Lavender

Many commercial household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. The labels on cleaners don’t list the potential long term effects or the chronic health problems that these toxic chemicals can cause. These products can also be detrimental to the environment. When you discard a cleaner containing hazardous chemicals in the trash or down the drain, these chemicals can end up polluting lakes and streams, as well as damaging your septic or sewer systems. It is easy and inexpensive to make your own cleaners at home!

All-Purpose Cleaner
1 t of borax
1 T of castille soap
1/8 c white vinegar
2 c hot water
5-10 drops of essential oil (optional

Mix all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray and wipe with a soft cloth
You can use this product on most surfaces (including countertops, wood, appliances, etc.)

Creamy Soft Scrub
1/2 c baking soda
Liquid soap (such as Ivory or castille)

Add enough liquid soap to the baking soda to make a frosting-like texture.
Scoop the mixture onto a sponge or cloth and scrub away

Wood Cleaner and Polish
1/8 c vinegar
1/4 c lemon juice
1/8 c olive or linseed oil
A few drops of vitamin E

Mix the ingredients together in a jar. Rub the mixture into your wood furniture with a soft cloth.

No-Rinse Floor Cleaner
1/2 c vinegar
1/2 gallon water

Mix and mop! No need to rinse

Fragrant Floor Cleaner

1/8 c liquid soap (vegetable based)
1/2 c vinegar or strained lemon juice
1/2 c favorite herbal tea
2 gallons of water

Mix and mop! Rinse if desired.