It was rough, man.
For the last year our teeny living room was our only living space as we ripped apart our 98 year-old home to make room for the extreme farmhouse remodel. For nearly all of 2015, we ate in that room, did homeschool in that room, played in that room, relaxed (sort of…) in that room, and stored all the boxes there too. It was nearly impossible to keep things and organized in that sort of set-up, and I’ll admit– I had more than couple melt-downs throughout the process. Ahem.
I’ve always heard people lament how hectic it can be to live in the middle of a remodel, but I had NO IDEA until I experienced it myself. Was it worth it? Yes. But hallelujah it’s almost over!
And now that the remodel is mostly done upstairs (full home tour blog post coming soon, promise!) I have this insatiable desire to clean and purge ALL THE THINGS, because everything feels extremely gross and dusty after a year-long remodel.
As compared to the average American cleaning cupboard, mine is rather “unique”. I stopped purchasing conventional cleaning products years ago, due to all the hazardous chemicals they contain, and have been using homemade essential oil cleaning recipes ever since.
Not only does adding essential oils to DIY cleaning mixes totally boost cleaning power, but it will make your home smell amazing— no artificial fragrances required.
I get asked all the time which DIY cleaners are my favorite, so I finally decided to put them all in one place for y’all.
DIY Cleaning Recipe FAQs:
Q: What if I don’t have a certain oil called for in one of the recipes?
A: I listed my favorite essential oils for each recipe, but you can absolutely swap out oils or substitute your favorite. Some of the most powerful essential oils for cleaning are lemon, lime, wild orange, thyme, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, melaleuca (tea tree), rosemary, and cinnamon. Mix and match as you wish.
Q: Do I have to use glass bottles for my mixes?
A: It’s a widely known fact that essential oils can degrade plastic. For this reason, it is generally recommended to only store oils in glass, and I always follow that rule if I plan to use the oil mixture on my skin or in a food recipe. However, I’ve never had a problem mixing/storing my cleaning recipes in regular plastic spray bottles for two reasons: #1: The mixtures are usually quite diluted, and #2: I will not be ingesting the mixture or applying it to my body.
Q: Why can’t I use castile soap in some of these recipes?
A: If the recipe calls for vinegar, you’ll want to avoid adding castile soap to the mix, as the two substances will react and form a gloppy, slimy mess. That’s why I simply use a natural dish detergent like this one for recipes that also contain vinegar. (affiliate link)
Q: Which essential oils do you use?
A: There are new essential oil companies popping up everyday, but I’ve used doTERRA essential oils for four years now, and I’ll never go anywhere else. The oils are third-party tested for purity, ethically sourced around the globe, and I’m proud to be associated with a company that actively works with organizations like Mentors International to help others overcome poverty, viruses, and further health risks. I believe in this company wholeheartedly, and I’ve been sharing doTERRA oils with people non-stop since I started using them. I’m happy to personally help you get these oils in your home, too– click here to see how you can connect with me.
Q: Are there any essential oil blends suited to cleaning?
A: Yes. Two of the doTERRA essential oil blends I use the most for cleaning are On Guard® and Purify®. They both have powerful cleansing properties and I often mix them into my DIY recipes.
Q: What other ways do you use essential oils?
A: Check out the following articles on essential oils for more ideas on how to use them:
- Cooking with Essential Oils
- Homemade Air Freshener Recipes
- My Favorite Essential Oil Recipes for the Diffuser
- Essential Oils for Sleep
- 30 Essential Oil Hacks for Homesteading
Top 10 Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes
1. All-Purpose Cleaner with Lemon
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon natural dish soap (NOT castile soap)
- 30 drops lemon essential oil
- 20 drops melaleuca essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a quart-sized spray bottle. Shake to combine. Spray and wipe on counters, cabinets, sinks, toilets, and anywhere else.
