Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

These are my favorite cleaning recipes. They smell wonderful and even dh likes them :tu Please add your recipes if you have any :)

Anti-bacterial cleaner
I use this for cleaning bathroom, kitchen counter, most anywhere
4 cups water
1t detergent
1/4-1/2 c vinegar
20 drops lavender eo
20 drops tea tree oil
Put all in spray bottle.


Glass Cleaner
I think this works much better than choke-inducing windex ;)
4 cups water
6 T vinegar
½ t detergent

SOAP *originally posted by Abinsmom*

INGREDIENTS
8 oz coconut oil
8 oz olive oil (pomace)
¼ oz beeswax
2.6 oz lye (Red Devil brand)
¾ cup cold water
1 TBS nutrient oil (jojoba, aloe, shea butter, etc.)
2 tsp essential oil (the 'smellies'!)
¼ cup oatmeal, cornmeal, or herbs (I stopped doing this – got tired of cleaning it off the shower floor!)

I make this in at least a quadruple batch (and actually usually a quadruple-quadruple batch) which makes it more worth my time and gives me more options for different types of aroma combinations. If I make the quad-quad batch, I end up with 8 diaper-wipe containersful, 2 of each ‘flavor’. Each diaper-wipe container cuts up to about 8 bars of soap.

PROCEDURE
Prepare soap molds by greasing well with shortening or by lining with plastic garbage bags (I use cellophane grocery bags in diaper-wipe containers, but be careful the print side is facing the surface of the diaper-wipe container or it will leech onto the soap!).

Melt solid fats (coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax) in non-reactive pan over low heat.

Meanwhile, in plenty of ventilation (I do this outside), dissolve lye in cold water. Stir to completely dissolve the lye – and don’t use a wooden spoon! This is a volatile reaction and creates heat – use caution!

When both the oils and the lye water reach 95-98 degrees F (I actually fudge this a little and allow both to be as high as 115 degrees – the important thing is that they are relatively the same temperature and close to the target temp of 95-98 degrees), slowly drizzle the lye water into the oils while stirring. Stir continuously for at least 15 minutes.

When the mixture thickens to the point that a drizzle stays suspended a moment on the surface before sinking into the mixture, it is said to be ‘tracing’ (I've found that this can take a VERY long time! To speed up the process, you can use a hand-held blender for 20-30 seconds at a time and check for tracing). Once tracing, add any dry ingredients (oatmeal, cornmeal, etc.), then nutrient oils, then essential oils.

Pour soap into molds.

Put soap in a protected location and cover with a blanket or thick towel (I usually cover my molds with plastic wrap so the towel doesn’t come into contact with the soap surface). Leave undistrubed for 18-24 hours.

When firm enough to handle, turn out soap onto a cutting board and slice into bars.

Let soap cure in a well-ventilated location for 4-6 weeks, turning bars over halfway through curing.

Here's my favorite home cleaner recipes (most are from Kym) *originally posted by punkie*

Creamy Peppermint Soft Scrubber
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup Borax laundry booster
1 TBS Castille soap
5-10 drops peppermint essential oil (use less if pregnant)
1/4 cup water

Combine all ingredients in medium sized glass jar (I use a middle sized recycled mayo jar). Fasten lid and shake very well. Pour onto surfaces to be cleaned (formica, tile, porcelain, granite, etc.) or onto washrag and watch grime and residue disappear with very little scrubbing effort! Rinse well with the hottest water you can stand - no need to polish fixtures since they will shine so nicely after this natural cleansing.


Lavender Blossom Glass & Window Cleaner

2 cups distilled or bottled water
1?2 cup vinegar
6-8 drops lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients in large spray bottle. Gentle shake to blend before each use. If vinegar scent is too strong, you can also add a few drops of chamomile to smooth it out a bit.


Olive-Citrus Dusting Polish
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1?4 cup lemon juice or vinegar (lemon juice is much more fragrant)
2-4 drops tangerine or sweet orange essential oil

Pour all ingredients into clean, recycled glass jar. Attach lid and gently swirl to blend ingredients. Dip soft cloth into mixture and polish to an old fashioned, healthy luster. This is also excellent for keeping wood in high quality shape as well as re-nourishing neglected or old wood. As you polish, remember all the beautiful trees that are now providing you with this sturdy furniture for your family, and appreciate the beauty they continue to provide.


