DIY Natural Household Cleaners

Testimonials from readers...

I absolutely love this book! Yall have saved my husband and I so much money and I love knowing exactly what is going into my cleaning products. Thank yall ! much!" - Kathlyn

I gave the #atural $leaners %uide to my mother and sister a&ter buying it mysel&. The chemical-&ree habits and all natural mentality it has given me is wonder&ul. I love &inding ways to simpli&y my li&e and my cabinet space' along with creating practical household necessities. The essential oils make a big di&&erence. Thank you &or teaching the average (merican consumer how to get behind the expensive label and naturally clean our homes." - Margaret, age 22, Alabama

I have been having all kinds o& &un with the #atural $leaners book' especially with the oils. )hat an awesome idea to have a kit already recommended' I*ve been wanting to experiment with oils &orever and you guys +ust made it too easy to resist! ,or anyone looking &or a &un way to pass the time' I highly recommend -IY #atural! -ig up some old containers and spray bottles' round up the kids' and have &un playing chemist in your own kitchen! Thanks again .att and /etsy &or making this so &un' simple' and economical!" - Dianne

I &eel like Im doing a good thing &or my &amily and the earth when I use the book recipes to make my own instead o& buying commercial products. It &eels good to be able to walk by the chemical laden' &oul smelling cleaner grocery aisle and know that my product was less expensive yet works +ust as good' i& not better!" - Holly, Texas

I &eel wonder&ul to be able to contribute to reclaiming our earth by using the sustainable principles in this book. ince reading it' I*ve been making my own household detergents and cleaners' and I really en+oy the bene&its o& puri&ying my air with the essential oil spray recipes. Thanks .att and /etsy &or helping to empower me to reclaim the earth!" Kathy, age 58, Michigan

Written and edited by Matt and

etsy !abs

"o#er and images by Mitch

olton

"o$yright % 2&'' by The !abs (ro)$, **" All rights reser#ed+ ,o $art o- this $)blication may be re$rod)ced or distrib)ted .itho)t ex$ress $ermission -rom the a)thor+ The !abs (ro)$, **" Mason, M/ 08850 /1 ,2 ...+diy,at)ral+com

Disclaimer
"ontent in this $)blication is -or entertainment $)r$oses only and sho)ld not be constr)ed as medical ad#ice or man)-act)rer instr)ction+ 3eaders sho)ld cons)lt $ro-essionals on any matter relating to their health or .ell being, and -or any $rod)cts made in their home+ 3eaders .ho -ail to do so ass)me all ris4+ The A)thors .ant to stress that the in-ormation contained herein may be s)b5ect to #arying -ederal, state, and6or local la.s or reg)lations+ The 7)rchaser or 3eader o- this $)blication ass)mes res$onsibility -or the )se o- these materials and in-ormation+ 8#ery e--ort has been made to acc)rately re$resent the $otential bene-its o- this in-ormation+ We cannot and do not g)arantee sa#ings or s)ccess d)e to di--ering )ses o- the in-ormation+ 8ach indi#id)al9s s)ccess de$ends on his or her bac4gro)nd, dedication, desire and moti#ation+ As .ith any ne. endea#or, there is no certain g)arantee that yo) .ill get s$eci-ic res)lts+

To our 0ord... &or loving us while unlovable.

To our parents... &or their love' sacri&ice' and encouragement.

To you... &or your commitment to a better li&e.

Table of Contents

Introduction Why Use Natural Cleaners? Getting Started Essential Oils Using DIY Cleaners in Your "aundry DIY Laundry Formulas Fabric Softeners Laundry Miscellaneous $itchen Dishwashin Formulas Sin" Formulas $ounterto%s Floorin 'itchen Miscellaneous &athroo! Shower S%rays (oilets Mold and Mildew Formulas Sin" $leansers and Scrubs *athroom Miscellaneous o!e

1 5 9 11 15 1# 19 24 26 %9 !1 !# 41 4& 49 5' && &) 62 6& 6)

(ll)*ur+ose S%ray Formulas +ll,-ur%ose Miscellaneous Wooden Sur,aces Dusters and $leaners Furniture -olish Windo.s and Walls .indow $leaners .all $leaner *uri,ying /he (ir +ir Freshener S%rays /ther Freshly,Scented Ideas Car+et Care E+ilogue 1esources

#1 #! ## -1 )! )# -9 91 94 95 9# 101 10' 111 11%

Introduction

Introduction
Matt: / ha#e al.ays lo#ed doing things mysel- and -rom a #ery yo)ng age :;ish<, .as doing my o.n la)ndry and coo4ing my o.n meals+ /n my late 2&=s / became intrig)ed .ith coo4ing -rom scratch :/ gi#e credit to my mother .ho a#oided boxed -oods li4e the $lag)e<+ My $assion -or real -ood t)rned into a $assion -or organic -oods, then to nat)ral $rod)cts, .hich e#ent)ally gre. into a $assion -or ma4ing .hate#er / co)ld, -rom scratch, nat)rally+ *i4e yo), / .as -ed )$ .ith -oods, coo4.are, cleaning $rod)cts, etc+ loaded .ith chemicals / 4ne. nothing abo)t+ Do these chemicals $romote cancer> Do the air -resheners / )se ca)se allergies> Do the ingredients in my cleaners contrib)te to a)tism and ADHD> / didn=t 4no., and not 4no.ing .as something / co)ldn=t li#e .ith+ / .anted change, b)t didn=t 4no. .here / sho)ld start, .hat / co)ld do, or ho. / being 5)st one $erson co)ld start changing the world -or the better+ Then it hit me, /=m the cons)mer+ / hold the $o.er and i/ don=t agree .ith something / don=t ha#e to b)y it+ etter yet, i- / .ant to $romote something excellent, / can do that too by #oting .ith my dollars? /t may so)nd elementary, b)t this single tho)ght changed the co)rse o- my li-e+ Thin4 abo)t it this .ay, .e can #ote -or the $resident once e#ery -o)r years, b)t .e can #ote -or .hat 4ind o- $rod)cts .e .ant every time we shop+ '

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

With my ne.-o)nd $o.er / committed mysel- to sto$ s)$$orting com$anies / disagreed .ith and to start s)$$orting com$anies .ho .ere doing things correctly+ My dollars instantly shi-ted -rom McDonald=s@ and WalMart@ to local -armers and entre$rene)rs ma4ing nat)ral sol)tions in their homes+ Then / began de#elo$ing reci$es o- my o.n+ My -irst cleaner $ro5ect .as homemade la)ndry detergent, then dish.asher detergent, and the list started gro.ing+ / tested, / t.ea4ed, / -ailed, / s)cceeded, b)t the best $art is+++ / .rote it all do.n so / co)ld share it .ith yo)+ At -irst / shared it all on DebtAreeAd#ent)re+com b)t B)ic4ly realiCed / needed a se$arate domain -or these ideas and diy,at)ral+com .as born+ /n a n)tshell o)r ex$eriences and st)dies o- the -ood, $harmace)tical, and chemical ind)stries tro)bled )s eno)gh to search -or better sol)tions+ We -o)nd most $roblems rooted in one thing - the lo#e o- money+ We don=t condemn com$anies -or $ro-iting -rom $rod)cts they ma4e, regardless o- .hether or not they=re healthy+ Their mission is to ma4e money -or shareholders, not to 4ee$ yo) and / healthy+ This .on=t be changing anytime soon, so it=s )$ to )s to ta4e res$onsibility and be the change .e .ant to see+ This in-ormation .as com$iled and shared so that yo) can bene&it -rom the research, 4ic4start yo)r D/D nat)ral 5o)rney, and ins$ire others in the same $ositi#e change+ This has t)rned into my $assionate li-e=s .or4, and / lo#e it+++ the hard $art .as getting etsy on board b)t 2

Introduction

/=ll let her tell yo) abo)t that? Betsy: As .ith any change in o)r ho)sehold, the s.itch to homemade ho)sehold cleaners came #ery grad)ally+ Matt had started a $ersonal -inance .ebsite chronicling o)r $ersonal mission to get o)t odebt+ /n the months that -ollo.ed, / .as a$$roached .ith many reB)ests to do things di--erently in the ho)se+ Matt=s a#ersion to the strong chemical smells o- some o- the cleaners / had been )sing $rom$ted many disc)ssions abo)t ma4ing o)r o.n cleaners+ The $)r$ose .as to not only to sa#e money, b)t also to mo#e to.ard a EgreenerF li#ing as .e eliminated chemical-laden commercial cleaners -rom o)r home+ *a)ndry detergent .as one o- the -irst reci$es .e began researching and testing o)t in o)r o.n home+ / )nderstood the cost brea4do.n, and belie#ed it co)ld sa#e )s money, b)t my biggest B)estion regarding this and other ho)sehold cleaners .as al.ays, EWill they .or4>F / did not ha#e a $assion :or e#en the slightest desire< to ma4e my o.n cleaners -or B)ite some time, belie#ing that / co)ld $robably -ind green cleaners on sale and 4ill t.o birds .ith one stone+ / made many exc)ses -or -ailing to 5)m$ on the band.agon right a.ay+ :"leaning the ho)se .as already time cons)ming eno)gh .itho)t ha#ing to MAK8 all my cleaners too?< /t .asn=t )ntil .e $)rchased a small collection o- essential oils that the Emad scientistF in me came ali#e+ / did some reading abo)t the bene-icial $ro$erties o- the oils G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

in o)r collection, and disco#ered that many o- them can accom$lish the same thing my harsh store-bo)ght disin-ectants and cleaners did+ *ittle by little / began incl)ding oils in my cleaning and .as asto)nded at the sim$licity o- thro.ing together my #ery o.n cleaners+ The amaCing aromathera$y .as 5)st an added bene-it to this do-it-yo)rsel- -)n / .as ha#ing+ Hh, and the best $art+++the homemade cleaners act)ally .or4ed? ,ot al.ays the -irst time, b)t / 4e$t searching and ex$erimenting .ith combinations that e#ent)ally le-t my home s$ar4ling clean and nat)rally scented+ Hnce again, / had to h)mbly gi#e credit to Matt .ho had been attem$ting to hel$ me Esee the lightF regarding homemade cleaners -or B)ite some time+ / am ha$$y to $ass along the reci$es / -o)nd to be most s)ccess-)l in cleaning A,D in sa#ing )s money+ Aor se#eral o- o)r -a#orite reci$es .e ha#e incl)ded a E1a#ingsF section to sho. yo) 5)st ho. -riendly ma4ing these cleaners can be to yo)r b)dget+ We challenge yo) to ma4e the s.itch grad)ally in yo)r o.n home+ Mix )$ batches o- these homemade cleaners to re$lace commercial cleaners as soon as yo) r)n o)t+ Ising these reci$es .ill hel$ yo) sa#e money, increase sel--reliance, -oster -amily togetherness, and ma4e yo) -eel good abo)t yo)rsel- in the $rocess+ ,o. get cleaning?

