It’s that time of year...the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming… and the sun is shining on every speck of dust in the house. If you're in the mood to start Spring cleaning your space, I have some safe, effective, and affordable cleaning options you can make using vinegar, water, baking soda, and essential oils.
Keeping your home clean and fresh is important for maintaining a healthy environment, but many commercial cleaning products can be harmful to both you and the planet. Fortunately, you don't need to sacrifice your health or the environment for a sparkling clean home. With the help of essential oils and some basic household products, you can create your own non-toxic cleaners that are just as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using essential oils for cleaning and provide some simple recipes that you can use to make your own non-toxic cleaners at home.
Making your home healthier does not have to be expensive or complicated.
How to Determine What Products are Non-Toxic?
A resource that I find to be helpful is the app called “Think Dirty.” It is available on both iPhone and Android devices and is such a handy tool. This app was created by the Environmental Working Group to show you what common household items are hazardous to our health.
Once you download the app, I challenge you to type a product name or scan the barcode of something underneath your sink. The app will rate the product giving it a number and will also break down the ingredients in the product giving you an overall idea if that is something that you want to keep in your house or not.
If you are newer to the natural living game, then you probably made some pretty terrifying discoveries once you started diving into the ingredients of some of the most traditional or advertised products.
The first half of this article will be dedicated to the basics of creating DIY cleaning products and the second half will be dedicated to tons of recipes you can start making today. If you get overwhelmed easily stick to the first half of this article till you are ready to move on.
If DIY is not your thing, do not fret doTERRA offers two cleaning lines to make switching to non-toxic cleaning supplies easy and cost effective.
doTERRA On Guard Line
The On Guard line is a collection of cleaning and personal care products from doTERRA that are formulated with the On Guard essential oil blend. The On Guard blend consists of Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower essential oils, which have been shown to have powerful cleansing and purifying properties.
Some of the products in the On Guard line include:
On Guard Cleaner Concentrate: This is a powerful and effective all-purpose cleaner that is safe for use on all surfaces. It is made with plant-based ingredients and the On Guard essential oil blend and can be used to clean floors, countertops, bathrooms, and more.
On Guard Foaming Hand Wash: This is a gentle and moisturizing hand soap that is formulated with the On Guard essential oil blend. It is free from harsh chemicals and is safe for use by the whole family.
On Guard Protecting Throat Drops: These are soothing throat lozenges that are made with the On Guard essential oil blend, as well as other natural ingredients like honey, lemon, and peppermint. They are great for soothing sore throats and boosting the immune system.
On Guard Laundry Detergent: This is a natural and effective laundry detergent that is safe for use on all types of fabrics. It is made with the On Guard essential oil blend, as well as other plant-based ingredients that help to lift stains and remove dirt and grime.
On Guard Sanitizing Mist: This is a convenient and effective hand sanitizer that is made with the On Guard essential oil blend. It is perfect for use when you are on-the-go and need to clean your hands quickly and easily.
Overall, the On Guard line from doTERRA is a great choice for anyone who is looking for effective and natural cleaning and personal care products. They are safe, effective, and made with high-quality, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on both people and the environment.
doTERRA Abode Line
The doTERRA Abode Line is a collection of natural cleaning products made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils. These products are designed to clean effectively without the use of harsh chemicals, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice for households.
The Abode Line includes a variety of products, such as a multi-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap, surface cleaner, and more. Each product is formulated with specific essential oils and ingredients to target different cleaning needs. For example, the multi-purpose cleaner contains Wild Orange and Lemon essential oils to help remove grease and grime, while the laundry detergent includes doTERRA's proprietary blend of On Guard essential oil for a natural boost of cleaning power.
The Abode Line products are also packaged in recyclable materials, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainability. By using natural, plant-based ingredients and essential oils, the Abode Line offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional cleaning products.
Here's a brief overview of each product:
Abode Cleaning Concentrate: This all-purpose cleaner is made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils and can be used on all surfaces in your home. Simply mix with water and use as needed.
Abode Laundry Detergent: This laundry detergent is gentle on clothes and tough on stains. It's made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils, and comes in a convenient, easy-to-use bottle.
Abode Dish Soap: This dish soap is tough on grease and grime, but gentle on your hands.
Abode Bathroom Cleaner: This powerful cleaner is specifically designed to tackle soap scum, hard water stains, and other bathroom messes.
