Testimonials from readers…

“I absolutely love this book! Y’all have saved my husband and I so much money and I love knowing exactly what is going into my cleaning products. Thank y’all SO much!” - Kathlyn

“I gave the Natural Cleaners Guide to my mother and sister after buying it myself. The chemical-free habits and all natural mentality it has given me is wonderful. I love finding ways to simplify my life and my cabinet space, along with creating practical household necessities. The essential oils make a big difference. Thank you for teaching the average American consumer how to get behind the expensive label and naturally clean our homes.”- Margaret, age 22, Alabama

“I have been having all kinds of fun with the Natural Cleaners book, especially with the oils. What an awesome idea to have a kit already recommended, I’ve been wanting to experiment with oils forever and you guys just made it too easy to resist! For anyone looking for a fun way to pass the time, I highly recommend DIY Natural! Dig up some old containers and spray bottles, round up the kids, and have fun playing chemist in your own kitchen! Thanks again Matt and Betsy for making this so fun, simple, and economical!”- Dianne

“I feel like I’m doing a good thing for my family and the earth when I use the book recipes to make my own instead of buying commercial products. It feels good to be able to walk by the chemical laden, foul smelling cleaner grocery aisle and know that my product was less expensive yet works just as good, if not better!”- Holly, Texas

“I feel wonderful to be able to contribute to reclaiming our earth by using the sustainable principles in this book. Since reading it, I’ve been making my own household detergents and cleaners, and I really enjoy the benefits of purifying my air with the essential oil spray recipes. Thanks Matt and Betsy for helping to empower me to reclaim the earth!”– Kathy, age 58, Michigan

Written and edited by Matt and Betsy Jabs

Cover and images by Mitch Bolton

Copyright © 2011 by The Jabs Group, LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without express permission from the author.

The Jabs Group, LLC

Mason, MI 48854

ISBN: 9781620953235

www.diyNatural.com

Disclaimer

Content in this publication is for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or manufacturer instruction. Readers should consult professionals on any matter relating to their health or well being, and for any products made in their home. Readers who fail to do so assume all risk.

The Authors want to stress that the information contained herein may be subject to varying federal, state, and/or local laws or regulations. The Purchaser or Reader of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information.

Every effort has been made to accurately represent the potential benefits of this information. We cannot and do not guarantee savings or success due to differing uses of the information. Each individual’s success depends on his or her background, dedication, desire and motivation. As with any new endeavor, there is no certain guarantee that you will get specific results.

To our Lord…

for loving us while unlovable.

To our parents…

for their love, sacrifice, and encouragement.

To you…

for your commitment to a better life.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Why Use Natural Cleaners?

Getting Started

Essential Oils

Using DIY Cleaners in Your Home

Laundry

DIY Laundry Formulas

Fabric Softeners

Laundry Miscellaneous

Kitchen

Dishwashing Formulas

Sink Formulas

Countertops

Flooring

Kitchen Miscellaneous

Bathroom

Shower Sprays

Toilets

Mold and Mildew Formulas

Sink Cleansers and Scrubs

Bathroom Miscellaneous

All-Purpose

Spray Formulas

All-Purpose Miscellaneous

Wooden Surfaces

Dusters and Cleaners

Furniture Polish

Windows and Walls

Window Cleaners

Wall Cleaner

Purifying The Air

Air Freshener Sprays

Other Freshly-Scented Ideas

Carpet Care

Epilogue

Resources

Introduction

Matt: I have always loved doing things myself and from a very young age (7-ish), was doing my own laundry and cooking my own meals. In my late 20’s I became intrigued with cooking from scratch (I give credit to my mother who avoided boxed foods like the plague). My passion for real food turned into a passion for organic foods, then to natural products, which eventually grew into a passion for making whatever I could, from scratch, naturally.

Like you, I was fed up with foods, cookware, cleaning products, etc. loaded with chemicals I knew nothing about. Do these chemicals promote cancer? Do the air fresheners I use cause allergies? Do the ingredients in my cleaners contribute to autism and ADHD? I didn’t know, and not knowing was something I couldn’t live with. I wanted change, but didn’t know where I should start, what I could do, or how I – being just one person – could start changing the world for the better.

Then it hit me, I’m the consumer. I hold the power and if I don’t agree with something I don’t have to buy it. Better yet, if I want to promote something excellent, I can do that too by voting with my dollars! It may sound elementary, but this single thought changed the course of my life. Think about it this way, we can vote for the president once every four years, but we can vote for what kind of products we want every time we shop.

With my newfound power I committed myself to stop supporting companies I disagreed with and to start supporting companies who were doing things correctly. My dollars instantly shifted from McDonald’s® and WalMart® to local farmers and entrepreneurs making natural solutions in their homes.

Then I began developing recipes of my own. My first cleaner project was homemade laundry detergent, then dishwasher detergent, and the list started growing. I tested, I tweaked, I failed, I succeeded, but the best part is… I wrote it all down so I could share it with you. At first I shared it all on DebtFreeAdventure.com but quickly realized I needed a separate domain for these ideas – and diyNatural.com was born.

In a nutshell our experiences and studies of the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries troubled us enough to search for better solutions. We found most problems rooted in one thing - the love of money. We don’t condemn companies for profiting from products they make, regardless of whether or not they’re healthy. Their mission is to make money for shareholders, not to keep you and I healthy. This won’t be changing anytime soon, so it’s up to us to take responsibility and be the change we want to see.

This information was compiled and shared so that you can benefit from the research, kickstart your DIY natural journey, and inspire others in the same positive change.

This has turned into my passionate life’s work, and I love it… the hard part was getting Betsy on board – but I’ll let her tell you about that!

Betsy: As with any change in our household, the switch to homemade household cleaners came very gradually. Matt had started a personal finance website chronicling our personal mission to get out of debt. In the months that followed, I was approached with many requests to do things differently in the house. Matt’s aversion to the strong chemical smells of some of the cleaners I had been using prompted many discussions about making our own cleaners. The purpose was to not only to save money, but also to move toward a “greener” living as we eliminated chemical-laden commercial cleaners from our home.

Laundry detergent was one of the first recipes we began researching and testing out in our own home. I understood the cost breakdown, and believed it could save us money, but my biggest question regarding this and other household cleaners was always, “Will they work?” I did not have a passion (or even the slightest desire) to make my own cleaners for quite some time, believing that I could probably find green cleaners on sale and kill two birds with one stone. I made many excuses for failing to jump on the bandwagon right away. (Cleaning the house was already time consuming enough without having to MAKE all my cleaners too!)

It wasn’t until we purchased a small collection of essential oils that the “mad scientist” in me came alive. I did some reading about the beneficial properties of the oils in our collection, and discovered that many of them can accomplish the same thing my harsh store-bought disinfectants and cleaners did. Little by little I began including oils in my cleaning and was astounded at the simplicity of throwing together my very own cleaners. The amazing aromatherapy was just an added benefit to this do-it-yourself fun I was having. Oh, and the best part…the homemade cleaners actually worked! Not always the first time, but I kept searching and experimenting with combinations that eventually left my home sparkling clean and naturally scented. Once again, I had to humbly give credit to Matt who had been attempting to help me “see the light” regarding homemade cleaners for quite some time.

I am happy to pass along the recipes I found to be most successful in cleaning AND in saving us money. For several of our favorite recipes we have included a “Savings” section to show you just how friendly making these cleaners can be to your budget. We challenge you to make the switch gradually in your own home. Mix up batches of these homemade cleaners to replace commercial cleaners as soon as you run out. Using these recipes will help you save money, increase self-reliance, foster family togetherness, and make you feel good about yourself in the process. Now get cleaning!

Why Use Natural Cleaners?