2. Fresh Mint Window & Mirror Cleaner
- 3 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 20 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a quart-sized spray bottle. Shake to combine, then spray on mirrors, windows, or stainless steel. Wipe off with paper towels or old newspaper for streak-free shine.
3. Simple Citrus Soft Scrub
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops lime essential oil
- 10 drops wild orange essential oil
Mix ingredients together to form a paste (add more castile soap if needed). Apply with rag or sponge, then rinse with clean water. I especially like to use this on my stovetop and on grimy sinks.
4. Deep Clean Toilet Scrub
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3/4 cup water
Mix together in a squeeze-type bottle, then squirt into toilet. Scrub and let stand 20 minutes.
5. Daily Shower Spray
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon natural liquid dish soap (not castile soap)
- 15 drops lime essential oil
- 15 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
Combine in a quart-sized spray bottle. Spray daily on shower door and walls after use (this is a preventative spray, designed to help prevent build-up)
6. Lemon Carpet Refresher
- 1 cup baking soda
- 30 drops lemon essential oil
Combine in a small container, and cover tightly with a lid. Shake well and allow to sit for 6-8 hours. Sprinkle on stale or smelly carpet and allow to sit on it overnight. Vacuum up the next morning.
7. Goo & Crayon Remover
- Lemon essential oil
- 1-2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil or almond oil (optional)
Mix together, then apply directly to sticker residue, random goo, gum, crayon marks, etc. (Test in an inconspicuous place first, if needed) Rub in with your fingers, then wipe away with a clean rag. Repeat as needed.
8. Fresh Linen Spray
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 3 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops frankincense essential oil
Add all ingredients to a small spritzer, shake well, and spray on sheets, pillowcases, and linens.
9. Sweet Lavender Air Freshener
- 3/4 cup water (I use tap water, but distilled is fine too)
- 2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or real vanilla extract
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil
Combine in a 8 oz spray bottle, shake to combine. Spray throughout the house to eliminate odors or stale smells. (I have a whole bunch of other homemade air freshener combinations in this post, too)
10. Tub and Shower Gel
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup natural dishwashing liquid (not castile soap)
- Squeeze bottle
Heat the vinegar in a small saucepan on the stove until hot (but not boiling). Carefully stir the dishwashing soap in until combined, then pour into the squeeze bottle. Squirt onto shower and tub, and allow to sit for 1-3 hours. Wipe off with a scrubber or sponge. I’ve tried many, many DIY shower cleaning recipes, and this is the ONLY one that will easily remove our farm-scum from the tub without requiring a ton of elbow grease on my part. It uses a lot of soap, but it’s worth it to me!
For the tub/shower gel, do you think it will work on a really nasty shower? The drain was clogged and thus a soap scum mess has accumulated all around the sides of my shower about 2″ above the bottom YUCK! In the past I’ve only been able to remove similar soap scum with a TON of elbow grease, and that really aggravated my wrists.
Thanks Jill! 😉
I wish I could post a review picture…because WOW!
IT WORKED!!! 🙂 <–happy momma!
I squirted the mixture on and walked away, after an hour and a half I didn't even have to scrub, just sprayed with the shower head and wiped off with a sponge. The areas of my textured shower floor that had the soapy-vinegar mix compared to the spots I left plain (only b/c I ran out of the mixture)…AMAZING! I'm making a double batch next time!
Thanks Jill <3
Hooray!!! I’m so glad it worked– it’s definitely my favorite shower trick!
What is natural dish soap?
i use mrs meyers dish soap but there are others like seventh generation and honest company, grove colaborative. just look around they are every where.
Hi Jill!
Thank you for these amazing cleaning recipes! I am going to be ordering essentials and begin my journey!!
I ha e a couple quick questions I hope you can answer….
1) are there any oils/ mixtures that I should not use around my dog or birds?
2) can I use these products without gloves?
3) can you recommend a recipe for vinyl plank flooring?
Thank you again! ???