Abode Glass Cleaner: This streak-free glass cleaner is perfect for cleaning mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces in your home. It's made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils and comes in a refreshing Citrus scent.
All of these products are designed to be effective, eco-friendly, and safe for use around your family and pets. They're also cost-effective, as each product is highly concentrated and only requires a small amount to be effective.
How to Make Non-Toxic Cleaners Using Essential Oils
If you're looking for a way to clean your home without using toxic chemicals, essential oils are a great place to start. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also have powerful cleaning properties that can leave your home sparkling clean. In this article, we'll show you how to make non-toxic cleaners using essential oils that actually work.
A few years ago, I switched to using homemade cleaners because I wanted to reduce my exposure to harmful chemicals. At first, I was skeptical about how effective these cleaners would be, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well they worked. Not only were they just as effective as commercial cleaners, but they also left my home smelling fresh and clean without the overpowering scent of synthetic fragrances.
One of the best parts of using essential oils in your cleaners is the flexibility it offers. You can customize your cleaners to suit your specific cleaning needs and preferences. For example, if you prefer a stronger scent, you can add a few extra drops of essential oil. Alternatively, if you have a sensitivity to certain oils, you can leave them out and still create an effective cleaner.
Another great benefit of making your own non-toxic cleaners with essential oils is that they are cost-effective. Many store-bought cleaners can be quite expensive, but with just a few basic ingredients and a collection of essential oils, you can create a range of effective cleaning solutions at a fraction of the cost.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To make non-toxic cleaners using essential oils, you'll need a few basic supplies:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Water
- Essential oils
- Two cleaner concentrates from doTERRA
Step 2: Make Your All-Purpose Cleaner
The doTERRA On Guard concentrated cleaner is a powerhouse bottle that can be used to clean just about everything in your home. To make an all-purpose spray, simply add one tablespoon of the cleaner concentrate to a recycled foaming hand wash bottle (such as the On Guard hand wash from doTERRA), fill the rest of the bottle with water, and add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. This all-purpose spray can be used to clean countertops, granite, wood floors, bathtubs, toilets, and more.
Step 3: Make Your Soft Scrub
To make your own all-natural soft scrub, mix baking soda and the cleaner concentrate until it looks like a frosty light consistency. You can also add some purify, tea tree, or lemon oil to enhance the cleaning or change up the aroma. This soft scrub can be used to clean sinks, tubs, and showers. Simply sprinkle the baking soda in the area you want to clean, squirt the cleaner concentrate on top, and use a scrubber to clean.
Step 4: Make Your Glass Cleaner
To make a streak-free glass cleaner, fill a recycled 16 oz kombucha bottle with vinegar (about one-third of the way) and top the rest with water. Add 20 drops of essential oils, such as lemon and peppermint, to enhance the cleansing ability. This glass cleaner can be used on windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
Step 5: Keep Your House Clean
To keep your house clean, make one bottle of each cleaner and put them in every bathroom in your house. This way, you can easily clean up any messes as they happen. Also, keep some microfiber cloths handy to make cleaning a breeze.
Making non-toxic cleaners using essential oils is easy, cost-effective, and good for your health. By using these simple recipes, you can have a clean and healthy home without relying on harsh chemicals. For more cleaning recipes, check out my
free green cleaning eBook filled with recipes..
24 DIY Recipes for Non-Toxic Cleaning
All Purpose Spray
Pick from two super simple recipes for a DIY All-Purpose Spray:
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 ¾ cup water
- 30 drops Essential Oil of your choice
OR
- 2 Tablespoons of On Guard Cleaning Concentrate
- 15 drops Essential Oil of your choice
- Top with distilled water
(Options include: 15 drops each Lavender & Lemon, 10 drops each Eucalyptus, Peppermint & Wild Orange, 30 drops OnGuard or 15 drops each Grapefruit & OnGuard)
Add all ingredients to a 16 oz spray bottle. Shake thoroughly and spritz on surfaces and wipe clean! Perfect for use all throughout the house! This will literally cost you less than $2.00 for a full spray!