There are many reasons to use natural cleaners and since you’re reading this book you probably have a few of your own. We challenge you to come up with more as a way to push yourself and expand your horizons.

What motivates us to do what we do? All of it really. Pretty much any reason you can think of has motivated us at one time or another. In short, learning, applying, and sharing this information with you is a passionate calling of ours. To best design this book we blended our own motivations with reader feedback to meet as many needs as possible.

Here are the top five reasons diyNatural.com readers and Facebook Fans gave for wanting to make their own cleaners, along with our elaborations:

1. Save money

Cutting costs is more critical for some than others, but who doesn’t want to save a buck? We do. A main focus of ours was developing recipes that save money. As an example, the average American household does 400 loads of laundry each year - our recipe delivers an approximate savings of $0.17/load which translates into a $68 savings every year! And that is only 1 of the 60+ recipes in this book.

The more recipes you make the more you’ll save!

2. Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Your Home

Have you ever stopped to contemplate just how many diseases, conditions, and sicknesses are caused by or exacerbated by all the chemicals we come in contact with on a daily basis? From cookware and beauty products, to your food and your cleaners, chemicals are everywhere. It’s high time we start asking more questions, demanding more answers, and voting with our dollars after making informed decisions. For all these reasons we were careful to hand pick non-toxic, natural ingredients for every recipe.

3. Create and Share As Gifts

When did making things ourselves go out of style? Personally WE LOVE giving and receiving homemade gifts! Seriously, what is better than knowing a person devoted time to making an item especially for you? We say forget what’s in style and do what makes you feel good about yourself. Creation is powerful and we’re creative beings made in the image of Him who created all. Why not harness that powerful calling to compose something awesome, then give it away to loved ones.

4. Better For the Environment

We were only given one Earth. Unsustainable habits can only last so long and our days are numbered. Let’s be the generation that makes a change! Every one of us needs to stop pointing fingers, stop relying on others, and start being better stewards of our earth. By making small changes every day, in our own homes, we can change the world! Using natural ingredients to create our own household cleaners is a huge step in the right direction. Make the change then go inspire others to do the same.

5. Increase Family Togetherness

Turn off the TV, grab the kids, and start doing projects together that are fun, useful, and educational. Some of our best childhood memories have nothing to do with gifts we received or money we had, but instead rest around time spent creating something with family members. Matt’s favorite Christmases were those spent with his mother when she barely had money for groceries. Rather than purchasing decorations they had to make their own, and he remembers it being awesome! Popcorn/cranberry strings, construction paper chains, salt dough ornaments and more. Your kids will probably feel the same, even though they may not admit it. Be a leader. Turn off the TV and all personal electronic devices, and bust out the essential oils, vinegar, baking soda, and borax!

Yet even more reasons…

Not convinced yet? Here are a few more bullet points to mull over:

•  You can save hundreds of dollars every year.

•  You can make hundreds of dollars every year by making these recipes and selling them at your local farm markets and food co-ops.

•  You control the ingredients and know exactly what is going into your cleaners.

•  You’ll be teaching children stewardship and creativity.

•  You will lead and inspire others to be the positive change they want to see.

•  You will expand and improve upon your skill set.

•  Reject a consumeristic mindset and rebel by doing the right thing.

•  Decrease your reliance on store-bought products.

•  Prepare for a declining economy and the possible closing of stores.

Inspired yet?

Good, so are we. Now let’s get started!

Getting Started

As you begin making your own household cleaners, you will want to have a few basic ingredients on hand. Some of these things may already be in your cupboards, pantry, or laundry room. This is not a comprehensive list of all the ingredients used in the following recipes, but will get you started.

Baking Soda – Baking soda is a non-toxic natural cleaner that is perfect for deodorizing, scouring, polishing, and all-purpose cleaning.

White Vinegar – White vinegar naturally whitens, removes soap residue, softens water, and disinfects. It also cuts grease and helps remove stains.

Washing Soda – a.k.a. soda ash (sodium carbonate) - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda can be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. This cleaning booster cuts grease, deodorizes and disinfects.

Borax – (sodium borate) - 20 Mule Team Borax can also be found with other laundry detergents (usually right next to the washing soda), and is a great multi-purpose cleaner. It acts as a whitener, deodorizer, and stain remover.

Salt – Regular table salt has natural abrasive properties and is great for scouring surfaces.

Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) - Hydrogen Peroxide is not only good for the environment, but can also be used to replace ammonia and chlorine bleach. Among its many uses, it is a stain remover, cleaner, and powerful disinfectant.

Lemon Juice – Lemon juice cuts grease and eliminates stains on some surfaces.

Liquid Castile Soap – Castile soap is very mild and can be used to clean almost anything. Added to some of the formulas in this book, it enhances cleaning power.

Citric Acid – Sounds scary, but really it’s just a weak organic acid. It can be used in cleaners to soften water and remove hard water stains. You can purchase citric acid in powder form from health food stores or home brewing supply stores.

Essential Oils – Essential oils posses many beneficial properties, some being antibacterial, anti-fungal, antibiotic, or even antiviral. See “Essential Oils” for a few good essential oils to purchase if you want to follow the recommendations in the recipes that follow.

Essential Oils

Beneficial Properties of Essential Oils

The oils used in the pages of this book were chosen specifically for the cleaning benefits they provide.

Many essential oils boast antibacterial, antiviral, and even anti-fungal properties.

The following chart lists some of the beneficial properties of the oils used in our recipes.

ESSENTIAL OIL

BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES

Bergamot

antibacterial, antiviral

Cedarwood

antibacterial, anti-fungal

Eucalyptus

antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral

Grapefruit

antibacterial

Lavender

antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral

Lemon

antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral

Lime

antibacterial, antiviral

Peppermint

antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral

Rosemary

antibacterial, antiviral

Spearmint

antibacterial

Sweet Orange

antibacterial

Tea Tree

antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral

DIY Natural Starter Kit

If you’re new to using oils don’t be intimidated, we’ve done all the leg work for you by working with our essential oils provider, New Directions Aromatics, to create the DIY Natural Starter Kit.

Visit the website in the following table to purchase oils. The starter kit comes complete with all the oils you’ll need for every recipe in this book – and of course we negotiated a great discount!

Use coupon code 99521 at checkout for an additional 5% discount.

US Customers:

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/diy-natural-starter-kit-p-2084.html

Canadian Customers:

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/diy-natural-starter-kit-p-2087.html

It’s already priced at 10% off, you get an additional 3% off for online orders, and because you bought this book you get another 5% discount by using the 99521 coupon code during checkout. The kit comes complete with 3.3 ounces of all 12 essential oils in the following chart.

Many of our recipes contain information on the cost savings over commercial cleaners. (Costs of the oils are based on the prices in the “DIY Natural Starter Kit.”) If you’re familiar with using oils and already know which ones work best for you then purchase accordingly; they’re available at most health food stores and online.

These are the essential oils used in this book and contained in the DIY Natural Starter Kit:

Lemon

Lavender

Tea Tree

Lime

Bergamot

Spearmint

Sweet Orange

Rosemary

Peppermint

Grapefruit

Eucalyptus

Cedar

If purchasing essential oils just isn’t within your budget right now, go ahead and try the cleaning formulas without the oils. You won’t get the powerful added benefits of the oils, but things will still get clean.

Remember to use coupon code 99521 at checkout for an additional 5% discount.

US Customers:

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/diy-natural-starter-kit-p-2084.html

Canadian Customers:

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/diy-natural-starter-kit-p-2087.html

Using DIY Cleaners in Your Home

As with any cleaner, our do-it-yourself cleaners should be labeled appropriately and stored out of reach of kids and pets in tightly sealed containers. (Especially because many of these formulas smell so wonderful, and could be mistaken as a refreshing drink!) Always test the results of a new cleaner in a small inconspicuous spot before cleaning the entire area.

