The cleaners in this section are wonderful and effective environmentally friendly alternatives to strong-smelling chemicals. The essential oils leave a fresh clean smell and mildly disinfect the area. Herbs also make perfect room sprays and wonderful potpourri.
Chamomile & Marjoram Surface Cleaner
The addition of chamomile and marjoram gives this gentle but effective eco-cleaner a beautiful, sweet scent.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 tsp. marjoram flowers and leaves
1–2 tsp. chamomile flower heads
20 drops lavender essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 2 cups.
Keeps up to 2 years.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the herbs (see here). Add the essential oil and decant into a spray bottle (for easy cleaning).
For everyday use, add an equal amount of water to the mixture. Spray on, wait for a few minutes, and wipe off.
For really tough jobs, use the cleaner undiluted; gently heating for a few minutes will make it extra strong. Spray dirty surfaces with hot vinegar cleaner and wait for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Courtesy of Michael Vertolli
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup + 5 tsp. water, boiled or distilled
3 tbsp. + 1 tsp. white distilled vinegar
1 drop Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
Essential oils:
5 drops lavender
3 drops pine
3 drops spruce or fir
1 drop geranium
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 1 cup.
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix.
Shake well before use. Spray the surface, then wipe clean.
Lemon-Fresh Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
2 cups white distilled vinegar
1 lemon, sliced
Essential oils:
10 drops lemon
10 drops orange
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 2 cups.
Keeps 1 year or more.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the lemon (see here), then add the essential oils.
Use as for Chamomile & Marjoram Surface Cleaner (see here).
Bug-Busting Surface Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
2 cups white distilled vinegar
1–2 tsp. thyme leaves
2 tsp. marigold petals
20 drops thyme essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 2 cups.
Keeps up to 2 years.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the thyme and marigold (see here), then add the essential oil.
Use as for Chamomile & Marjoram Surface Cleaner (see here).
Anti-Bacterial Multisurface Cleaner
Courtesy of Teri Evans
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp. borax (see box)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. lemon juice
12/3 cups hot water
Essential oils:
10 drops tea tree
5 drops eucalyptus
5 drops lavender
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 12/3 cups.
Keeps up to 2 months.
METHOD
Put all the ingredients into an empty spray cleaner bottle. Shake well to mix, repeating vigorously before each use.
Rinse surfaces after spraying to remove traces of borax and oils.
Zesty Dishwashing Liquid
INGREDIENTS
4 tsp. washing soda
11/2 cups boiling water
5 tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap (see here) or 12/3 (4-oz.) bars solid castile soap, grated
Essential oils:
10 drops lemon or orange
10 drops grapefruit
10 drops tea tree
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 13/4 cups.
Keeps at least 6 months.
METHOD
If using grated soap, stir into the water until dissolved, then slowly stir in the soda. If not, dissolve the washing soda in the water, then add the liquid soap, continuing to stir until dissolved. Let cool. When cool, stir in the essential oils and bottle.
Shake well before use.
— Tip —
IF YOU USE GRATED SOLID SOAP, YOUR HOMEMADE DISHWASHING LIQUID MAY THICKEN IN THE COLD. USING LESS WASHING SODA WILL GIVE A THINNER LIQUID IF YOU LIVE IN COLDER CLIMES. ALWAYS RINSE WELL AFTER WASHING, AS FOR ANY DISHWASHING LIQUID.
Eco-Powered Oven Cleaner with Basil
This is as effective as commercial brands, without the chemicals.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
11/4 cups baking soda
1/4 cup rosemary vinegar (see here)
4 drops basil essential oil (optional)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes enough for one really thorough clean. Mix the cleaner up freshly each time you need it.
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Remove the oven shelves and clean separately.
Using a paintbrush, spread your mixture over the entire surface of the oven. Let it sit for 6–8 hours or overnight. During this time, the mixture will foam up slightly and lift the grime from the oven surface.
Using a bowl full of clean water and a damp foam scrubber, wipe out the oven. Change the water as needed. If the oven is really greasy and hasn’t been cleaned for a while, repeat the process once again.
Rosemary & Pine Toilet Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
1 small handful of rosemary leaves
1 large handful of pine needles, removed from the stems
2 cups white distilled vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (see here)
50 drops/1/2 tsp. rosemary essential oil (optional)
50 drops/1/2 tsp. pine essential oil (optional)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 2 cups.
Keeps at least 1 year.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the fresh rosemary and pine needles (see here). If desired, add the essential oils for a stronger odor.
Pour a pail of water down the toilet to force water out of the bowl. This will enable you to reach the sides more easily. Then pour the undiluted cleaner into the bowl and let sit for 10–20 minutes. Scrub well with a toilet brush.
