I wanted to share a few very simple recipes of household cleaners I make and use on a regular basis! They are all very quick and easy to make with basic ingredients, they clean just as well as the harsh chemicals you can buy in the store, but for a fraction of the cost! When you add essential oils to some of these recipes you get the added benefit of each oil plus it smells great!
Since we are coming into the cold and flu season I will start with how to naturally disinfect your home!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a natural disinfectant! In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists hydrogen peroxide as a stable and effective disinfectant and recommends its use in hospital settings. Compared to other chemical disinfectants, peroxide is safe, non-toxic, and breaks down into just water and oxygen.
After cleaning with a natural all purpose cleaner, just spray hydrogen peroxide onto the surface such as counters, sinks, toilets, kids toys, etc, and leave it to dry! If a cold or flu has passed through your home it is a good idea to also spray light switches, door knobs, fridge handles, faucets, etc. I also soak toothbrushes in a peroxide solution for about 30 minutes as well.
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol
2-3 drops of Castile soap or a natural dish soap
25-30 drops essential oil (I change my recipe quite often but my most used oils are a blend of lavender, orange, tea tree, and peppermint, during the cold and flu season I will use a thieves blend)
Spray Bottle (should be a dark bottle to preserve the essential oils)
Instructions
Add all ingredients to spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray the cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth!
*Do not use this on granite, marble, or other natural stone surfaces as the acid in the vinegar can etch the surface!
Homemade Cleaning Wipes
Ingredients
1 cup distilled water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
12 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops orange or lemon essential oil
8 drops tea tree oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
20 small, thin cloths about 8 inches
Container with tight-fitting lid
Optional: a few drops of castile or dish soap for extra grease-fighting power
Instructions
1- Add water, vinegar, and alcohol to container and stir
2- Add essential oils and stir to combine
3- Add cut up clothes, press down to soak up the solution
4- Cover container, flip upside down to be suer all cloths are moist
5- Use as needed and toss in the wash when done!
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Use the All-Purpose Cleaner above! Spray inside the toilet bowl, and on the seat and lid, leave for a few minutes. Then sprinkle some baking soda in the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush, then flush. wipe down the toilet seat and lid with a rag and done!
Fruit/Vegetable Wash
For one or two items: Spray with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, let them sit for a few minutes, rub them very well, and then rinse with water
For a larger batch: Fill a large bowl or sink with water and add 1/4 cup vinegar or peroxide + 2 tablespoons salt. Soak for 5-10 minutes and then rinse very well.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Plug the drain to keep the bubbles inside. When the bubbles are done, flush with very hot water. Wait 5 minutes then flush again with cold water!
Carpet Freshener
Mix your favorite blend of essential oils into baking soda until no clumps are present, sprinkle lightly over carpet, leave to sit for at least 20 minutes then vacuum as normal.
Laundry Tips
Vinegar: great for softening fabrics and removing odors. Add 1/2 cup right into your washers fabric softener dispenser
Baking Soda: helps whiten, soft, and remove odors from fabrics. Add 1/2 cup to your washer basin, along with your detergent
Hydrogen Peroxide: safer alternative to chlorine bleach Add 1 cup to your washers bleach dispenser. (use caution with delicates)
Wool Dryer Balls: great for static control and fluffing up laundry, as well as cutting drying time down
Essential Oils: can be used to add a light scent to your laundry. Put a few drops onto a wet rag, throw it into the dryer with your load. Or add 1-2 drops to your wool dryer balls!
Non-toxic Scouring Powder
Ingredients
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup salt
Instructions
1- Combine baking soda and salt
2- Start with a wet surface, either with water, or with the all purpose cleaner above for tougher jobs
3- Sprinkle powder on surface and scrub with brush or sponge
4- Rinse with water
Boosters:
Peroxide- to help whiten and brighten
Borax- to remove stains and odors
Washing soda- for degreasing and removing stains
Now that your house is fresh and clean,
use your favorite Aromatherapy Room and Body Mist to finish it up!
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