Non-Toxic Cleaning

As compared to the average American cleaning cupboard, mine is rather unique. I stopped purchasing conventional cleaning products years ago, due to all the hazardous chemicals they contain and have been using homemade essential oil cleaning recipes ever since. Best thing I have ever done for my home and family.

Not only does adding essential oils to DIY cleaning mixes totally boost cleaning power, but it will make your home smell amazing— no artificial fragrances required. And who doesn’t want an amazing smelling house?

I get asked all the time which DIY cleaners are my favorite, so I finally decided to put them all in one place for y’all. Let me know if you have any you think I should add to my list. 

All-Purpose Cleaner with Lemon

•  2 cups white vinegar
•  2 cups water
•  1 teaspoon natural dish soap (NOT castile soap)
•  30 drops lemon essential oil
•  20 drops tea tree essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a quart-sized spray bottle. Shake to combine. Spray and wipe on counters, cabinets, sinks, toilets, and anywhere else.

Fresh Mint Window & Mirror Cleaner

•  3 cups distilled water
•  1/4 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
•  1/4 cup vinegar
•  20 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a quart-sized spray bottle. Shake to combine, then spray on mirrors, windows, or stainless steel. Wipe off with paper towels or old newspaper for streak-free shine.

Deep Clean Toilet Scrub

•  1/2 cup baking soda
•  1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap
•  1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
•  30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
•  3/4 cup water

Mix together in a squeeze-type bottle, then squirt into toilet. Scrub and let stand 20 minutes.

Daily Shower Spray

•  1.5 cups water
•  1 cup white vinegar
•  1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
•  1 teaspoon natural liquid dish soap (not castile soap)
•  15 drops lime essential oil
•  15 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine in a quart-sized spray bottle. Spray daily on shower door and walls after use (this is a preventative spray, designed to help prevent build-up)

Lemon Carpet Refresher

•  1 cup baking soda
•  30 drops lemon essential oil

Combine in a small container, cover tightly with a lid. Shake well and allow to sit for 6-8 hours. Sprinkle on stale or smelly carpet and allow to sit on it overnight. Vacuum up the next morning.

Goo & Crayon Remover

•  Lemon essential oil
•  1-2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil or almond oil (optional)

Mix together, then apply directly to sticker residue, random goo, gum, crayon marks, etc. (Test in an inconspicuous place first, if needed) Rub in with your fingers, then wipe away with a clean rag. Repeat as needed.

Fresh Linen Spray

•  1/4 cup distilled water
•  3 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka
•  20 drops lavender essential oil
•  15 drops frankincense essential oil

Add all ingredients to a small spritzer, shake well, and spray on sheets, pillowcases, and linens.

Sweet Lavender Air Freshener

•  3/4 cup water (I use tap water, but distilled is fine too)
•  2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or real vanilla extract 
•  10 drops lavender essential oil
•  5 drops chamomile essential oil

Combine in a 8 oz spray bottle, shake to combine. Spray throughout the house to eliminate odors or stale smells. 

Tub and Shower Gel

•  1 cup white vinegar
•  1/2 cup natural dishwashing liquid (not castile soap)
•  Squeeze bottle

Heat the vinegar in a small saucepan on the stove until hot (but not boiling). Carefully stir the dishwashing soap in until combined, then pour into the squeeze bottle. Squirt onto shower and tub, allow to sit for 1-3 hours. Wipe off with a scrubber or sponge. 

DIY Cleaning Recipe FAQs:

Q: What if I don’t have a certain oil called for in one of the recipes?

A: I listed my favorite essential oils for each recipe, but you can absolutely swap out oils or substitute your favorite. Some of the most powerful essential oils for cleaning are lemon, lime, wild orange, thyme, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus,  tea tree, rosemary, and cinnamon. Mix and match as you wish.

Q: Do I have to use glass bottles for my mixes?

A: It’s a widely known fact that essential oils can degrade plastic. For this reason, it is generally recommended to only store oils in glass, and I always follow that rule if I plan to use the oil mixture on my skin or in a food recipe. However, I’ve never had a problem mixing/storing my cleaning recipes in regular plastic spray bottles for two reasons: #1: The mixtures are usually quite diluted, and #2: I will not be ingesting the mixture or applying it to my body.

Q: Why can’t I use castile soap in some of these recipes?

A: If the recipe calls for vinegar, you’ll want to avoid adding castile soap to the mix, as the two substances will react and form a gloppy, slimy mess.  That’s why I simply use a natural dish detergent that does not contain vinegar.

Blessings!

XOXO-Alisa