Natural Cleaning Recipes
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 9:39 pm
I have tried a few of these recipes and have really liked them. If you try them post a review of what you liked and didn't like about it or the tweaks you made to make it better for other people to benefit from it.
I found most of these recipes online, I didn't create any of these unless stated otherwise.
If your into making beauty products I have a big list of recipes in my BOS. Just look at the index and go to which page your interested in. Here's the link:
http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum ... 24255.html
[EDIT=an experiment= Alura Noel BoS]
viewtopic.php?f=98&t=24255
A Few Herbs and Their Beneficial Properties
Bay: antibacterial
Bergamot: antibiotic
Camphor: antibacterial
Cardamom: antibacterial
Chamomile: antibiotic, antibacterial
Cinnamon: antiviral
Citronella: antibacterial
Clove: antibiotic, antiviral
Cypress: antibacterial
Eucalyptus: antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Ginger: antibacterial
Hyssop: antifungal, antibacterial
Juniper: antifungal, antibacterial
Lavender: antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Lemon: antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Lemongrass: antibacterial
Kitchen Surfaces
All-Purpose Herbal Infused Vinegar
Part One:
1 - 1/2 cup Distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup Dried, Disinfecting herbs of your choosing(rosemary, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, pine needles, lavender, orange or grapefruit or lemon peels)
Sterilized jar
measure out herbs into jar
Cover with white vinegar. Put lid on and shake it.
Store it for two weeks, shaking it every day or every couple of days.
Part Two:
Infused vinegar from step 1
1 cup distilled white vinegar
30-50 drops, Essential oils of your choosing ( Lemon, orange, pink grapefruit, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender) Try 15 each of lemon, rosemary and tea tree
Fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter
Strain all the herbs out of the vinegar
Pour infused vinegar into a spray bottle along with the cup of regular white vinegar.
Add the essential oil
It will keep for months. use it wherever, counter, sink, bathtub etc.
Lemon Blast Cleaner
Great for fridges and stove tops
۩ 1 tsp liquid castile soap
۩ 1/8 cup white vinegar
۩ ¼ cup lemon juice
۩ 2 cups water
۩ 6 drops citrus seed extract
۩ 4 drops lemon, lime, orange, or eucalyptus essential oil
۩ 1 tsp borax
Combine ingredients in Plastic spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Where can I get borax?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/20-Mule-Team- ... z/20850525
Herbal Degreaser
ӂ 2 cups water
ӂ ¼ cup oil-based soap (Murphy’s is Good)
ӂ 10 drops rosemary, lavender, or citrus essential oil
Combine ingredients in Plastic spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Microwave Cleaner
ȭ ¼ baking soda
ȭ 1 tsp vinegar
ȭ 5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients to make a paste. Apply to the walls and floor of the microwave with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open to air-dry for about 25 minutes.
Dishwashing Liquids
Fruity Dishwashing Blend
ᵠ Liquid castile soap
ᵠ 15 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil
ᵠ 6 drops lavender essential oil
ᵠ 5 drops bergamot essential oil
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
Citrus Dishwashing Blend
Liquid castile soap
20 drops lime essential oil
10 drops sweet orange essential oil
5 drops citrus seed extract
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
Herbal Dishwashing Blend
ᶲ Liquid castile soap
ᶲ 10 drops lavender essential oil
ᶲ 8 drops rosemary essential oil
ᶲ 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
Dishwashing Blues Blend
؏ Liquid castile soap
؏ 10 drops lemon essential oil
؏ 6 drops essential oil
؏ 4 drops lavender essential oil
؏ 2 drops orange essential oil
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
For tough jobs:
For very greasy dishes: ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice to the dishwater
Automatic Dishwater Detergents
Lavender Lift Automatic Dishwasher Powder
؏ 2 cups washing soda
؏ 2 cups borax
؏ 20 drops lavender essential oil
Combine all the ingredients. Store in a plastic container. Use 2 table spoons per load of dishes.
Where can I get washing soda?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer-Su ... z/19407690
Super Easy Automatic Dishwasher powder
ȭ 2 cups washing soda
ȭ 1 cup borax
ȭ 1 cup baking soda
Combine all ingredients and store in a plastic container. To use, add about 2 tablespoons to the soap compartment or your dishwasher. If you find your glasses are getting a residue buildup, then reduce the amount to 1 ½ tablespoons.