When using essential oils in your cleaners, keep in mind that these oils are powerful tools and caution should always be exercised when handling them. Essential oils are pure, highly concentrated, plant derived liquids. Using more than the suggested amounts of oils in our formulas is not recommended.

Although the cleaners in this book are natural, never ingest or allow them to come into contact with eyes. Always use caution when introducing any new cleaner into your home. We recommend wearing gloves when cleaning to protect your skin from the powerful, concentrated nature of the oils and other ingredients used. As you take the proper precautions to cleaning with DIY formulas, we are confident that you will enjoy the many benefits from these natural cleaners!

DIY Laundry Formulas

Original Homemade Laundry Powder

This great odor-fighting laundry powder is our personal favorite, and has washed hundreds of loads of laundry in our house with great results. This formula has been given to family members in gift baskets on many occasions, and refills have been requested! You can easily double or triple the recipe and store in a large container with a tight-fitting lid.

This recipe will yield approximately 32 ounces of detergent and is perfect for High Efficiency (HE) washers.

•  1 bar Fels-Naptha laundry soap, Kirk’s Castile, Ivory, or Dr. Bronner’s

•  1 cup washing soda

•  1 cup borax

Grate bar soap with a hand grater, then mix in washing soda and borax. Thoroughly stir, or for best results, blend together in a food processor. (Some use a dedicated processor for mixing detergents.)

Use 2 tablespoons per load (some use more for larger or heavily soiled loads - find the right amounts for you).

HE washers

HE washers require special, low suds detergent because they use less water. This detergent is VERY low suds.

Savings

At current prices your cost will be approximately $0.08/load ($0.04/tbsp.) Comparatively, store-bought detergents are closer to $0.21/load - saving you approximately $0.17/load or 212%.

diyNaturalreader tips:

•  If you have really hard water, add a little powdered Calgon Water Softener or citric acid to your mixture.

•  Especially for HE washers… when grating the soap, take the extra time to use the fine grate or the larger soap flakes may create clogging issues. (Larger soap flakes also don’t dissolve as well when using the hand wash or gentle cycles.)

•  Many readers have tweaked the recipe to include about ½ cup OxiClean to add whitening power.

•  For top loaders: Add homemade laundry soap to washer while filling up with water, wait a few minutes, then add clothes.

•  For front loaders: Use an old cup to mix 4-5 ounces of warm water with tablespoons of homemade laundry soap, stir well, then add to washer. This ensures that soap comes into contact with all clothing.

Scented Powder Laundry Soap

Enjoy experimenting with your own scented combinations to make this basic laundry soap. Try lavender for a calming effect, sweet orange for brightening and stain fighting, or eucalyptus and peppermint to soothe a stuffy head.

•  1 cup washing soda

•  1 cup scented baking soda (scented with 10 drops of essential oil of your choice)

•  1 cup of finely grated bar soap

Add 10 drops of essential oil into 1 cup of baking soda and stir to combine. Grate bar soap using a food processor or hand grater. Mix one cup of washing soda, one cup scented baking soda, and the finely grated bar soap together in a sturdy container with a lid. Use about ½ cup of laundry soap for an average load.

Extra Softening Laundry Soap

This liquid formula won’t look like your commercial laundry soaps, but it gets the same job done. The vinegar and citric acid power-pack this formula with softening and sanitizing capabilities. We mix up this formula when nobody has the energy to grate a bar of soap.

•  2 ¼ cups liquid castile soap (If using scented castile soap, then omit the essential oils in this recipe)

•  1 cup water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  1 tablespoon powdered citric acid

•  10-15 drops lemon essential oil

•  5 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine all ingredients in squirt bottle or plastic container with a pour spout. Shake gently to combine each time before adding to washer. (Ingredients will separate between uses for a while, then will become paste-like.) Use no more than ¼ cup of liquid for normal loads. Vinegar fabric softener during the rinse cycle is recommended when using this formula.

Whitening Laundry Formula

This formula is great to use for cloth diapers and won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin!

•  1 cup baking soda

•  ¼ cup borax

•  ¼ cup washing soda

•  ¼ cup white vinegar

•  1 tablespoon liquid castile soap

Dump all ingredients into one load of laundry and wash as usual.

diyNatural Tip:

Instead of using chlorine bleach, use 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to whiten your whites!

Fabric Softeners

Vinegar Fabric Softener

This fabric softener will help with hard water, eliminate soap residue during the rinse cycle, and even help with some of the static in the dryer.

•  1 gallon white vinegar

•  25 drops lavender essential oil (or any other combination of your favorite essential oils)

Add essential oil to a gallon jug of white vinegar and shake to combine. Use 1 cup during the rinse cycle for normal or large loads, and ½ cup for smaller loads. Give the jug a shake before each use.

Baking Soda Fabric Softener

Another great do-it-yourself fabric softener! This lemony fresh formula will help soften, brighten and eliminate tough smells in the laundry. A used plastic fabric softener or vinegar bottle will be perfect for storing this new mixture.

•  8 cups water

•  6 cups white vinegar

•  1 cup baking soda

•  20 drops lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients and mix well. (Baking soda and vinegar will fizz, so go slowly.) Shake before using and add ½ cup to the rinse cycle.

Savings

Approximately $0.01/ounce or $0.04/load. Compared to store-bought softener costs are closer to $0.12/ounce or $0.12/load - which saves you $0.08/load or 300%.

diyNatural Tip:

Add your homemade softener to the fabric softener dispenser in your washer, or pour ½ cup into a Downy fabric softener ball if your washer doesn’t have a built-in dispenser.

Put a ball of aluminum foil in your dryer to reduce static cling. It will turn into a nice smooth ball after one use and can be left in the dryer for future loads. Works like a charm!

Laundry Miscellaneous

diy Dryer Sheets

Don’t throw away your old cotton t-shirts! These non-chemical dryer sheets leave a soft, pleasant smell on your laundry and won’t leave spots.

•  5-inch square of cotton cloth

•  3-5 drops of essential oil combination of choice

Drip essential oils directly on cotton square and toss into the dryer with clothes. Add 3 drops of oil to refresh cloth before each use. Wash your homemade dryer sheet after 2 or 3 uses and start over by adding 3-5 drops of essential oil. Try lavender, sweet orange-lemon, eucalyptus-spearmint, or peppermint for great smelling loads of laundry!

Savings

Based on which essential oils used your cost can be as low as $0.01/load. (Lavender is the most expensive oil in the “DIY Natural Essential Oils Starter Kit,” so if you’re looking to save try a citrus oil.) Comparatively, store-bought dryer sheets are closer to $0.05/load - which saves you approximately $0.04/load or 500%.

Ironing Spray Starch

Here’s an easy alternative to the chemical starches found in stores. Enjoy the smell of your favorite essential oil as you iron!

•  1 cup water

•  2 drops of clear essential oil of choice (tea tree, lavender, etc.)

•  2 tablespoons cornstarch

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake bottle before each use. Spray fabric lightly and evenly and iron as usual.

All-purpose Stain Pre-treater

Mix up this OxiClean knockoff and use to pretreat stains before washing garments.

•  1 cup water

•  ½ cup hydrogen peroxide

•  ½ cup baking soda (or washing soda)

Combine ingredients in a container with a tight fitting lid. Shake to mix. Pour directly on stains, fold garment on top of itself, and allow to soak for at least 20 minutes. Wash garment as usual. This recipe will be enough to treat a few articles of clothing. (If storing this formula after mixing, do not use a clear container, as hydrogen peroxide will break down when exposed to light.) Do not use on brand new colored garments.

