Growing up, my mom cleaned the mirrors and windows in our home with a famous blue liquid. This liquid, and the scent that came with it, represented “clean” in our home. I’m so glad glass cleaner was one of the first cleaning products to be questioned when we began to make the switch to using more natural products in our home.

Why Make Homemade Glass and Window Cleaner?

Let’s take a look at the ingredients listed on the Windex website (just one of many window and glass cleaner brands on the market): Water, 2-Hexoxyethanol, Isopropanolamine, Sodium Dodecylbenzene, Sulfonate Cleaning, Lauramine Oxide, Ammonium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Liquitint® Sky Blue Dye.

Common household ingredients, right?! Nothing like an ingredient list that makes you wish you paid more attention during high school chemistry class.

If you’d like to know more about the risks and dangers that may be associated with any ingredient you don’t recognize on an ingredient list (because they probably weren’t covered in high school chemistry class), check out the Environmental Working Group’s Database. The EWG grades nearly all ingredients found in common cleaning products in the United States.

Just reading the word fragrance on the ingredient list, above, raises a big red flag. Lots of undisclosed ingredients can be hiding under this vague ingredient name, including phthalates (which are believed to disrupt hormones and be carcinogenic).

Learning how to make your own cleaning products is one of the best ways to avoid toxic chemicals and have confidence in what you’re using to clean your home. There’s no need to memorize a long list of ingredients to avoid or spend hours researching safe cleaning products. And the best part is…with just a handful of natural and non-toxic ingredients you clean your entire home and make your own speciality cleaning products.

Why learn how to make your own cleaning products?  This DIY glass cleaner is a great place to start!

• Save Money. You probably already have most of the ingredients needed to make this homemade glass and mirror cleaner, and many other DIY cleaners, already in your home! And the best part, you can use the same ingredients to make other homemade cleaners, like an all-purpose cleaner.
• Reduce Exposure to harsh chemicals that are of known concern (like fragrance ingredients and ammonia), yet continue to be used in popular cleaners.
• Be Self-Sufficient. Learning how to cook and make your own natural cleaners is a great way to do this! That’s what Live Simply is all about.

Now I get it, the rational answer is not to “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” I understand that we don’t live in a bubble. I still use some plastic products in our home (just to name one example) and probably come in contact with phthalates, and other ingredients, just by continuing with daily routines outside our home. But when an alternative solution exists for something that’s sprayed in our home environment regularly, like glass cleaner, and that solution only takes 60 seconds to pour into a bottle and spray on my windows and mirrors, why not give it a shot?

Today, my goal is not  to scare you, but rather to show you just how easy it is to make homemade glass cleaner at home.

How to Make Glass Cleaner

Ingredients to make homemade DIY glass cleaner…

• 1/2 cup Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): This ingredient is very low on the toxicity scale (see how it rates). Rubbing alcohol dries quickly and helps create that streak-free cleaning experience we all want from a glass, mirror, and window cleaner. If you prefer, I think vodka would also work as a substitute.
• 1/3 cup White Vinegar: The superstar of natural cleaning ingredients! This antibacterial ingredient is acidic and removes film, grime, and dirt on glass surfaces, naturally and without toxic chemicals.
• Water: From a safety and bacterial perspective, it’s best to use distilled water when making homemade DIY cleaners. For streak-free surfaces, like glass surfaces, using distilled water will keep surfaces streak-free (tap water can leave water spots on surfaces).
• Essential Oils: This is optional. If you want to scent your products, add a few drops of essential oil for a natural scent. I love a germ fighter blend (like this)–the combo of clove and other warm spices is amazing!
• 16-ounce Spray Bottle (my favorite): You’ll need a bottle to shake and combine the mixture of ingredients.

Add the rubbing alcohol and vinegar to the spray bottle, and essential oil if using (about 10-15 drops), then top the bottle off with water until full. So easy, right?!

How to Use DIY Glass Cleaner

With your homemade glass cleaner ready to go, here’s how to put this spray cleaner to use…

• Spray on surfaces. Use this cleaner on glass, window, or stainless steel (always spot test first) surfaces. This glass cleaner also works as a homemade window cleaner and mirror cleaner. You don’t need 3 different products for cleaning windows, glass surfaces, and mirrors–just this one!
• Wipe with a cloth. I recommend a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. Microfiber cloths don’t leave behind the lint like many other cleaning cloths.

More DIY Cleaner Recipes and Tips

After making this recipe, give these natural cleaning tips and recipes a try…

• 5 Secrets to Using Natural Cleaners 
• Easy Homemade Sink and Tub Cleaner 
• All Purpose Cleaner 

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Homemade Glass and Mirror Cleaner

How to make a DIY homemade glass and mirror cleaner. This streak-free formula is budget-friendly, non-toxic, and takes less than 5 minutes to make!