Bella
Can you share what natural dishsoap you used? I make my own, but since I use some castile soap with washing soda in it, I’m not sure it will work.
In one post Jill mentions Seventh Generation.
Hi dear,
I know the post had been updated quite a long time back now but it happened to go through my search today only.
Could you please suggest me a cleaning tip for my velvet sofa. It has some light stains and fading colors due to the heavy usage.
Anything mixed with the essential oil which could bring it back to life.
* I have a three year old daughter, so would prefer her safety as first priority while using the essential oils.
Hi, Jill!
I’m sure you enjoy your essential oil combos but just to give you another idea on bath and toilet scum….. My husband and I bought a farmstead. I said I’d never get in the showers like they were. Many women tried many things for me, then, my little sister told me to buy a tea kettle. Fill it up and get it boiling. Pour slowly over grime in showers and tubs. May need to do several times depending on grime but IT WORKS!!!! It even gets all the crud out of the little spots on the bottom that are place there so you feet don’t slip! When finished you can use orange, lemon or lime oils to wipe over entire area for shine and great scent. Makes it easier to clean the next time too!!
Ooooh…. what a good idea! Can’t wait to try this!
Jill, My cleaning lady used spray oven cleaner on my cooktop. Cleaned the porcelain cooktop and the cast burners really well, but stained the side panel where the burner knobs are a light blueish color and left splotches of dark blue/gray color. Any suggestions on how to get this cleaned?
i have a cleaning business will the tub and toilet bowl cleaner last longer than 1 use.
Any ideas for the Uk version of something similar to seventh generation dish soap,as it costs approx £9/$14 a bottle her and needs shipping in. We have Ecover which I thought may be similar…
You can use any sort of liquid soap designed for hand washing dishes. 🙂 Ecover is a good brand as far as I know.
I love Ecover brand!!
Ecover is a very good brand and gets high marks from Environmental Working Group!
Thank you so much for posting your cleaning supply recipes. I have a few that I use, but this is a complete list and all that is needed. As the old saying goes….out with the old and in with the new!
So glad the list is helpful for you Marsha!
I love having a bottle of on guard brand spray handy for counters and sinks. It works great!
I adore On Guard All Purpose Cleaner!
Thanks for putting these in one place. I know I can’t live without the tub and shower gel. Removes soap scum like a gem!
You and me both! 🙂
When you say “liquid dishwashing soap” do you mean for a dishwasher? or regular dish soap? One of the recipes says natural liquid dish soap and the other says liquid dishwashing soap so that is why I am checking to see if they are the same thing.
Just regular dishwashing soap– NOT for dishwashers. 🙂
Would these recipes still work without the essential oils?
Some of them would– it depends on which ones you are thinking of?
The all purpose and the toilet cleaners.
Also, can you substitute lemon juice for lemon oil?
If you don’t have lemon oil, I’d probably just omit it altogether. I’d be worried the acidity of the juice might damage surfaces if you were to use it in the AP cleaner.
I started making my own cleaning products recently. I love the money I save and I love that I’m helping the planet by reusing containers instead of buying new ones. But most of all I love that I know what is in the cleaners and that I’m saving money on such an easy and fun task.
I have been looking for just this very list! I am an avid doTerra fan and actually have all of these oils :-). Our homestead won’t know what hit it when I am done!! TY…..
Awesome! Reason #987093 it’s great to have a doTERRA stash. 🙂
Hi! Just wondering how long the products made with water will last?
I don’t have an exact date, but the oils do tend to act as a bit of a preservative. I’ve had some of my concoctions hanging around for months at a time without problems. Although, I suppose it could vary a bit depending on the ingredients you use.
If you want to keep any spray for more than a few weeks you should add witchazel as it will stop any bacteria forming in water. Use 1/4 witchhazel to 3/4 water.
Hi I have just spilt a large bottle of Lavender oil on my slate floor! Smells amazing in my kitchen,I washed with soapy water,now it has left a sticky residue on there. Any suggestions how to remove? Thanks karen
Also storing the water-based mixture in the fridge helps prolong its life.