)hy 3se #atural $leaners4

Why Use Natural Cleaners?

There are many reasons to )se nat)ral cleaners and since yo)=re reading this boo4 yo) $robably ha#e a -e. o- yo)r o.n+ We challenge yo) to come )$ .ith more as a .ay to $)sh yo)rsel- and ex$and yo)r horiCons+ What moti#ates )s to do .hat .e do> All o- it really+ 7retty m)ch any reason yo) can thin4 o- has moti#ated )s at one time or another+ /n short, learning, a$$lying, and sharing this in-ormation .ith yo) is a $assionate calling o- o)rs+ To best design this boo4 .e blended o)r o.n moti#ations .ith reader -eedbac4 to meet as many needs as $ossible+ Here are the to$ -i#e reasons diy,at)ral+com readers and Aaceboo4 Aans ga#e -or .anting to ma4e their o.n cleaners, along .ith o)r elaborations2

1. Save money
")tting costs is more critical -or some than others, b)t .ho doesn=t .ant to sa#e a b)c4> We do+ A main -oc)s o- o)rs .as de#elo$ing reci$es that sa#e money+ As an exam$le, the a#erage American ho)sehold does 0&& loads o- la)ndry each year - o)r reci$e deli#ers an a$$roximate sa#ings o- J&+';6load .hich translates into a JK8 sa#ings e#ery year? And that is only ' o- the K&L reci$es in this boo4+ The more recipes you make the more you'll save!

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

2. Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Your Home

Ha#e yo) e#er sto$$ed to contem$late 5)st ho. many diseases, conditions, and sic4nesses are ca)sed by or exacerbated by all the chemicals .e come in contact .ith on a daily basis> Arom coo4.are and bea)ty $rod)cts, to yo)r -ood and yo)r cleaners, chemicals are e#ery.here+ /t=s high time .e start as4ing more B)estions, demanding more ans.ers, and #oting .ith o)r dollars a-ter ma4ing in-ormed decisions+ Aor all these reasons .e .ere care-)l to hand $ic4 non-toxic, nat)ral ingredients -or e#ery reci$e+

3. Create and Share As Gifts

When did ma4ing things o)rsel#es go o)t o- style> 7ersonally W8 *HM8 gi#ing and recei#ing homemade gi-ts? 1erio)sly, .hat is better than 4no.ing a $erson de#oted time to ma4ing an item es$ecially -or yo)> We say -orget .hat=s in style and do .hat ma4es yo) -eel good abo)t yo)rsel-+ "reation is $o.er-)l and .e=re creati#e beings made in the image o- Him .ho created all+ Why not harness that $o.er-)l calling to com$ose something a.esome, then gi#e it a.ay to lo#ed ones+

4. Better For the Environment

We .ere only gi#en one 8arth+ Ins)stainable habits can only last so long and o)r days are n)mbered+ *et=s be the generation that ma4es a change? 8#ery one o- )s needs to sto$ $ointing -ingers, sto$ relying on others, and start being better ste.ards o- o)r earth+ y ma4ing K

)hy 3se #atural $leaners4

small changes e#ery day, in o)r o.n homes, .e can change the .orld? Ising nat)ral ingredients to create o)r o.n ho)sehold cleaners is a h)ge ste$ in the right direction+ Ma4e the change then go ins$ire others to do the same+

5. Increase Family Togetherness

T)rn o-- the TM, grab the 4ids, and start doing $ro5ects together that are -)n, )se-)l, and ed)cational+ 1ome oo)r best childhood memories ha#e nothing to do .ith gi-ts .e recei#ed or money .e had, b)t instead rest aro)nd time s$ent creating something .ith -amily members+ Matt=s -a#orite "hristmases .ere those s$ent .ith his mother .hen she barely had money -or groceries+ 3ather than $)rchasing decorations they had to ma4e their o.n, and he remembers it being a.esome? 7o$corn6cranberry strings, constr)ction $a$er chains, salt do)gh ornaments and more+ Do)r 4ids .ill $robably -eel the same, e#en tho)gh they may not admit it+ e a leader+ T)rn o-- the TM and all $ersonal electronic de#ices, and b)st o)t the essential oils, #inegar, ba4ing soda, and borax?

Yet even more reasons...

,ot con#inced yet> Here are a -e. more b)llet $oints to m)ll o#er2 Do) can sa#e h)ndreds o- dollars e#ery year+ Do) can ma4e h)ndreds o- dollars e#ery year by ;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

ma4ing these reci$es and selling them at yo)r local -arm mar4ets and -ood co-o$s+ Do) control the ingredients and 4no. exactly .hat is going into yo)r cleaners+ Do)=ll be teaching children ste.ardshi$ and creati#ity+ Do) .ill lead and ins$ire others to be the $ositi#e change they .ant to see+ Do) .ill ex$and and im$ro#e )$on yo)r s4ill set+ 3e5ect a cons)meristic mindset and rebel by doing the right thing+ Decrease yo)r reliance on store-bo)ght $rod)cts+ 7re$are -or a declining economy and the $ossible closing o- stores+

Inspired yet?
(ood, so are .e+ ,o. let=s get started?

%etting

tarted

Getting Started
As yo) begin ma4ing yo)r o.n ho)sehold cleaners, yo) .ill .ant to ha#e a -e. basic ingredients on hand+ 1ome o- these things may already be in yo)r c)$boards, $antry, or la)ndry room+ This is not a com$rehensi#e list o- all the ingredients )sed in the -ollo.ing reci$es, b)t .ill get yo) started+ Baking Soda a4ing soda is a non-toxic nat)ral cleaner that is $er-ect -or deodoriCing, sco)ring, $olishing, and all-$)r$ose cleaning+ White Vinegar White #inegar nat)rally .hitens, remo#es soa$ resid)e, so-tens .ater, and disin-ects+ /t also c)ts grease and hel$s remo#e stains+ Washing Soda a+4+a+ soda ash 5sodium carbonate6 Arm N Hammer 1)$er Washing 1oda can be -o)nd in the la)ndry aisle o- most grocery stores+ This cleaning booster c)ts grease, deodoriCes and disin-ects+ Borax 5sodium borate6 - 2& M)le Team orax can also be -o)nd .ith other la)ndry detergents :)s)ally right next to the .ashing soda<, and is a great m)lti-$)r$ose cleaner+ /t acts as a .hitener, deodoriCer, and stain remo#er+ Salt 3eg)lar table salt has nat)ral abrasi#e $ro$erties and is great -or sco)ring s)r-aces+ Hydrogen eroxide :GO< - Hydrogen 7eroxide is not only good -or the en#ironment, b)t can also be )sed to P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

re$lace ammonia and chlorine bleach+ Among its many )ses, it is a stain remo#er, cleaner, and $o.er-)l disin-ectant+ !emon "uice *emon 5)ice c)ts grease and eliminates stains on some s)r-aces+ !i#uid $astile Soap "astile soa$ is #ery mild and can be )sed to clean almost anything+ Added to some o- the -orm)las in this boo4, it enhances cleaning $o.er+ $itric %cid & 1o)nds scary, b)t really it=s 5)st a .ea4 organic acid+ /t can be )sed in cleaners to so-ten .ater and remo#e hard .ater stains+ Do) can $)rchase citric acid in $o.der -orm -rom health -ood stores or home bre.ing s)$$ly stores+ 'ssential (ils 8ssential oils $osses many bene-icial $ro$erties, some being antibacterial, anti--)ngal, antibi otic, or e#en anti#iral+ 1ee E8ssential HilsF -or a -e. good essential oils to $)rchase i- yo) .ant to -ollo. the recommendations in the reci$es that -ollo.+

'&

7ssential !ils

Essential Oils
Benecial Properties of Essential Oils
The oils )sed in the $ages o- this boo4 .ere chosen s$eci-ically -or the cleaning bene-its they $ro#ide+ Many essential oils boast antibacterial, anti#iral, and e#en anti--)ngal $ro$erties+ The -ollo.ing chart lists some o- the bene-icial $ro$erties o- the oils )sed in o)r reci$es+

'SS')T*%! (*!

B')'+*$*%!

,( ',T*'S

ergamot "edar.ood 8)caly$t)s (ra$e-r)it *a#ender *emon *ime

antibacterial, anti#iral antibacterial, anti--)ngal antibacterial, anti--)ngal, anti#iral antibacterial antibacterial, anti--)ngal, anti#iral antibacterial, anti--)ngal, anti#iral antibacterial, anti#iral

''

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

'SS')T*%! (*!

B')'+*$*%!

,( ',T*'S

7e$$ermint 3osemary 1$earmint 1.eet Hrange Tea Tree

antibacterial, anti--)ngal, anti#iral antibacterial, anti#iral antibacterial antibacterial antibacterial, anti--)ngal, anti#iral

DIY Natural Starter Kit

/- yo)=re ne. to )sing oils don=t be intimidated, .e=#e done all the leg .or4 -or yo) by .or4ing .ith o)r essential oils $ro#ider, ,e. Directions Aromatics, to create the D/D ,at)ral 1tarter Kit+ Misit the .ebsite in the -ollo.ing table to $)rchase oils+ The starter 4it comes com$lete .ith all the oils yo)=ll need -or e#ery reci$e in this boo4 and o- co)rse .e negotiated a great disco)nt? 3se coupon code 99521 at checkout &or an additional 5% discount.
I1 ")stomers2 htt$266...+ne.directionsaromatics+c om6diy-nat)ral-starter-4it-$2&80+html

'2

7ssential !ils

"anadian ")stomers2

htt$266...+ne.directionsaromatics+c a6diy-nat)ral-starter-4it-$-2&8;+html

/t=s already $riced at '&O o--, yo) get an additional GO o-- -or online orders, and beca)se yo) bo)ght this boo4 yo) get another 5O disco)nt by )sing the --./0 co)$on code d)ring chec4o)t+ The 4it comes com$lete .ith G+G o)nces o- all '2 essential oils in the -ollo.ing chart+ Many o- o)r reci$es contain in-ormation on the cost sa#ings o#er commercial cleaners+ :"osts o- the oils are based on the $rices in the ED/D ,at)ral 1tarter Kit+F< /yo)=re -amiliar .ith )sing oils and already 4no. .hich ones .or4 best -or yo) then $)rchase accordinglyQ they=re a#ailable at most health -ood stores and online+ These are the essential oils )sed in this boo4 and contained in the D/D ,at)ral 1tarter Kit2

*emon *ime 1.eet Hrange (ra$e-r)it

*a#ender ergamot 3osemary 8)caly$t)s

Tea Tree 1$earmint 7e$$ermint "edar

'G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

/- $)rchasing essential oils 5)st isn=t .ithin yo)r b)dget right no., go ahead and try the cleaning -orm)las .itho)t the oils+ Do) .on=t get the $o.er-)l added bene-its o- the oils, b)t things .ill still get clean+ 8emember to use coupon code 99521 at checkout &or an additional 5% discount.