Rosemary’s Residue-Removing Counter Cleanser (use a hot water rinse with this to get gunk off of counters, especially in the bathroom with hair spray!)

1?2 cup distilled or bottled water
1?2 cup castile soap
4-6 drops rosemary essential oil (if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or epilepsy, use sweet orange or tangerine instead.

Combine all ingredients in spray bottle, gently swirl to blend, and spray directly onto surface. Wipe with a soft cloth, then rinse well with hot tap water and enjoy the shine!

I also use a vinegar/water/EO mix for my all-purpose cleaner

My no-frills general spray cleaner is: *originally posted by Lilyma*

1 T. Murphy's Oil Soap
10-20 drops EO (Ilike lavendar best)
Water

anyways, here's my homemade laundry soap recipe: *originally posted by Boston'smama*

2/3 bar grated zote soap
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda (not baking soda, still by arm and hammer, but in a yellow box, not orange)

mix up and store in a recycled glass jar---
use 1 TB. per load of laundry....smells great and lasts forever! nice save on $$ too

I make a soft scrub that is similar to Kym's recipe that Amanda posted, but it doesn't contain Borax (which I avoid). I modified it from two that were on the old GCM:*originally posted by Gretchen*

1 cup (or a little less) Baking Soda
1/4 cup Castile Soap (I use peppermint scented)
1/4 cup water
1 T. vinegar
25 drops tea tree oil

I mix this all together and then pour into a empty dish detergent bottle to dispense. I use this on sinks, tubs and toilets. It could be used on countertops, but I can't rinse mine without making a mess so I use vinegar and water w/some EOs mixed in on the counters

Vinegar and Peroxide disinfecting spray*originally posted by SusieSnowflake*
I found this great idea for a non-toxic disinfectant method using vinegar and hydrogenperoxide disinfectant spray Basically you spray vinegar on the surface first, immediately followed by hydrogen peroxide (3%) or vice versa, order does not matter. It is supposed to be more effective than mixing them together or using them alone. HTH!

Microwave Cleaner *originally posted by punkie*

1/4 c. baking soda
1 tsp vinegar
5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil (I used lemon)

Combine all ingredients and make a paste. Apply to the inside of the microwave using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open to air dry for 25 minutes

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I make my own soap -- not sure if this is appropriate here or not, but I'll throw it out there!
--------------------------

SOAP

INGREDIENTS
8 oz coconut oil
8 oz olive oil (pomace)
¼ oz beeswax
2.6 oz lye (Red Devil brand)
¾ cup cold water
1 TBS nutrient oil (jojoba, aloe, shea butter, etc.)
2 tsp essential oil (the 'smellies'!)
¼ cup oatmeal, cornmeal, or herbs (I stopped doing this – got tired of cleaning it off the shower floor!)

I make this in at least a quadruple batch (and actually usually a quadruple-quadruple batch) which makes it more worth my time and gives me more options for different types of aroma combinations. If I make the quad-quad batch, I end up with 8 diaper-wipe containersful, 2 of each ‘flavor’. Each diaper-wipe container cuts up to about 8 bars of soap.

PROCEDURE
Prepare soap molds by greasing well with shortening or by lining with plastic garbage bags (I use cellophane grocery bags in diaper-wipe containers, but be careful the print side is facing the surface of the diaper-wipe container or it will leech onto the soap!).

Melt solid fats (coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax) in non-reactive pan over low heat.

Meanwhile, in plenty of ventilation (I do this outside), dissolve lye in cold water. Stir to completely dissolve the lye – and don’t use a wooden spoon! This is a volatile reaction and creates heat – use caution!

When both the oils and the lye water reach 95-98 degrees F (I actually fudge this a little and allow both to be as high as 115 degrees – the important thing is that they are relatively the same temperature and close to the target temp of 95-98 degrees), slowly drizzle the lye water into the oils while stirring. Stir continuously for at least 15 minutes.