Thanks for all your great info and recipes, etc. I’ve been fearful of spraying essential “oil” on material (linens, clothes). Won’t the “oil” cause an “oil stain”?
As long as the essential oil does not contain any sort of vegetable/coconut oil mixed into it, it shouldn’t stain.
If spray lavender and water mixed together in a spray bottle every night to my pillow cases. Have not had any problems.
Thank you for all the recipes. Recently, I started cleaning with d?TERRA oils and I love that they are natural and non toxic since I have 11 children and my youngest is 15 months old. I’ve been a wellness advocate with d?TERRA since October 2015. I love the oils and have so many stories of how they helped my family so we don’t have to go to the doctor anymore. Hurrah d?TERRA!!! Thanks for all the tips and everything you give us every week.
Just want to add, that I have use some of these. And from experience of using them for over ten years, be careful of using lemon . If not diluted enough it WILL take off the finish. Just leaving orange juice on the top of marble will take off the finish. Also, from you might want to suggest purchasing the spray bottles that are more industrial. I found mine at Wal-mart and were about $3/ bottle. I have found that vinegar(I assume it is the vinegar) will corrode the spring mechanism in the sprayer and then it doesn’t work properly. My current industrial bottle is going on three years, prior non-industrial ones didn’t last for a year. I guess I should have said not to squirt any acidic cleaning solution on marble.
A couple years ago I purchased an older home from a house flipper. The house looks nice, but he used a lot of cheaper materials, just ready made stuff you can pick up at Lowes. Every morning and evening I put a drop of OnGuard on my toothbrush. Sometimes I drip a little of it. It has taken spots of the finish off of the sink in my bathroom. It may not do that with more expensive countertops, but be careful!
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us all these awesome recipes. I love your Blog and read it every time it comes in.
God Bless
from my Homestead in Oak Hills
I am really excited to try the glass and mirror cleaner.I have tried a few other all natural cleaning recipes but they all left aweful streaks on glass. I am hoping this one will be the one that works so I can stop buying chemical glass cleaner. Thanks for sharing.
I hope it works for you too! It’s what I always use. 🙂
I am new to your site and am looking forward to trying out your cleaning mixes.
thank you.
Scan the all purpose cleaner be used on granite surfaces or do I need to omit the vinegar?
I’d probably avoid this particular recipe on granite.
Do you have anything you would recommend for granite? I’m looking for natural ways to clean that and hard wood floors!
What would you use to clean sterling silver tile floor?
I have no idea, sorry! Have no experience with sterling silver tile…
Hi Jill!
Can you use the all purpose cleaner on a stove? Thanks!
I read in other places that you shouldn’t put essential oils in plastic bottles as they can chemically react with the plastic and even destroy the bottle, esp. with citrus oils. Did you not find this being a problem as you seem to use plastic a lot? Thanks.
I don’t use plastic and EOs when I’m going to consume the concoction. However, I have never had an issue with storing a diluted non-ingestible mix (like a cleaning solution) in a plastic bottle.
Do you happen to have any suggestion for a car dashboard? It’s getting dried out and I want to put the shine back.
I just use my all-purpose cleaner recipe for the car. 🙂
I am the same…right after New Year with folks barely out of the driveway is the best time to declutter, etc. As well my cleaning products are just about the same as yours:
– lots of vinegar (I use this on cutting boards, in the laundry, bathroom cleaning…)
– lemon
– eco dish soap
– and don’t forget good ole elbow grease.
Good ol’ vinegar! 😉 (and elbow grease!)
How many drops in a teaspoon? Thirty drops of this and thirty drops of that…wouldn’t measuring by teaspoons be easier?