Other Stain Pre-treaters

Try these other stain pre-treating tips for spots on clothing. Use old toothbrushes to scrub out stains on clothes or tackle ring-around-the-collar. Always treat stains early for best results!

•  Keep a mixture of ½ water & ½ white vinegar near your washing machine. Spray directly on spots or stains before throwing into the washer.

•  Create a paste with a little lemon juice and cream of tartar. Rub into stain and wash garment as usual.

•  Try 3 % hydrogen peroxide on really tough stains. Test a small hidden area on the fabric for color-fastness.

Dishwashing Formulas

Citrus Dish Soap

This liquid castile dish soap can be mixed together quickly when a sink full of dirty dishes is waiting for you. It won’t create the suds you may be used to, so be careful not to use too much.

•  1 cup liquid castile soap (we use unscented Dr. Bronner’s)

•  3 tablespoons water

•  2 tablespoons white vinegar

•  10 drops sweet orange essential oil

•  6 drops grapefruit essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a squirt bottle and shake gently to mix. Omit essential oils if using a scented castile soap. If formula looks like it’s leaving streaks on dishes, add ¼ cup white vinegar to rinse water.

Liquid Dish Soap

Forget about rinsing all your money down the drain and use this DIY dishwashing liquid. This recipe makes about 1 gallon of dish soap. Store in a large plastic container with a pour-spout and refill your small squirt bottle to keep under the kitchen sink.

•  1- 4 ounce bar Kirk’s Original Coco Castile soap (or other soap of your choice)

•  1 tablespoon washing soda

•  20 drops lemon or lime essential oil

•  1 gallon water

•  1 cup white vinegar

Grate the bar of soap. Add ½ gallon water and soap flakes to a large pot on the stove top. Stir over medium heat until soap completely dissolves. Do not allow liquid to boil. Add washing soda and stir until dissolved (about 1 minute). Combine remaining ½ gallon of water, vinegar, essential oil, and warm concentrated dishwashing liquid into a large storage container using a funnel. Cap container and shake gently to mix. Allow dish liquid to cure for about a day before using. (If your soap turns into gelatinous goo after curing, try mixing with a stick blender until a creamy consistency is achieved.)

Shake gently before each use. This formula won’t produce suds like commercial liquid dish soaps, so be careful to not go overboard when using. If soap is leaving residue on dishes, try adding more vinegar to formula or using less soap when washing dishes. This soap can also be used as an all-purpose cleaner in the kitchen.

Savings

Commercial dishwashing soaps are about $16/gallon or $0.13/ounce. This homemade liquid will cost only $1.25 for 136 ounces which is less than $0.01/ounce. That is a savings of over $0.12/ounce or 1,200%!

diyNatural Tip:

Keep a small squirt bottle of this Liquid Dish Soap in the laundry area and use as a stain pre-treater for laundry!

Lemon Dishwashing Formula

Dish water doesn’t need to suds in order to get dishes clean. The vinegar and lemon oil do double duty to kill germs and cut grease.

•  ½ – ¾ cup white vinegar

•  ¼ - ½ cup baking soda

•  10-12 drops lemon essential oil

Add all ingredients to a sink full of water. Wash dishes as usual, saving really greasy dishes for last. (Add a few drops of liquid castile soap to the dishwater if original formula is not doing the job.) Rinse with clean water.

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

Citric acid is the magic ingredient in this recipe, eliminating cloudiness on your dishes.

•  1 cup borax

•  1 cup washing soda

•  ½ cup citric acid

•  ½ cup Kosher salt (optional—for scrubbing action)

•  1 tsp rice (to prevent hardening)

Combine all ingredients in a container with a lid and mix together. Stir mixture a few times a day for a few days to prevent formula from hardening. Break the mixture apart with a butter knife or throw into a food processor if hardening occurs. You can also keep the citric acid separate from the mixture and add it to the powder when starting the dishwasher. Another alternative is to mix the borax, washing soda and citric acid together and let harden in ice cube trays. The small cubes of detergent can then be put into the detergent compartment in your dishwasher.

Note: If citric acid is kept separate from borax & washing soda, or cubed detergent is made, then omit rice from recipe.

Use about 1 rounded tablespoon of powdered detergent per load of dishes. If dishes are getting cloudy experiment with a little more citric acid or using a high heat setting on your dishwasher.

Savings

Commercial dishwashing detergent costs approximately $0.07/ounce but calls for 2 ounces putting the cost per load at $0.14. This homemade recipe is $.10/ounce but uses only half an ounce per load ($0.05/load) for a savings of $0.09/load or 280%.

diyNatural Tip:

Add 1 cup of vinegar or 1 cup brewed green tea to your “rinse aid” compartment to eliminate some of the cloudiness and spotting.

To shine cloudy glassware, add 1 cup white vinegar to dish water. Allow glassware to soak for 15-20 minutes and scrub clean. Dry as usual.

Kitchen Sink Formulas

Eucalyptus-Lemon Soft Scrubber

Instead of purchasing new squirt bottles for all our homemade cleansers, we save the no-mess ketchup squirt bottles for this. Wash WELL, soak the old labels off and put new labels on your homemade cleaners! Use this cleanser on any type of sink.

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  ½ cup baking soda

•  3 drops eucalyptus essential oil

•  3 drops lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients very slowly in a squirt bottle so it does not bubble over. Shake to mix. Pour cleanser into sink and clean with a sponge. Rinse with hot water.

Savings

My old soft scrubber was purchased for $0.15/ounce and this recipe only costs $0.03/ounce, a savings of $0.12/ounce or 400%.

Tea Tree-Mint Sink Scrub

Use this minty scrub on any type of sink. For dark colored sinks, have vinegar on hand for the rinse stage. We save grated Parmesan cheese containers with a shaker top for storing sink scrubs.

•  ½ cup borax

•  ½ cup baking soda

•  8 drops tea tree essential oil

•  3 drops peppermint essential oil

Combine ingredients and mix together in a container with a shaker top. Wet sink down with water. Sprinkle a small amount of powder mixture into the sink. Let formula sit for a few minutes and scrub with a wet sponge. Rinse sink with hot water. For darker colored sinks, spray sink with vinegar before rinsing with hot water.

Baking Soda Drain Opener

Instead of throwing away the box of baking soda you used to freshen your refrigerator, use it as a cleaning scrub or pour it down drains to open them up. This is a lemony-fresh drain cleaner that is much nicer than commercial drain cleaners, and is non-toxic.

•  1 cup baking soda

•  2-4 drops lemon essential oil

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  4 or more cups boiling water

Mix essential oil and baking soda together. Pour baking soda down drain and then pour vinegar on top of it. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Pour boiling water down the drain. Repeat process if drain does not unclog the first time.

WARNING: Do not use homemade drain cleaners immediately after using a commercial drain opener. The vinegar could react with the chemicals and cause harmful fumes.

Garbage Disposal Freshener

A smelly garbage disposal can surely detract from the pleasant smells that are supposed to come from a kitchen. Get your disposal odor in check with this easy remedy.

•  1 cup of ice

•  tablespoon baking soda

•  5-10 drops lemon or sweet orange essential oil (¼ cup lemon or orange juice can be substituted)

Pour ice and baking soda down garbage disposal and drip essential oils into the opening. Turn on water and garbage disposal and allow ice to grind. Be prepared for the possibility of splashing liquid.

Kitchen Countertops

Green Countertop Disinfectant

These powerful essential oils will help disinfect surfaces in your kitchen without introducing harsh chemicals.