Thyme & Marigold Disinfectant
INGREDIENTS
2 cups white distilled vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (see here)
100 drops/1 tsp. thyme essential oil
1/2 oz. dried thyme (or 1 handful of freshly picked, if possible, the leaves removed from the stems)
1/2 oz. dried marigold flowers (or 1 handful of fresh)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes just under 2 cups.
Keeps at least 2 years.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the thyme leaves and marigold flowers (see here). Add the thyme essential oil and bottle the mixture.
Use it diluted 50:50 with water to wipe down surfaces, sinks, toilet seats, and pet areas.
Lemon Zinger Floor Cleaner
Thyme & Marigold Disinfectant (see here) forms the base of this floor cleaner, ideal for ceramic or vinyl tile floors. Do not use it on a stone floor, because vinegar can erode some types of stone, including marble.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Thyme & Marigold Disinfectant (see here)
3 cups white distilled vinegar
3/4 cup lemon juice
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes enough for 4 washes. Keeps 3 months.
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients together.
Add 11/4 cups of the floor cleaner to a large pail (approx. 5 quarts) of hot tap water. Sweep the floor and clean with a mop (no need to rinse).
Stone Floor Soap
A little linseed in this stone floor cleaner adds extra shine.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
2 tbsp. linseed oil
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. grapefruit or orange
50 drops/1/2 tsp. tea tree
just over 3/4 cup hot water
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes just under 2 cups.
Keeps 3–6 months.
METHOD
Mix the liquid soap together with the linseed oil and essential oils. Pour the hot water over this mixture and stir gently.
To use, add 3 tbsp. to a large pail of hot water. Clean the floor thoroughly, using a mop. Rinse with clean water, if desired, but not essential.
Juniper, Rosemary & Lavender Glass Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
1 cup white distilled vinegar
Essential oils:
25 drops/1/4 tsp. juniper
25 drops/1/4 tsp. rosemary
25 drops/1/4 tsp. lavender
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 1 cup.
Keeps 1–2 years.
METHOD
Put the vinegar and oils into a spray bottle and shake gently. Let sit for 24 hours to settle.
To use, add 2 tsp. of the cleaner to 1 quart warm water. Do not use more than this, because it will lead to streaks.
Apply the diluted cleaner to the glass, using a clean cloth or spray from a bottle. Wipe the glass clean with a dry cloth.
— Tip —
TO AVOID STREAKS, DO NOT CLEAN WINDOWS WHEN THEY ARE WARM—EARLY MORNING OR DUSK IS THE BEST TIME.
Rosemary & Horse Chestnut Scouring Powder
Baking soda lifts dirt off surfaces and is gently abrasive, so it can be used to make a scouring powder. Adding dried and powdered herbs brings abrasive qualities to the scouring mixture. The horse chestnuts also contain saponins, which have a detergent effect.
INGREDIENTS
4 dried horse chestnuts (the nuts only), ground
1/2 oz. dried rosemary leaves, ground
2 cups baking soda
21/2 cups chickpea (besan) flour
20 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 5 cups.
Keeps 6–12 months.
METHOD
Put all the dry ingredients into a dry jar (if damp, the baking soda will react) with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to mix. Sprinkle in the essential oil, if using, and mix again.
Sprinkle onto a damp cloth to clean bath rings, food deposits from the sink, etc. For a cream cleaner, mix a little powder with an equal amount of water to form a paste.
— Tip —
USE THE ROSEMARY & HORSE CHESTNUT SCOURING POWDER TO CLEAN STAINED TEA CUPS—IT’S MIRACULOUS.
Thyme Disinfectant Scouring Powder
INGREDIENTS
1 cup salt
15 drops thyme essential oil
1/2 oz. dried thyme leaves, ground
2 cups baking soda
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 31/4 cups.
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Spread the salt out on a plate and sprinkle thoroughly with the thyme oil. Mix all the ingredients together.
Use as for Rosemary & Horse Chestnut Scouring Powder (see here).
Odor-Busting Natural Drain Cleaner
The herbs and baking soda control germs and help eliminate bad odors.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 oz. dried thyme leaves, ground
1/2 oz. dried rosemary leaves, ground
Essential oils:
50 drops/1/2 tsp. thyme
50 drops/1/2 tsp. basil
4 cups baking soda
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 41/2 cups.
Keeps at least 1 year.
METHOD
Put the thyme and rosemary with the essential oils into a jar. Mix well. Add the baking soda, then shake and stir to mix thoroughly. Store in a dry, airtight jar.
To use, first run the hot tap water for a few minutes to warm up the drain. Then slowly pour about 1 teacup or half a mug of the scouring powder down the drain. Dribble in a little hot water to send it down the pipe. Let the cleaner work overnight, then rinse to clear.
Lemon Furniture Polish
As well as nourishing the wood with oil and giving a great shine, this polish smells wonderful.