Citrus Sparkle Automatic Dishwasher Powder
☼ 2 cups washing soda
☼ 2 cups borax
☼ 6 tbsp citrus acid powder
☼ 25 drops grapefruit essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic container or tub. Use 2 tbsp per load of dishes.
Where can I get Citrus Acid powder?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... cid+powder
Herbal Scrubber
Use only whole dried plant material for this recipe
ᶲ ½ cup baking soda
ᶲ ½ cup dried sage leaves, coarsely ground
ᶲ ¼ cup rosemary leaves, ground
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse well.
Country Spice Scrubber
☼ 1 cup baking soda
☼ 3 tsp ground cinnamon
☼ 3 drops cedar or sweet orange essential oil
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse well.
Sink Scrubber for Stains
For stubborn stains, allow this formula to rest on the stain for several minutes.
ݘ ¼ cup borax
ݘ ¼ cup baking soda
ݘ rosemary, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oil, 8 drops
ݘ ¾ cup vinegar for rinsing
Combine the borax, baking soda, and essential oil in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse sink with vinegar, then with hot water.
Porcelain Sink Saver
ݘ 1 part sage, rosemary, lemon balm, thyme, or mint, fresh or dried
ݘ 1 part water
Brew a strong infusion by steeping the herb in hot water for 2 to 3 hours. Strain, reserving the liquid. Close the sink drain, pour in the liquid, and allow it to work for several hours or overnight. Note: if the stain persists, place 4 to 6 drops of yoru favorite essential oil directly on the stain for a few minutes and then scrub the spot with baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge.
Rust Remover
ȭ ¼ cup baking soda
ȭ 5 drops essential oil of choice
ȭ Juice of half a lemon
Sprinkle baking soda directly on the rust stain. Add essential oil and sprinkle with lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit on the stain undisturbed for several hours or overnight. Wipe away baking soda and rinse thoroughly.
Oven Cleaners
Clean accessories:
Chrome rings
Grills for gas stoves
Knobs
While cleaning your oven, these items can soak in a solution of 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup vinegar, and 4 to 6 drops essential oil of your choice. Use a fine steel wool pad or old toothbrush to remove grime from small spaces.
Serious Oven-Cleaning Formula
If you have a lot of baked on grease or food splatters, you may want to use fine steel wool to scrub those areas. Use a bit more salt if necessary.
ᵠ ½ cup salt
ᵠ ¼ cup washing soda or borax
ᵠ 16 ox baking soda
ᵠ Scant ¼ cup water
ᵠ ¾ cup white vinegar
ᵠ 10 drops thyme essential oil
ᵠ 10 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil
1. Combine salt, washing soda, and baking soda in a plastic container or glass bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste.
2. Remove oven racks and preheat the oven to 250F for 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the door open.
3. Carefully spread the paste on oven walls with a sponge or cloth and allow to set for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Combine the vinegar and essential oils in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the oven walls and wipe clean. Rinse well.
Mold and Mildew Busters
Herbal Disinfectant
ӂ 2 cups hot water
ӂ 5 sprigs fresh thyme or 10 drops thyme essential oil
ӂ ¼ cup borax
If using the fresh herb, bring the water to a boil and pour over the thyme sprigs in a bowl. Allow to steep for 30 minutes and then strain off the liquid into a plastic bottle. Add borax and shake well. If using essential oil, combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
Pine disinfectant
؏ 2 cups water
؏ 2 tsp borax
؏ 8 drops pine essential oil
؏ 4 drops cedar essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge..
Mold and Milder Prevention Formula
☼ 2 cups water
☼ 8*10 drops citrus seed extract
☼ 2 tsp tea tree essential oil
☼ 4 drops juniper essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Spray area and surfaces well but do not rinse. Note: If you already have a buildup of mold or mildew, allow the spray to rest on the surface areas for a few hours. Wipe with a soft cloth, then respray the areas and let dry without rinsing.
