Seven natural cleaning recipes
Cost-effective and kind to the environment, these DIY cleaning products are a cinch to make.
Store-bought cleaning products are convenient, but they can be chemical laden and costly. Fortunately, there is another way to keep your home spotless and germ-free – all it takes are a few household basics and essential oils!
Stock up on the following ingredients, then try the seven recipes below:
- Lemon juice – A strong acid, it helps to fight against bacteria and remove stains.
- Olive oil – Great for polishing furniture and loosening grime on surfaces.
- Essential oils – Naturally anti-bacterial, essential oils are ideal for cleaning and make a home smell great too! Make sure you have lavender, tea tree and lemon.
- White vinegar – An amazing multi-purpose product that can be used against grease, dirt, stains, odours, mold and mildew. Yes, it smells strong – but that’s where essential oils come in.
- Bicarbonate of soda / Baking soda – a long-time favourite that’s used to deodorise, clean and scour dirt. Brilliant for toilet bowls, sinks, ovens and fridges!
Window cleaner
Combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water and 5 drops of lemon essential oil in a bottle. Spray on the glass and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
Furniture polish
Mix together 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 3/4 cup of olive oil and 10 drops of lemon essential oil (or the juice of half a lemon) to a spray bottle. Apply to your wooden furniture and wipe off with a soft cloth.
Countertops
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and add around 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Spray on countertops and bathroom surfaces and wipe down with a damp cloth. Note: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite or marble as it will scratch.
Fridge and microwave
Combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of hot water and 15 drops of lemon essential oil. Spray the mixture inside your fridge or microwave, then scrub and wipe using a damp cloth.
Stainless steel appliances
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and add 6 drops of lemon essential oil. Spray your stainless steel appliances and wipe them with a soft cloth, following the grain of the stainless steel.
Mold and mildew
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar, add a few drops of tea tree oil and spritz onto the affected area. Let it sit for around 30 minutes and rinse off the area with warm water.
* Some information sourced from doterra.com and madeleineolivia.co.uk