•  2 cups hot water

•  2 tablespoons white vinegar

•  1 teaspoon borax

•  ¼ teaspoon lavender essential oil

•  ¼ teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil

•  3 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake mixture until all borax is dissolved. Spray on countertops and wipe clean with a microfiber or other soft cloth.

Eucalyptus-Spearmint Granite Cleaner

You won’t find another granite cleaner this cheap. With this cleaner there is no dulling, no streaking, and no buildup left on your countertops.

•  1 cup water

•  ¾ cup rubbing alcohol (or substitute 80-100 proof clear grain alcohol—vodka, gin, etc.)

•  6 drops eucalyptus essential oil

•  4 drops spearmint essential oil

Add all ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray granite and wipe clean with a soft cloth. If using rubbing alcohol, you might immediately notice a cloudy look that will disappear after formula is completely dried.

Granite Polish

Although granite is a tough surface, it needs some gentle care. This formula will leave your countertops sparkling.

•  1 ½ cups water

•  ½ cup rubbing alcohol (or substitute 80-100 proof clear grain alcohol—vodka, gin, etc.)

•  3 drops of castile soap

•  3-5 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix. Apply to granite with spray bottle and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Ready Wipes

Paper towels have been banned in our house for a few years, and every now and again it’s nice to have something to wipe up a quick spill or freshen up countertops. Cut several pieces of cotton, microfiber, or cellulose cloth and store in a jar with the following mixture.

•  1 cup water

•  ½ teaspoon liquid castile soap

•  4 drops lemon essential oil

•  2 drops lavender essential oil

•  2 drops bergamot essential oil

Combine ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid and swirl to mix. Add several pieces of pre-cut cloth (we use cotton t-shirts cut into 5-inch x 4-inch cloths) and store with container tightly sealed. Wring excess liquid from cloths before use. Rinse Ready Wipe out with clean water and use to wipe surface again if necessary. Wipes can be rinsed out or machine washed after using and returned to the container to be used again.

Kitchen Flooring

Rosemary-Lavender Floor Cloths

In lieu of buying disposable cleaning wipes that are designed to fit electrostatic mops, why not try making your own with this easy recipe? Your wipes can be microfiber cloth cut to fit your mop, old t-shirt pieces, cellulose sponge cloth cut into rectangles, or any other material you prefer. Essential oil combinations can be adjusted to please your particular senses.

•  1 cup water

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  8 drops lavender essential oil

•  8 drops rosemary essential oil

•  4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Stack your wipes on top of each other and soak them in the bowl with the liquid until they are saturated. Transfer the wipes to an airtight storage container or zip-top bag, along with a little more of the liquid, and seal. (I store the remaining liquid in a glass jar for future batches of floor wipes.) These floor wipes can be attached to your electrostatic mop (if they have been precut to fit) for cleaning, or used alone for wiping up spills.

Savings

This recipe will make approximately 48 wipes for only $0.35 (not including the initial investment of microfiber cloth or cellulose cloth—which can be washed and used again). Comparatively, brand name cleaning wipe refills are about $11.50 for a 24-count box. 48 of their wipes will cost you $23.00, so you’re saving $22.65 or nearly 6,500%! We’re convinced the homemade type is well worth the few minutes it takes to make, the savings you will enjoy, and the delightful smells you are rewarded with while cleaning!

Lemony Ceramic Tile Formula

No need to prewash or rinse with this great formula that won’t leave a residue or show footprints in the days that follow.

•  3 ½ cups water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  3-4 drops liquid castile soap

•  5 drops lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients in a squirt bottle. Squirt solution on floors and mop with a sponge mop or microfiber cloth attached to an electrostatic mop, rinsing out mop or microfiber cloth often.

Vinyl Shine Floor Cleaner

Use this formula to clean and polish vinyl and linoleum flooring.

•  1 gallon warm water

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  5 drops baby oil

Combine ingredients in a large bucket and clean floors with a well wrung out mop or cloth. Rinse floors with clean water to prevent slick spots.

Grapefruit-Bergamot Linoleum Cleaner

Vinegar is the best choice for naturally and gently cleaning linoleum floors. The vinegar and citrus essential oil will sanitize and help cut grease.

•  1 gallon warm water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  10 drops grapefruit essential oil

•  5 drops bergamot essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a bucket and clean floors as usual.

Kitchen Miscellaneous

Fruit & Veggie Wash

Don’t spend the money on special fruit and vegetable washes when you can easily whip up your own. Keep this wash in a small spray bottle under the kitchen sink. Not intended for use on mushrooms.

•  1 ½ cup water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  2 tablespoons baking soda

•  1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a squirt bottle or spray bottle. (When mixing baking soda and vinegar go slowly…be prepared for the mixture to foam and expand for a short while.) Spray fruits & veggies with solution and let sit for a few minutes. Scrub with small brush and rinse well with water.

Savings

Commercial fruit and vegetable wash – Fit - sells for about $0.42/ounce. Our recipe costs only $0.01/ounce for a savings of $0.41/ounce or 4,100!

Fume-Free Oven Cleaner

Dirty, crusty ovens are less energy efficient. Use this homemade paste to clear away the messy, baked on spills in your oven. This formula is not intended for use on self-cleaning ovens.

•  ¼ cup baking soda

•  3 tablespoons white vinegar

•  3 drops liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl to form a thick paste. Use a sponge to spread the formula onto the inside walls and door of the oven. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub until clean using a damp scouring pad or sponge. Rinse surfaces and wipe clean until residue is gone. (You may want to put newspaper or an old sheet down around the oven to catch any of the mess. Then just roll up when finished and you won’t have to end up cleaning the floors too!)

Microwave Cleaner

Don’t sweat a splattered mess in your microwave. Tackle dried food spills with this trick.

•  1 cup vinegar

•  5 drops sweet orange or lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes. This will create steam that will loosen up dried-on food spills. Wipe out microwave with a sponge and warm water.

diyNatural Tip:

Disinfect cutting boards by spraying or pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide on them and waiting a few minutes for the bubbling to diminish. The fizzing is all the germs dying! Wipe with a sponge and repeat if necessary.

Shower Sprays

Cleaning the shower is a dreaded chore in our household! Pulled hamstrings, strained neck muscles, and bruises from bumping the faucets…sounds more like battle than cleaning. Hopefully these shower formulas will significantly decrease your scummy shower buildup and save you from a few battle wounds in the process.

Daily Shower Spray

If we can find a good deal on a natural concentrated cleaner we whip up large batches of this cleaner to keep in spray bottles in the shower.

•  4 ounces natural concentrated cleaner of your choice (liquid castile soap can be substituted)

•  16 ounces rubbing alcohol (or substitute 80-100 proof clear grain alcohol—vodka, gin, etc.)

•  enough water to make 1 gallon

Fill a bucket with almost 1 gallon of water and add concentrated cleaner and alcohol. Mix ingredients gently so you don’t create lots of suds. Fill spray bottles with cleaner and spray shower walls down after each use. This spray can also be used when it’s time to deep clean your showers and bathtubs.

diyNatural Tip:

For shower heads with buildup fill a plastic baggie with white vinegar, secure onto shower head with a rubber band, and wait one hour. Remove baggie and wipe shower head with a wet cloth.

Soap Scum Preventer

Hoping to decrease the amount of times you need to deep clean your shower? For best results, make sure to start with a clean shower before using this formula.

•  1 ½ cups water

•  1 ½ cups white vinegar

•  8 drops grapefruit seed extract (different from grapefruit essential oil)

•  5 drops sweet orange essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix. Spray a fine mist of this formula on the shower curtain interior, bathtub, shower doors, walls, faucets, etc. after each use.