Refrigerator & Freezer Rescue
For odor problems in your freezer:
1. Remove all contents into a cooler with ice
2. Leave door open for five minutes
3. Wipe interior of freezer with a soft cloth dampened with a solution of ½ cup water, 3 tbsp baking soda, and 6 drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
4. Rinse well to remove any baking soda residue, and dry the walls, shelves, and floor of freezer thoroughly with a tea towel before replacing food.
For Fridge odors:
Use the solution recommended above to wipe down the walls, shelves and doors but increase the amount of essential oil to 10 drops.
Maintaining Freshness: (Fridge)
Coffee: Bowl of ½ cup ground coffee on shelf. Last for several weeks. You can add 5 to 7 drops of essential oil or even ground herbs like vanilla bean, mace or ginger.
Herb: Use a few stems of a blooming plant. Tie with string and hang from one of the racks. Fresh herbs should last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Unscented: Opened box of baking soda will absorb odors.
Kitchen Floors
Get rid of scruff marks:
Apply 2 to 4 drops essential oil, undiluted, and wipe clean with a cloth. Rinse with a dash of vinegar.
Pine-Fresh Floor Cleaner
☼ 1 gallon hot water
☼ 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
☼ 10 drops pine essential oil
☼ 5 drops cypress essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop! No rinsing necessary.
Citrus Floor Cleaner
؏ 1 gallon hot water
؏ 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
؏ 15 drops sweet orange essential oil
؏ 8 drops lemon essential oil, or ¼ cup lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop! No rinsing necessary.
Tough Dirt and Grease Formula
ᵠ 1 gallon hot water
ᵠ 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
ᵠ ¼ cup washing soda
ᵠ 1 cup vinegar
ᵠ 20 drops eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop! No rinsing necessary.
Furniture Polish
3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice – or about the juice from one lemon
If using fresh lemons – remove the seeds and squeeze into the olive oil
Combine both ingredients in a small dish.
Use a clean rag to disperse the polish evenly around your wood.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
ݘ 1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
ݘ 1/4 c. white vinegar
ݘ 1 Tbsp cornstarch
ݘ 2 c. warm water
Combine everything in a spray bottle, and shake well. Shake well before using, too, as the cornstarch might settle at the bottom (and subsequently plug the spray mechanism if it’s not mixed in well).
Bathroom Cleaning
All-Natural Homemade Scouring Powder
This easy recipe for homemade scouring powder cleans everything from stuck on floor messes to tile goo. It is inexpensive to make and cleans better than store brands without the vague smell of chemical warfare..
Ingredients
ᶲ 2 parts baking soda
ᶲ 1 part salt
ᶲ 1 part borax powder
To make:
1. Pour ingredients into jar or bowl.
2. Mix or stir until well mixed.
3. If you want to make a shaker, put in a pint or quart mason jar and poke some holes in the top (carefully) with a sharp serrated knife.
To Use:
1. Lightly wet surface with water or undiluted white vinegar (for really bad messes)
2. Sprinkle powder on and let sit 5 minutes
3. Scrub with sturdy brush until clean
4. Rinse with water or vinegar (for really bad messes)
Counters, Tile, Shower, Tub
If you have it, you can use microfiber for all of these. I’ve even found it to be effective on soap scum in the shower.
If not, there are other natural options that work great too:
A 50/50 Vinegar/water solution will clean tile, counters, cabinet fronts and soap scum in the shower
A baking soda and water paste will clean stuck on gunk in the shower and tub (use vinegar instead of water for really tough stains).
For grout, I sprinkle baking soda on the floor and spray with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and scrub with a gentle toothbrush
For stained tubs and really, really tough messes, this homemade scouring powder works great, though it isn’t needed for regular cleaning
For wall tile, painted door frames, spots on the doors, outside of toilet, etc, my homemade all purpose cleaner will clean and disinfect
Toilets
About once a week, I sprinkle some baking soda around the inside of the toilet to coat, then dump a cup of undiluted white vinegar into the water. I use a reusable toilet brush to scrub and the chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar removes stains and any lingering smell. This also works externally (I use on the bottom of the toilet and the floor) to remove that “boy” smell from bathrooms.
I finish up toilet cleaning with a spray and wipe down with undiluted hydrogen peroxide.
