Homemade Organic Cleaning Supplies
Use organic white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, tea tree oil, pine and lavender essential oils, corn oil and a mild liquid soap such as castille or glycerin soap to clean every part of your home, including your laundry. Does this Spark an idea?
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All-Purpose Cleaner
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Make an all-purpose spray cleaner that can clean countertops and floors in the kitchen, and tub and tile in the bathroom. Combine 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of lemon juice and ½ cup of liquid glycerin or castille soap. Divide into two or three smaller spray bottles that are labeled and dated.
Laundry
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To make laundry detergent, combine 1 cup of liquid soap with 1 oz. of lavender essential oil. Use 1 tbsp. per load of laundry. Use 2 tbsp. for heavily soiled clothes.
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Air Freshener
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To make an air freshener that disinfects, combine 1 cup of distilled water with 2 oz. of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Spray in the kitchen to banish cooking odors or foul smells in the bathroom.
Types
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Use baking soda as an all-purpose cleanser for dishes, to scour pots, pans, the kitchen and bathroom sinks and tub. To clean glass, use distilled white vinegar neat and wipe with newspapers. To clean wood, combine 1 cup of corn oil with 1 oz. of pine essential oil. Use a soft cloth to apply to wood furniture and rub until the oil is absorbed.
Considerations
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You may find that you will need to clean more often to be most efficient, but the advantage of using essential oils is that they smell so pleasant, you may not mind doing this kind of housework.
Benefits
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By using only organic ingredients to make your homemade cleaning supplies, you will not only save money, but you will spare yourself from exposure to bleach, strong chemicals used in oven cleaners, and tub and tile cleaners, too.
Misconceptions
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There is a misconception that using organic, simple ingredients means these cleaners will not be as effective as commercial cleaners. This is not so: lemon juice is excellent for cutting grease. Distilled white vinegar is very cheap, and cleans windows and mirrors beautifully.
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