I1 ")stomers2

htt$266...+ne.directionsaromatics+c om6diy-nat)ral-starter-4it-$2&80+html htt$266...+ne.directionsaromatics+c a6diy-nat)ral-starter-4it-$-2&8;+html

"anadian ")stomers2

'0

3sing -IY $leaners in Your 1ome

Using DIY Cleaners in Your Home

As .ith any cleaner, o)r do-it-yo)rsel- cleaners sho)ld be labeled a$$ro$riately and stored o)t o- reach o- 4ids and $ets in tightly sealed containers+ :8s$ecially beca)se many o- these -orm)las smell so .onder-)l, and co)ld be mista4en as a re-reshing drin4?< Al.ays test the res)lts o- a ne. cleaner in a small incons$ic)o)s s$ot be-ore cleaning the entire area+ When )sing essential oils in yo)r cleaners, 4ee$ in mind that these oils are $o.er-)l tools and ca)tion sho)ld al.ays be exercised .hen handling them+ 8ssential oils are $)re, highly concentrated, $lant deri#ed liB)ids+ Ising more than the s)ggested amo)nts o- oils in o)r -orm)las is not recommended+ Altho)gh the cleaners in this boo4 are nat)ral, ne#er ingest or allo. them to come into contact .ith eyes+ Al.ays )se ca)tion .hen introd)cing any ne. cleaner into yo)r home+ We recommend .earing glo#es .hen cleaning to $rotect yo)r s4in -rom the $o.er-)l, concentrated nat)re o- the oils and other ingredients )sed+ As yo) ta4e the $ro$er $reca)tions to cleaning .ith D/D -orm)las, .e are con-ident that yo) .ill en5oy the many bene-its -rom these nat)ral cleaners?

'5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

'K

';

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

'8

-IY 0aundry ,ormulas

DIY Laundry Formulas

Original Homemade Laundry Powder
This great odor--ighting la)ndry $o.der is o)r $ersonal -a#orite, and has .ashed h)ndreds o- loads o- la)ndry in o)r ho)se .ith great res)lts+ This -orm)la has been gi#en to -amily members in gi-t bas4ets on many occasions, and re-ills ha#e been reB)ested? Do) can easily do)ble or tri$le the reci$e and store in a large container .ith a tight--itting lid+ This recipe will yield approximately 9: ounces o& detergent and is per&ect &or 1igh 7&&iciency 5176 washers.

' bar Aels-,a$tha la)ndry soa$, Kir4=s "astile, /#ory, or Dr+ ronner=s ' c)$ .ashing soda ' c)$ borax

(rate bar soa$ .ith a hand grater, then mix in .ashing soda and borax+ Thoro)ghly stir, or -or best res)lts, blend together in a -ood $rocessor+ 5 ome use a dedicated processor &or mixing detergents.6 Ise 2 tables$oons $er load 5some use more &or larger or heavily soiled loads - &ind the right amounts &or you6. 'P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

HE washers
H8 .ashers reB)ire s$ecial, lo. s)ds detergent beca)se they )se less .ater+ This detergent is M83D lo. s)ds+

Savings
At c)rrent $rices yo)r cost .ill be a$$roximately J&+&86load :J&+&06tbs$+< "om$arati#ely, store-bo)ght detergents are closer to J&+2'6load - sa#ing yo) a$$roximately J&+';6load or 2'2O+

diyNatural reader tips: /- yo) ha#e really hard .ater, add a little $o.dered "algon Water 1o-tener or citric acid to yo)r mixt)re+ 8s$ecially -or H8 .ashers+++ .hen grating the soa$, ta4e the extra time to )se the -ine grate or the larger soa$ -la4es may create clogging iss)es+ :*arger soa$ -la4es also don=t dissol#e as .ell .hen )sing the hand .ash or gentle cycles+< Many readers ha#e t.ea4ed the reci$e to incl)de abo)t R c)$ Hxi"lean to add .hitening $o.er+ Aor to$ loaders2 Add homemade la)ndry soa$ to .asher .hile -illing )$ .ith .ater, .ait a -e. min)tes, then add clothes+ Aor -ront loaders2 Ise an old c)$ to mix 0-5

2&

-IY 0aundry ,ormulas

o)nces o- .arm .ater .ith tables$oons ohomemade la)ndry soa$, stir .ell, then add to .asher+ This ens)res that soa$ comes into contact .ith all clothing+

Scented Powder Laundry Soap

8n5oy ex$erimenting .ith yo)r o.n scented combinations to ma4e this basic la)ndry soa$+ Try la#ender -or a calming e--ect, s.eet orange -or brightening and stain -ighting, or e)caly$t)s and $e$$ermint to soothe a st)--y head+

' c)$ .ashing soda ' c)$ scented ba4ing soda :scented .ith '& dro$s o- essential oil o- yo)r choice< ' c)$ o- -inely grated bar soa$

Add '& dro$s o- essential oil into ' c)$ o- ba4ing soda and stir to combine+ (rate bar soa$ )sing a -ood $rocessor or hand grater+ Mix one c)$ o- .ashing soda, one c)$ scented ba4ing soda, and the -inely grated bar soa$ together in a st)rdy container .ith a lid+ Ise abo)t R c)$ o- la)ndry soa$ -or an a#erage load+

2'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Extra Softening Laundry Soap

This liB)id -orm)la .on=t loo4 li4e yo)r commercial la)ndry soa$s, b)t it gets the same 5ob done+ The #inegar and citric acid $o.er-$ac4 this -orm)la .ith so-tening and sanitiCing ca$abilities+ We mix )$ this -orm)la .hen nobody has the energy to grate a bar o- soa$+

2 S c)$s liB)id castile soa$ :/- )sing scented castile soa$, then omit the essential oils in this reci$e< ' c)$ .ater R c)$ .hite #inegar ' tables$oon $o.dered citric acid '&-'5 dro$s lemon essential oil 5 dro$s tea tree essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in sB)irt bottle or $lastic container .ith a $o)r s$o)t+ 1ha4e gently to combine each time be-ore adding to .asher+ :/ngredients .ill se$arate bet.een )ses -or a .hile, then .ill become $aste-li4e+< Ise no more than S c)$ o- liB)id -or normal loads+ Minegar -abric so-tener d)ring the rinse cycle is recommended .hen )sing this -orm)la+

22

-IY 0aundry ,ormulas

Whitening Laundry Formula

This -orm)la is great to )se -or cloth dia$ers and .on=t irritate baby=s sensiti#e s4in?

' c)$ ba4ing soda S c)$ borax S c)$ .ashing soda S c)$ .hite #inegar ' tables$oon liB)id castile soa$

D)m$ all ingredients into one load o- la)ndry and .ash as )s)al+

diyNatural Tip: Instead o& using chlorine bleach' use ; cup o& 9< hydrogen peroxide to whiten your whites!

2G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Fabric Softeners
Vinegar Fabric Softener
This -abric so-tener .ill hel$ .ith hard .ater, eliminate soa$ resid)e d)ring the rinse cycle, and e#en hel$ .ith some o- the static in the dryer+

' gallon .hite #inegar 25 dro$s la#ender essential oil :or any other combination o- yo)r -a#orite essential oils<

Add essential oil to a gallon 5)g o- .hite #inegar and sha4e to combine+ Ise ' c)$ d)ring the rinse cycle -or normal or large loads, and R c)$ -or smaller loads+ (i#e the 5)g a sha4e be-ore each )se+

Baking Soda Fabric Softener

Another great do-it-yo)rsel- -abric so-tener? This lemony -resh -orm)la .ill hel$ so-ten, brighten and eliminate to)gh smells in the la)ndry+ A )sed $lastic -abric so-tener or #inegar bottle .ill be $er-ect -or storing this ne. mixt)re+

20

,abric

o&teners

8 c)$s .ater K c)$s .hite #inegar ' c)$ ba4ing soda 2& dro$s lemon essential oil

"ombine ingredients and mix .ell+ : a4ing soda and #inegar .ill -iCC, so go slo.ly+< 1ha4e be-ore )sing and add R c)$ to the rinse cycle+

Savings
A$$roximately J&+&'6o)nce or J&+&06load+ "om$ared to store-bo)ght so-tener costs are closer to J&+'26o)nce or J&+'26load - .hich sa#es yo) J&+&86load or G&&O+

diyNatural Tip: (dd your homemade so&tener to the &abric so&tener dispenser in your washer' or pour = cup into a -owny &abric so&tener ball i& your washer doesn*t have a built-in dispenser. >ut a ball o& aluminum &oil in your dryer to reduce static cling. It will turn into a nice smooth ball a&ter one use and can be le&t in the dryer &or &uture loads. )orks like a charm!

25

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Laundry Miscellaneous
diy Dryer Sheets
Don=t thro. a.ay yo)r old cotton t-shirts? These nonchemical dryer sheets lea#e a so-t, $leasant smell on yo)r la)ndry and .on=t lea#e s$ots+

5-inch sB)are o- cotton cloth G-5 dro$s o- essential oil combination o- choice

Dri$ essential oils directly on cotton sB)are and toss into the dryer .ith clothes+ Add G dro$s o- oil to re-resh cloth be-ore each )se+ Wash yo)r homemade dryer sheet a-ter 2 or G )ses and start o#er by adding G-5 dro$s o- essential oil+ Try la#ender, s.eet orange-lemon, e)caly$t)ss$earmint, or $e$$ermint -or great smelling loads ola)ndry?

Savings
ased on .hich essential oils )sed yo)r cost can be as lo. as J&+&'6load+ :*a#ender is the most ex$ensi#e oil in the ED/D ,at)ral 8ssential Hils 1tarter Kit,F so i- yo)=re loo4ing to sa#e try a citr)s oil+< "om$arati#ely, storebo)ght dryer sheets are closer to J&+&56load - .hich sa#es yo) a$$roximately J&+&06load or 5&&O+

2K

0aundry .iscellaneous

Ironing Spray Starch

Here=s an easy alternati#e to the chemical starches -o)nd in stores+ 8n5oy the smell o- yo)r -a#orite essential oil as yo) iron?

