Zero Waste DIY Cleansers for Spring Cleaning

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Here in the Willamette Valley, the sun is beginning to make its appearance at long last. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and while we see this play out in the natural world around us, the season invites us to start a kind of unfurling in our own lives as well. After a long winter of cozying up inside, the first days that allow windows and doors to be thrown open to the fresh air feels almost transformative. I would hazard a guess that this feeling of renewal and transformation helped in part to inspire the tradition of spring cleaning.

There is something deeply satisfying about using these first nice days of the year to tend to and cleanse your home. Choosing the right products for this task can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are someone that has sensitivities to harsh chemicals or are trying to live a low-impact lifestyle. That’s why I wanted to share these three natural DIY recipes meant to aid in this yearly ritual. The essential oils chosen for these cleansers are known for their power both in cleaning and in the purifying of spaces, thus the perfect allies to help welcome in the rejuvenation of spring. We invite you to open your windows wide, blast your favorite cleaning music, and get to work banishing the winter gloom from your home!

Fizzy Tub, Sink, and Toilet Bowl Powder

Ingredients

Directions

To Use

• 1 cup baking soda + ADD
• ½ cup Non-GMO citric acid + ADD
• 4 Tablespoons borax powder + ADD
• 45 drops organic grapefruit essential oil + ADD
• 25 drops organic fir needle essential oil + ADD
• 15 drops organic rosemary essential oil + ADD

1. Using a wooden or non-reactive spoon and a glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine dry ingredients.
2. Drop in essential oils and mix thoroughly
3. Store in airtight jar or container for future use

1. Wipe the area you are cleaning with a wet rag to remove larger particles.
2. Sprinkle desired amount of powder directly onto damp surface and allow it fizz for several moments.
3. Scrub, rinse, and wipe dry for a sparkly clean surface!

Pro Tips:

• Mix in a well-ventilated room. You may also want to wear a mask while mixing if you are sensitive.
• Please keep out of the reach of children and pets!
• Citric acid is not recommended for use on marble or granite.

Room & Fabric Freshener Spray

Ingredients

Directions

• 3 oz. unflavored vodka
• 15 drops organic lavender essential oil + ADD
• 15 drops organic lemon essential oil + ADD
• 10 drops organic fir essential oil + ADD
• 12 oz. distilled water

1. Mix all ingredients in 16 oz. spray bottle and shake well before each use.
2. Spray to refresh your room, curtains, mattress, pillows, bed linens, area rugs, couches, and fabric-covered furniture.

Pro Tip:

• Some fabric types may be damaged by the application of sprays. Please make sure you consult with care guide of your item and test in an inconspicuous area first.

All Purpose Spray Cleanser

Ingredients

Directions

• ½ cup 91% rubbing alcohol or 190 proof ethanol
• 20 drops organic grapefruit essential oil + ADD
• 10 drops organic lemongrass essential oil + ADD
• 5 drops organic rosemary essential oil + ADD
• 5 drops organic lemon essential oil + ADD
• 1½ cups distilled water
• 1 Tbsp. castile soap + ADD

1. Add alcohol and essential oils to a glass spray bottle.
2. Place cap on and shake well to incorporate essential oils into alcohol.
3. Remove cap and add remaining ingredients.
4. Shake again and let sit overnight until ingredients finish melding together.
5. Label with name of recipe and date made.
6. To Use: Shake well, spray on desired surfaces and wipe down with reusable cloths or sponges.