Course Homemade

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Glass Cleaner

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 16 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rubbing/isopropyl alcohol (if you'd prefer to not use this ingredient, skip it and add 1/2 vinegar OR vodka)
• 1/3 cup white distilled vinegar
• distilled water distilled water is best if storing for a few weeks, filtered water is fine if using within a few days

Instructions

• Add the alcohol and vinegar to a 16 ounce spray bottle.
  1/2 cup rubbing/isopropyl alcohol, 1/3 cup white distilled vinegar
• Add water until the bottle is full (use a funnel, if needed). If you don't care for a vinegar scent (although it goes away once the surface dries), add a few drops of your favorite cleaning essential oil. I personally like lemon, grapefruit, or a germ fighter blend. This glass cleaner may be stored at room temperature.
  distilled water
• To Use: Spray a glass, mirror, or window surface with the cleaner, then wipe the surface with a cloth (microfiber is best for streak-free glass cleaning).

Video

The post How to Make Homemade Glass and Mirror Cleaner appeared first on Live Simply.

Live Simply is all about keeping things simple, so I don’t want to give you the wrong idea. You don’t need to make and use 8 different cleaners in your kitchen. I use an all-purpose spray to clean most of the surfaces in my home, from my kitchen counters to dusty shelves and bathrooms.

We all have different preferences and cleaning needs, so an all-purpose spray may not work for your every cleaning need, particularly when it comes to tricky areas of the kitchen like the oven or a greasy sink. There are also other areas of kitchen cleaning to think about, like dishes and the floor. Today’s list is intended to cover every surface and cleaning need in the kitchen. Customize this list based on your own needs.

8 Homemade Cleaners For The Kitchen

Below, you’ll find what I consider to be the best of the best homemade kitchen cleaning products. Here are the cleaners we’re going to talk about and how to use them…

1. All Purpose Vinegar Cleaner: All surfaces (except marble, granite, and stone surfaces).
2. Stainless Steel and and Glass Cleaner: All stainless and glass surfaces in the kitchen and throughout the home.
3. Kitchen Sink Scrub Paste: Dirty, greasy sinks. May also be used in the bathroom on tile, tubs, and sinks.
4. Kitchen Sink Scouring Powder: An easy sprinkle-on powder for dirty, greasy sinks. This is great for a quick-fix clean that can also be used on bathroom tubs and sinks and in the toilet.
5. Dirty Oven Scrub: For all my overachiever friends who love to clean their oven. I see you and have mad respect for you.
6. DIY Dish Soap: When you need to hand wash dishes, plus suggestions for store-bought dishwasher options.
7. Granite Cleaner: For granite countertops.
8. Mop Solution for Kitchen Floors: Clean hard kitchen floors and all hard floors in the home with 2 homemade floor cleaner options.

Okay, so there’s the rundown of products. Now let’s talk about how to make each of these homemade kitchen cleaners…

1. All Purpose Cleaner 

This is the one product that literally does it all: counters, appliances, inside the fridge, the oven and stove-top, cabinets, and open shelving. If you don’t have a stone countertop (such as marble or granite), vinegar is my preference. If you have a speciality countertop, castile soap may be a better option.

• For an all purpose vinegar cleaner, combine 1 cup distilled water, 1 cup white vinegar or homemade orange vinegar, 15-20 drops essential oil of choice (if desired). Add all the ingredients to a glass spray bottle.
• For an all purpose cleaner without vinegar, add 2 cups distilled water to a glass spray bottle, followed by 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap or 1 teaspoon Sal Suds and 15-20 drops essential oil of choice (if desired).
• If you prefer the store-bought route, check out this post with my top non-toxic all purpose cleaner suggestions.

2. Stainless Steel and Glass Cleaner

If you make vinegar all purpose cleaner, use it to clean and polish glass surfaces (such as kitchen windows) and most stainless steel surfaces. If you’re using an all purpose cleaner made with castile soap or Sal Suds, you’ll need to use something else as the soap can leave behind a cloudy film on glass and stainless.

• Make a glass and stainless steel cleaner by combining 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/3 cup white vinegar in a 16-ounce spray bottle, then top off the bottle with distilled water. If you’d prefer to not use rubbing alcohol, skip it and use 1/2 cup of vinegar instead. Spray on a glass surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

3. Kitchen Sink Scrub Paste

My kitchen sink is constantly in use between dishes and dirty hands. A homemade scrub not only strips away build up from dirt and grease, but also shines, deodorizes, and freshens the surface. This scrub also works wonderfully in tubs and bathroom sinks.

• Make a sink scrub cleaner by combining 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup liquid castile soap or Sal Suds, and 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide. Stir until the ingredients resemble a thick paste. If you want a thinner paste, add more soap or water (distilled water if storing the cleaner, tap water is fine if this is a one-time, immediate use product). Use the paste immeadiately after combining or store for later. If storing the cleaner for future cleaning needs, spoon the paste into a jar (such as a wide-mouth mason jar or Weck jar) and seal the jar. This cleaner will harden when exposed to air for a prolonged period of time. Use an amber jar or something that won’t allow light to seep through if using hydrogen peroxide in the paste and storing for later use. It’s also important to leave room at the top of the jar for expansion. The cleaner will expand within the first 24 hours. Store for up to 1 month.

