This year, try a new way of doing things! Now, more than ever, is a great time to make sure your home is completely clean and safe. Say “no more” to toxic cleaners; toss them and make your own instead. You can easily DIY a few household cleaners using essential oils. They are all-natural, just as effective, affordable and smell great. It truly is a win-win. Here’s a few of my favourite recipes for cleaning with Essential Oils.
Recipes for Cleaning with Essential Oils
All-Purpose Cleaner
Every household needs a go-to AP cleaner. Especially helpful in the kitchen, this cleaner works wonders on hard surfaces, smells great, and is a powerful disinfectant. The fresh, clean scent makes it especially appealing.
In a glass spray bottle combine the following:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp baking soda
- 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- 5 drops Lemon essential oil
Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. Easy to use; spray, wipe and allow to dry.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 TBSP baking soda, bicarbonate of soda
- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil, Melaleuca
- 5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
- In a glass spray bottle all the ingredients in order that they are listed.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well.
- To use: spray, wipe and allow to dry.
Window Cleaner
A fantastic streak-free cleaner for glass, windows, mirrors etc.
In a glass spray bottle (8 ounces or more is recommended) combine the following:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 4 drops Lime essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender (optional)
Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. Spray and wipe clean.
Window Cleaner
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 TBSP cornstarch, cornflour
- 1/2 cup vodka, or rubbing alcohol
- 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- 4 drops Lime Essential Oil
- 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions
- In a glass spray bottle combine the ingredients in the order they are listed above.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well.
- Spray and wipe clean.
Bathroom Scrub
This recipe forms a powerful and effective paste that cleans and disinfects tubs, toilets and sinks. Because it can be a bit harsh on your skin, I recommend wearing gloves.
In a glass bowl combine the following:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 20 drops Germ Fighter Blend (available from Plant Therapy or you can use any disinfecting oil)
- 15 drops Tea Tree essential oil
Break up clumps and store in a glass jar. When ready to use, combine 1-2 Tablespoons with water to form a paste. Apply to area, scrub and allow it to sit on the surface for a few minutes. Rinse well.
Bathroom Scrub
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 1 cup baking soda, bicarbonate of soda
- 20 drops Protective or Disinfecting Blend Essential Oil, such as Germ Fighter/ Germ Destroyer
- 15 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil, Maleluca
Instructions
- In a glass bowl combine the ingredients above in the order they are listed.
- Break up clumps and store in a glass jar.
- When ready to use, combine 1-2 Tablespoons with water to form a paste.
- Apply to area, scrub and allow it to sit on the surface for a few minutes. Rinse well.
Dusting Spray
I love this spray because it’s gentle enough to be used on wood furniture and baseboards and doesn’t leave behind any weird or sticky residue.
In a 16oz glass spray bottle combine the following:
- 1 cup distilled water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup of fractionated coconut oil (sweet almond oil also works well)
- 15 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Lemon essential oil
- 5 drops Cinnamon Cassia essential oil
Shake well. Lightly spray furniture, or directly on a cloth and wipe clean. A light spray or mist is all you need but remember to shake often during use because oil and water doesn’t mix well.
Dusting Spray
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil, or sweet almond oil
- 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 5 drops Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil
Instructions
- In a 16oz glass spray bottle combine ingredients in the order they are listed.
- Shake well to mix.
- Lightly spray furniture, or directly on a cloth and wipe clean. A light spray or mist is all you need but remember to shake often during use because oil and water doesn’t mix well.
Floor Cleaner
You’re going to love this easy DIY recipe for floor cleaner. It’s simple, effective, and will leave your house smelling great!
In a mop bucket with warm water add:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 7 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- 3 drops Peppermint or Tea Tree essential oil
Mix and mop floors like usual.
Note: No need to rinse. Have used on wood, vinyl and tile flooring but I recommend testing on a small area first. Okay to use essential oils of your preference; I recommend 10 drops of essential oil for this purpose.
Floor Cleaner
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 7 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil, or Tea Tree (Maleluca) Essential Oil
Instructions
- 3/4 fill a mop bucket with warm water and add the above ingredients in the order they are listed.
- Mix and mop floors like usual.
- Note: No need to rinse. Have used on wood, vinyl and tile flooring but I recommend testing on a small area first. Okay to use essential oils of your preference; I recommend 10 drops of essential oil for this purpose.