We are house bound here in Savona, B.C. with -30 temps and I’m looking at the walls, time to wipe them down. My recipe for Honey House wall washing, we are beekeepers, is A.V.S. or 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup soda to a bucket of water (a 15 kg. pail) and this works great. Enjoy reading your blog. Marg
Essential oil recipes traditionally use drops vs. teaspoon for measuring, as EOs are pretty potent.
Hi Jill, wanted to suggest that perhaps it is best to do recipes by weight becaus two drops from the same bottle could have different amounts. They only way to get a very accurate and consistent recipe is by weight. These cleaners and other items not being ingested, not so big of a deal, def something to consider for anything ingested and accuracy.:) keep up the good works!!
Thank you very much for this terrific list, Jill! I have been amazed at the daily shower cleaner and just finished using up my first batch. So nice to get away from chemicals AND love the results! Blessings on your 2017.
So glad it’s been working for you– yay!
Do you have a good laundry soap recipe for farm dirty clothes?
Here’s a recipe for you: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2011/07/frugal-homemade-laundry-soap.html
How much essential oil should I use for the laundry detergent recipe?
Do you have an all purpose spray or shower/tub cleanser that doesn’t use vinegar? I have stone surfaces so I can’t use vinegar in my cleansers.
Hi Jill, I was wondering what natural dish washing liquid you used in your recipes that say ‘not castile soap?’ Thanks in advance for your help!
I use Seventh Generation
Why not castle soap (such as Bronner’s)? Thank you!
By chance, do you know what I can use to clean a spot on the carpet from my dog being sick? I’ve heard vinegar, but wasn’t sure what else to add to that. I just want to remove the spot without damaging the carpet. Thanks!
You have to be careful, depending on the carpet. I’ve used baking soda and vinegar in the past, with some lemon oil. But spot test first and proceed with caution.
I’ve used plain rubbing alcohol on my carpet. I have yet to see a stain it won’t clear up. I pour in on a cloth, and dab it on the stain. Easy peasy.
That’s awesome!
I’m new to the world of natural cleaning products and excited to get started…..Where can you find Castile soap? Is it a Walmart / Target product?
Possibly– or check a health food store or Amazon.
My local Target carries it. It’s cheaper at Target than at the health food stores, but I haven’t compared pricing with Amazon.
What can I use as an upholstery cleaner in my car? (Fabric seats, not vinyl or leather) I have the normal spots I need to clean, but also a large area where a drink spilled in a seat.
I’m trying to use more natural cleaners…was somewhat doubtful that the mint window/glass cleaner would actually work better than my beloved windex….wow…love this cleaner. Works better then chemical based one and my house smells amazing! Thanks for the tip.
I have a challenge/question I really want to try a more healthy, natural way to garden, especially our vegetable garden. However my husband is a farmer and has grown up in the must plow and use chemicals era. I told him about a way “The Eden Garden” way and he literally laughed at me, which of course convinced me that I MUST do it. My question is how do I convince him or is there any material written by farmer converts that I can share with him. LOL I know it’s seems silly but I have recently been diagnosed with allergies to a lot of chemicals and am trying to change my regimen for cleaning, makeup, creams, shampoo etc. and I don’t want to be exposed to outdoor chemicals either. Thanks Pam
Hi Pam…try the Jeavons book:Grow More Vegetables. You WILL succeed and the proof will be in the pudding!
https://www.amazon.com/How-Grow-More-Vegetables-Ninth/dp/0399579184/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0/139-6395905-1939320?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W3681H3612H3GW63YE2Q
Also check out Permaculture books. There is probably a permaculture group in your area. If you are really bold, check out Perelandra….Don’t expect to convert him until he sees your success. 😉
Another thing to try is a Food Forest.
Don’t rely on ladybugs for insect control. They are great, but Trichogramma wasps (tiny non stinging) are much better. I only bought them once 25 years ago and they balanced right in to my system. I don’t even look at the initial aphid infestation in the Spring because I know they will be gone with no effort from me within 2 weeks.
Good luck and have fun!