4. Kitchen Sink Scouring Powder

If you don’t want to make a scrub (above), but need something to clean a greasy or dirty sink, this powder is the easiest solution. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the kitchen sink surface, then use a wet cloth or scrub brush to scrub away the dirt and grease. So easy! Check out this Instagram video to see this trick in action.

5. Dirty Oven Scrub 

Confession: I can’t remember the last time I cleaned my oven. If you want to clean your oven, you can either use the sink scrub recipe or make an oven cleaner.

• Make an oven cleaner by combining 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup water, and 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap or Sal Suds in a bowl. Use a sponge to apply the scrub to the interior of the oven. Let the scrub rest for at least 30 minutes, longer for a dirty oven. Dip a sponge in a bowl of warm water, wipe the oven, then repeat. Change the water frequently. A scrub brush may be needed for tough grease stains. Once the scrub is completely rinsed from the oven, spray vinegar (or an all-purpose vinegar cleaner) in the oven. Wipe the oven with a damp cloth. Without the vinegar spray the baking soda may leave behind a chalk-like powder (safe, but annoying).

6. DIY Dish Soap 

I’ve made both dish soap and dishwasher soap, but I’ve found that I much prefer to go the store-bought route with my dishwasher soap and just stick to homemade dish soap. I’m not sure I’d actually call this dish soap “homemade” since there’s no soap-making involved. Instead, I use Sal Suds (which is super tough on dirt and grease, castile soap’s big brother) in its diluted form with a bit of vinegar to make dishes sparkle and shine. If you prefer to go store-bought with dish soap and dishwasher soap, here are my favorite brands.

• Make a DIY dish soap by combining 1/2 cup distilled water, 1/2 cup Sal Suds, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar in a soap dispenser. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients and use on a dish cloth, sponge, or directly in water.

7. Granite Cleaner 

If you prefer to make a cleaner just for granite countertops (since vinegar is a no-no on stone surfaces), you can make your own with just a few ingredients.

• Make granite cleaner by combining 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol and 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional) in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Then top off with distilled water and 1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Shake the bottle before each use.

8. Mop Solution for Kitchen Floors

Finally, the kitchen floor…the place where all the dirt and crumbs end up. There are two ways to make a mop solution for hard floors in the kitchen (and both solutions can be used throughout the home), either with vinegar or with castile soap. I’ll share both recipes below…

• Make a vinegar floor cleaner, combine 2 gallons hot water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 5 drops essential oil (optional) in a bucket. Use a mop or cloth to clean kitchen floors. 
• Make a castile soap floor cleaner, combine 2 gallons hot water, 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap, 5 drops essential oil (optional) in a bucket. Use a mop or cloth to clean kitchen floors.

Natural Cleaning Kitchen Tips

Here are 3 other areas to clean in your kitchen and natural solutions for these areas.

How to Naturally Clean Cutting Boards 

Skip the bleach and use this natural method instead. Learn how to naturally clean cutting boards…

How to Naturally Clean the Dishwasher

If you’re like me, you probably don’t think about cleaning your dishwasher often. But it’s important to give this area a clean every so often. Learn how to naturally clean the dishwasher…

How to Naturally Clean Your Fridge & Keep Odors Away

The fridge can harbor all sorts of bacterial growth and odors. Here’s how to clean your fridge and keep odors away.

The post The 8 Best Homemade Cleaners For The Kitchen appeared first on Live Simply.

One of the easiest ways to create a healthier home is to swap out commercial air fresheners with non-toxic options. Below, you’ll find 6 totally-natural, non-toxic air fresheners.

Are Air Fresheners Healthy?

According to the National Research Defense Council, “The federal government does not currently test air fresheners for safety or require manufacturers to meet any specific safety standards.”

The Defense Council tested 14 brands of air fresheners and found that 12 of the products contained phthalates, a man-made chemical that can be used in plastics and fragranced cleaning and cosmetic products. Some forms are believed to disrupt hormones (listen to this podcast episode about hormones and detoxing), cause reproductive health issues, be carcinogenic, and may be linked to asthma.

And this is JUST ONE concerning ingredient.

The US Government’s National Toxicology Program warns that plug-in air fresheners release formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen.

We’re not going to spend our time talking about the harmful side of conventional air fresheners, because today we’re going to focus on the change we can make: safe-for-you, DIY air fresheners. If you want to learn more about the harmful ingredients used in air fresheners, check out this article.

6 DIY Natural Air Fresheners

Below, you’ll find a list of natural air fresheners for a fresh, healthier home. Don’t let the word “DIY” scare you away. Some options don’t require any mixing or craftiness, while others do require some easy DIYing.

You may want to use one air freshener or multiple in your home. Keep in mind, a natural air freshener will not contain the strong, long-lasting fragrance that you’ll find with most air freshener products sold in stores. This is because these products do not contain toxic chemicals that cause scents to linger. Natural scents will dissipate over time and will add a subtle scent to a room.

1. Beeswax Candles

A cozy way to purify the air in your home. Buy beeswax candles from local markets or make them yourself. They’re super easy to make: try the slow-cooker method, stove-top method, or taper candles. If you want to scent your candles, add an essential oil (naturally derived from plants).

