A Clean Home, A Healthy Heart

Oct 10

Choosing Simplicity in Cleaning Your Home

*Modern Minimalist Kitchen with Citrus Cleaner*

Few things feel better than a freshly cleaned home.

However, sometimes the very products we use leave behind harsh smells, headaches, and concerns about what our kids are inhaling. It’s like trading one problem for another.

God created us for peace, not stress.

That includes the places where we live, rest, and raise our families. Caring for our homes doesn’t require harsh chemicals or endless bottles under the sink. Simpler, gentler methods often do the job better — and create a calmer atmosphere that reflects the peace of Christ.

Citrus Vinegar Cleaner

Save your orange or lemon peels in a jar.
Cover with white vinegar and let sit 1–2 weeks.
Strain, then dilute 1:1 with water in a spray bottle.
Optional: add a few drops of essential oil for scent.
Safe, affordable, and fresh — perfect for counters, sinks, and bathrooms.

*Simmering Fresh Scent of Apples and Cinnamon*

Cozy Freshness

To create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home, simmer a pot of water on the stove for a delightful, chemical-free fragrance.

Fill a pot with water,
Add a few cinnamon sticks,
Toss in some fresh apple slices.

A home doesn’t need to smell like bleach to feel clean. Peaceful spaces come from choosing what is good, gentle, and lasting. When we simplify even our cleaning, we create an environment where hearts and minds can breathe easier.

Jesus came to cleanse hearts, not just homes. But the way we care for our physical space can mirror the deeper cleansing He brings.

Choosing simplicity in cleaning reminds us that God values purity, not polish.

This week, try swapping out one cleaner for a natural version.

Sherri Stout Faamuli

About Sherri Stout Faamuli

Sherri Stout Faamuli is the writer and artist behind The Cardinal and the Dove. With a lifelong love of both storytelling and Scripture, she brings together creativity and faith to help make the Bible clear and approachable for everyday readers.

Sherri began her career as a pioneer in digital design, founding Birthday Direct in 1996 — one of the first online party supply companies in the world. For decades she created kind, colorful illustrations that brought joy to families, always emphasizing imagination, nature, and simple delight.

Now, Sherri brings that same warmth and creativity to The Cardinal and the Dove. Through clear teaching, simple language, and relatable imagery, her writing explores the timeless truths of God’s Word while pointing everything back to Jesus. Her goal is to help people not only read the Bible but understand it, see its beauty, and apply it in daily life.

Whether through thoughtful blog posts, nature-inspired imagery, or reflections on simple Christian living, Sherri’s heart is to offer readers both hope like the cardinal and peace like the dove — drawing them closer to God through His Word.

https://www.cardinalanddove.com