I know the use of essential oils is to lessen the amount of chemicals in a home, but I’m just getting started with oils and natural products in our home. I have a musty smell in my kitchen and I know Eucalyptus oil is great at combating the musty smell. I was wondering if in the All-Purpose cleaner I could use Dawn dish soap instead of a natural dish soap?
Thank you!
Yep! Dawn will work
Does your toilet cleaner last in the bottle? i.e. Is it a one use recipe or can I make it and use it multiple times.
I was wondering the same thing.
Hi there! Just curious, I also use doTERRA, and was trying to remove cakes on soap scum on or glass doors in the shower. I used just lemon, melaleuca and water and it got rid of a lot, but there is still some stubborn spots. What would you recommend?
Also, for the Tub and Shower Gel, can I use Dawn as a substitute for the natural soap? Thanks!
Yes, you can sub in Dawn instead. And I often use that gel recipe for my shower doors too
The “Method” brand had a wonderful pink grapefruit dishwashing spray. It was a treat to do the morning dishes. It is not available any more. Guess I have to play around with the consistency of it so that the sprayer will work. Any ideas would be welcome. Thank you.
Hi, don’t you need to add a base oil to allow dispersal of essential oil in water; or does alcohol alone do the job?
The alcohol helps, and I usually shake up the mixtures before using.
Do you have a recipe for dishwasher soap / detergent?
I have a porcelain sink, almond cream color. I made a curry in my crockpot using a liner. I took the remains in the liner out to cool down, I placed it in the sink and when I moved it, the sink had stained!!! Altho the liner wasn’t leaking, the color leeched thru! I have tried On Guard, lemon, commercial stain remover, bleach, etc. and nothing helps!! Can you help me?
What recipe do you have for Granite? I know that I should not use anything acid on it. I have been using equal amounts of alcohol and water. I Would appreciate a recipe from you. Thank you in advance.
Hi there ! I can’t wait to make some of these to use around the house ! Do these combos have to be used right away? Or can they sit in bottles and still provide a good clean ?
Hello Jill,
Thankyou so much for this list, exactly what I have been looking for.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
I like your recipes. I am relatively new to using EO’s so there is a big learning curve. Under what circumstances so you use preservatives and in what quantities?
Love, love, love the Tub and Shower Gel! I’ve always made it and applied right away, while it was still warm. But can it be made up ahead of time? So it would be applied after it’s completely cooled. Still as effective?
The glass cleaner is my favorite. LOVE The shower/tub cleaners but what I really needed when I sought this list out is a good glass cleaner and interior car cleaner. I sometimes use the glass cleaner on other parts of my car besides the glass. But I am very careful because you really never know but I LOVE It!
Soapstone countertops suggest that you wipe them down with mineral oil occasionally. Do you know if it is safe and effective to add essential oils to the mineral oil when oiling soapstone countertops?
Do you have an easily printable version of these recipes without pictures, etc? Thank you!
I have oak hardwood floors and puppies… that when urinating, either miss the puppy pads or it soaks through or flows off onto the floor…
what can I use naturally to clean and sanitize my floors?
Hi Jill, I have just bought a 20% strength white vinegar but it appears most white vinegars are around the 5% mark. Would you suggest diluting it further to your recipes or will it be safe enough? I have a cleaning business and I’m very eager to switch to some non toxic cleaners but as it is my business, I need it to be very effective still. Many thanks
For the rubbing alcohol or vodka, could you use witch hazel instead?
Also, can you replace the hydrogen peroxide with witch hazel?
Thanks for these great recipes! How many drops of essential oil do you use in the goo/crayon remover?
SO i just made my first mixture. it leaves like a film on the end tables.. like a very thin oil lining, but doesnt really feel oily… why???
Can you use Bonner’s sals suds for the dish soap?
Hello this is Edwin from the student space flight team at East Knox County elementary school and I am in 5th grade and I want to know what essential oil disinfecting cleaner is the best to get rid of house hold bacteria. If you have any ideas please contact my teachers email. justin.whaley@knoxschools.org.
