A few years ago, I started focusing more on my overall health & I learned that anything I put in my body or on my skin could either help or hurt my health. The more I learned, the more I realized how many chemicals & toxins I was exposed to every day!
So I decided to make a change and start shifting to more natural options.
I always recommend making small changes (which add up quickly!), as it is much less overwhelming. I started by shifting my nutrition & supplements for a direct impact. Then I started moving through my “self-care” products: things like makeup, skin care, body wash & lotions, etc. In the last few months, I’ve started to pay more attention to cleaning.
Cleaning took me a while to focus on, as it’s something I don’t spend much time on (or enjoy). But I realized that we still had quite a few chemical-laden products a few months ago and started to do something about it. In the spirit of small changes, I chose one area every few weeks to swap out. I use my doTERRA essential oils in all these recipes, because they work really well!!
Why Should You Use Natural Cleaning Products?
The Environmental Working Group’s investigation of more than 2,000 cleaning supplies found that many products contain substances linked to serious health problems. They found that fumes from some products could induce asthma in otherwise healthy individuals, can cause chemical burns & allergies, and can lead to elevated birth defects (in pregnant women with cleaning jobs). Those are some scary facts!
I know natural products are often seen as expensive, but these DIY alternatives:
- usually cost less than store-bought options
- are toxin-free (so you can avoid the ugly side effects)
- are quick & easy to make, so you can save time in running to the store
- can be really fun to create!
Top 5 DIY Cleaning Recipes
The recipes I’ve chosen are those that I have made at home and have found extremely effective! When I choose cleaning recipes, I look for things with few ingredients — or with items you probably already have at home.
1. Produce Wash
To clean your produce fresh from the garden or store before eating. I like to use the big batch soak method in most cases, but the spray is something I always have on hand, as well.
What you need:
- 2 ounce glass mist bottle (this is the one I use)
- 20 drops of doTERRA lemon essential oil
- water
Instructions:
Add doTERRA lemon oil to the glass bottle, then top with water. Shake well before spraying produce generoustly. Allow the spray to sit for 5 minutes, then rinse clean.
OR
Add 2-4 drops of oil to a bowl to a large bowl of water. Soak produce in the bowl for 5-10 minutes, then remove from bowl and air dry. Rinse if desired, but not necessary.
2. Stubborn Sticker Removal
You know that sticky residue that’s left behind when you remove a price tag from something you bought. This is the answer!!
What you need:
- 1-2 drops doTERRA lemon essential oil
Instructions:
Add a 1-2 drops of oil directly to the sticky residue. Allow to soak for 60 seconds and wipe off. Simple as that!
3. Natural Laundry Detergent
We go through a lot of laundry in our house, even without kids! The natural laundry detergent we used before making our own was pricey, but completely worth it. But now that I’ve made my own in just a few minutes, this is our standard! The recipes was created by Ange at Hol-Fit and is one of her most popular recipes. (click here to get the full recipe)
What you need:
- Castile soap
- Baking soda
- Coarse salt
- 7L hot water (I use my Pyrex measuring cup)
- 10 drops doTERRA On Guard essential oil
- 10 drops doTERRA Citrus Bliss essential oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together in a large class container (I use this one) until smooth & dissolved. Store in laundry room and stir gently before each use. For each load of wash, you will use 1/4-1/2 cup of liquid detergent.
Watch this video to see how simple this laundry recipe is to make:
4. Dishwasher Rinse Agent
If your dishes are spotty, you may be using a chemical rinse aid to get them sparkling clean. While this natural alternative isn’t quite as effective, it does a darn good job & doesn’t leave chemical residue on the dishes you eat off of.
What you need:
- White vinegar
- (optional: tumeric or beet juice for color)
Instructions:
Mix the vinegar and natural color together (if desired). Fill the rinse aid compartment of your dishwasher as needed.
5. Natural Stain Remover Spray
This is my most recent addition to my natural cleaning products & I am still amazed that this simple mix works so well! I recently splashed barbecue sauce on my new white sweater (of course, right?!). Days later, I remembered to treat the stain (with this DIY spray) and get it in the wash. After one wash – my white sweater is good as new!
What you need:
- 2 ounce glass mist bottle (this is the one I use)
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 1/2 oz liquid dish soap
- 1 oz hydrogen peroxide
Instructions:
Pour all ingredients into spray bottle & shake well. Spray directly onto the stain and allow to soak for at least 5 minutes. Wash as directed.
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BONUS! Homemade Dishwasher Tabs
I included this one as a bonus, because I’m really excited to try it, but haven’t tested it personally yet. Knowing how amazing Ange’s laundry detergent is, I have very high expectations for these natural dishwasher tablets. Get the full recipe here.
Tell me: Have you made any natural cleaning products before?