' c)$ .ater 2 dro$s o- clear essential oil o- choice :tea tree, la#ender, etc+< 2 tables$oons cornstarch

"ombine all ingredients in a s$ray bottle+ 1ha4e bottle be-ore each )se+ 1$ray -abric lightly and e#enly and iron as )s)al+

All-purpose Stain Pre-treater

Mix )$ this Hxi"lean 4noc4o-- and )se to $retreat stains be-ore .ashing garments+

' c)$ .ater R c)$ hydrogen $eroxide R c)$ ba4ing soda :or .ashing soda<

2;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

"ombine ingredients in a container .ith a tight -itting lid+ 1ha4e to mix+ 7o)r directly on stains, -old garment on to$ o- itsel-, and allo. to soa4 -or at least 2& min)tes+ Wash garment as )s)al+ This reci$e .ill be eno)gh to treat a -e. articles o- clothing+ :/- storing this -orm)la a-ter mixing, do not )se a clear container, as hydrogen $eroxide .ill brea4 do.n .hen ex$osed to light+< Do not )se on brand ne. colored garments+

Other Stain Pre-treaters

Try these other stain $re-treating ti$s -or s$ots on clothing+ Ise old toothbr)shes to scr)b o)t stains on clothes or tac4le ring-aro)nd-the-collar+ Al.ays treat stains early -or best res)lts? Kee$ a mixt)re o- R .ater N R .hite #inegar near yo)r .ashing machine+ 1$ray directly on s$ots or stains be-ore thro.ing into the .asher+ "reate a $aste .ith a little lemon 5)ice and cream o- tartar+ 3)b into stain and .ash garment as )s)al+ Try G O hydrogen $eroxide on really to)gh stains+ Test a small hidden area on the -abric -or color--astness+

28

2P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

G&

-ishwashing ,ormulas

Dishwashing Formulas
Citrus Dish Soap
This liB)id castile dish soa$ can be mixed together B)ic4ly .hen a sin4 -)ll o- dirty dishes is .aiting -or yo)+ /t .on=t create the s)ds yo) may be )sed to, so be care-)l not to )se too m)ch+

' c)$ liB)id castile soa$ :.e )se )nscented Dr+ ronner=s< G tables$oons .ater 2 tables$oons .hite #inegar '& dro$s s.eet orange essential oil K dro$s gra$e-r)it essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a sB)irt bottle and sha4e gently to mix+ Hmit essential oils i- )sing a scented castile soa$+ /- -orm)la loo4s li4e it=s lea#ing strea4s on dishes, add S c)$ .hite #inegar to rinse .ater+

G'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Liquid Dish Soap

Aorget abo)t rinsing all yo)r money do.n the drain and )se this D/D dish.ashing liB)id+ This reci$e ma4es abo)t ' gallon o- dish soa$+ 1tore in a large $lastic container .ith a $o)r-s$o)t and re-ill yo)r small sB)irt bottle to 4ee$ )nder the 4itchen sin4+

'- 0 o)nce bar Kir4=s Hriginal "oco "astile soa$ :or other soa$ o- yo)r choice< ' tables$oon .ashing soda 2& dro$s lemon or lime essential oil ' gallon .ater ' c)$ .hite #inegar

(rate the bar o- soa$+ Add R gallon .ater and soa$ -la4es to a large $ot on the sto#e to$+ 1tir o#er medi)m heat )ntil soa$ com$letely dissol#es+ Do not allo. liB)id to boil+ Add .ashing soda and stir )ntil dissol#ed :abo)t ' min)te<+ "ombine remaining R gallon o- .ater, #inegar, essential oil, and .arm concentrated dish.ashing liB)id into a large storage container )sing a -)nnel+ "a$ container and sha4e gently to mix+ Allo. dish liB)id to c)re -or abo)t a day be-ore )sing+ :/- yo)r soa$ t)rns into gelatino)s goo a-ter c)ring, try mixing .ith a stic4 blender )ntil a creamy consistency is achie#ed+< G2

-ishwashing ,ormulas

1ha4e gently be-ore each )se+ This &ormula won*t produce suds like commercial li?uid dish soaps' so be care&ul to not go overboard when using. /- soa$ is lea#ing resid)e on dishes, try adding more #inegar to -orm)la or )sing less soa$ .hen .ashing dishes+ This soa$ can also be )sed as an all-$)r$ose cleaner in the 4itchen+

Savings
"ommercial dish.ashing soa$s are abo)t J'K6gallon or J&+'G6o)nce+ This homemade liB)id .ill cost only J'+25 -or 'GK o)nces .hich is less than J&+&'6o)nce+ That is a sa#ings o- o#er J&+'26o)nce or ',2&&O?

diyNatural Tip: @eep a small s?uirt bottle o& this 0i?uid -ish oap in the laundry area and use as a stain pre-treater &or laundry!

Lemon Dishwashing Formula

Dish .ater doesn=t need to s)ds in order to get dishes clean+ The #inegar and lemon oil do do)ble d)ty to 4ill germs and c)t grease+ GG

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

R T c)$ .hite #inegar S - R c)$ ba4ing soda '&-'2 dro$s lemon essential oil

Add all ingredients to a sin4 -)ll o- .ater+ Wash dishes as )s)al, sa#ing really greasy dishes -or last+ :Add a -e. dro$s o- liB)id castile soa$ to the dish.ater i- original -orm)la is not doing the 5ob+< 3inse .ith clean .ater+

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

"itric acid is the magic ingredient in this reci$e, elimin ating clo)diness on yo)r dishes+

' c)$ borax ' c)$ .ashing soda R c)$ citric acid R c)$ Kosher salt :o$tionalU-or scr)bbing action< ' ts$ rice :to $re#ent hardening<

G0

-ishwashing ,ormulas

"ombine all ingredients in a container .ith a lid and mix together+ 1tir mixt)re a -e. times a day -or a -e. days to $re#ent -orm)la -rom hardening+ rea4 the mixt)re a$art .ith a b)tter 4ni-e or thro. into a -ood $rocessor i- hardening occ)rs+ Do) can also 4ee$ the citric acid se$arate -rom the mixt)re and add it to the $o.der .hen starting the dish.asher+ Another alternati#e is to mix the borax, .ashing soda and citric acid together and let harden in ice c)be trays+ The small c)bes o- detergent can then be $)t into the detergent com$artment in yo)r dish.asher+ )ote: /- citric acid is 4e$t se$arate -rom borax N .ashing soda, or c)bed detergent is made, then omit rice -rom reci$e+ Ise abo)t ' ro)nded tables$oon o- $o.dered detergent $er load o- dishes+ /- dishes are getting clo)dy ex$eriment .ith a little more citric acid or )sing a high heat setting on yo)r dish.asher+

Savings
"ommercial dish.ashing detergent costs a$$roximately J&+&;6o)nce b)t calls -or 2 o)nces $)tting the cost $er load at J&+'0+ This homemade reci$e is J+'&6o)nce b)t )ses only hal- an o)nce $er load :J&+&56load< -or a sa#ings o- J&+&P6load or 28&O+

G5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

diyNatural Tip: (dd ; cup o& vinegar or ; cup brewed green tea to your rinse aid" compartment to eliminate some o& the cloudiness and spotting. To shine cloudy glassware' add ; cup white vinegar to dish water. (llow glassware to soak &or ;A-:B minutes and scrub clean. -ry as usual.

GK

@itchen

ink ,ormulas

Kitchen Sink Formulas

Eucalyptus-Lemon Soft Scrubber
/nstead o- $)rchasing ne. sB)irt bottles -or all o)r homemade cleansers, .e sa#e the no-mess 4etch)$ sB)irt bottles -or this+ Wash W8**, soa4 the old labels o-- and $)t ne. labels on yo)r homemade cleaners? Ise this cleanser on any ty$e o- sin4+

' c)$ .hite #inegar R c)$ ba4ing soda G dro$s e)caly$t)s essential oil G dro$s lemon essential oil

"ombine ingredients #ery slo.ly in a sB)irt bottle so it does not b)bble o#er+ 1ha4e to mix+ 7o)r cleanser into sin4 and clean .ith a s$onge+ 3inse .ith hot .ater+

Savings
My old so-t scr)bber .as $)rchased -or J&+'56o)nce and this reci$e only costs J&+&G6o)nce, a sa#ings oJ&+'26o)nce or 0&&O+

G;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Tea Tree-Mint Sink Scrub

Ise this minty scr)b on any ty$e o- sin4+ Aor dar4 colored sin4s, ha#e #inegar on hand -or the rinse stage+ We sa#e grated 7armesan cheese containers .ith a sha4er to$ -or storing sin4 scr)bs+

R c)$ borax R c)$ ba4ing soda 8 dro$s tea tree essential oil G dro$s $e$$ermint essential oil

"ombine ingredients and mix together in a container .ith a sha4er to$+ Wet sin4 do.n .ith .ater+ 1$rin4le a small amo)nt o- $o.der mixt)re into the sin4+ *et -orm)la sit -or a -e. min)tes and scr)b .ith a .et s$onge+ 3inse sin4 .ith hot .ater+ Aor dar4er colored sin4s, s$ray sin4 .ith #inegar be-ore rinsing .ith hot .ater+

Baking Soda Drain Opener

/nstead o- thro.ing a.ay the box o- ba4ing soda yo) )sed to -reshen yo)r re-rigerator, )se it as a cleaning scr)b or $o)r it do.n drains to o$en them )$+ This is a G8

@itchen

ink ,ormulas

lemony--resh drain cleaner that is m)ch nicer than commercial drain cleaners, and is non-toxic+

' c)$ ba4ing soda 2-0 dro$s lemon essential oil ' c)$ .hite #inegar 0 or more c)$s boiling .ater

Mix essential oil and ba4ing soda together+ 7o)r ba4ing soda do.n drain and then $o)r #inegar on to$ o- it+ *et it sit -or G& min)tes+ 7o)r boiling .ater do.n the drain+ 3e$eat $rocess i- drain does not )nclog the -irst time+

W%,)*)1: Do not )se homemade drain cleaners immediately a-ter )sing a commercial drain o$ener+ The #inegar co)ld react .ith the chemicals and ca)se harm-)l -)mes+

Garbage Disposal Freshener

A smelly garbage dis$osal can s)rely detract -rom the $leasant smells that are s)$$osed to come -rom a 4itchen+ (et yo)r dis$osal odor in chec4 .ith this easy remedy+ GP

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

' c)$ o- ice tables$oon ba4ing soda 5-'& dro$s lemon or s.eet orange essential oil :S c)$ lemon or orange 5)ice can be s)bstit)ted<

7o)r ice and ba4ing soda do.n garbage dis$osal and dri$ essential oils into the o$ening+ T)rn on .ater and garbage dis$osal and allo. ice to grind+ e $re$ared -or the $ossibility o- s$lashing liB)id+

0&

@itchen $ountertops

Kitchen Countertops
Green Countertop Disinfectant
These $o.er-)l essential oils .ill hel$ disin-ect s)r-aces in yo)r 4itchen .itho)t introd)cing harsh chemicals+

2 c)$s hot .ater 2 tables$oons .hite #inegar ' teas$oon borax S teas$oon la#ender essential oil S teas$oon e)caly$t)s essential oil G dro$s tea tree essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a s$ray bottle+ 1ha4e mixt)re )ntil all borax is dissol#ed+ 1$ray on co)nterto$s and .i$e clean .ith a micro-iber or other so-t cloth+

Eucalyptus-Spearmint Granite Cleaner

Do) .on=t -ind another granite cleaner this chea$+ With this cleaner there is no d)lling, no strea4ing, and no b)ild)$ le-t on yo)r co)nterto$s+ 0'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

