I like making my own cleaners when I can — they're simple, they smell good, and I know exactly what's in them. The cleaning power mostly comes from the soap, vinegar, and baking soda, the oils are mainly for scent, so you get a clean house without a ...
Sections
3
The bases
Essential oils I reach for
To finish the kit
The bases
The base for most of my spray cleaners, good for glass and hard-water spots. All-purpose mix: 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, a few drops of Dawn, 10 drops lemon or peppermint.
White vinegar
For scrubbing sinks, tubs, and grout when you need a little grit. Scrub paste: baking soda + a little water, plus a few drops lavender.
Baking soda
Just a few drops cuts grease, so a little goes a long way.
Dawn dish soap
Oils can break down cheap plastic over time, so glass holds up better. Glass mix: 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, 10 drops lemon.
Glass spray bottles
Essential oils I reach for
Fresh, clean smell, my go-to for kitchens.
Lemon essential oil
Calm smell, nice for bathrooms and bedrooms.
Lavender essential oil
Strong, fresh smell I use in bathroom sprays.
Tea tree essential oil
Crisp smell, good for kitchens and trash can areas.
Peppermint essential oil
Clean, spa-like smell for showers and bathrooms.
Eucalyptus essential oil
fresh, sweet citrus smell, nice for kitchens.
Sweet orange essential oil
herbal, fresh smell, nice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Rosemary essential oil
bright, lemony smell, strong so just a few drops, good for trash can areas.
Lemongrass essential oil
light, fresh citrus smell, nice for bathrooms.
Grapefruit essential oil
classic clean, forest smell, good for floors and bathrooms.
Pine essential oil
To finish the kit
Wipe without leaving lint behind.
Microfiber cloths
So you know what's in each bottle and don't grab the wrong one.
Labels
Makes filling bottles without spilling everywhere a lot easier.