The attachments are lists of Essential oils and there bacterial buster information.
I found most of these recipes online, I didn't create any of these unless stated otherwise.
If your into making beauty products I have a big list of recipes in my BOS. Just look at the index and go to which page your interested in. Here's the link:
http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum ... 24255.html
[EDIT=an experiment= Alura Noel BoS]
viewtopic.php?f=98&t=24255
A Few Herbs and Their Beneficial Properties
Bay: antibacterial
Bergamot: antibiotic
Camphor: antibacterial
Cardamom: antibacterial
Chamomile: antibiotic, antibacterial
Cinnamon: antiviral
Citronella: antibacterial
Clove: antibiotic, antiviral
Cypress: antibacterial
Eucalyptus: antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Ginger: antibacterial
Hyssop: antifungal, antibacterial
Juniper: antifungal, antibacterial
Lavender: antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Lemon: antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial
Lemongrass: antibacterial
Kitchen Surfaces
All-Purpose Herbal Infused Vinegar
Part One:
1 - 1/2 cup Distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup Dried, Disinfecting herbs of your choosing(rosemary, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, pine needles, lavender, orange or grapefruit or lemon peels)
Sterilized jar
measure out herbs into jar
Cover with white vinegar. Put lid on and shake it.
Store it for two weeks, shaking it every day or every couple of days.
Part Two:
Infused vinegar from step 1
1 cup distilled white vinegar
30-50 drops, Essential oils of your choosing ( Lemon, orange, pink grapefruit, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender) Try 15 each of lemon, rosemary and tea tree
Fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter
Strain all the herbs out of the vinegar
Pour infused vinegar into a spray bottle along with the cup of regular white vinegar.
Add the essential oil
It will keep for months. use it wherever, counter, sink, bathtub etc.
Lemon Blast Cleaner
Great for fridges and stove tops
۩ 1 tsp liquid castile soap
۩ 1/8 cup white vinegar
۩ ¼ cup lemon juice
۩ 2 cups water
۩ 6 drops citrus seed extract
۩ 4 drops lemon, lime, orange, or eucalyptus essential oil
۩ 1 tsp borax
Combine ingredients in Plastic spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Where can I get borax?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/20-Mule-Team- ... z/20850525
Herbal Degreaser
ӂ 2 cups water
ӂ ¼ cup oil-based soap (Murphy’s is Good)
ӂ 10 drops rosemary, lavender, or citrus essential oil
Combine ingredients in Plastic spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Microwave Cleaner
ȭ ¼ baking soda
ȭ 1 tsp vinegar
ȭ 5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients to make a paste. Apply to the walls and floor of the microwave with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open to air-dry for about 25 minutes.
Dishwashing Liquids
Fruity Dishwashing Blend
ᵠ Liquid castile soap
ᵠ 15 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil
ᵠ 6 drops lavender essential oil
ᵠ 5 drops bergamot essential oil
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
Citrus Dishwashing Blend
Liquid castile soap
20 drops lime essential oil
10 drops sweet orange essential oil
5 drops citrus seed extract
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
Herbal Dishwashing Blend
ᶲ Liquid castile soap
ᶲ 10 drops lavender essential oil
ᶲ 8 drops rosemary essential oil
ᶲ 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
Dishwashing Blues Blend
؏ Liquid castile soap
؏ 10 drops lemon essential oil
؏ 6 drops essential oil
؏ 4 drops lavender essential oil
؏ 2 drops orange essential oil
Fill 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake before each use.
For tough jobs:
For very greasy dishes: ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice to the dishwater
Automatic Dishwater Detergents
Lavender Lift Automatic Dishwasher Powder
؏ 2 cups washing soda
؏ 2 cups borax
؏ 20 drops lavender essential oil
Combine all the ingredients. Store in a plastic container. Use 2 table spoons per load of dishes.
Where can I get washing soda?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer-Su ... z/19407690
Super Easy Automatic Dishwasher powder
ȭ 2 cups washing soda
ȭ 1 cup borax
ȭ 1 cup baking soda
Combine all ingredients and store in a plastic container. To use, add about 2 tablespoons to the soap compartment or your dishwasher. If you find your glasses are getting a residue buildup, then reduce the amount to 1 ½ tablespoons.