' c)$ .ater T c)$ r)bbing alcohol :or s)bstit)te 8&-'&& $roo- clear grain alcoholU#od4a, gin, etc+< K dro$s e)caly$t)s essential oil 0 dro$s s$earmint essential oil

Add all ingredients to a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ 1$ray granite and .i$e clean .ith a so-t cloth+ /- )sing r)bbing alcohol, yo) might immediately notice a clo)dy loo4 that .ill disa$$ear a-ter -orm)la is com$letely dried+

Granite Polish
Altho)gh granite is a to)gh s)r-ace, it needs some gentle care+ This -orm)la .ill lea#e yo)r co)nterto$s s$ar4ling+

' R c)$s .ater R c)$ r)bbing alcohol :or s)bstit)te 8&-'&& $roo- clear grain alcoholU#od4a, gin, etc+< G dro$s o- castile soa$ 02

@itchen $ountertops

G-5 dro$s o- essential oil o- yo)r choice :o$tional<

"ombine all ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e .ell to mix+ A$$ly to granite .ith s$ray bottle and b)-- dry .ith a so-t cloth+

Ready Wipes
7a$er to.els ha#e been banned in o)r ho)se -or a -e. years, and e#ery no. and again it=s nice to ha#e something to .i$e )$ a B)ic4 s$ill or -reshen )$ co)nterto$s+ ")t se#eral $ieces o- cotton, micro-iber, or cell)lose cloth and store in a 5ar .ith the -ollo.ing mixt)re+

' c)$ .ater R teas$oon liB)id castile soa$ 0 dro$s lemon essential oil 2 dro$s la#ender essential oil 2 dro$s bergamot essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a container .ith a tight--itting lid and s.irl to mix+ Add se#eral $ieces o- $re-c)t cloth :.e )se cotton t-shirts c)t into 5-inch x 0-inch cloths< and 0G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

store .ith container tightly sealed+ Wring excess liB)id -rom cloths be-ore )se+ 3inse 3eady Wi$e o)t .ith clean .ater and )se to .i$e s)r-ace again i- necessary+ Wi$es can be rinsed o)t or machine .ashed a-ter )sing and ret)rned to the container to be )sed again+

00

@itchen ,looring

Kitchen Flooring
Rosemary-Lavender Floor Cloths
/n lie) o- b)ying dis$osable cleaning .i$es that are designed to -it electrostatic mo$s, .hy not try ma4ing yo)r o.n .ith this easy reci$e> Do)r .i$es can be micro-iber cloth c)t to -it yo)r mo$, old t-shirt $ieces, cell)lose s$onge cloth c)t into rectangles, or any other material yo) $re-er+ 8ssential oil combinations can be ad5)sted to $lease yo)r $artic)lar senses+

' c)$ .ater ' c)$ .hite #inegar 8 dro$s la#ender essential oil 8 dro$s rosemary essential oil 0 dro$s e)caly$t)s essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a bo.l+ 1tac4 yo)r .i$es on to$ oeach other and soa4 them in the bo.l .ith the liB)id )ntil they are sat)rated+ Trans-er the .i$es to an airtight storage container or Ci$-to$ bag, along .ith a little more o- the liB)id, and seal+ :/ store the remaining liB)id in a glass 5ar -or -)t)re batches o- -loor .i$es+< These -loor .i$es can be attached to yo)r electrostatic mo$ :i- they 05

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

ha#e been $rec)t to -it< -or cleaning, or )sed alone -or .i$ing )$ s$ills+

Savings
This reci$e .ill ma4e a$$roximately 08 .i$es -or only J&+G5 :not incl)ding the initial in#estment o- micro-iber cloth or cell)lose clothU.hich can be .ashed and )sed again<+ "om$arati#ely, brand name cleaning .i$e re-ills are abo)t J''+5& -or a 20-co)nt box+ 08 o- their .i$es .ill cost yo) J2G+&&, so yo)=re sa#ing J22+K5 or nearly K,5&&O? We=re con#inced the homemade ty$e is .ell .orth the -e. min)tes it ta4es to ma4e, the sa#ings yo) .ill en5oy, and the delight-)l smells yo) are re.arded .ith .hile cleaning?

Lemony Ceramic Tile Formula

,o need to $re.ash or rinse .ith this great -orm)la that .on=t lea#e a resid)e or sho. -oot$rints in the days that -ollo.+

G R c)$s .ater R c)$ .hite #inegar G-0 dro$s liB)id castile soa$ 5 dro$s lemon essential oil

0K

@itchen ,looring

"ombine ingredients in a sB)irt bottle+ 1B)irt sol)tion on -loors and mo$ .ith a s$onge mo$ or micro-iber cloth attached to an electrostatic mo$, rinsing o)t mo$ or micro-iber cloth o-ten+

Vinyl Shine Floor Cleaner

Ise this -orm)la to clean and $olish #inyl and linole)m -looring+

' gallon .arm .ater ' c)$ .hite #inegar 5 dro$s baby oil

"ombine ingredients in a large b)c4et and clean -loors .ith a .ell .r)ng o)t mo$ or cloth+ 3inse -loors .ith clean .ater to $re#ent slic4 s$ots+

Grapefruit-Bergamot Linoleum Cleaner

Minegar is the best choice -or nat)rally and gently cleaning linole)m -loors+ The #inegar and citr)s essential oil .ill sanitiCe and hel$ c)t grease+ 0;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

' gallon .arm .ater R c)$ .hite #inegar '& dro$s gra$e-r)it essential oil 5 dro$s bergamot essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a b)c4et and clean -loors as )s)al+

08

@itchen .iscellaneous

Kitchen Miscellaneous
Fruit & Veggie Wash
Don=t s$end the money on s$ecial -r)it and #egetable .ashes .hen yo) can easily .hi$ )$ yo)r o.n+ Kee$ this .ash in a small s$ray bottle )nder the 4itchen sin4+ ,ot intended -or )se on m)shrooms+

' R c)$ .ater R c)$ .hite #inegar 2 tables$oons ba4ing soda ' tables$oon lemon 5)ice

"ombine ingredients in a sB)irt bottle or s$ray bottle+ :When mixing ba4ing soda and #inegar go slo.ly+++be $re$ared -or the mixt)re to -oam and ex$and -or a short .hile+< 1$ray -r)its N #eggies .ith sol)tion and let sit -or a -e. min)tes+ 1cr)b .ith small br)sh and rinse .ell .ith .ater+

Savings
"ommercial -r)it and #egetable .ash Ait - sells -or abo)t J&+026o)nce+ H)r reci$e costs only J&+&'6o)nce -or a sa#ings o- J&+0'6o)nce or 0,'&&? 0P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Fume-Free Oven Cleaner

Dirty, cr)sty o#ens are less energy e--icient+ Ise this homemade $aste to clear a.ay the messy, ba4ed on s$ills in yo)r o#en+ This -orm)la is not intended -or )se on sel--cleaning o#ens+

S c)$ ba4ing soda G tables$oons .hite #inegar G dro$s liB)id castile soa$ :li4e Dr+ ronner=s<

"ombine all ingredients in a bo.l to -orm a thic4 $aste+ Ise a s$onge to s$read the -orm)la onto the inside .alls and door o- the o#en+ *et sit -or abo)t '& min)tes, then scr)b )ntil clean )sing a dam$ sco)ring $ad or s$onge+ 3inse s)r-aces and .i$e clean )ntil resid)e is gone+ :Do) may .ant to $)t ne.s$a$er or an old sheet do.n aro)nd the o#en to catch any o- the mess+ Then 5)st roll )$ .hen -inished and yo) .on=t ha#e to end )$ cleaning the -loors too?<

Microwave Cleaner
Don=t s.eat a s$lattered mess in yo)r micro.a#e+ Tac4le 5&

@itchen .iscellaneous

dried -ood s$ills .ith this tric4+

' c)$ #inegar 5 dro$s s.eet orange or lemon essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a micro.a#e sa-e bo.l and heat -or '-2 min)tes+ This .ill create steam that .ill loosen )$ dried-on -ood s$ills+ Wi$e o)t micro.a#e .ith a s$onge and .arm .ater+

diyNatural Tip: -isin&ect cutting boards by spraying or pouring 9< hydrogen peroxide on them and waiting a &ew minutes &or the bubbling to diminish. The &iCCing is all the germs dying! )ipe with a sponge and repeat i& necessary.

5'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

52

5G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

50

hower

prays

Shower Sprays
"leaning the sho.er is a dreaded chore in o)r ho)sehold? 7)lled hamstrings, strained nec4 m)scles, and br)ises -rom b)m$ing the -a)cets+++so)nds more li4e battle than cleaning+ Ho$e-)lly these sho.er -orm)las .ill signi-icantly decrease yo)r sc)mmy sho.er b)ild)$ and sa#e yo) -rom a -e. battle .o)nds in the $rocess+

Daily Shower Spray

/- .e can -ind a good deal on a nat)ral concentrated cleaner .e .hi$ )$ large batches o- this cleaner to 4ee$ in s$ray bottles in the sho.er+

0 o)nces nat)ral concentrated cleaner o- yo)r choice :liB)id castile soa$ can be s)bstit)ted< 'K o)nces r)bbing alcohol :or s)bstit)te 8&-'&& $roo- clear grain alcoholU#od4a, gin, etc+< eno)gh .ater to ma4e ' gallon

Aill a b)c4et .ith almost ' gallon o- .ater and add concentrated cleaner and alcohol+ Mix ingredients gently so yo) don=t create lots o- s)ds+ Aill s$ray bottles .ith cleaner and s$ray sho.er .alls do.n a-ter each )se+ 55

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

This s$ray can also be )sed .hen it=s time to dee$ clean yo)r sho.ers and batht)bs+

diyNatural Tip: ,or shower heads with buildup &ill a plastic baggie with white vinegar' secure onto shower head with a rubber band' and wait one hour. 8emove baggie and wipe shower head with a wet cloth.

Soap Scum Preventer

Ho$ing to decrease the amo)nt o- times yo) need to dee$ clean yo)r sho.er> Aor best res)lts, ma4e s)re to start .ith a clean sho.er be-ore )sing this -orm)la+

' R c)$s .ater ' R c)$s .hite #inegar 8 dro$s gra$e-r)it seed extract :di--erent -rom gra$e-r)it essential oil< 5 dro$s s.eet orange essential oil

5K

hower

prays

"ombine all ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e .ell to mix+ 1$ray a -ine mist o- this -orm)la on the sho.er c)rtain interior, batht)b, sho.er doors, .alls, -a)cets, etc+ a-ter each )se+

5;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Toilets
When Matt -irst reB)ested / clean toilets .ith something not containing bleach, / .as extremely rel)ctant+ / .as )nder the ass)m$tion that toilets ,88D8D to be bleached to 4ill o-- all the nasty germs / associated .ith the commode+ What / later learned :a-ter se#eral st)bborn attem$ts to )se my bleach-based cleaners<, .as that #inegar is a nat)ral disin-ectant+ / no. en5oy )sing these less ex$ensi#e #ersions o- toilet cleaners, sa#ing my clothes -rom bleach stains and adding a little essential oil .hene#er / .ant an aromatic li-t?