2. Live Plants

Plants not only add beauty to a space, but also purify the air. Even if you don’t have a “green thumb” you can still add a couple of plants. I’ve had great success with the ZZ Plant and Monstera Delicioso (both work in spaces without a ton of direct sunlight).

3. Diffuser

This is my favorite way to scent my home. Add a few drops of an essential oil or blend of essential oils to an essential oil diffuser. My favorite oil blends to diffuse for fall: Harvest Moon and Pumpkin Pie.

4. Simmer Pots 

Add cinnamon sticks, orange or lemon rinds, whole cloves, and/or fresh rosemary or eucalyptus to a pot of water and simmer on your stove-top. The simmer will freshen the air in your home and add a wonderful scent.

5. Vodka Air Freshener

Make your own air freshener spray with vodka and essential oils or spices. Try this recipe for an essential oil vodka spray (4 ways!) and this recipe for a spray using oranges and herbs.

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great odor-absorber. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, rugs, or a mattress. Let rest for 20-30 minutes, then vacuum. Add an essential oil to the baking soda if desired for scent.

Essential Oils Note: If you have animals in your home, do your research about which essentials are best to use and not use around your pets.

The post 6 DIY Natural Air Fresheners For a Fresh Home appeared first on Live Simply.

Each year, I purchase a huge bottle of vodka to make homemade vanilla extract. My hand-crafted vanilla has become a very coveted Christmas present, and rightfully so. There’s nothing like homemade vanilla extract. Nothing!

Let’s talk about one more beyond-the-bar way to use vodka.

Vodka makes a fantastic base for a homemade air and linen freshener spray. Vodka acts like an emulsifier for fragrant essential oils, as well as offers some disinfecting properties. Vodka also dries quickly, which makes it perfect for spraying linens and surfaces.

I know many of us love holiday scents (maybe all of us?), so, in preparation for the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to share a few naturally-scented air freshener sprays. The sprays are incredibly easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients: essential oils, vodka, and water.

Speaking of the holidays, Live Simply is going to be quiet over the next week. The kids are out of school, so we’re planning to enjoy the next few days with them: roasting marshmallows, making homemade hot chocolate, snuggling on the couch until 11am, and enjoying a house that smells “like the holidays” (thanks to a homemade air freshener).

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Four Naturally-Scented Holiday Air Freshener Sprays

I know many of us love holiday scents (maybe all of us?), so, in preparation for the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to share a few naturally-scented air freshener sprays. The sprays are incredibly easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients: essential oils, vodka, and water

Course Homemade

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Air Freshener Sprays

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

Spray Liquid Base:

• 1 ounce vodka or witch hazel, 2 tablespoons
• 1 ounce distilled water 2 tablespoons

Minty Wonderland:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop rosemary essential oil

Citrus Cinnamon Spice

• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops sweet orange essential oil

Wintery Forest

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops pine essential oil
• 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil

Vanilla Chai

• 4 drops vanilla essential oil or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil

Instructions

• In a spray bottle (any size--2 ounces or larger), add the vodka and essential oil blend of choice. Place the cap back on the bottle, and shake the oils and vodka. Add the water and shake the bottle.
• To Use: This spray is multi-purpose, so it may be sprayed on most surfaces, including fabric and linens, and in the air. Shake the bottle before each use.

Ingredient Notes

According to the National Association For Holistic Aromatherapy, the following formula is suitable for room sprays: 10-15 total drops of essential oils (total) per ounce of water. Based on this, the blends represented above may be increased if you’d like a stronger scent. As always, do your own research with essential oils, since some essential oils may not be suitable to use around children or pregnant women.

If you don’t want to make a room spray, the scent blends listed above also work very well in a diffuser. A diffuser works well for covering an entire room with natural fragrance versus just a small spritz of spray in the air.

In case you’re curious ;), I love the Vanilla Chai scent blend.

The post Four Naturally-Scented Holiday Air Freshener Sprays appeared first on Live Simply.

The ironic thing about these requests is that I’ve been making and using a fabric refresher spray, when needed, for a couple of years now, but I haven’t actually talked about the recipe on Live Simply. With the holidays just a few weeks away, a time when many of us will be cleaning and freshening our homes for company, I can’t think of a better time to publicly share a simple fabric refresher spray recipe.

Inviting company into my home means that people will sit on the same couch as stinky Toby (our dog), use the same bathroom as my kids, and sit on the soiled chair cushions in our dining room. company = cleaning

Before company arrives, the bathrooms need to be given extra special cleaning attention, the cushions on the chairs need to be washed, and the couch needs to be refreshed so it doesn’t smell like a dog just sat on it (Toby…).  

It’s not that I’m afraid of being authentic. Dirty white cushions and a couch that smells like good ol’ Toby are definitely “authentic.” It’s just that I want our guests to be comfortable, and a clean house (well, as clean as possible) is definitely a step in the comfortable direction, in my opinion.

