I don’t know if it’s because I have allergies, or just a sensitive nose, but sometimes I just cannot stand commercial cleaners. Still, I do want to make sure that my home is clean and safe from bacterial problems, especially in the kitchen. So, I’ve researched and tested some recipes using essential oils and other simple ingredients to be able to clean well, without dealing with harsh chemicals.
Homemade Cleaners with Essential Oils
My two favorite essential oils are lemon and lavender. Lemon because nothing could smell fresher, in my opinion, and lavender because it is the queen of all essential oils and provides a calming effect to the mind and body. Both are great for cleaning, because they are anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. I had also started using bergamot which is the scent of an orange native to the Mediterranean and used to scent Earl Grey tea.
Countertop Spray
This recipe is safe for granite. I use it everyday. You probably have heard that vinegar and citrus are bad for your granite countertops, but essential oils are not acidic, making them safe for your granite. The main cleaning agent is rubbing alcohol. Add about 1/3 c. of rubbing alcohol to a 28 oz. spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish detergent and 1/2 teaspoon, of the essential oil which is about 50 drops. Then top with water, around 3 cups. Shake it up and spray. If the alcohol scent is too strong, just add more essential oil. I’ve been using bergamot because I love the way it smells.
Citrus Scrub
Use in sinks, tubs and as a carpet freshener. Just sprinkle lightly on the carpet, and then vacuum.
Ingredients: Baking Soda and lemon essential oil.
Just find a nice glass jar. I bought this one at dollar general but even a recycled pickle jar works well. Then pour 1/3-1/2 of a box of baking soda in the bottom. Next I liberally shake several drops of lemon essential oil, 10-20 drops. Then repeat.
Linen/Room Spray
Here’s where the lavender comes in. You are sure to have a good night’s sleep with lavender on your pillow. This also makes a nice room or even body spray. Use 2 teaspoons of witch-hazel, combined with 15 drops of lavender oil and 4 oz. of distilled water in a small, fine-mist spray bottle. You don’t have to use distilled water. It is just a precaution, in case you have any heavy minerals in your tap water that might stain your good linens.
The natural scent of essential oils is wonderful. Once you try them you will be addicted to them and all the synthetic scents will not compare. Oh, and I almost forgot, think of how much money you will save by not buying expensive cleaners.
Denise Wright says
This is a great article. I just bought some new essential oils and am trying to incorporate them in my daily life. Also we just got new granite countertops so these recipes will be very helpful! Thanks!
[email protected] says
I hope you like them. I find using a soft cloth or paper towel helps the granite shine without any streaking. Also I shake the bottle before spraying the countertop.
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
I love these ideas — especially the lavender spray. I use a store-bought lavender and chamomile spray on my pillow at night, so a homemade version sounds even better. Thanks for sharing!
[email protected] says
Thanks Blair, I hope you like it
Beth mishne says
Hi!! Love your recipes!! I have my own cleaning business so I’m using cleaning supplies all day long so it’s very important for me to clean with safe ingredients both for me, my employees and most importantly my clients!! What dish detergent do u recommend for your countertop spray?! I thought I was using an organic one but it has a preservative in it that when I googled it the articles said to avoid it……it’s less than 1% but I want to avoid it. Most organic dish soaps have this ingredient….I am currently using dr. Bonners castile soap it’s pure but makes the countertop spray recipe look milky….help!! Is this ok to use?
Patti Estep says
Hi Beth,
So glad you like my cleaning recipes. I use the countertop spray all the time. It’s my favorite and my granite seems to keep it’s shine. I use Dawn for the dish soap. I don’t think that it is organic but it does well with dirt and grease and I’m only using the smallest amount. I wish I had a better answer for you. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on your quest for the perfect cleaning supplies. Maybe you’ll start a line of your own. 🙂
Patti
Chiane says
Can I use the countertop spray as an all purpose cleaner as well? I’m out of vinegar for two days and tomorrow’s my birthday so all I have is the dishsoap, alcohol, witch hazel and essential oils. But definitely trying to do all the cleaning I can tonight so I don’t have to do anything on my birthday! Lol especially since I have two kids and want to take them out! Thank you!
Chiane says
And I have Palmolive dish soap. Will this work as well? I’m also waiting till Friday to get Castille soap. So I will use this dish soap if I have too because I know alcohol does not clean dirt
Patti Estep says
Hi Chiane,
All I can say is that I have been using the countertop spray for two years on my granite and love it. I don’t see why it would not work as an all purpose cleaner. Palmolive should work great. I actually use Dawn because I find that it’s good for cutting grease. Some people prefer castile because is gentle and organic however I cannot attest to its effectiveness.
Good luck and I hope you have a very Happy Birthday!
Patti