Toilets

When Matt first requested I clean toilets with something not containing bleach, I was extremely reluctant. I was under the assumption that toilets NEEDED to be bleached to kill off all the nasty germs I associated with the commode. What I later learned (after several stubborn attempts to use my bleach-based cleaners), was that vinegar is a natural disinfectant. I now enjoy using these less expensive versions of toilet cleaners, saving my clothes from bleach stains and adding a little essential oil whenever I want an aromatic lift!

Basic Toilet Bowl Cleanser

This no-fuss toilet cleaner will be more gentle on your senses than the chemical-laden commercial cleaners.

•  ¼ cup baking soda

•  1 cup white vinegar

Mix baking soda and vinegar, pour into toilet and let sit for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Save-a-bit Toilet Cleaner

Use this recipe if you don’t want to use so much baking soda and vinegar each time you clean toilets.

•  shaker-top container of baking soda

•  spray bottle of white vinegar

Sprinkle baking soda into toilet bowl, spray the lid and bowl (inside and out) with white vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes then scrub and rinse.

Tea Tree Toilet Bowl Scrub

Use this tea tree cleaner to give extra deodorizing power to your toilets. The tea tree oil also has antibacterial properties that will pack an extra punch in the cleaning abilities of this formula.

•  ½ cup baking soda

•  ¼ cup white vinegar

•  10 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine all ingredients. Add to the bowl, scrub around with a brush, and enjoy this scented version!

Simple Lemon Toilet Scrub

Mmmm…nothing says fresh like lemons!

•  ½ cup borax

•  ¼ cup lemon juice

Combine ingredients and pour into bowl. Let mixture sit for a few minutes, scrub bowl, and rinse.

Overnight Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This formula broke up the ugliest ring we had ever seen on one of our toilets! (And left a stale smelling bathroom very pleasantly refreshed.)

•  1 cup borax

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  10 drops lavender essential oil

•  5 drops lemon essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl or bottle. Pour the entire mixture into the toilet bowl. Allow to sit overnight. In the morning you can scrub the bowl if necessary and just flush the toilet.

diyNatural Tip:

To proactively clean your toilets, pour ½ cup vinegar into your toilet tank once a week and let sit for at least 30 minutes, then flush. Kills odors, refreshes, and naturally disinfects the toilet.

Bathroom Mold & Mildew Formulas

Mold-Be-Gone Mix

Mold on your bathroom tile grout can not only be unsightly, but can also be a health concern. Use this spray to take care of existing mold that has built up.

•  ½ cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)

•  1 cup water

•  6 drops lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and spray on grout where mold has formed. Allow the spray to sit for at least a few hours before rinsing or using the shower. (Hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching effect, so use in a small area first to test the results of this formula.) Repeat if necessary.

Mold Buster Formula

This is another formula that will be pleasing to your senses and offers sanitizing and antibacterial benefits.

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  ½ cup water

•  4 drops grapefruit essential oil

•  3 drops bergamot essential oil

•  2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix well before using. Spray mixture on surfaces where mold is present and allow to sit for a few hours. Spray again and allow to dry. Do not rinse.

Mildew Remover

Yuck! Get rid of mildew in the bathroom and enjoy the lingering scent from the tea tree and lavender.

•  ½ cup warm water

•  ½ cup borax

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  5 drops tea tree essential oil

•  5 drops lavender essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until borax is dissolved. Spray on surfaces and wipe with a clean damp sponge.

Bathroom Sink Cleansers and Scrubs

Gentle Bathroom Scrubber

We have no need for chemical-smelling soft scrubs now that we can make our own lovely smelling cleansers. Empty dish soap bottles with a squirt top are perfect for storing this liquid formula.

•  1 cup baking soda

•  ¼ cup liquid castile soap

•  4 drops lavender essential oil

•  water

Combine first three ingredients in a plastic squirt bottle and add water until a smooth paste forms. Shake well to mix. Squirt cleanser directly on surfaces and wipe until clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well with plain water until no residue remains.

Effervescent Sink Cleanser

This bubbling cleanser will leave your bathroom sinks looking shiny and clean!

•  ¼ cup baking soda

•  2 tablespoons vinegar

•  3 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)

Plug the drain on your sink. Pour baking soda into sink and drip essential oils onto the baking soda. Pour vinegar over the powder mixture, scrub sink with a sponge, and open the sink drain before rinsing well with warm water.

Scrubbing Action Powder

This delightful mixture with salt will help make scouring a little easier. Use on tile, tubs and sinks.

•  1 cup baking soda

•  ½ cup borax

•  ¼ cup salt

•  3 drops lavender essential oil

•  2 drops bergamot essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a plastic container with a shaker-top and shake well to mix. Sprinkle a small amount directly on surfaces or on a damp sponge and scrub. Rinse well with water.

Bathroom Miscellaneous

Mirror-Mirror Cleaner

This simple solution will keep mirrors fog-free during steamy showers, and will also leave mirrors sparkling. Run it over your faucets for a nice shine as well!

•  1 ½ cups white vinegar

•  ½ cup water

•  8-10 drops grapefruit (or other citrus) essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on mirrors and wipe clean with dry cloth.

Shower Drain Opener

After showering ankle-deep in water, it was time to try our hand at unclogging a backed up drain without making a trip to the store for an expensive remedy. This simple drain cleaner helped clear one of the most backed up shower drains our bathtub had ever experienced! No nasty chemicals had to be poured down the drain, and we already had the ingredients in the house.

•  1 cup baking soda

•  1 cup salt

•  1 ½ cups vinegar

•  pot of boiling water

Pour baking soda down the drain slowly. (Chase with a little vinegar if it’s not moving.) Next pour the salt. Now pour vinegar in slowly (use the handle of a wooden spoon to force salt/baking soda down the drain if it has stopped moving). Wait 15-20 minutes and flush the drain with boiling water.

Savings

Commercial drain cleaners cost approximately $4.60 for 32 ounces and calls for at least 16 ounces per use. That puts their cost at $2.30 per use, minimum. Our drain opener recipe costs only $0.88 per use which is a savings of $1.42 or 261%.

diyNatural Tip:

Proactively clean your drains by pouring a few cups of boiling water down them every few weeks.

All-Purpose Spray Formulas

Don’t have room to store lots of different cleaners? Choose your favorite all-purpose formula and mix up a large batch. Keep spray bottles of these cleaners on hand in the high-traffic rooms of your house. Always test new formulas in an inconspicuous area of the surface to be cleaned.

Basic All-Purpose Cleaner

Keep this all-purpose formula in spray bottles in the kitchen and bath to use on several surfaces!

•  ½ gallon warm water (2 liters)

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  2 teaspoons borax

•  5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

•  5 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients and stir to until borax is dissolved. Transfer to spray bottles and shake well before each use. Spray on surface and wipe clean with a sponge or soft cloth.

Savings

Commercial all-purpose cleaners cost approximately $3.00 for 32 ounces for a per ounce cost of $0.09. Our basic all-purpose cleaner costs less than $0.01/ounce. (It actually only costs $0.13 for the entire 68 ounce recipe!) That is a savings of 4,500%.

Everything-But-Windows Spray

We really do use this cleaner on everything…except windows. The baking soda in this formula will leave a cloudy residue on glass surfaces. Great for countertops, sinks, bathtubs, vinyl floors, etc.

•  ½ gallon water (2 liters)

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  ¼ cup baking soda

•  8 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a bucket. Transfer into spray bottles. Shake well and spray on surfaces to be cleaned. Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth.

Lavender All-Purpose Spray

Cleaning is not my favorite thing, but this all-purpose spray can improve my mood!

•  3 cups hot water

•  4 tablespoons white vinegar

•  2 teaspoons borax

•  6 drops lavender essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to dissolve borax. Spray surface to be cleaned and wipe clean with a dry cloth. For increased cleaning power, add ¼ teaspoon liquid castile soap.

Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner

Two of the most hard-working essential oils in our collection make up this great all-purpose cleaner. The reaction between the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide offers serious disinfecting power. Do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together in the same bottle.

•  2 cups water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  1 teaspoon castile soap

•  20 drops tea tree essential oil

•  20 drops lavender essential oil

•  spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide

Combine water, vinegar, castile soap, and oils in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Apply cleaner to surfaces. To disinfect, spray hydrogen peroxide immediately after spraying the vinegar formula and wipe surfaces clean using a soft cloth.

All-Purpose Miscellaneous

All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes

Keep these fresh-smelling wipes on hand in your kitchen, bathroom, office or cars for quick clean-ups. You will love the stimulating scent of lime. As an added benefit, lime has antibacterial properties.

•  ½ cup water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  6 drops lime essential oil

•  cotton, microfiber or cellulose cloth

Cut the cloth into 10-15 rectangles and stack them on top of each other. Combine liquid ingredients into a large heavy-duty plastic zip-top bag (or other sealable container of your choice). Seal the bag and gently squeeze to mix the ingredients. Add the stack of cloth wipes to the liquid in the bag. Be sure to squeeze any excess liquid out of wipes before using. Wash the cleaning wipes in the washing machine (cotton or microfiber cloths) or dishwasher (cellulose cloth) and return to bag or container to use again.

All-Purpose Cleaning Erasers

The Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are by far one of my favorite cleaning helpers, but I go through them too quickly and hate spending the money. Try this cheaper version and enjoy the savings.

•  damp sponge or cellulose cloth

•  baking soda

Sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp sponge, and rub gently into area to be cleaned. Rinse and wipe again.

Savings

A 4-pack of the commercial brand is more than $4. Do it yourself with the above recommendations, and you are spending only pennies after the initial cost of sponges! Sponges can be washed in the dishwasher and reused.

diyNatural Tip:

Instead of recycling or throwing away large plastic jugs from vinegar or other cleaning ingredients, wash out and save them so you can store the overflow from your own homemade cleaning solutions without having to purchase containers. Always label these solutions well when storing!

Sticker Remover

Need something to remove stickers left around the house by children? Want to enjoy a new purchase without the price tag (or sticky residue that remains) left on? Try this simple remedy!

•  sweet orange essential oil

•  damp sponge

Apply drops of essential oil directly onto sticker or residue left by a sticker and let sit for a few moments. Rub damp sponge over area. Add a few more drops of essential oil as needed to moisten sticker and work the area until sticker is completely removed. Rinse area with clean damp sponge. Use only on non-porous surfaces.

Wood Dusters and Cleaners

Natural wood can lend a warmth to the rooms in your house. From floors and cupboards to chairs and tables…it all needs a little TLC from time to time. Maintain your wood’s beauty by treating and cleaning it with these DIY formulas.

Wood Dusting Spray

I use this dusting formula on my wooden coffee table, dining room table, end tables and bookcases. I love it because it smells sweet and doesn’t leave a slick spot on the kitchen floor for you to slip on each time you spray it!

•  1/3 cup water

•  2 tablespoons oil soap (Murphy’s Oil Soap or another brand of your choice)

•  8 drops cedarwood essential oil

•  4 drops lavender essential oil

Combine ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake well. Spray onto wood and immediately wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

Savings

Commercial wood dusting sprays cost approximately $4.15 for 12.5 ounces putting its cost per ounce at $0.33. Our wood dusting spray costs only $0.06/ounce which is a savings of $0.27/ounce or 550%!

diyNatural Tip:

Keep old socks that are beyond repair for dusting. Slip them over your (or your child’s) hand, spray the sock with your favorite dusting spray, and wipe away!

Wood Cleaner

Use this aromatic cleaner for finished wood pieces that are in need of a good cleaning.

•  ½ cup lemon juice

•  1 teaspoon liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)

•  4 drops sweet orange essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray formula on wood and wipe clean with a damp soft cloth or sponge. Go over the wood again with a dry soft cloth.

diyNatural Tip:

No matter what type of wood you are cleaning or treating, always test wood formulas on an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire surface.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

For damp-mopping wood floors you can mix up this gentle cleaner for cheap!

•  2 cups water

•  2 cups white vinegar

•  20 drops rosemary or cedarwood essential oil

Combine ingredients in a squirt bottle or spray bottle and shake to mix. Use sparingly on hardwood floors by damp-mopping, hand washing, or using a spray bottle to work small sections at a time. Clean using even strokes. Avoid puddling or allowing liquid to sit in cracks between boards.

Furniture Polish

Less is more with these homemade wood polishing formulas.

Varnished Wood Polish

Enjoy knowing you only spent pennies as you beautify your wood with this polish!

•  ½ cup warm water

•  3 drops lemon essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray lightly onto a clean dry cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with cloth and finish by wiping once more with a soft dry cloth.

Unvarnished Wood Polish

Show your unvarnished wood some love with this formula.

•  2 teaspoons olive oil

•  2 teaspoons lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well, then spray only a small amount onto a soft dry cloth. Wipe on furniture using broad strokes to distribute mixture evenly on your wood surfaces.

Window Cleaners

We will never spend money on commercial window or glass cleaners again after using simple vinegar & water mixtures! We save old cleaning product spray bottles for storing our homemade cleaning sprays. Ask neighbors or family members to save them for you if you haven’t done this and don’t want to purchase new ones. Just make sure to wash and dry them inside and out to completely remove any traces of the old cleaners.

Citrus Glass Cleaner

This cleaner costs pennies and smells better than its commercial counterparts! Use to clean windows, mirrors, glass tables, or other glass surfaces in your home.

•  1 cup water

•  1 cup white vinegar

•  10 drops lemon or lime essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray on surface to be cleaned and wipe clean with a soft dry cloth or crumpled newspaper. Wipe until completely dry.

Savings

Commercial glass cleaners cost approximately $2.75 for 26 ounces which is $0.11/ounce. Our citrus glass cleaner recipe costs only $0.19 for 16 ounces which is a little more than $0.01/ounce for a savings of $0.10/ounce or 1,100%!

diyNatural Tip:

Avoid cleaning windows when the sun is shining on them (even though this helps you see the grime). Warm windows will show streaks upon drying.

Just Like the Pro’s Window Cleaner

This mixture will clean more effectively and will be a lot cheaper than commercial window cleaners. Alcohol is the secret ingredient in this mixture, mimicking the commercial cleaners.

•  2 cups rubbing alcohol (can be substituted with 80-100 proof vodka or other clear grain alcohol)

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  ½ teaspoon liquid castile soap

•  water

In a large bucket combine rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Add enough water to make one gallon. Add castile soap and stir gently to combine. Pour into a spray bottle and spray on windows. Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth.

diyNatural Tip:

Mark the insides of your cleaning buckets with nail polish to show ½ gallon and 1 gallon measurements. It makes whipping up large batches of cleaning solutions a cinch!

Wall Cleaner

Walls have a way of attracting fingerprints, food splatters, scuffs, and marks from anything passing by. Repainting is not easy, so cleaning the walls with a gentle cleaner is our first line of defense.

Easy-Breezy Wall Cleaner

This simple formula is generally safe to use on washable paint or washable wallpaper. Test this cleaner in a small hidden area before continuing with cleaning.

•  1 cup water

•  ¾ cup vinegar

•  4 drops grapefruit essential oil

•  2 drops bergamot or lime essential oil

Combine ingredients in a small bucket and stir to combine. Dip a clean sponge or cellulose cloth into cleaning solution and wring out well. Wipe area to be treated. If cleaning an entire wall, work from the bottom up so you don’t end up with lines where the cleaner dripped down the wall.