DIY All Purpose Wipes
All you need is:
- 1 roll premium paper towels
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tbsp Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)
- 5 drops On Guard
- 1-2 tbsp OnGuard Foaming Hand Wash
How to DIY them:
1. Cut the paper towel roll in half widthwise with a serrated knife. Use one half now and save the other for later!
2. Combine water, FCO, essential oils, and Hand Wash in a small bowl
3. Pour mixture over paper towels and cover with an airtight lid. Let absorb for 10 minutes.
4. Flip the container over and let it sit another 10 minutes.
5. Remove and discard the cardboard tube. Pull the wipes from the center when you are ready to use them!
Fruit/Veggie Wash
Getting fresh fruits and veggies in your home helps you and your family to grab healthy snacks throughout the day. The only unfortunate side of the produce section or farmers market is most of the produce has been sprayed with pesticides and then also a waxy coating to give them that nice, shiny appearance.
Once produce makes its way into my kitchen the first thing I do is clean it.
My fruit and veggie wash options are:
- ¼ cup White or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 10 drops Lemon essential oil
Fill the rest of your 8 oz spray bottle with distilled water, shake and spray away!
OR
you can fill your sink or a bowl with water, add 3-5 drops of Lemon essential oil, 3-4 pumps of On Guard foaming hand wash, swish, and let the produce soak for 5-10 minutes and rinse clean!
Bonus: I have found this will also help preserve the freshness of your produce!
Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
Unfortunately, commercial dish detergent is loaded with awful chemicals that coat everything you eat off of. So here is an alternative that you can make right at home and have comfort knowing you aren’t washing your dishes in harmful chemicals!
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid
- 1 tbsp On Guard Cleaner Concentrate
- 5 drops Grapefruit essential oil (or any citrus)
Directions:
1. Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix together until the mixture is an even consistency.
2. Place in silicone molds and let sit for 4 hours.
3. Remove tabs and store them in an airtight container. Use in place of store-bought tablets!
Stove/Oven Cleaner
Cleaning the oven is the absolute worst, am I right? I know it is one of the chores that I tend to put off.
For a simple solution, I use this DIY Oven Cleaner:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
- ¼ cup liquid dish soap
- 5 drops Lemon essential oil (or any citrus)
Directions:
- Combine ingredients to make a thick paste
- Apply a generous layer to the inside of the oven and let it sit for a few hours.
- Clean out with a damp sponge
Dish Soap
Generic Liquid dish soap is another one with a high score on the Think Dirty app. We all use it though, so it might be nice to just make our own!
- 2 cups unscented castile soap
- 20 drops Lime oil
- 8 drops Lemon oil
- 6 drops Citrus Bliss
Directions:
- Fill a large, clean bottle with castile soap and essential oils
- To use, shake and add 1-2 tbsp to dishwater or a small amount to a natural sponge
Garbage Disposal Refreshers
Does your garbage disposal need a little attention? It is a great place for odors to hang out for sure. Let’s talk about a recipe to help freshen, clean and deodorize our garbage disposals.
What you need:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup salt
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup unscented castile soap
- 30 drops Lemon oil
Directions:
1. Combine baking soda and salt in a bowl
2. Add castile soap and essential oil into the mixture
3. Add water, 1 tbsp at a time, while stirring until it becomes the consistency of “damp sand.” (It should stay together when pressed - if you add too much water just add more baking soda)
4. Scoop a tbsp of mixture onto parchment paper and let dry for 24 hours or until hardened.
5. Store in a glass jar. Place 1-3 refreshers into the garbage disposal and turn on as needed for freshness!
These you will only have to make once every few months, and they make such a big impact on keeping your sink smelling fresh and clean!
Microwave Cleaner
Microwaves are a hot spot for caked-on food and mystery stains.
Biggest impact...get rid of the microwave! (it's a massive EMF emitter!) but for those who don’t want to toss it, let me teach you how to keep it clean!
Grab some:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups hot water
- 15 drops Lemon oil (or any citrus)
Directions:
1. Combine the ingredients in a glass spray bottle
2. Spray mixture inside the microwave, let sit and wipe clean using a damp cloth!
Soft Scrub Cleanser
We have just spent some time focusing on the kitchen and its appliances, but now let’s move on to another room in the house that needs a lot of special time and attention when it comes to cleaning - the bathroom! It is personally my least favorite space in the house to clean but hopefully, these swaps make it a little more tolerable!