Citrus Sparkle Automatic Dishwasher Powder
☼ 2 cups washing soda
☼ 2 cups borax
☼ 6 tbsp citrus acid powder
☼ 25 drops grapefruit essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic container or tub. Use 2 tbsp per load of dishes.
Where can I get Citrus Acid powder?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... cid+powder
Herbal Scrubber
Use only whole dried plant material for this recipe
ᶲ ½ cup baking soda
ᶲ ½ cup dried sage leaves, coarsely ground
ᶲ ¼ cup rosemary leaves, ground
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse well.
Country Spice Scrubber
☼ 1 cup baking soda
☼ 3 tsp ground cinnamon
☼ 3 drops cedar or sweet orange essential oil
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse well.
Sink Scrubber for Stains
For stubborn stains, allow this formula to rest on the stain for several minutes.
ݘ ¼ cup borax
ݘ ¼ cup baking soda
ݘ rosemary, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oil, 8 drops
ݘ ¾ cup vinegar for rinsing
Combine the borax, baking soda, and essential oil in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse sink with vinegar, then with hot water.
Porcelain Sink Saver
ݘ 1 part sage, rosemary, lemon balm, thyme, or mint, fresh or dried
ݘ 1 part water
Brew a strong infusion by steeping the herb in hot water for 2 to 3 hours. Strain, reserving the liquid. Close the sink drain, pour in the liquid, and allow it to work for several hours or overnight. Note: if the stain persists, place 4 to 6 drops of yoru favorite essential oil directly on the stain for a few minutes and then scrub the spot with baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge.
Rust Remover
ȭ ¼ cup baking soda
ȭ 5 drops essential oil of choice
ȭ Juice of half a lemon
Sprinkle baking soda directly on the rust stain. Add essential oil and sprinkle with lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit on the stain undisturbed for several hours or overnight. Wipe away baking soda and rinse thoroughly.
Oven Cleaners
Clean accessories:
Chrome rings
Grills for gas stoves
Knobs
While cleaning your oven, these items can soak in a solution of 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup vinegar, and 4 to 6 drops essential oil of your choice. Use a fine steel wool pad or old toothbrush to remove grime from small spaces.
Serious Oven-Cleaning Formula
If you have a lot of baked on grease or food splatters, you may want to use fine steel wool to scrub those areas. Use a bit more salt if necessary.
ᵠ ½ cup salt
ᵠ ¼ cup washing soda or borax
ᵠ 16 ox baking soda
ᵠ Scant ¼ cup water
ᵠ ¾ cup white vinegar
ᵠ 10 drops thyme essential oil
ᵠ 10 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil
1. Combine salt, washing soda, and baking soda in a plastic container or glass bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste.
2. Remove oven racks and preheat the oven to 250F for 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the door open.
3. Carefully spread the paste on oven walls with a sponge or cloth and allow to set for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Combine the vinegar and essential oils in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the oven walls and wipe clean. Rinse well.
Mold and Mildew Busters
Herbal Disinfectant
ӂ 2 cups hot water
ӂ 5 sprigs fresh thyme or 10 drops thyme essential oil
ӂ ¼ cup borax
If using the fresh herb, bring the water to a boil and pour over the thyme sprigs in a bowl. Allow to steep for 30 minutes and then strain off the liquid into a plastic bottle. Add borax and shake well. If using essential oil, combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
Pine disinfectant
؏ 2 cups water
؏ 2 tsp borax
؏ 8 drops pine essential oil
؏ 4 drops cedar essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge..
Mold and Milder Prevention Formula
☼ 2 cups water
☼ 8*10 drops citrus seed extract
☼ 2 tsp tea tree essential oil
☼ 4 drops juniper essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Spray area and surfaces well but do not rinse. Note: If you already have a buildup of mold or mildew, allow the spray to rest on the surface areas for a few hours. Wipe with a soft cloth, then respray the areas and let dry without rinsing.