Where do you get the squeeze bottles? Do you purchase/empty ones from the store? What do you do with the non-organic/essential oil cleaner before you use the bottle?
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Are these recipes dog safe? I have been reading that some oils are not safe for dogs.
Can I use dawn dish soap
Is the hydrogen peroxide (in the toilet cleaner recipe) powder or liquid? If liquid, what %? Thanks!
I use eco friendly cleaning products alsoms a year, and I’am really happy that have found recipes with such proucts as baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and essential oils. I was really surprised, when read about purposes of essential oils. It’s amaing! They can help you to cope with headache, reduce varicose veins, improve your sleep and even clean your house! Such green cleaning products are made without the unpleasant chemical residue, therefore, my family and cat are definitely in safe 🙂
Hi,
Thank you for the great recipes! Do you have a recipe for hardwood floors and stone floors? Thank you!
I noticed you specifically said “no castile” soap. Is there a reason? I’m a new DYIer and trying to learn more. TIA
Hey, I just read out your blog, it’s quite interesting and informative thank you for sharing it, if you can search natural powder wash like deb natural powder wash 4l, you can buy from Express cleaning supplies they supply a range of carefully selected cleaning & hygiene products at affordable prices.
I love my lavender oil, I usually just spritz it on my pillow straight before I go to bed. I never mix it with other oils or solutions because I was always afraid of ruining it.
I’m excited to try your Lavender Air Freshener though, thank you for the recipe!
Hi Jill,
I’d love to start using some of these recipes around the house, but I’m worried that some recipes will be dangerous to cats, as I’m planning on getting one in the next couple of months. From what I’ve found online, these oils are dangerous to cats:
Wintergreen oil
Peppermint oil
Citrus oil (including lemon oil)
Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
Pine oil
Eucalyptus oil
Cinnamon oil
Pennyroyal oil
Sweet birch oil
Clove oil
Ylang ylang oil.
I’ve noticed that a lot of recipes use these oils – especially the citrus ones! – and was just wondering what/how you would substitute these to get the same effects?
Thanks for your time 🙂
Hi there! Great post! I plan on putting a few of these to use, as a newbie using these, I have a few questions. The daily shower spray – would this be OK to use in a tile shower? Also the multi purpose cleaner on marble? Thank you!!
Hi Jill –
First off, love your website and videos. They are very inspiring and approachable for us unexperienced folks. I’ve been trying to bake bread more and watching your step-by-step videos really helps!
My question today though is, what do you use to dust/polish wood furniture? I currently use Pledge, but would love to find a natural, homemade alternative.
Thanks in advance!!
Missy
very helpful article. these recipes helps a lot to clean the engine oil.
I would be curious to know if you have tried these same recipes without the essential oil and how do they compare? Clearly the essential oils will make the mix smell terrific but I am wondering how much do they contribute to actually cleaning. Vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and castle soap do wonders by themselves. I know some of these essential oils can be powerful. I unknowingly spilled some lemon essential oil on shelving that was painted. The oil dissolved the paint.
Lots of oil requires lots of soap! Actually, before you break out the dish soap, I recommend dusting the floor with baking soda and letting it sit for a few minutes to soak up anything it can like that. Then you are going to want to wash the floor with a bit of dish soap in your water. It’ll take quite a bit of rinsing after that – maybe 3 times or so, so get your mop or cloth ready! Oil is a demanding mess.
Hi can I substitute all natural laundry detergent for the all natural soap (say in All-Purpose Cleaner)? I’m out of liquid soap so was just curious ? Thanks!
I have been making the shower spray for several years now, and it is miraculous. I also spray the bottom of my silicone shower mat before hanging it up. I love the tea tree oil scent. The worst part was trying to find rubbing alcohol at the beginning of the pandemic! I make a gallon at a time and then use it to fill my spray bottle.