Air Freshener Sprays

From dirty sneakers to animal odors, freshening the air is essential in most homes. Keep a spray bottle of homemade air freshener in all rooms of your house depending on the mood you hope to create!

The less chemical fragrances you use, them more sensitive your nose will become to them. Most commercial air fresheners don’t eliminate odors anyway, they simply mask them by lining your nasal passage with a film that desensitizes your sense of smell. You may think I’m crazy now, but stop using all forms of chemical fragrances and I promise you’ll be amazed.

Using essential oils and baking soda as air fresheners and purifiers saves money and is more agreeable to the senses.

Bedroom Sanctuary Spray

Spray to eliminate stale bedroom odors and create a calming effect perfect for a deep sleep.

•  1 cup water

•  2 drops bergamot essential oil

•  2 drops lavender essential oil

•  2 drops cedarwood essential oil

Combine essential oils and water in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Be sure to shake the mixture before each spray to combine the water with the oils.

Wake-Me-Up Bedroom Spray

Spray this air freshener in the morning to give an energizing boost!

•  1 cup water

•  3 drops sweet orange essential oil

•  2 drops peppermint essential oil

•  2 drops lavender essential oil

Fill spray bottle with 8 ounce of water and add oils. Shake to mix before each use.

Citrus Burst Spray

This is a great kitchen or bathroom spray that leaves the air smelling sweet.

•  1 cup water

•  3 drops lemon essential oil

•  2 drops lime essential oil

•  1 drop sweet orange essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Shake before each use.

Savings

Commercial air freshening sprays cost approximately $1.30 for 9 ounces or $0.14/ounce. This citrus burst spray costs only $0.05 for 8 ounces which is less than $0.01/ounce. That’s a savings of more than 1,400%!

Herbal Boost Room Spray

This sweet smelling air freshener will wake up your senses.

•  1 cup water

•  3 drops lavender essential oil

•  2 drops rosemary essential oil

•  2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well before each use.

Other Freshly-Scented Ideas

•  Small decorative dishes of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil mixed in can freshen any room of the house. This same mixture could also be kept in a small mason jar with a lid. Poke holes in the metal lid to allow the fragrance to escape. Shake every few days to refresh. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

•  Baking soda with a little lemon juice added helps absorb household odors. Keep the mixture in a decorative bowl.

•  Grind a slice of lime or lemon in your garbage disposal.

•  You can put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cardboard tubes that hold your toilet paper or paper towel (but hopefully you are considering using alternatives to paper towel).

•  Add spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, along with a few apple or orange slices to a pan with water. Simmer on the stove, adding water every so often so the mixture doesn’t burn.

Carpet Care

Isn’t it silly that we trample all over one of the most expensive things in our home? Dirt, grime, and unexpected spills eventually take their toll on carpets even in the cleanest of homes. Experiment with these formulas to get the most life out of your carpets and create cost-effective, gentle cleaners.

Carpet Deodorizer Sprinkle

This freshening sprinkle is great for eliminating odors on bathroom rugs or in rooms where pets reside. We love making our own scented sprinkle (rosemary lavender is a favorite) and storing it in an repurposed spice jar with a shaker top.

•  ½ cup baking soda

•  8-10 drops of essential oil of your choice

Combine baking soda and oil and sprinkle on rugs or carpeted areas. Wait 15 minutes , then vacuum thoroughly. Use only on dry rugs and carpet.

Savings

Commercial carpet odor eliminators sell for around $0.07/ounce. Depending on which essential oils you choose, this homemade version can cost as little as $0.03/ounce. That is a savings of $0.04/ounce or 230%.

diyNatural Tip:

Cleaning is hard on carpet fibers so spot-treat stains whenever possible to avoid having to clean an entire room.

Carpet Stain Cleaner

Using vinegar is perfect for carpet stains because it’s a natural cleaner and it won’t harm the carpet fibers. The rule of thumb for cleaning stains on carpets is to tackle them immediately. The longer you wait, the longer the stain has to set.

•  ½ cup water

•  ½ cup vinegar

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Blot stain first with a clean dry cloth until no more of the stain can be lifted. Spray the solution on the stain and let sit for several minutes. Clean the stain gently with a sponge or brush & warm soapy water. Never saturate your carpet when attempting to remove stains.

diyNatural Tip:

Try using hydrogen peroxide (3%) to remove stains on carpet. Spray peroxide directly on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Apply pressure with a clean dry towel to soak up the moisture. Repeat if necessary. CAUTION: Hydrogen peroxide could possibly remove color from carpet, so test in an inconspicuous area first, or only use on very light-colored carpeting.

When working on carpet stains, always start on the outside and work toward the center of the stain so it doesn’t spread more.

Unscented Extra Duty Carpet Cleaner

As with any new cleaner you are introducing into your home, test this formula in an inconspicuous area.

•  ¼ cup salt

•  ¼ cup borax

•  ¼ cup vinegar

Vacuum the area to be treated first. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and gently rub the paste into the carpet with a clean sponge or brush. Wait a few hours, making sure no one walks on the treated carpet. Vacuum thoroughly.

Lavender Carpet Cleaner

Even if you can train everyone in the family to take shoes off when they come in the house, high-traffic areas still need an occasional cleaning. This carpet shampoo will leave a pleasant smell and give your carpets the treatment they’ve been needing. Test the formula in a small hidden area before treating the whole room with this recipe.

•  2 cups baking soda

•  ¼ cup borax

•  25 drops lavender essential oil

•  ½ cup vinegar

•  2 cups warm water

Vacuum the carpet to be cleaned. Mix the baking soda and borax in a bowl, and add the essential oil last. Mix well. Sprinkle the powder mixture evenly on the carpet. Combine vinegar and water in a small bucket. Use a clean sponge dipped in the vinegar mixture to go over the carpet, squeezing out any excess liquid before applying to carpet. Wait a few hours, not allowing anyone to walk on the carpet. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly when dry.

diyNatural Tip:

After cleaning, get carpets dry as soon as possible by turning on fans, sucking up excess moisture from a spot treatment with a (clean) shop-vac, or even using a hair dryer on cool to dry a spot.

Rosemary-Mint Steam Cleaner Formula

This recipe is for one use, and as always, should be tested in a small spot for a reaction before cleaning the whole area.

•  1 cup HOT water

•  ½ cup white vinegar

•  2 teaspoons liquid castile soap

•  10 drops rosemary essential oil

•  5 drops peppermint essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a squirt bottle or other container with a pour spout and mix well. Pour the formula into your steam cleaner and clean according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Epilogue

Thank you again for showing interest in our work and for supporting our mission to help others become more passionate about saving money and being better stewards of our resources and our world.

We’re happy to answer your questions about homemade household cleaners and appreciate your feedback so we can improve upon the quality of our content.

Do not hesitate to contact us about recipes or anything else by visiting www.diyNatural.com/contact - we love to hear from our community of readers.

We hope you are inspired by this information and encourage you to share the enthusiasm and joy with others. You can purchase additional copies of this book as gifts for friends & family, and share our website and Facebook page as well.

Thanks again for your ongoing support.

Happy DIY cleaning,

Matt and Betsy Jabs

Resources

Our website

www.diyNatural.com

Facebook

www.facebook.com/diyNatural

Twitter

www.twitter.com/diyNatural

DiyNatural essential oils Starter Kit

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/diy-natural-starter-kit-p-2084.html

Citric acid

www.diynatural.com/go/amazon.php?asin=B0017WFX6G

Borax

www.diynatural.com/go/amazon.php?asin=B000RNBXOG

Washing soda

www.diynatural.com/go/amazon.php?asin=B004HCLFDI