Refrigerator & Freezer Rescue
For odor problems in your freezer:
1. Remove all contents into a cooler with ice
2. Leave door open for five minutes
3. Wipe interior of freezer with a soft cloth dampened with a solution of ½ cup water, 3 tbsp baking soda, and 6 drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
4. Rinse well to remove any baking soda residue, and dry the walls, shelves, and floor of freezer thoroughly with a tea towel before replacing food.
For Fridge odors:
Use the solution recommended above to wipe down the walls, shelves and doors but increase the amount of essential oil to 10 drops.
Maintaining Freshness: (Fridge)
Coffee: Bowl of ½ cup ground coffee on shelf. Last for several weeks. You can add 5 to 7 drops of essential oil or even ground herbs like vanilla bean, mace or ginger.
Herb: Use a few stems of a blooming plant. Tie with string and hang from one of the racks. Fresh herbs should last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Unscented: Opened box of baking soda will absorb odors.
Kitchen Floors
Get rid of scruff marks:
Apply 2 to 4 drops essential oil, undiluted, and wipe clean with a cloth. Rinse with a dash of vinegar.
Pine-Fresh Floor Cleaner
☼ 1 gallon hot water
☼ 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
☼ 10 drops pine essential oil
☼ 5 drops cypress essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop! No rinsing necessary.
Citrus Floor Cleaner
؏ 1 gallon hot water
؏ 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
؏ 15 drops sweet orange essential oil
؏ 8 drops lemon essential oil, or ¼ cup lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop! No rinsing necessary.
Tough Dirt and Grease Formula
ᵠ 1 gallon hot water
ᵠ 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
ᵠ ¼ cup washing soda
ᵠ 1 cup vinegar
ᵠ 20 drops eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop! No rinsing necessary.
Furniture Polish
3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice – or about the juice from one lemon
If using fresh lemons – remove the seeds and squeeze into the olive oil
Combine both ingredients in a small dish.
Use a clean rag to disperse the polish evenly around your wood.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
ݘ 1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
ݘ 1/4 c. white vinegar
ݘ 1 Tbsp cornstarch
ݘ 2 c. warm water
Combine everything in a spray bottle, and shake well. Shake well before using, too, as the cornstarch might settle at the bottom (and subsequently plug the spray mechanism if it’s not mixed in well).
Bathroom Cleaning
All-Natural Homemade Scouring Powder
This easy recipe for homemade scouring powder cleans everything from stuck on floor messes to tile goo. It is inexpensive to make and cleans better than store brands without the vague smell of chemical warfare..
Ingredients
ᶲ 2 parts baking soda
ᶲ 1 part salt
ᶲ 1 part borax powder
To make:
1. Pour ingredients into jar or bowl.
2. Mix or stir until well mixed.
3. If you want to make a shaker, put in a pint or quart mason jar and poke some holes in the top (carefully) with a sharp serrated knife.
To Use:
1. Lightly wet surface with water or undiluted white vinegar (for really bad messes)
2. Sprinkle powder on and let sit 5 minutes
3. Scrub with sturdy brush until clean
4. Rinse with water or vinegar (for really bad messes)
Counters, Tile, Shower, Tub
If you have it, you can use microfiber for all of these. I’ve even found it to be effective on soap scum in the shower.
If not, there are other natural options that work great too:
A 50/50 Vinegar/water solution will clean tile, counters, cabinet fronts and soap scum in the shower
A baking soda and water paste will clean stuck on gunk in the shower and tub (use vinegar instead of water for really tough stains).
For grout, I sprinkle baking soda on the floor and spray with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and scrub with a gentle toothbrush
For stained tubs and really, really tough messes, this homemade scouring powder works great, though it isn’t needed for regular cleaning
For wall tile, painted door frames, spots on the doors, outside of toilet, etc, my homemade all purpose cleaner will clean and disinfect
Toilets
About once a week, I sprinkle some baking soda around the inside of the toilet to coat, then dump a cup of undiluted white vinegar into the water. I use a reusable toilet brush to scrub and the chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar removes stains and any lingering smell. This also works externally (I use on the bottom of the toilet and the floor) to remove that “boy” smell from bathrooms.
I finish up toilet cleaning with a spray and wipe down with undiluted hydrogen peroxide.
The attachments are lists of Essential oils and there bacterial buster information.