Basic Toilet Bowl Cleanser

This no--)ss toilet cleaner .ill be more gentle on yo)r senses than the chemical-laden commercial cleaners+

S c)$ ba4ing soda ' c)$ .hite #inegar

Mix ba4ing soda and #inegar, $o)r into toilet and let sit -or a -e. min)tes+ 1cr)b .ith br)sh and rinse+

58

Toilets

Save-a-bit Toilet Cleaner

Ise this reci$e i- yo) don=t .ant to )se so m)ch ba4ing soda and #inegar each time yo) clean toilets+ sha4er-to$ container o- ba4ing soda s$ray bottle o- .hite #inegar

1$rin4le ba4ing soda into toilet bo.l, s$ray the lid and bo.l :inside and o)t< .ith .hite #inegar+ *et sit -or a -e. min)tes then scr)b and rinse+

Tea Tree Toilet Bowl Scrub

Ise this tea tree cleaner to gi#e extra deodoriCing $o.er to yo)r toilets+ The tea tree oil also has antibacterial $ro$erties that .ill $ac4 an extra $)nch in the cleaning abilities o- this -orm)la+

R c)$ ba4ing soda S c)$ .hite #inegar '& dro$s tea tree essential oil

"ombine all ingredients+ Add to the bo.l, scr)b aro)nd

5P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

.ith a br)sh, and en5oy this scented #ersion?

Simple Lemon Toilet Scrub

Mmmm+++nothing says -resh li4e lemons?

R c)$ borax S c)$ lemon 5)ice

"ombine ingredients and $o)r into bo.l+ *et mixt)re sit -or a -e. min)tes, scr)b bo.l, and rinse+

Overnight Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This -orm)la bro4e )$ the )gliest ring .e had e#er seen on one o- o)r toilets? :And le-t a stale smelling bathroom #ery $leasantly re-reshed+<

' c)$ borax ' c)$ .hite #inegar '& dro$s la#ender essential oil 5 dro$s lemon essential oil K&

Toilets

"ombine all ingredients in a bo.l or bottle+ 7o)r the entire mixt)re into the toilet bo.l+ Allo. to sit o#ernight+ /n the morning yo) can scr)b the bo.l i- necessary and 5)st -l)sh the toilet+

diyNatural Tip: To proactively clean your toilets' pour = cup vinegar into your toilet tank once a week and let sit &or at least 9B minutes' then &lush. @ills odors' re&reshes' and naturally disin&ects the toilet.

K'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Bathroom Mold & Mildew Formulas

Mold-Be-Gone Mix
Mold on yo)r bathroom tile gro)t can not only be )nsightly, b)t can also be a health concern+ Ise this s$ray to ta4e care o- existing mold that has b)ilt )$+

R c)$ hydrogen $eroxide :GO< ' c)$ .ater K dro$s lemon essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle and s$ray on gro)t .here mold has -ormed+ Allo. the s$ray to sit -or at least a -e. ho)rs be-ore rinsing or )sing the sho.er+ :Hydrogen $eroxide can ha#e a bleaching e--ect, so )se in a small area -irst to test the res)lts o- this -orm)la+< 3e$eat i- necessary+

Mold Buster Formula

This is another -orm)la that .ill be $leasing to yo)r senses and o--ers sanitiCing and antibacterial bene-its+

K2

/athroom .old D .ildew ,ormulas

' c)$ .hite #inegar R c)$ .ater 0 dro$s gra$e-r)it essential oil G dro$s bergamot essential oil 2 teas$oons tea tree essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix .ell be-ore )sing+ 1$ray mixt)re on s)r-aces .here mold is $resent and allo. to sit -or a -e. ho)rs+ 1$ray again and allo. to dry+ Do not rinse+

Mildew Remover
D)c4? (et rid o- milde. in the bathroom and en5oy the lingering scent -rom the tea tree and la#ender+

R c)$ .arm .ater R c)$ borax R c)$ .hite #inegar 5 dro$s tea tree essential oil 5 dro$s la#ender essential oil

KG

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e )ntil borax is dissol#ed+ 1$ray on s)r-aces and .i$e .ith a clean dam$ s$onge+

K0

/athroom

ink $leansers and

crubs

Bathroom Sink Cleansers and Scrubs

Gentle Bathroom Scrubber
We ha#e no need -or chemical-smelling so-t scr)bs no. that .e can ma4e o)r o.n lo#ely smelling cleansers+ 8m$ty dish soa$ bottles .ith a sB)irt to$ are $er-ect -or storing this liB)id -orm)la+

' c)$ ba4ing soda S c)$ liB)id castile soa$ 0 dro$s la#ender essential oil .ater

"ombine -irst three ingredients in a $lastic sB)irt bottle and add .ater )ntil a smooth $aste -orms+ 1ha4e .ell to mix+ 1B)irt cleanser directly on s)r-aces and .i$e )ntil clean .ith a dam$ s$onge or cloth+ 3inse .ell .ith $lain .ater )ntil no resid)e remains+

Effervescent Sink Cleanser

This b)bbling cleanser .ill lea#e yo)r bathroom sin4s loo4ing shiny and clean? K5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

S c)$ ba4ing soda 2 tables$oons #inegar G dro$s essential oil o- yo)r choice :o$tional<

7l)g the drain on yo)r sin4+ 7o)r ba4ing soda into sin4 and dri$ essential oils onto the ba4ing soda+ 7o)r #inegar o#er the $o.der mixt)re, scr)b sin4 .ith a s$onge, and o$en the sin4 drain be-ore rinsing .ell .ith .arm .ater+

Scrubbing Action Powder

This delight-)l mixt)re .ith salt .ill hel$ ma4e sco)ring a little easier+ Ise on tile, t)bs and sin4s+

' c)$ ba4ing soda R c)$ borax S c)$ salt G dro$s la#ender essential oil 2 dro$s bergamot essential oil

KK

/athroom

ink $leansers and

crubs

"ombine all ingredients in a $lastic container .ith a sha4er-to$ and sha4e .ell to mix+ 1$rin4le a small amo)nt directly on s)r-aces or on a dam$ s$onge and scr)b+ 3inse .ell .ith .ater+

K;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Bathroom Miscellaneous
Mirror-Mirror Cleaner
This sim$le sol)tion .ill 4ee$ mirrors -og--ree d)ring steamy sho.ers, and .ill also lea#e mirrors s$ar4ling+ 3)n it o#er yo)r -a)cets -or a nice shine as .ell?

' R c)$s .hite #inegar R c)$ .ater 8-'& dro$s gra$e-r)it :or other citr)s< essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e .ell+ 1$ray on mirrors and .i$e clean .ith dry cloth+

Shower Drain Opener

A-ter sho.ering an4le-dee$ in .ater, it .as time to try o)r hand at )nclogging a bac4ed )$ drain .itho)t ma4ing a tri$ to the store -or an ex$ensi#e remedy+ This sim$le drain cleaner hel$ed clear one o- the most bac4ed )$ sho.er drains o)r batht)b had e#er ex$erienced? ,o nasty chemicals had to be $o)red do.n the drain, and .e already had the ingredients in the ho)se+ K8

/athroom .iscellaneous

' c)$ ba4ing soda ' c)$ salt ' R c)$s #inegar $ot o- boiling .ater

7o)r ba4ing soda do.n the drain slo.ly+ :"hase .ith a little #inegar i- it=s not mo#ing+< ,ext $o)r the salt+ ,o. $o)r #inegar in slo.ly :)se the handle o- a .ooden s$oon to -orce salt6ba4ing soda do.n the drain i- it has sto$$ed mo#ing<+ Wait '5-2& min)tes and -l)sh the drain .ith boiling .ater+

Savings
"ommercial drain cleaners cost a$$roximately J0+K& -or G2 o)nces and calls -or at least 'K o)nces $er )se+ That $)ts their cost at J2+G& $er )se, minim)m+ H)r drain o$ener reci$e costs only J&+88 $er )se .hich is a sa#ings o- J'+02 or 2K'O+

diyNatural Tip: >roactively clean your drains by pouring a &ew cups o& boiling water down them every &ew weeks.

KP

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

;&

;'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

;2

(ll->urpose

pray ,ormulas

All-Purpose Spray Formulas

Don=t ha#e room to store lots o- di--erent cleaners> "hoose yo)r -a#orite all-$)r$ose -orm)la and mix )$ a large batch+ Kee$ s$ray bottles o- these cleaners on hand in the high-tra--ic rooms o- yo)r ho)se+ Al.ays test ne. -orm)las in an incons$ic)o)s area o- the s)r-ace to be cleaned+

Basic All-Purpose Cleaner

Kee$ this all-$)r$ose -orm)la in s$ray bottles in the 4itchen and bath to )se on se#eral s)r-aces?

R gallon .arm .ater :2 liters< R c)$ .hite #inegar 2 teas$oons borax 5 dro$s e)caly$t)s essential oil :o$tional< 5 dro$s lemon essential oil :o$tional<

"ombine all ingredients and stir to )ntil borax is dissol#ed+ Trans-er to s$ray bottles and sha4e .ell be-ore each )se+ 1$ray on s)r-ace and .i$e clean .ith a s$onge or so-t cloth+ ;G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Savings
"ommercial all-$)r$ose cleaners cost a$$roximately JG+&& -or G2 o)nces -or a $er o)nce cost o- J&+&P+ H)r basic all-$)r$ose cleaner costs less than J&+&'6o)nce+ :/t act)ally only costs J&+'G -or the entire K8 o)nce reci$e?< That is a sa#ings o- 0,5&&O+

Everything-But-Windows Spray
We really do )se this cleaner on e#erything+++exce$t .indo.s+ The ba4ing soda in this -orm)la .ill lea#e a clo)dy resid)e on glass s)r-aces+ (reat -or co)nterto$s, sin4s, batht)bs, #inyl -loors, etc+

R gallon .ater :2 liters< R c)$ .hite #inegar S c)$ ba4ing soda 8 dro$s rosemary essential oil :o$tional<

Mix all ingredients in a b)c4et+ Trans-er into s$ray bottles+ 1ha4e .ell and s$ray on s)r-aces to be cleaned+ Wi$e clean .ith a so-t dry cloth+

;0

(ll->urpose

pray ,ormulas

Lavender All-Purpose Spray

"leaning is not my -a#orite thing, b)t this all-$)r$ose s$ray can im$ro#e my mood?