Thankfully, I have plenty of homemade cleaner recipes to help get my home as clean as possible, without the unwanted fumes or toxic ingredients. My simple all-purpose spray and toilet bowl cleaner work wonders in the bathroom. My favorite natural laundry soap is just the solution needed to clean the white dining room chair cushions. And, finally, I turn to a homemade fabric refresher spray that will freshen the couch and take away the unwanted odors.

My homemade fabric refresher spray is just as simple to make, if not easier, than the other cleaning products that I mentioned. Homemade fabric freshener spray only requires 3 basic ingredients: high-proof vodka, water, and essential oils. That’s it! You’ll probably recognize this combo as the same ingredients that I use to make a disinfectant spray and air freshener. Friend, this is literally the exact same spray, just with a special title: fabric refresher. This means that one spray may be used multiple ways.

Thankfully, I have plenty of homemade cleaner recipes to help get my home as clean as possible, without the unwanted fumes or toxic ingredients. My simple all-purpose spray works wonders in the bathroom. My bleach alternative and homemade laundry soap are just the solutions needed to clean the white dining room chair cushions. And, finally, to take care of the Toby-scented couch, I turn to a homemade fabric refresher spray.

My homemade fabric refresher spray is just as simple to make, if not easier, than the other cleaning products that I mentioned. The spray only requires three basic ingredients: high-proof vodka, water, and essential oils. That’s it! You’ll probably recognize this combo as the same ingredients that I use to make a disinfectant spray and air freshener. Friend, this is literally the exact same spray, just with a special title: fabric refresher. This means that one spray may be used multiple ways.

The holidays are probably the last thing most of us want to think about. After all, it’s only October. If you’re anything like me, just thinking about making dinner and getting the kids to bed requires all the mental capacity and energy available to one person. Whether you tuck this recipe away for the upcoming holiday season (and the gatherings you may have in your home), or use this spray right now as a daily fabric refresher, I think you’ll love the naturally-clean scent as much as I do.

What does fabric freshener do?

A fabric freshener is a product designed to eliminate pesky odors on fabrics (like towels, clothing, upholstery couches and pillows, curtains, carpet, etc.). Fabric fresheners use scent and also odor-eliminating ingredients to freshen the surfaces in your home. Febreze Fabric Refresher is a popular store-bought option. I don’t use fragranced products in my home, unless a company is willing to disclose the ingredients used to make the fragrance. This is why I choose to make my own DIY recipes, including fabric freshener spray, with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

How do you make homemade fabric freshener spray?

High-Proof Vodka: Alcohol has been used for generations for sterilizing and sanitizing (and yes, also pleasure). A high-proof vodka (high alcohol content) is the key to creating a natural odor neutralizer. Vodka is odorless, clear (won’t stain fabrics), and evaporates quickly. People in the theatre business use vodka to freshen and remove pesky odors from costumes that can’t be washed. It works!

Distilled Water: You could use vodka as-is, 100% straight, but I prefer to dilute it with water. No need to go full strength unless you want to do some serious odor-busting and sanitizing, then by all means go with 100% vodka in a spray bottle. I dilute the vodka by half with distilled water (which eliminates the potential for bacterial growth using tap water). Distilled water also eliminates any mineral deposits that could be left by tap water.

Essential Oils: If you just want to eliminate and freshen fabrics, you don’t need to add a scent to your fabric freshener spray. But if you love Febreze (and the scent that comes with it), but don’t want the toxic chemicals, you can add a natural scent with an essential oil. I love tea tree oil which is an antibacterial (helps eliminate any bacteria-causing odors), lavender, and lemon essential oil. Lavender calms and lemon invigorates and freshens. I also love eucalyptus or this germ-fighting blend of oils. Essential oils are not the same fatty oils like olive oil and coconut oil, so they should not stain or leave oil spots on fabric when diluted.

To make an odor eliminator spray….

Combine the ingredients in a 16-ounce bottle (like this), and use! Since you’re using distilled water (or straight up vodka), the DIY room freshener and linen spray will last for several weeks (or months without water).

How do you use fabric freshener spray?

Spray the fabric freshener spray in the air (for a room that needs a quick refresh) or on fabric surfaces to eliminate odors: couches, carpets, rugs, cushions, pillows, curtains, etc. Do not use a fabric freshener spray on any surface that may water spot, such as: leather, suede, silk, etc. Speciality surfaces need special care. Always spot test a surface before spraying liberally with this spray or any cleaner.

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Fabric Refresher Spray

The best homemade fabric freshener refresher spray made with just two ingredients. This spray refreshes fabrics and eliminates odors.

Course How To

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Fabric Refresher Spray

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup high-proof vodka
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 25 drops lavender essential oil
• 25 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

• Pour the vodka into a 16-ounce spray bottle (like this), and then the essential oil(s). Shake the bottle to combine the vodka and oils. Finally, add the water and shake the bottle again.

How to Use:

• This room and fabric freshener spray spray is multi-purpose, so it may be sprayed on most surfaces, including fabric and linens (not silk, leather, or suede). Shake the bottle before each use. Some essential oils, like tea tree, are NOT safe to use around pets (like cats and dogs). Please do your own research on safe essential oil usage if you have pets in your home and consult with your trusted vet. This article details the essential oils that are safe to use around pets.

