Homemade Cleaners

Why bother making cleaning products, you may ask? For one thing, it’s a very inexpensive idea of using common items you probably already have in your pantry. These recipes are easy to assemble and make cleaning more pleasurable by not having to deal with harsh fumes and nasty chemicals. I just can't tolerate those old cleaners anymore.

It’s amazing how really well they work. They are especially nice when you have little children who want to help Mommy clean and you can feel good knowing that they can squirt and scrub to their hearts content. The wonderful aromas from the essential oils are so nice and smell “natural” compared to the store kinds. Since I've discovered essential oils, chemically, artificial fragrances almost make me sick! It makes cleaning feel like having a “spa moment”! Buying the essential oils might seem a little costly at first, but a little goes a long way and they can be used in so many other ways in your home, as in treating illness and stress.

“Soft Scrub” (this one is my all time favorite. My work horse; works great on my cruddy stove top, as well as cleaning the grime and soap scum in the tub and bathroom sink. Smells good enough to eat!)

1 2/3 c. baking soda
½ c. liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s)
½ c. water
2 T. white vinegar
Essential oil (optional) ~I like peppermint

Stir soap into baking soda. Add water and stir until smooth. Add vinegar and essential oil and pour into squeeze bottle. Great for tub and bathroom sink.

Whitening Scouring Powder

1 c. baking soda
2 t. cream of tartar
1/8 c. borax
¼ c. grated lemon, orange, or grapefruit peel.
15-20 drops citrus essential oil

Pour into shaker top. Use for deodorizing and cleaning cutting boards, sink, stainless steel, smelly sinks and disposals, picnic coolers, and lunch boxes.

Lemon Blast Appliance Cleaner

1 t. liquid soap

1/8 c. white vinegar

4 drops lemon, lime, or orange essential oil
¼ c. lemon juice
2 c. water
1 t. borax

Combine in a spray bottle

All Purpose Household Cleaner (another fave)

In 16 oz. spray bottle, mix 2 T. white vinegar with 1 t. borax and then fill rest of bottle with very hot water. Shake until borax dissolves and add ¼ c. liquid soap and add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Furniture Polish (General Dusting)

Combine in a 16 oz. spray bottle:
2 T. light olive oil
20 drops or more of lemon essential oil
¼ c. white vinegar
Enough distilled water to fill rest of bottle. Shake. Spray a bit onto dust rag.

Glass Cleaner

club soda or ½ spray bottle with water and ½ full with vinegar. Add 8 drops essential oil.

Carpet Freshener

To make a carpet freshener, add 16-20 drops of essential oils to a cup of baking soda. Mix well and place in a covered container overnight so that the oil can be absorbed. Sprinkle over your carpet the next day and then vacuum the powder up.
1 cup baking soda
16-20 drops essential oils