G c)$s hot .ater 0 tables$oons .hite #inegar 2 teas$oons borax K dro$s la#ender essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle+ 1ha4e to dissol#e borax+ 1$ray s)r-ace to be cleaned and .i$e clean .ith a dry cloth+ Aor increased cleaning $o.er, add S teas$oon liB)id castile soa$+

Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner

T.o o- the most hard-.or4ing essential oils in o)r collection ma4e )$ this great all-$)r$ose cleaner+ The reaction bet.een the #inegar and hydrogen $eroxide o--ers serio)s disin-ecting $o.er+ Do not mix #inegar and hydrogen $eroxide together in the same bottle+

2 c)$s .ater ;5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

R c)$ .hite #inegar ' teas$oon castile soa$ 2& dro$s tea tree essential oil 2& dro$s la#ender essential oil s$ray bottle o- hydrogen $eroxide

"ombine .ater, #inegar, castile soa$, and oils in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ A$$ly cleaner to s)r-aces+ To disin-ect, s$ray hydrogen $eroxide immediately a-ter s$raying the #inegar -orm)la and .i$e s)r-aces clean )sing a so-t cloth+

;K

(ll->urpose .iscellaneous

All-Purpose Miscellaneous
All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes
Kee$ these -resh-smelling .i$es on hand in yo)r 4itchen, bathroom, o--ice or cars -or B)ic4 clean-)$s+ Do) .ill lo#e the stim)lating scent o- lime+ As an added bene-it, lime has antibacterial $ro$erties+

R c)$ .ater R c)$ .hite #inegar K dro$s lime essential oil cotton, micro-iber or cell)lose cloth

")t the cloth into '&-'5 rectangles and stac4 them on to$ o- each other+ "ombine liB)id ingredients into a large hea#y-d)ty $lastic Ci$-to$ bag :or other sealable container o- yo)r choice<+ 1eal the bag and gently sB)eeCe to mix the ingredients+ Add the stac4 o- cloth .i$es to the liB)id in the bag+ e s)re to sB)eeCe any excess liB)id o)t o- .i$es be-ore )sing+ Wash the cleaning .i$es in the .ashing machine :cotton or micro-iber cloths< or dish.asher :cell)lose cloth< and ret)rn to bag or container to )se again+

;;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

All-Purpose Cleaning Erasers

The Mr+ "lean Magic 8rasers are by -ar one o- my -a#orite cleaning hel$ers, b)t / go thro)gh them too B)ic4ly and hate s$ending the money+ Try this chea$er #ersion and en5oy the sa#ings+

dam$ s$onge or cell)lose cloth ba4ing soda

1$rin4le a little ba4ing soda on a dam$ s$onge, and r)b gently into area to be cleaned+ 3inse and .i$e again+

Savings
A 0-$ac4 o- the commercial brand is more than J0+ Do it yo)rsel- .ith the abo#e recommendations, and yo) are s$ending only $ennies a-ter the initial cost o- s$onges? 1$onges can be .ashed in the dish.asher and re)sed+

;8

(ll->urpose .iscellaneous

diyNatural Tip: Instead o& recycling or throwing away large plastic +ugs &rom vinegar or other cleaning ingredients' wash out and save them so you can store the over&low &rom your own homemade cleaning solutions without having to purchase containers. (lways label these solutions well when storing!

Sticker Remover
,eed something to remo#e stic4ers le-t aro)nd the ho)se by children> Want to en5oy a ne. $)rchase .itho)t the $rice tag :or stic4y resid)e that remains< le-t on> Try this sim$le remedy?

s.eet orange essential oil dam$ s$onge

A$$ly dro$s o- essential oil directly onto stic4er or resid)e le-t by a stic4er and let sit -or a -e. moments+ 3)b dam$ s$onge o#er area+ Add a -e. more dro$s oessential oil as needed to moisten stic4er and .or4 the area )ntil stic4er is com$letely remo#ed+ 3inse area .ith clean dam$ s$onge+ Ise only on non-$oro)s s)r-aces+ ;P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

8&

8'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

82

)ood -usters and $leaners

Wood Dusters and Cleaners

,at)ral .ood can lend a .armth to the rooms in yo)r ho)se+ Arom -loors and c)$boards to chairs and tables+++ it all needs a little T*" -rom time to time+ Maintain yo)r .ood=s bea)ty by treating and cleaning it .ith these D/D -orm)las+

Wood Dusting Spray

/ )se this d)sting -orm)la on my .ooden co--ee table, dining room table, end tables and boo4cases+ / lo#e it beca)se it smells s.eet and doesn=t lea#e a slic4 s$ot on the 4itchen -loor -or yo) to sli$ on each time yo) s$ray it?

'6G c)$ .ater 2 tables$oons oil soa$ :M)r$hy=s Hil 1oa$ or another brand o- yo)r choice< 8 dro$s cedar.ood essential oil 0 dro$s la#ender essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a $lastic s$ray bottle+ 1ha4e .ell+ 1$ray onto .ood and immediately .i$e .ith a 8G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

clean, dry cloth+

Savings
"ommercial .ood d)sting s$rays cost a$$roximately J0+'5 -or '2+5 o)nces $)tting its cost $er o)nce at J&+GG+ H)r .ood d)sting s$ray costs only J&+&K6o)nce .hich is a sa#ings o- J&+2;6o)nce or 55&O?

diyNatural Tip: @eep old socks that are beyond repair &or dusting. lip them over your 5or your child*s6 hand' spray the sock with your &avorite dusting spray' and wipe away!

Wood Cleaner
Ise this aromatic cleaner -or -inished .ood $ieces that are in need o- a good cleaning+

R c)$ lemon 5)ice ' teas$oon liB)id castile soa$ :li4e Dr+ 0 dro$s s.eet orange essential oil ronner=s<

80

)ood -usters and $leaners

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ 1$ray -orm)la on .ood and .i$e clean .ith a dam$ so-t cloth or s$onge+ (o o#er the .ood again .ith a dry so-t cloth+

diyNatural Tip: #o matter what type o& wood you are cleaning or treating' always test wood &ormulas on an inconspicuous area be&ore using it on the entire sur&ace.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Aor dam$-mo$$ing .ood -loors yo) can mix )$ this gentle cleaner -or chea$?

2 c)$s .ater 2 c)$s .hite #inegar 2& dro$s rosemary or cedar.ood essential oil

85

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

"ombine ingredients in a sB)irt bottle or s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ Ise s$aringly on hard.ood -loors by dam$-mo$$ing, hand .ashing, or )sing a s$ray bottle to .or4 small sections at a time+ "lean )sing e#en stro4es+ A#oid $)ddling or allo.ing liB)id to sit in crac4s bet.een boards+

8K

,urniture >olish

Furniture Polish
*ess is more .ith these homemade .ood $olishing -orm)las+

Varnished Wood Polish

8n5oy 4no.ing yo) only s$ent $ennies as yo) bea)ti-y yo)r .ood .ith this $olish?

R c)$ .arm .ater G dro$s lemon essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ 1$ray lightly onto a clean dry cloth+ "loth sho)ld only be slightly dam$+ Wi$e -)rnit)re .ith cloth and -inish by .i$ing once more .ith a so-t dry cloth+

Unvarnished Wood Polish

1ho. yo)r )n#arnished .ood some lo#e .ith this -orm)la+

8;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

2 teas$oons oli#e oil 2 teas$oons lemon 5)ice

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle+ 1ha4e .ell, then s$ray only a small amo)nt onto a so-t dry cloth+ Wi$e on -)rnit)re )sing broad stro4es to distrib)te mixt)re e#enly on yo)r .ood s)r-aces+

88

8P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

P&

)indow $leaners

Window Cleaners
We .ill ne#er s$end money on commercial .indo. or glass cleaners again a-ter )sing sim$le #inegar N .ater mixt)res? We sa#e old cleaning $rod)ct s$ray bottles -or storing o)r homemade cleaning s$rays+ As4 neighbors or -amily members to sa#e them -or yo) i- yo) ha#en=t done this and don=t .ant to $)rchase ne. ones+ !)st ma4e s)re to .ash and dry them inside and o)t to com$letely remo#e any traces o- the old cleaners+

Citrus Glass Cleaner

This cleaner costs $ennies and smells better than its commercial co)nter$arts? Ise to clean .indo.s, mirrors, glass tables, or other glass s)r-aces in yo)r home+

' c)$ .ater ' c)$ .hite #inegar '& dro$s lemon or lime essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ 1$ray on s)r-ace to be cleaned and .i$e clean .ith a so-t dry cloth or cr)m$led ne.s$a$er+ Wi$e )ntil P'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

com$letely dry+

Savings
"ommercial glass cleaners cost a$$roximately J2+;5 -or 2K o)nces .hich is J&+''6o)nce+ H)r citr)s glass cleaner reci$e costs only J&+'P -or 'K o)nces .hich is a little more than J&+&'6o)nce -or a sa#ings o- J&+'&6o)nce or ','&&O?

diyNatural Tip: (void cleaning windows when the sun is shining on them 5even though this helps you see the grime6. )arm windows will show streaks upon drying.

Just Like the Pro's Window Cleaner

This mixt)re .ill clean more e--ecti#ely and .ill be a lot chea$er than commercial .indo. cleaners+ Alcohol is the secret ingredient in this mixt)re, mimic4ing the commercial cleaners+

2 c)$s r)bbing alcohol :can be s)bstit)ted .ith 8&-'&& $roo- #od4a or other clear grain alcohol< R c)$ .hite #inegar P2

)indow $leaners

R teas$oon liB)id castile soa$ .ater

/n a large b)c4et combine r)bbing alcohol and #inegar+ Add eno)gh .ater to ma4e one gallon+ Add castile soa$ and stir gently to combine+ 7o)r into a s$ray bottle and s$ray on .indo.s+ Wi$e clean .ith a so-t dry cloth+

diyNatural Tip: .ark the insides o& your cleaning buckets with nail polish to show = gallon and ; gallon measurements. It makes whipping up large batches o& cleaning solutions a cinch!