Soft Scrub Cleanser:
- ¾ rounded cup of baking soda
- ¼ cup unscented castile soap
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 5-10 drops Lemon oil
Directions:
1. Combine baking soda and castile soap in a bowl
2. Add water and stir
3. Add vinegar and essential oil. The consistency should be a soft paste.
4. Store in an airtight container (this is enough for 2-4 applications)
Use this recipe to remove soap scum and stains as well as to brighten your tub, tile, and toilet! To use, apply and let sit for 5-10 minutes and then scrub. After scrubbing, take a wet cloth and wipe clean. Boom! The shower looks good as new!
Toilet Bowl Pods
As we ditch the toxic chemical cleaners, we will need a replacement for our toilets!
Give these natural toilet cleaning pods a whirl:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid
- 1 ½ tbsp unscented castile soap
- 15 drops Purify Cleansing Blend
Directions:
1. Stir the baking soda and citric acid
2. Slowly stir in castile soap and Purify until the mixture resembles wet sand
3. Pack the mixture into a mold and let dry for at least 4 hours.
4. Once dry. Remove the pods and store them in an airtight container
5. To use, drop one in the toilet, wait until the pod starts bubbling and scrub!
Foaming Hand Soap
It is surprisingly easy how easy it is to make your own foaming hand soap!
All you need is:
- 2 tbsp unscented castile soap
- 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil (FCO)
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oil
- Water
Directions:
1. Pour castile soap and FCO into the bottle and add essential oils
2. Slowly add water, making sure to leave room for the pump
3. Add lid, shake and you are all set!
Clear the Drain
As you may have assumed, your traditional drain clog remover is not made with the best of ingredients. A natural option is so simple, affordable, and easy!
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 3 drops Wild Orange essential oil (or any citrus)
Directions:
1. Drip 3 drops of essential oil down the drain followed by the baking soda and then the vinegar
2. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Pour hot water down the drain, following with cold water
DIY Body Wash
We have spent a lot of time focusing on cleaning products for the home but there are also chemicals hiding out in our personal care items as well. This recipe to make your own body wash sounds invigorating!
All you need is:
- 8 oz glass pump bottle
- ½ cup unscented castile soap
- 4 tbsp vegetable glycerin
- 3 tbsp fractionated coconut oil (FCO)
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (consider Citrus Bliss, Peppermint, Grapefruit, or Lime)
Directions:
1. Combine ingredients into glass pump
2. Add essential oils
3. Shake before each use to combine
DIY GLASS CLEANER
Say it isn’t so! Windex is not the best for us.
Grab a 16 oz spray bottle and get mixing:
- 1 ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup distilled water
- 8 drops of a citrus oil of your choice
DIY Wood Polish
Need to spiffy up the wood in your home? We have got you covered!
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 10 drops essential oil (suggested: Wild Orange, Lemon, or Arborvitae)
Directions:
1. Add olive oil and vinegar to a glass spray bottle
2. Add essential oils
3. Shake well before each use. Apply to a microfiber cloth and wipe down your wood surfaces! Repeat every 2-3 months as desired.
DIY Linen Spray
There is nothing better than fresh sheets on the bed.
I like to spray my sheets down once I have changed them using this recipe:
- 1 tsp Witch Hazel or Vodka
- Water
- 30 drops Lavender (or essential oil of choice)
Directions:
Add witch hazel, water, and essential oil into a 2 oz spray bottle and spray linens!
Bonus: the lavender will help you relax and drift off to dreamland.
Reusable Dust Wipes
Dust. Ugh. It is everywhere and never-ending it seems. Feather dusters just move dust around from place to place but cloth wipes can help to trap and remove the dust.
- 2 cups distilled water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 25 drops Lemon oil
Directions:
1. Cut 3-5 cloth towels into fourths or quarters
2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and add cloths
3. Soak until cloths are saturated
4. Ring each cloth out and tightly roll up cloths and store in an airtight container
5. If your clothes dry out, just dampen them with water to refresh
Purify Magic Sponge
Move over Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! There’s a new sponge in town.