Notes

The essential oils listed in the recipe are my favorite, and may be substituted with your favorite essential oils. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree are incredibly versatile and safe to use around children. The tea tree oil may be left out if you’re not a fan of this scent. Essential oils may stain some fabrics, so always be careful when spraying this solution on delicate fabrics/linens. I personally haven’t had any issues with the fabrics in our home. The essential oil amounts may be reduced, or slightly increased, according to your preference.

If you’d like to add a deodorizing ingredient to this spray, to help further neutralize pesky odors, add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1/2 cup of hot water (not boiling). Add the mixture to the vodka in the spray bottle. My only cautions with this method are: 1) Baking soda will leave behind white spots on colored fabric. 2) Baking soda may clog your spray nozzle. Not all spray nozzles are created equal, so this issue will depend on your spray bottle/nozzle. 

Everclear may be used in place of the vodka.

More DIY Surface Sprays

SEE ALL SURFACE SPRAYS

How to Make DIY Homemade All-Purpose Surface Cleaners 

Easy DIY Orange Peel Cleaner (With Vinegar)

Best All-In-One Homemade Bathroom Cleaner

How to Make Homemade Glass and Mirror Cleaner

DIY All Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar

DIY All Purpose Cleaner Without Vinegar

The post How to Make a Fabric Refresher Spray appeared first on Live Simply.

This post is sponsored by Four Monks Cleaning Vinegar. The opinions and photos expressed are completely my own. Thank you Four Monks Cleaning Vinegar for helping me get the word out about natural cleaning! 

The beauty of natural cleaning ingredients is that each one serves multiple purposes within a home. This means the same bottle of vinegar, which is usually purchased for one sole purpose, may be used as a surface cleaner (just remember not to use it on granite or marble), daily shower spray, garbage disposal cleaner, and even laundry softener.

Nearly every ingredient added to a natural cleaning toolkit, from vinegar to castile soap, may be used in multiple ways to clean a home. This means natural cleaning, when you get past the initial investment, is also a budget-friendly lifestyle choice. That’s what I call a major double win!

With the spring season upon us, my family is finally ready to get back outdoors (yes, it’s pretty amazing how even in Florida our backyard time is reduced during the “winter”), and begin planting seeds and seedlings in the garden, sprucing up the outdoor seating (hello, pollen, dirt, and mildew), and cleaning up the kids’ sandbox. One of the greatest issues we face every year around this time, as we begin to cleanup after months of neglect, is mildew.

In Florida, mildew is a regular nuisance, and there’s no limit to the surfaces it will call home: outdoor and indoor garden pots, the sides of our raised garden bed, patio furniture, indoor bathroom tile, the side of our house, and the list could go on. If you move to Florida, you’re automatically guaranteed year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, troll-size roaches, and mildew. And every Floridian sings, “A-MEN! A-MEN! A-MEN!”

This, my friend, is where the multi-purpose cleaning ingredient idea comes in to save the day, or at least my backyard cleaning extravaganza.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with a number of options for tackling the mildew that grows on outdoor surfaces, indoor flower pots, and even our bathroom tile. My experimentation has ranged from store-bought products to fancy do-it-yourself concoctions via YouTube.

Last year, after researching how to tackle the mildew build-up on outdoor flower pots and indoor shower tile, I decided to try using my liquid fabric softener (which as you’ll remember only requires one ingredient: vinegar) to hopefully remove the mildew. I was so impressed with the final results that I’ve continued to use vinegar on other surfaces that regularly welcomed mildew. Sometimes, I’ll also scrub a pot or tile with baking soda before cleaning it with my Easy DIY Midew Spray, just for an added POW-WHAM!

Do you see how the multi-purpose chat ties together now? Amazing, right?!

The same natural ingredient that I use to soften my family’s clothes, may also be used to tackle mildew. In the recipe notes, I’ve included an additional step that calls for baking soda, as mentioned above, just in case any mildew has left behind a stubborn stain on your favorite garden pot. Remember, vinegar and baking soda don’t get along when they’re combined, so if you plan to try my baking and vinegar POW combo, use them separately.

Happy spring cleaning!

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Easy DIY Mildew Spray

This, my friend, is where the multi-purpose cleaning ingredient idea comes in to save the day, or at least my backyard cleaning extravaganza.

Course DIY

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Mildew Spray

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 16 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon rubbing/isopropyl alcohol optional
• 40-60 drops tea tree essential oil optional,
• 2 cups distilled white vinegar

Instructions

• Add the alcohol and essential oil to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients.
• Add the vinegar to the tea tree solution.
• Spray directly on mildew, let rest, then wipe clean.

Notes

100% vinegar may be used in this recipe without the addition of the essential oil (and rubbing alcohol). I keep tea tree in my cleaning toolkit for homemade cleaning and beauty products, so I add it to this spray due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. I’ve found that about 60 drops of tea tree is best for the problematic mildew areas in my home.