When the mixture thickens to the point that a drizzle stays suspended a moment on the surface before sinking into the mixture, it is said to be ‘tracing’ (I've found that this can take a VERY long time! To speed up the process, you can use a hand-held blender for 20-30 seconds at a time and check for tracing). Once tracing, add any dry ingredients (oatmeal, cornmeal, etc.), then nutrient oils, then essential oils.

Pour soap into molds.

Put soap in a protected location and cover with a blanket or thick towel (I usually cover my molds with plastic wrap so the towel doesn’t come into contact with the soap surface). Leave undistrubed for 18-24 hours.

When firm enough to handle, turn out soap onto a cutting board and slice into bars.

Let soap cure in a well-ventilated location for 4-6 weeks, turning bars over halfway through curing.

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Oooh, I'd love to make my own soap, but I've always been afraid that I'd mess up and hurt myself :P

Here's my favorite home cleaner recipes (most are from Kym)

Creamy Peppermint Soft Scrubber
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup Borax laundry booster
1 TBS Castille soap
5-10 drops peppermint essential oil (use less if pregnant)
1/4 cup water

Combine all ingredients in medium sized glass jar (I use a middle sized recycled mayo jar). Fasten lid and shake very well. Pour onto surfaces to be cleaned (formica, tile, porcelain, granite, etc.) or onto washrag and watch grime and residue disappear with very little scrubbing effort! Rinse well with the hottest water you can stand - no need to polish fixtures since they will shine so nicely after this natural cleansing.


Lavender Blossom Glass & Window Cleaner

2 cups distilled or bottled water
1?2 cup vinegar
6-8 drops lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients in large spray bottle. Gentle shake to blend before each use. If vinegar scent is too strong, you can also add a few drops of chamomile to smooth it out a bit.


Olive-Citrus Dusting Polish
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1?4 cup lemon juice or vinegar (lemon juice is much more fragrant)
2-4 drops tangerine or sweet orange essential oil

Pour all ingredients into clean, recycled glass jar. Attach lid and gently swirl to blend ingredients. Dip soft cloth into mixture and polish to an old fashioned, healthy luster. This is also excellent for keeping wood in high quality shape as well as re-nourishing neglected or old wood. As you polish, remember all the beautiful trees that are now providing you with this sturdy furniture for your family, and appreciate the beauty they continue to provide.


Rosemary’s Residue-Removing Counter Cleanser (use a hot water rinse with this to get gunk off of counters, especially in the bathroom with hair spray!)

1?2 cup distilled or bottled water
1?2 cup castile soap
4-6 drops rosemary essential oil (if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or epilepsy, use sweet orange or tangerine instead.

Combine all ingredients in spray bottle, gently swirl to blend, and spray directly onto surface. Wipe with a soft cloth, then rinse well with hot tap water and enjoy the shine!

I also use a vinegar/water/EO mix for my all-purpose cleaner :)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Silly question, but when you say detergent, do you mean like Dawn dishwashing detergent?
I've been slowly switching over to natural cleaners. Glad to have found this! Thanks ladies!

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I use my liquid laundry detergent. But I have seen similar recipes that omit the detergent and just use the eo's and vinegar, so you could do that, too :)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

My no-frills general spray cleaner is:

1 T. Murphy's Oil Soap
10-20 drops EO (Ilike lavendar best)
Water

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

punkie--

why do your recipes call for bottled or distilled water? i always have just used tap water w/my vinegar spray bottles... :blush

i guess now im going to start buying distilled water!!

also, how often do you gals change your window cleaner bottles and/or basic cleaners? i make mine in a pretty big spray bottle and i only change it about once a month or so---ive been wanting to find out if i need to change it more often!?!?

thanks so much!!

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Do you mean change it like, throw out the old and make new? Or have to manke new.

I never throw any out. I use old Method cleaner spray bottles. I usually have to make new every week and a half-or so.

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

It is so rewarding, peaceful and honestly fun to make homemade aromatherapy cleansers!

