These are some of my standby natural housekeeping recipes that I have been using for years to keep our home clean, fresh, and chemical free.
All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
• ½ quart Water
• ½ quart White Vinegar
• 1 T. Plant-based Soap (Dr. Bronner’s, Trader Joe’s dish soap, Seventh Generation dish soap, etc.)
• 8 drops Essential Oil of Orange or Lemon
• 8 drops Essential Oil of Grapefruit
• 8 drops Tea Tree Oil
Combine all in a clean spray bottle, shake well and spray onto surfaces to be cleaned.
Be careful when using this on grout–the vinegar will soften it. Best to avoid grout areas with vinegar.
This can also be diluted with 1 part cleaner, 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar to mop tile and linoleum floors.
Shower, Toilet and Sink Cleaner
• 1 large bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide
• All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner (recipe listed above)
• Baking Soda or Bon Ami
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a clean spray bottle and spray all surfaces of the shower. Bacteria and debris will cause an oxidative reaction when the hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on them; allow this process to happen for a few minutes, then sprinkle baking soda or Bon Ami over the areas to be cleaned.
Next, spray on the All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner (if using baking soda, another oxidative reaction will happen once the vinegar of the Cleaner and baking soda combine—not a problem—it will just fizz.) Use a microfiber cloth or abrasive sponge to clean.
Rinse with water to remove residue.
Safe and Effective Surface Disinfectant
Simply spray Benefect Botanical Solution onto the surfaces to be disinfected and allow it to sit a few minutes before wiping. The formulation, rich in thyme oil, has been clinically-proven to kill such pathogens as bacteria, fungus and viruses. They also offer a wonderful hand sanitizer to keep in the car.
Natural Carpet Cleaner for spot removal
• ½ tsp. Charlie’s All-Natural Soap
• ½ cup Non-chlorine Liquid Bleach
• ¼ cup Hot Water
Combine all 3 in a spray bottle and shake well until soap dissipates into the solution. Spray the stained area, and blot with a clean, white towel. Repeat as needed, until stain is gone. Afterward, blot with a cleaned, dry towel to remove residual moisture and cleaner.
For heavy-duty cleaning, I love Benefect Impact Botanical Carpet Cleaner. We have used it with complete success when our pets have had the infrequent-but-very-messy digestive disturbances on the carpet. It is non-toxic, unscented and incredibly effective when used with a steam carpet cleaner.
For Windows and Mirrors
• The Eco-Cleaning Microfiber Cloths—just dampen with water—amazing!