Vinegar shouldn’t be used on some surfaces, like marble and granite.

More DIY Vinegar Cleaner Recipes

SEE ALL RECIPES

Easy DIY Orange Peel Cleaner (With Vinegar)

How to Make Homemade Glass and Mirror Cleaner

DIY All Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar

Super Easy DIY Dish Soap: 3 Ingredients (The Best “Homemade” Dish Soap Recipe)

How to Make Homemade Floor Cleaner (Vinegar-Based)

DIY Natural Produce Wash

The post Easy DIY Mildew Spray (Indoor and Outdoor Use) appeared first on Live Simply.

Two weeks ago, Mrs. Sniffles knocked on our “door.” I tried to convince her to leave with my homemade remedies, but she insisted on staying, so for the last two weeks we’ve been battling an unwelcome guest and nasty sinus infections.

Mrs. Sniffles was sure to pack every “present” for her extended stay, too: runny nose, sore throat, tiredness, etc. Thankfully, after lots of rest, vitamin C, sore throat tea, elderberry syrup shots, and elderberry soda, Mrs. Sniffles finally decided to pack-up her remaining luggage and move on. Hallelujah! It’s wonderful to have energy and a clear head again.

As it turns out, our family isn’t the only family who’s been affected by Mrs. Sniffles. She’s quite the experienced traveler! The entire school district in Pinellas County (where we live) has been hit hard by her visits. Some schools have seen dramatic decreases in weekly attendance since January.

Right now is the perfect time to start talking about (and using) a light disinfectant spray. Or shall I say a replacement for the stuff  found on store shelves? I’m sure most of us have vivid memories of heavily-perfumed sprays due to their popular use in restaurant bathrooms, homes, and even classrooms.

Just the other day I noticed a store-bought spray and its infamous, headache-inducing scent in the women’s bathroom at Dustin’s work. Honestly, I don’t blame his work (or others) for using a store-bought spray, because marketing would lead me to believe that a store-bought solution, full of mystery ingredients, is the only way to properly clean and disinfect a room. Personally, I never once thought about what was in those sprays before our real food conversion, or even thought that a simple alternative may be sitting in my pantry or medicine cabinet.

Alcohol may be used for much more than a strong cocktail. It’s also a very handy DIY ingredient, as well as vinegar and particular essential oils.

Disinfecting is an activity that’s (generally) done after cleaning and, in my cleaning opinion, needs to be done much less often in the average home. “Disinfecting…refers to killing a high percentage of the germs on a surface or rendering them incapable of reproducing.” (source)

Disinfecting takes care of more than just dirt, grease, or dust. I don’t believe disinfecting every surface on a regular basis is essential in a modern-day home, thanks to indoor plumbing and healthy hygiene practices. Now when Mrs. Sniffles comes knocking, or I cut raw meat on my favorite cutting board, I’m all about using a homemade disinfectant spray. PS: I share my preferred approach for disinfecting a cutting board at the bottom of my recipe. 

And that, my friend, is exactly why I mixed up a bottle of my simple 3-ingredient homemade spray this past week. Take that Mrs. Sniffles!

• Homemade Hand Sanitizer Spray: A simple spray for when you need to wash your hands and don’t have soap and water.
• Homemade Hand Sanitizer Gel: Want a gel instead of a spray? This recipe is for you.
• Natural Ways to Boost the Immune System: My tried-and-true ways to naturally maintain a healthy and happy immune system.
• Homemade Elderberry Syrup: A homemade remedy that’s delicious and beneficial.

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Homemade Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Spray

3 ingredient disinfecting spray.

Course Homemade

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Disinfectant Spray

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 16 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups 100 proof alcohol (vodka) or higher get the highest proof alcohol you can find (in some states you can buy 190 proof, which is Everclear, if not at least 100 proof) or at least 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can damage painted and varnished surfaces so it's best to spot test first.*
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar or more alcohol
• 50-60 drops tea tree essential oil or lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions

• Pour the vodka into a 16 ounce spray bottle and then the essential oil(s). Shake the bottle to combine the vodka and oils. Finally, add the vinegar and shake the bottle again. This recipe is not safe to use on special stone surfaces, like granite or marble, due to the vinegar. Please see the notes section below for more information.
• I've also used a Bandit Oil (Thieve's Oil or Germ Destroyer) blend in my spray instead of the tea tree essential oil.  Learn more about the science behind using essential oils for disinfecting.

Notes

*100 proof alcohol does not equal 100% alcohol. There has been some confusion about this, as this is different in some countries. In the US (where I live), a 40% ABV (alcohol by volume) is 80 proof and one that is 45% ABV is 90 proof. And so on. A 50% ABV is 100 proof and it goes higher from there. 

The essential oil is added as an antibacterial ingredient. Hydrogen peroxide can also work as a disinfectant when used straight (not diluted with anything and don't mix with vinegar!). Just be careful with hydrogen peroxide as it can bleach colored fabrics. 

