing, prevents headaches and is antiseptic) or rose for a true aromatic treat while you work. And read about the many health and environmental dangers of chemical fragrance, for example in this article.
- Some people have told me that although they are interested in trying the spotless way, their homes are cleaned by domestic workers who would not be happy to see their well-known tools of cleaning being replaced by vinegar and bicarb, etc. I’ve found that taking a bit of time to mix the recipes and clearly label a few jars and spray bottles makes the transition much easier. Also take a bit of time out to explain to whoever is cleaning your home that their own health is at stake too. Cancer rates are much higher in women who work in the home, which has been directly attributed to the effects of household cleaners (see here). And domestic workers may well be glad to learn ways to save themselves money in cleaning their own homes too.
As good as a holiday
- Treat yourself to a spotless body scrub or indulge in a coconut and olive oil body mousse in place of your ordinary skin lotion and there’ll be no looking back.
- You’ll soon find a wonderful domino effect in your care of skin, hair etc. Once you stop applying harmful chemicals to your body and blocking its natural mechanisms of caring for itself, you’ll need to do less to look and feel great.
- Experiment and add! Since you aren’t using anything harmful, you can adjust ingredients to perfectly suit your own skin, preferences etc. as you go along. And try out other natural ingredients like essential oils, herbs and so on. For example, used coffee grounds make an excellent addition to a body scrub – they are great for the circulation and fight varicose veins and cellulite. Or try uplifting geranium, rosemary or orange essential oils added to your morning bath, body wash, scrub, or just to your cleaning water as you mop the floor or wipe the counters to get you feeling bright. Play around, it’s good spotless fun.
More about change
- For some more motivation, read the Does it matter? page.
- See our blog posts filed under Change for more about this and, we hope, some inspiration.