INGREDIENTS
just over 3/4 cup olive oil or linseed oil
3/4 oz. dried lemon balm or lemongrass (or 1 large handful of fresh)
1/2 cup lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 11/4 cups.
Keeps 6–12 months.
METHOD
Make an infused oil with the oil and herbs (see here). Mix the infused oil with the lemon juice and bottle.
Shake well before use. Rub well into wooden furniture or floors with a soft cloth. This mixture will also nourish your hands while you polish!
Spicy Furniture Polish
INGREDIENTS
just over 3/4 cup olive oil or linseed oil
2 tbsp. ground allspice
just under 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 11/4 cups.
Keeps 6–12 months.
METHOD
Make an infused oil from the oil and mixed spice (see here). Add the lemon juice to the mixture and bottle.
Use as for Lemon Furniture Polish (see here).
— Tip —
USE SOFT COTTON CLOTHS FOR POLISHING, ONES THAT DON’T SHED THEIR FIBERS. I USE AN OLD COTTON SHEET CUT UP. MODERN MICROFIBER POLISHING CLOTHS ARE ALSO GOOD.
Old-Fashioned Furniture Polish
Courtesy of Teri Evans
This polish will improve your wood and should cut through residues left by spray polishes.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup turpentine or mineral spirits
1 cup + 1 tbsp. beeswax, grated or broken into small pieces
50 drops/1/2 tsp. lavender essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 11/2 cups.
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Gently heat the turpentine and beeswax together carefully in a double boiler or water bath. (Turpentine is flammable, so do not leave unattended.) When the wax is melted, pour into a jar and cool to lukewarm. Add the lavender essential oil and stir.
The lavender will release a lovely fragrance as you polish. It requires a little elbow grease, so you’ll burn more calories using it!
Plant-Based Wax for Raw Wood
INGREDIENTS
1 cup beeswax, grated or broken into small pieces
1 cup turpentine
1 cup boiled linseed oil
100 drops/1 tsp. lavender essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 3 cups.
Keeps 2 years.
METHOD
In a double boiler or water bath, melt the beeswax in the turpentine, then add the oil. In order to spread the wax easily it needs to be warm, so you may need to reheat the wax before using; return it to your double boiler if necessary.
Brush it warm onto raw wood (it sinks in). Work your way away from it, and when it has dried completely (30–60 minutes), buff it up into a shine with a soft cloth. The more you buff the wood, the shinier it gets. You can add layers to increase the shine.
Metal Polish
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup infused vinegar of your choice (see here)
1/4 cup fine clay powder or fine dirt from your own yard if you have that type where you live (avoid stone-filled or gritty soil, because it will scratch the metal)
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 1/2 cup.
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Mix the vinegar and dirt together in a bowl.
Rub the polish on your metal ornaments with a damp cloth. Wipe off with a dry soft polishing cloth and enjoy the shine. I have used this on brass, silver, and gold with good results.
— Variation —
THIS METAL POLISH CAN BE MADE WITH LEMON JUICE INSTEAD OF INFUSED VINEGAR, IF DESIRED, BUT WILL ONLY KEEP IN THE REFRIGERATOR FOR A WEEK.
Citrus Carpet Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
Essential oils:
25 drops/1/4 tsp. lemon
25 drops/1/4 tsp. orange
25 drops/1/4 tsp. lemongrass
2 cups white distilled vinegar
Baking soda, as required
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 2 cups.
Keeps indefinitely.
METHOD
Add the essential oils to the vinegar and mix well. Let sit for a day before use.
To treat stains, make a paste with a little of the vinegar and a small amount of baking soda. Shake before use. Brush well into the stained area (an old toothbrush is ideal for this job). Let it dry, then vacuum up.
You can also use this carpet cleaner diluted 1 part cleaner to 5 parts water in a carpet shampooing machine and 50:50 in a steam cleaner. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using with your carpet shampooing machine or steam cleaner.
Spicy Laminate & Wooden Floor Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
1 cup white distilled or apple cider vinegar
2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces (or 1/2 oz. ground cinnamon)
3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
2 tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
2 cups warm water
50 drops/1/2 tsp. orange essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 1 quart.
Keeps at least 1 year.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon (see here). Add the rubbing alcohol, liquid soap, warm water, and essential oil. Mix well and decant into a spray bottle for use.
Spray on and mop off with water.
Antibacterial Laminate & Wooden Floor Cleaner
INGREDIENTS
1 cup white distilled or apple cider vinegar
1/8 oz. marigold petals
3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
2 tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap (see here)
2 cups warm water
50 drops/1/2 tsp. thyme essential oil
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes about 1 quart.
Keeps at least 1 year.