Here's my ds making (and then using) our favorite Peppermint Soft Scrubber last week! He loves to choose the essential oils and this batch had both peppermint and lemongrass. We couldn't stop sniffing the air the whole day as we cleaned together. :)

Oops - just remembered this is a public forum. I'll post the pics in my blog! ;)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I just use tap water and I've never had a problem. I use relatively small spray bottles, and go through it pretty quickly, and I've never had a problem with the tap water. If I wasn't using these cleaners, I'd be wiping everything down with tap water anyways :P

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Where do you get your eo's? I saw some in the store the other day for $25 for what would seem to me to be only about 10 drops. :eek

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

whoa melanie! that sounds outrageously high.....i either buy mine online or at some local healthfood/herb stores. you can buy them on ebay i know....other mamas may be able to help you out as far as a good online store goes. i usually pay no more than $10 for a bigger bottle....even the small bottles have a lot in them...im sure more than 10 drops. :shrug

anyways, here's my homemade laundry soap recipe:

2/3 bar grated zote soap
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda (not baking soda, still by arm and hammer, but in a yellow box, not orange)

mix up and store in a recycled glass jar---
use 1 TB. per load of laundry....smells great and lasts forever! nice save on $$ too :)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I make a soft scrub that is similar to Kym's recipe that Amanda posted, but it doesn't contain Borax (which I avoid). I modified it from two that were on the old GCM:

1 cup (or a little less) Baking Soda
1/4 cup Castile Soap (I use peppermint scented)
1/4 cup water
1 T. vinegar
25 drops tea tree oil

I mix this all together and then pour into a empty dish detergent bottle to dispense. I use this on sinks, tubs and toilets. It could be used on countertops, but I can't rinse mine without making a mess ;) so I use vinegar and water w/some EOs mixed in on the counters.

Gretchen

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Whoa!
I get mine at the health food store. Wild Oats and Whole foods have them for around $5 and they last FOREVER.

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I love this thread! I'm about to go try the window cleaner idea. Now I have a question. I saw some ants by my front door yesterday and thought maybe pouring a little vinegar would deter them. umm NOT. :hissyfit anybody got any ideas for that?

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

BTW ladies, I am nursing and have heard lots of precautions when it comes to tea-tree oil and babies/children. Do I need to wear gloves when I am cleaning with any recipes using it as it might be absorbed into my body? And also with the orange and tangerine oils, I have heard that you should avoid direct sunlight for a time after coming in contact with them? Anyone ever have any problems?
Signed:
Miss "I-Really-Should-Be-Using-My-Worries-On-Toxic-Commercial-Cleaners-But-I-Can't-Help-It-I-Am-Cynical-Of-EVERYTHING!!" :shrug :rolleyes

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

With the TTO, it is so diluted with the amount of water, I don't see that there would be a problem. A for the citrus, I have never heard of that. I'll look around and see if I can find out.

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I think with the citrus coming into contact with skin/hair, you are just more likely to sunburn. Just something to be aware of. ;)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Thanks ladies! I'm just ultra-paranoid and triple-check everything before using it. I already got the tangerine oil and will be going back to get tea-tree! In the meantime, I've been using the vinegar/water/detergent etc but I do love my oils and can't wait to use them in cleaning!!
THANK-YOU!! :tu

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

i'm so loving making cleaners! i never thought i would be into it, but here i am. :mrgreen

the best glass cleaner i've used is just plain old club soda in a spray bottle. yup. works great!

i LOVE the peppermint scrub, and the all purpose one i use looks alot like the one punkie posted. :tu

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

:smile
These recipes are the greatest :highfive.
I have been mixing my own gentle cleaning hand soap for over 30+ years because of sensitive skin.
I buy concentrated pure gentle cleaner from a home based business company [whichever one I am involved in] and just mix it with 1/2 water and some eo, It works great. You can give bubble baths with it and it doesn't give bladder problems or leave the ring around the tub so you can just drain the tub after a bath. I buy the gentle cleaner in 1/2 gallons so it lasts a long time. It's also the only thing I shave my legs with, without getting a rash.
I think Trader Joes carries a type of gentle cleaner? I havn't tried it yet, nor checked out the ingredients but i think it would be less expensive.

For mopping the tile I just use 1/2 bucket of water and about 1/2 cup distilled vinegar. This works great without a strong smell :td

I'm off to try some of your ideas :-)
Karmen

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Hey Amanda! (or anyone else who knows the answer) :)
Can this polish be used on anything (plastic, fake wood, etc), or only on wood? Would it be too oily on a non-wood surface? :shrug
Thanks!!

