Making Cleaning Supplies with Basics & Essential Oils

     It is one of my passions in life to make things simple and get back to a good, old-fashioned basic way of doing things.  I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn that cleaning products are included in the list of things that I try to make myself.

     The advertisers of the world would love for you to believe that every surface, every space, and every nook and cranny in your home requires a specialized cleaning formula that can only be produced in a major manufacturing facility.  They attempt to brainwash us into believing that we need countless sprays, wipes, gels, and powders in order for our homes to be truly clean.  And without their specialized formulas we are either going to somehow destroy the very homes we live in by using the "wrong" products on them, or we are simply living in filth and don't even know it.

     I am here to tell you that this is not true!  You can have a clean and sanitary home without spending a fortune on commercial cleaning products, and even adjust your cleaning supplies to fit the specific needs of your family and your own personal values.  The options are vast and the only ingredient I'm going to advocate strongly is essential oil.  If there is something on my list of basics that you don't feel comfortable using, then leave that ingredient out of your repertoire.  Each and every one of us can find the solutions that work for our families.

The main ingredients used in homemade cleaning supplies are:
White Vinegar
Rubbing Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking Soda
Ammonia
Essential Oils
These are inexpensive, common ingredients that can be used to replace most of the commercial cleaning supplies that we generally purchase.

      My go-to general cleaner is 1 oz Ammonia with 27 oz of water, and 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil.  It's an incredibly mild solution, but it makes my bathroom sparkle!  Plus, with the addition of the essential oils, the disinfecting power is increased and your cleaner has a lovely fragrance.

      The Essential Oils I use are First Botany Cosmeceuticals.  I have been using Lavender because it's one of my favorite scents, but there are other great Essential Oils available from this company.  Tea Tree is a fantastic oil to use in cleaning products as well.  I love these oils because the large 4oz bottles make enough cleaning supplies to disinfect my home for years to come.  Additionally, a few drops can eliminate odors in the trash cans and garbage disposal.  You can also place a drop or two under the seat of your car for a fresh smelling interior.  The Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil that I use in my household supplies can be purchased here.  It's my favorite because, not only is my home fresh and clean, but the lavender is known to be a relaxing scent.  A little extra calming and de-stressing in the home can't be a bad thing.

     With a bit of ingenuity, some basic supplies that are probably already in your house, and a bottle of Essential Oils, you can have a clean, sanitary, sparkling home that smells as fresh as it looks.  I've replaced the expensive rinse aid in my dishwasher with White Vinegar and a few drops of Essential Oil.  I'm making my own liquid laundry detergent with Borax, Washing Powder, Soap Flakes, Water and Essential Oils.  My clothes are cleaner and I control exactly what goes into the detergent.

     I would love to hear about your experiments with homemade cleaning products.  I'm still searching for the optimal formulas for various jobs.  I will share them here as I find them.  If you have one you would like to share, I'm sure everyone would be glad to know about it, too.