- 1 melamine sponge
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tsp borax
- ½ cup hot water
- 3 drops Purify Cleansing Blend
Directions:
1. Add baking soda, borax, hot water and Purify to a glass container and mix until dissolved
2. Place melamine sponge in the mixture and press to absorb the liquid
3. To use, remove the sponge, wring out extra liquid and begin cleaning
4. When finished, rinse the sponge with cold water and return to the glass container with the mixture.
Carpet Cleaner
Possibly one of my most favorite as well as one the easiest DIY swaps is this carpet cleaner:
2 cups baking soda
10 drops Purify Cleansing Blend
Directions:
1. Add Purify to baking soda until combined
2. Sprinkle mixture over the carpet and let sit 1-2 hours. Vacuum.
3. Store remaining mixture in an airtight container for future use
Shoe Care
Oh geez - what is that smell? Could it be your running shoes? Or your teenager’s gym bag? Whatever it is, I have a deodorizer solution for you!
½ cup rubbing alcohol
20 drops each of Tea Tree, Cypress & Lemon oil
Directions:
1. Add rubbing alcohol and essential oils to a spray bottle
2. Close the bottle and shake to combine. Spray desired target.
3. If applying to shoes, remove soles and spray. Let dry before replacing soles.
Even easier hack: Drop a few drops of Purify on a cotton ball and throw into shoes in need of a scent pick me up. Let sit a few hours or overnight.
Washing Machine Cleaner
Unfortunately, washing machines are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Especially those
front loaders! Rest assured; I have a solution! Literally.
¾ cup white vinegar
10 drops Tea Tree oil
5 drops Grapefruit oil
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in an 8 oz glass spray bottle
2. Shake well and spray the solution around the seal
3. Using a soft cloth, wipe down
4. Remove the soap dispenser tray and spray and wipe down.
5. Let air dry before doing the next load of laundry
For best results, perform this maintenance weekly!
Laundry Softener
Traditional laundry softener may leave your clothes covered in a film, or if you have sensitive skin, they may be an irritant for you. Making your own is easy and affordable (if you haven’t noticed the pattern yet!) All you need is vinegar and essential oils.
10 oz white vinegar
3 drops each of Lemon, Lime, and Grapefruit oils
Citrus peels (optional)
Directions:
1. Add citrus peels to a 16 oz glass bottle
2. Fill the bottle halfway with vinegar
3. Add essential oils then top with the rest of the vinegar and shake
4. Let sit a week before use
5. Depending on the size of the load, you can use anywhere from 2 tbsp up to ¼ cup at a time. If you have harder water, you may need to use more.
The use depends on the type of washer that you have. If you have a top-loading washer: during the final rinse cycle, manually add the vinegar mixture. If your washer has a fabric softener cup, add the mixture to it and it will dispense at the appropriate time. If your washer does not have one, add the mixture into a fabric softener ball and put it in with your close at the beginning.
This does not make your clothes smell like vinegar at all.
Cleaning your Car using the On Guard Cleaner Concentrate
Somehow, we have focused minimally on the On Guard Cleaner Concentrate this month, but it is so versatile and can be used for just about everything. One of my favorite uses is to clean my car.
Add 1 tbsp OnGuard Cleaner concentrate to a bucket. Fill with hot water and clean your car. Wipe surfaces inside down first, then clean the outside with a soft rag. Bing bang boom! Clean car for literal pennies.
Lemon Oil Degreaser
Lemon oil is one of the most used oils in our home.
It works amazing as a substitute for Goo Gone.
We use it from everything to helping remove stickers to tough grease stains.
Use on hands that are covered in sap
Grill Cleaner
Happy Memorial Day! What a perfect day for a natural option to clean the grill!
¼ cup baking soda
2 tbsp castile soap
5 drops Lemon essential oil
Distilled white vinegar
Directions:
1. Combine baking soda, castile soap, and Lemon oil
2. Add vinegar until it has an olive oil consistency
3. Brush mixture on the metal grill and let sit for 15-20 minutes
4. Use a grill brush to scrub the surface clean
5. Rinse with water
Wool Dryer Balls
There are several benefits to using dryer balls in your laundry routine. First, dryer balls can help reduce drying time, which can save energy and money on your electricity bill. They work by bouncing around in the dryer, separating and fluffing up clothes, allowing air to circulate more efficiently and speeding up the drying process. Second, they can help reduce static cling in your clothes, which is a common problem when using fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Finally, they are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets, which can contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin or allergies.
Are you wanting to pursue a toxin-free lifestyle, but don't know where to start? Or maybe, you just need some new skincare, haircare, or non-toxic perfume recipes?
Click the link below to receive a free copy of the Toxin-Free Lifestyle eBook.
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