PG

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Wall Cleaner
Walls ha#e a .ay o- attracting -inger$rints, -ood s$latters, sc)--s, and mar4s -rom anything $assing by+ 3e$ainting is not easy, so cleaning the .alls .ith a gentle cleaner is o)r -irst line o- de-ense+

Easy-Breezy Wall Cleaner

This sim$le -orm)la is generally sa-e to )se on .ashable $aint or .ashable .all$a$er+ Test this cleaner in a small hidden area be-ore contin)ing .ith cleaning+

' c)$ .ater T c)$ #inegar 0 dro$s gra$e-r)it essential oil 2 dro$s bergamot or lime essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a small b)c4et and stir to combine+ Di$ a clean s$onge or cell)lose cloth into cleaning sol)tion and .ring o)t .ell+ Wi$e area to be treated+ /- cleaning an entire .all, .or4 -rom the bottom )$ so yo) don=t end )$ .ith lines .here the cleaner dri$$ed do.n the .all+ P0

)all $leaner

P5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

PK

(ir ,reshener

prays

Air Freshener Sprays

Arom dirty snea4ers to animal odors, -reshening the air is essential in most homes+ Kee$ a s$ray bottle ohomemade air -reshener in all rooms o- yo)r ho)se de$ending on the mood yo) ho$e to create? The less chemical -ragrances yo) )se, them more sensiti#e yo)r nose .ill become to them+ Most commercial air -resheners don=t eliminate odors any.ay, they sim$ly mas4 them by lining yo)r nasal $assage .ith a -ilm that desensitiCes yo)r sense o- smell+ Do) may thin4 /=m craCy no., b)t sto$ )sing all -orms o- chemical -ragrances and / $romise yo)=ll be amaCed+ Ising essential oils and ba4ing soda as air -resheners and $)ri-iers sa#es money and is more agreeable to the senses+

Bedroom Sanctuary Spray

1$ray to eliminate stale bedroom odors and create a calming e--ect $er-ect -or a dee$ slee$+

' c)$ .ater 2 dro$s bergamot essential oil 2 dro$s la#ender essential oil P;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

2 dro$s cedar.ood essential oil

"ombine essential oils and .ater in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ e s)re to sha4e the mixt)re be-ore each s$ray to combine the .ater .ith the oils+

Wake-Me-Up Bedroom Spray

1$ray this air -reshener in the morning to gi#e an energiCing boost?

' c)$ .ater G dro$s s.eet orange essential oil 2 dro$s $e$$ermint essential oil 2 dro$s la#ender essential oil

Aill s$ray bottle .ith 8 o)nce o- .ater and add oils+ 1ha4e to mix be-ore each )se+

Citrus Burst Spray

This is a great 4itchen or bathroom s$ray that lea#es the P8

(ir ,reshener

prays

air smelling s.eet+

' c)$ .ater G dro$s lemon essential oil 2 dro$s lime essential oil ' dro$ s.eet orange essential oil

"ombine ingredients in a s$ray bottle and sha4e to mix+ 1ha4e be-ore each )se+

Savings
"ommercial air -reshening s$rays cost a$$roximately J'+G& -or P o)nces or J&+'06o)nce+ This citr)s b)rst s$ray costs only J&+&5 -or 8 o)nces .hich is less than J&+&'6o)nce+ That=s a sa#ings o- more than ',0&&O?

Herbal Boost Room Spray

This s.eet smelling air -reshener .ill .a4e )$ yo)r senses+

' c)$ .ater G dro$s la#ender essential oil PP

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

2 dro$s rosemary essential oil 2 dro$s e)caly$t)s essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a $lastic s$ray bottle and sha4e .ell be-ore each )se+

'&&

!ther ,reshly- cented Ideas

Other Freshly-Scented Ideas

1mall decorati#e dishes o- ba4ing soda .ith a -e. dro$s o- yo)r -a#orite essential oil mixed in can -reshen any room o- the ho)se+ This same mixt)re co)ld also be 4e$t in a small mason 5ar .ith a lid+ 7o4e holes in the metal lid to allo. the -ragrance to esca$e+ 1ha4e e#ery -e. days to re-resh+ Kee$ o)t o- reach o- children and $ets+ a4ing soda .ith a little lemon 5)ice added hel$s absorb ho)sehold odors+ Kee$ the mixt)re in a decorati#e bo.l+ (rind a slice o- lime or lemon in yo)r garbage dis$osal+ Do) can $)t a -e. dro$s o- yo)r -a#orite essential oil on the cardboard t)bes that hold yo)r toilet $a$er or $a$er to.el :b)t ho$e-)lly yo) are considering )sing alternati#es to $a$er to.el<+ Add s$ices li4e cinnamon, clo#es and n)tmeg, along .ith a -e. a$$le or orange slices to a $an .ith .ater+ 1immer on the sto#e, adding .ater e#ery so o-ten so the mixt)re doesn=t b)rn+

'&'

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

'&2

'&G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

'&0

$arpet $are

Carpet Care
/sn=t it silly that .e tram$le all o#er one o- the most ex$ensi#e things in o)r home> Dirt, grime, and )nex$ected s$ills e#ent)ally ta4e their toll on car$ets e#en in the cleanest o- homes+ 8x$eriment .ith these -orm)las to get the most li-e o)t o- yo)r car$ets and create coste--ecti#e, gentle cleaners+

Carpet Deodorizer Sprinkle

This -reshening s$rin4le is great -or eliminating odors on bathroom r)gs or in rooms .here $ets reside+ We lo#e ma4ing o)r o.n scented s$rin4le :rosemary la#ender is a -a#orite< and storing it in an re$)r$osed s$ice 5ar .ith a sha4er to$+

R c)$ ba4ing soda 8-'& dro$s o- essential oil o- yo)r choice

"ombine ba4ing soda and oil and s$rin4le on r)gs or car$eted areas+ Wait '5 min)tes , then #ac))m thoro)ghly+ Ise only on dry r)gs and car$et+

Savings

'&5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

"ommercial car$et odor eliminators sell -or aro)nd J&+&;6o)nce+ De$ending on .hich essential oils yo) choose, this homemade #ersion can cost as little as J&+&G6o)nce+ That is a sa#ings o- J&+&06o)nce or 2G&O+

diyNatural Tip: $leaning is hard on carpet &ibers so spot-treat stains whenever possible to avoid having to clean an entire room.

Carpet Stain Cleaner

Ising #inegar is $er-ect -or car$et stains beca)se it=s a nat)ral cleaner and it .on=t harm the car$et -ibers+ The r)le o- th)mb -or cleaning stains on car$ets is to tac4le them immediately+ The longer yo) .ait, the longer the stain has to set+

R c)$ .ater R c)$ #inegar

Mix ingredients in a s$ray bottle+ lot stain -irst .ith a clean dry cloth )ntil no more o- the stain can be li-ted+ '&K

$arpet $are

1$ray the sol)tion on the stain and let sit -or se#eral min)tes+ "lean the stain gently .ith a s$onge or br)sh N .arm soa$y .ater+ ,e#er sat)rate yo)r car$et .hen attem$ting to remo#e stains+

diyNatural Tip: Try using hydrogen peroxide 59<6 to remove stains on carpet. pray peroxide directly on the stain and let it sit &or a &ew minutes. (pply pressure with a clean dry towel to soak up the moisture. 8epeat i& necessary. $(3TI!#E 1ydrogen peroxide could possibly remove color &rom carpet' so test in an inconspicuous area &irst' or only use on very light-colored carpeting. )hen working on carpet stains' always start on the outside and work toward the center o& the stain so it doesn*t spread more.

Unscented Extra Duty Carpet Cleaner

As .ith any ne. cleaner yo) are introd)cing into yo)r home, test this -orm)la in an incons$ic)o)s area+

'&;

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

S c)$ salt S c)$ borax S c)$ #inegar

Mac))m the area to be treated -irst+ "ombine all ingredients in a bo.l, and gently r)b the $aste into the car$et .ith a clean s$onge or br)sh+ Wait a -e. ho)rs, ma4ing s)re no one .al4s on the treated car$et+ Mac))m thoro)ghly+

Lavender Carpet Cleaner

8#en i- yo) can train e#eryone in the -amily to ta4e shoes o-- .hen they come in the ho)se, high-tra--ic areas still need an occasional cleaning+ This car$et sham$oo .ill lea#e a $leasant smell and gi#e yo)r car$ets the treatment they=#e been needing+ Test the -orm)la in a small hidden area be-ore treating the .hole room .ith this reci$e+

2 c)$s ba4ing soda S c)$ borax 25 dro$s la#ender essential oil R c)$ #inegar '&8

$arpet $are

2 c)$s .arm .ater

Mac))m the car$et to be cleaned+ Mix the ba4ing soda and borax in a bo.l, and add the essential oil last+ Mix .ell+ 1$rin4le the $o.der mixt)re e#enly on the car$et+ "ombine #inegar and .ater in a small b)c4et+ Ise a clean s$onge di$$ed in the #inegar mixt)re to go o#er the car$et, sB)eeCing o)t any excess liB)id be-ore a$$lying to car$et+ Wait a -e. ho)rs, not allo.ing anyone to .al4 on the car$et+ Mac))m the car$et thoro)ghly .hen dry+

diyNatural Tip: (&ter cleaning' get carpets dry as soon as possible by turning on &ans' sucking up excess moisture &rom a spot treatment with a 5clean6 shop-vac' or even using a hair dryer on cool to dry a spot.

Rosemary-Mint Steam Cleaner Formula

This reci$e is -or one )se, and as al.ays, sho)ld be tested in a small s$ot -or a reaction be-ore cleaning the .hole area+

'&P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

' c)$ HHT .ater R c)$ .hite #inegar 2 teas$oons liB)id castile soa$ '& dro$s rosemary essential oil 5 dro$s $e$$ermint essential oil

"ombine all ingredients in a sB)irt bottle or other container .ith a $o)r s$o)t and mix .ell+ 7o)r the -orm)la into yo)r steam cleaner and clean according to man)-act)rer=s instr)ctions+

''&

7pilogue

Epilogue
Than4 yo) again -or sho.ing interest in o)r .or4 and -or s)$$orting o)r mission to hel$ others become more $assionate abo)t sa#ing money and being better ste.ards o- o)r reso)rces and o)r .orld+ We=re ha$$y to ans.er yo)r B)estions abo)t homemade ho)sehold cleaners and a$$reciate yo)r -eedbac4 so .e can im$ro#e )$on the B)ality o- o)r content+ Do not hesitate to contact )s abo)t reci$es or anything else by #isiting ...+diy#atural.comFcontact - we lo#e to hear -rom o)r comm)nity o- readers+ We ho$e yo) are ins$ired by this in-ormation and enco)rage yo) to share the enth)siasm and 5oy .ith others+ Do) can $)rchase additional co$ies o- this boo4 as gi-ts -or -riends N -amily, and share o)r .ebsite and Aaceboo4 $age as .ell+ Than4s again -or yo)r ongoing s)$$ort+ Ha$$y D/D cleaning,

.att and /etsy 2abs

'''

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Resources
H)r .ebsite Aaceboo4 T.itter Diy,at)ral essential oils 1tarter Kit "itric acid orax Washing soda ...+diy,at)ral+com ...+-aceboo4+com6diy,at)ral ...+t.itter+com6diy,at)ral htt$266...+ne.directionsaromatic s+com6diy-nat)ral-starter-4it-$2&80+html ...+diynat)ral+com6go6amaCon+$ h$>asinV &&';WAWK( ...+diynat)ral+com6go6amaCon+$ h$>asinV &&&3, W&( ...+diynat)ral+com6go6amaCon+$ h$>asinV &&0H"*AD/

''2

7pilogue

Notes

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ''G

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Notes

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

''0

7pilogue

Notes

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ''5

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Notes

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ''K

7pilogue

Notes

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX '';

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

Notes

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ''8

7pilogue

''P

-IY #atural 1ousehold $leaners

.att and /etsy 2abs

'2&