Natural Cleaners Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender, or tea tree) (*see note)
• 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap

Instructions:

1. Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Add the essential oil drops.
3. Add the castile soap and gently shake to mix.
4. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. This cleaner works well on countertops, sinks, and most non-porous surfaces.

Notes:

• As with any cleaner, it is important to first test how a surface will respond to the cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.
• Liquid Castile Soap: Liquid Castile soap works as a household cleaner by effectively breaking down and removing dirt, grease, and grime with its gentle, plant-based surfactants.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil (or a mix of lavender and eucalyptus)
• 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide (optional, for extra disinfecting power)

Instructions:

1. Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Add the essential oils and shake well.
3. If using hydrogen peroxide, add it last and gently shake the bottle.
4. Spray onto surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping clean with a cloth.

Notes:

• As with any cleaner, it is important to first test how a surface will respond to the cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen when it comes into contact with surfaces, which helps to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, effectively sanitizing and cleaning the area.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or jojoba oil)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (or your favorite scent)
• 1 tablespoon vodka (optional, for extra cleaning power)

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water and white vinegar.
2. Add the olive oil and the essential oil.
3. If using, add the optional vodka.
4. Shake the bottle well to mix everything together.

Notes:

• As with any cleaner, it is important to first test how a surface will respond to the cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil has a slight viscosity that helps it adhere to surfaces forming a thin, even layer, which attracts and holds dust making the surface easier to clean. Olive oil also conditions the surface it is applied to, giving it a subtle shine and helping to maintain the quality of wood or other materials.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.
• Vodka: Vodka helps boost the dusting spray by acting as a solvent that dissolves dirt and grime, while also evaporating quickly to leave surfaces clean and streak-free.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water
• 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional for scent)

Instructions:

1. In a bucket, mix the vinegar and warm water.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
3. Dip a mop (preferably microfiber) into the solution, wring it out well, and mop the floor.
4. Allow the floor to air dry. Be sure not to oversaturate the mop to avoid water damage to the wood.

Notes:

• As with any cleaner, it is important to first test how a surface will respond to the cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.

Ingredients

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup borax (optional)
• 1/2 Epsom salt or coarse sea salt
• 10-15 drops essential oil (optional, such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, or eucalyptus)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, optional borax, and Epsom salt or sea salt. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
2. If using, add the essential oil. Stir again thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly.
3. Transfer the detergent mixture to an airtight container until ready for use.

To Use:

• For regular laundry loads, use 2-3 tablespoons of the detergent.
• For larger or heavily soiled loads, use 4-5 tablespoons.

Notes:

• This detergent is suitable for use in both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
• Washing soda: Washing soda softens hard water, boosts stain removal, neutralizes odors, and prevents dirt from redepositing onto clothes during the wash.
• Baking soda: Baking soda helps clean laundry by neutralizing odors, boosting detergent performance, and balancing pH levels to enhance stain removal.
• Borax: Borax acts as a natural booster to enhance the cleaning power of your detergent, helping to remove tough stains, odors, and buildup.
• Epsom salt or sea salt: These salts help to soften water, which can improve the effectiveness of your detergent, making it easier to remove dirt and stains. They also help to soften fabrics, leaving clothes feeling fresh.
• Essential Oils: While optional, essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 gallon warm water
• 10 drops essential oil (e.g., eucalyptus or peppermint)

Instructions:

1. In a bucket, mix the vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.
2. Add the essential oil.
3. Mop the floor with the solution, making sure the mop is not too wet.
4. Allow the floor to air dry.

Notes:

• As with any cleaner, it is important to first test how a surface will respond to the cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that scrubs away dirt and stains without scratching the surface, while also neutralizing odors.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional, for extra disinfecting power)

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the baking soda into the toilet bowl.
2. Add the vinegar, allowing the mixture to fizz and bubble.
3. If using, add the tea tree oil.
4. Scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet brush.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes, then flush.

Notes:

• Baking Soda: Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that scrubs away dirt and stains without scratching the surface, while also neutralizing odors.
• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for streak-free shine)
• 10 drops essential oil (e.g, lemon or peppermint)

Instructions:

1. Combine the vinegar, water, cornstarch, and essential oil in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to mix the ingredients.
3. Spray onto windows and mirrors, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

Notes:

• Vinegar: Vinegar works as a cleaner by dissolving dirt, grime, and mineral deposits due to its acidic nature, which helps break down and remove residues.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch provides a gentle abrasive action that helps remove dirt and grime from glass surfaces, while also preventing streaks and leaving a clear, polished finish.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils can boost cleaning power by adding antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents, which enhance the effectiveness of natural cleaners and help eliminate odors. Some of the best options for cleaners include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, & Thyme.