(How much wood or non-wood would or could you polish with this wood polish?) ;)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I've used it on other things without problems, although I think just wood and fake wood... I don't know if I've tried plastic. For plastic stuff (like tvs, fans, etc), I always use a little bit of fabric softener mixed with water because it makes it so dust doesn't stick :P

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Can I substitute Fels-Naptha for Zote soap in the laundry detergent recipe?
I have found Borax and washing soda (finally), but I give up on Zote. :(

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

...or can I substitute Kirk's Castille...?

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

You can use the Fels Naptha :)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Thank heavens. I will try that. I wish I could find Zote; it sounds more natural and safer, but this was the best I could do. :think

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Just FYI, according to Clean House, Clean Planet, you use distilled water or purified water because it makes your cleaner work better. It has something to do with the way the detergents/borax/baking soda/what have you actually dissolve into the water to become a "cleaner."

For windows and mirrors - my FAVORITE is simply 2 microfiber rags. Wet one with plain tap water and ring it out very well. Use that to clean with, and then go over it again with a dry rag. I do this ala "Karate Kid" wax on...wax off. :lol It leaves no streaks and it cleans very well!

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

OK, I tried thisone and it really got the baked-on chili explosion out of my microwave!

Microwave Cleaner

1/4 c. baking soda
1 tsp vinegar
5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil (I used lemon)

Combine all ingredients and make a paste. Apply to the inside of the microwave using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open to air dry for 25 minutes :)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

oooh, I am so excited to try some of these out! Here's another one to try for toilets:
pour about a cup of vinegar (more or less, i never measure!) into the bowl, then add baking soda, about 2 T (again, I never measure, I only wait for it to bubble up!) Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with the brush up and down the inside of the bowl, and it will sparkle. :) Then, just flush!

I also use vinegar in water for the floors, but my dh complains of the smell...maybe I am using too much vinegar?

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I use Murphy Oil Soap on our floors, hardwood and linoleum; it smells great. Just a tsp. to a quart or something like that - it says it on the bottle. It smells better than vinegar.

The creamy peppermint soft scrubber does great in toilets, too. :tu

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Do you just mix and use it dry or add water to it? I've found recipes that mix it with water, but I assumed you just did with dry and am washing some stuff with it right now.

btw, I got borax up my nose.

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

:roll
Don't you hate that?? I get the Fels Naptha vapors up my nose and man, that's strong stuff. And as to your other question, I just use it dry, but I start the washer and add the soap to the water while it's filling, then add the clothes on top. So it kind of makes a liquid soap before I put the clothes in. I LOVE this laundry soap! It is so economical and smells so good. :tu

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

That's what I did. And yes, I love it...I blogged about it. :giggle

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Thanks for the great recipes- I just tried the disinfectant spray and I love it - it is great to be able to spray arouind my kids and not be concerned if they touch it or breathe it in-
I am wondering what people use for fabric softner anti cling stuff- we all have sensitive skin and have been just buying a name brand free of perfumes and dyes fabric softner? If there any natural alternative or cheaper alternative that wouldn't be too harsh?
Thanks!
Lorene

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I think many people use plain vinegar as a softener.

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Umm, do you just dump it into the washing machine when you put the clothes in? :scratch (I have a feeling I'm going to someday look back on that as a stupid question!) :O And how much do you use?

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

You put it in when you would normally add softener. Or put it in a Downy Ball. ABout a half a cup is a good amount for a normal size load. And that is not a dumb question. I had the same one when I learned about it. :)

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

Thanks Amy! And embarrassing as it should be to admit this...in college I bought a Downy Ball simply because I thought it was "cool" but I didn't know how to use it and so I just threw it in at the beginning when I put the clothes in. :O

Re: Natural Cleaning Recipes
 

I just put the vinegar in when I load everything, right after I put the soap in. I follow it with baking soda to neutralize the odor and to increase the softness. It works great! :tu
Don't be embarassed...look back through this thread and see my goofy questions. :O That's funny what you did in college! :giggle