METHOD
Make an infused vinegar with the marigold petals (see here). Add the rubbing alcohol, liquid soap, warm water, and essential oil. Mix well.
Use as for Spicy Laminate & Wooden Floor Cleaner (see here).
ROOM SPRAYS
Plant-based room sprays are widely used to freshen rooms. They play an important part in “space-clearing” or “energy-changing” exercises in the home. To make the sprays, put the ingredients into a 4-oz. spray bottle. Shake 24 times (a traditional number in feng shui) to make sure the essential oils are mixed, then spray abundantly around the room. It can be fun to add a small, specially programmed crystal to the bottle. All sprays, except the Fly Repellent on here, make just under 1/2 cup and keep for up to 3 months.
All these room sprays are courtesy of Lucy Harmer.
Happy House Air Spray
A rich scent used to bring happiness and fun into a home, and help to relieve depression.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
12 drops basil
12 drops orange
Space-Clearing Spray
This refreshing and clean odor is said to clear “heavy” energy in the home.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
14 drops juniper
14 drops lavender
14 drops rosemary
Computer Energy Booster Spray
The effect of these clear-smelling oils increases concentration and boosts energy when you are working on a computer.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
8 drops lemon
8 drops lemongrass
8 drops pine
Helpful Angels Spray
Use when you are in need of divine assistance.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
8 drops frankincense
8 drops myrrh
8 drops sandalwood
Emotional Balancing Spray
For when life’s ups and downs are getting to you.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
8 drops geranium
8 drops neroli
8 drops bergamot
Passion Spray
Speaks for itself!
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
8 drops ylang ylang
8 drops patchouli
8 drops amber
Love Spray
To encourage love of all types into your life.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
8 drops rose
8 drops jasmine
8 drops sandalwood
Deep Sleep Spray
Zzzzzzzzzzz!
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
12 drops lavender
6 drops chamomile
6 drops marjoram
Calm & Relaxation Spray
Destress with this lovely spray.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
8 drops honeysuckle
8 drops cedar
8 drops vetivert
Protection Spray
These plants were traditionally used to protect the home against attacks or evil.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
14 drops geranium
14 drops sage
14 drops petitgrain
Prosperity Spray
This spray contains oils traditionally used to attract wealth.
INGREDIENTS
just under 1/2 cup spring water
Essential oils:
6 drops mint
6 drops cinnamon
9 drops vetivert
3 drops clove
Fly Repellent
Courtesy of Teri Evans
This is a particularly strong mix to spray around doors and windows to repel flies and other insects. It is not for the body.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup spring water
Essential oils:
20 drops citronella
20 drops lavender
MAKES & KEEPS
Makes 1/4 cup.
Keeps 3 months.
METHOD
Mix the water and essential oils together in the spray bottle.
Shake well, then spray around the window frames and doorframes. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, because this is a strong mix.
POTPOURRI
Potpourri is a collection of dried or semi-dried herbs, flowers, woods, and spices that is pleasant to the eye and gives off a lovely fragrance. Adding essential oils creates a stronger scent, and is also useful for refreshing the potpourri’s fragrance.
To make any of these potpourris, mix together the dried plant materials in a beautiful bowl for display. Sprinkle the essential oils over the mix.
Each potpourri will keep well for 3–6 months. Refresh your mixture every so often with a few drops of essential oils.
In our house, we are devotees of Radha and Krishna (the Divine Couple of the Vedic tradition), and almost every day we offer flowers on our altar to Thakurji (the Divine in statue form). I make potpourri from these special prasaadam flowers.
Prasaadam means “mercy of God”; it gives you mercy or grace in the form of spiritual blessings.
⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
Rainbow Potpourri
INGREDIENTS
2 handfuls of dried rose petals (red, pink, yellow, and orange)
A few of any of the following dried flowers and leaves:
marigolds
lavender
hydrangea
forget-me-nots
lemon balm
rosemary
sage
Essential oils:
8 drops lavender
8 drops lemon balm
8 drops geranium
8 drops rose or rose geranium
Winter Festivities Potpourri
Collect together enough of the following to fill your chosen display bowl:
INGREDIENTS
holly leaves (handle with care)
holly berries
cedar leaves
ivy leaves
small pinecones
pine needles
dried orange peel
1 tsp. cloves
1 nutmeg, freshly ground
glitter, to add some sparkle (optional)
Essential oils:
10–20 drops cinnamon
10–20 drops orange
5–10 drops pine
Breathe-Easy Potpourri
This potpourri can help with breathing difficulties. Gather a mixture of the following to fill your bowl.
INGREDIENTS
pine needles
rosemary sprigs (broken into small pieces)
eucalyptus leaves
sage leaves
bay leaves
cedar leaves
a few whole star anise
Essential oils:
10–20 drops peppermint
10–20 drops clary sage
10–20 drops pine