Cutting Board Note: When it comes to disinfecting cutting boards (after cutting raw meat), I disinfect the surface using vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (do not combine these ingredients in one bottle!); the order doesn’t matter. First spray one ingredient, letting the disinfectant rest for five minutes, then wipe the surface with a cloth. Finally, repeat with the second disinfectant. Wait five minutes, then wipe the surface with the cloth. You can see the entire process in this cutting board post. Another disinfectant spray option in the kitchen is a Bandit Oil Spray.

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE: With coronavirus on the rise, this post is particularly helpful from a pediatrician. She specifically addresses coronavirus. I'm not a doctor or disease specialist. Please consult your doctor and the CDC website to do your own research about the best ways to protect your family. The CDC recommends disinfectants contain 60% alcohol or higher.

Disclaimer: The DIY recipes on this website are based on my personal experiences. I am not a trained chemist, cleaning specialist, or skincare expert. The DIY recipes shared on this website haven’t been tested in a lab. Information about my products or recipes haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a doctor or specialist for specific concerns about any skincare issues, cleaning products, or dietary needs. Please use your discretion, based on your own research, when making homemade products.

The post Homemade Multi-Purpose Disinfectant and Deodorizing Spray appeared first on Live Simply.

If you plan to make multiple DIY products for your home, it’s important to start building an ingredient toolkit. It may seem like you’ll need a bunch of fancy products and a chemistry degree to formulate homemade cleaners, but that’s simply not the case. Most of the ingredients used to make homemade products are basic ingredients which you may already own and be using in your home.

12 Must-Have Ingredients to Clean Your Entire House, Naturally

Baking Soda:

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring substance. Baking soda is used in homemade recipes to fight against dirt, grease, and odors. I prefer cooking with Bob’s Red Mill brand baking soda, but for cleaning, I stick with the big bag of Arm & Hammer.

Ingredient Caution: Baking soda can be added to many homemade mixtures; however, you should never combine baking soda and vinegar (they cancel each other out).

Recipes to Try: 8 Money-Saving DIY Recipes Using Baking Soda

Super Washing Soda:

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate and sold under the Arm & Hammer brand, is highly alkaline which makes it a great cleaner! The high alkaline level allows washing soda to act as a solvent. Washing soda can also be used to fight against hard water, since the washing soda binds to the minerals, which in turn can boost laundry soap’s effectiveness. Washing soda can be found in the laundry section of most grocery stores, or you can make it at home using baking soda and an oven–I’ll show you how in the cleaning book coming out on November 23rd!

Recipes to Try: Homemade Oxi-Clean-Like Powder, Homemade Bleach Alternative, Homemade Laundry Soap, Easy DIY Dish Soap

Vinegar:

Vinegar is 5% acetic acid. This acid fights against bacteria and other yuckies you don’t want living in your home. Vinegar can’t be used on every surface (like marble and granite), but even with its limitations vinegar is an extremely versatile product to keep in your natural cleaning toolkit.

Ingredient Caution: Vinegar can be combined with many amazing cleaning ingredients; however, vinegar should never be combined with castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

Recipes to Try: Herbal Infused Surface Cleaner, Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner, Floor Cleaner Wipes, Reusable Surface Cleaner Wipes

Castile Soap:

Castile soap is a concentrated vegetable-based soap made of ingredients you can actually pronounce. This soap is gentle on the skin and effective in the fight against dirt, grease, and unwanted germs. Dr. Bronner’s is a very a popular brand of castile soap.

The world is just a better place with castile soap, really! Castile soap can be used to clean just about anything and everything: your face, your laundry, and even your stinky dog! Pretty amazing stuff.

Ingredient Caution: Castile soap can be combined with many amazing cleaning ingredients; however, castile soap should never be combined with vinegar.

Recipes to Try: 7 Money-Saving Recipes Using Castile Soap, Homemade Stain Remover Spray

Sal Suds:

Sal suds is Dr. Bronner’s tougher version of soap, although its chemical makeup makes it a detergent, not a soap. Sal Suds is formulated to conquer tough cleaning projects: unforgiving grease and stubborn dirt.  Sal Suds is a hot topic in the natural community, so it remains a product that some use and others stay away from. What’s all the fuss about? Sal Suds receives an A on the Environmental Working Group’s website. You can also read more about the big SLS debate on Lisa Bronner’s blog.

Recipes to Try: DIY Scrub Cleaner, Easy DIY Dish Soap

Lemons (Also, Limes and Oranges):  

Fresh citrus, particularly lemons and lemon juice, are amazing natural cleaners. Lemons contain antibacterial properties which aid in fighting unwanted germs and bacteria in the home. Lemons also work to help brighten dull linens in my homemade whitening recipe. Plus, citrus provides an amazing fresh scent to homemade cleaners.  Orange and lime peels can be added to vinegar for a fresh antibacterial cleaner.

Recipes to Try: Herbal Infused Surface Cleaner, Homemade Bleach Alternative, 4-Ingredient Citrus Air Freshener

Essential Oils:

Essential oils are very popular today, but the truth is before the popular oil brands marketed online and bloggers started filling Pinterest with recipes, essential oils were being used by generations before us.

Essential oils are basically concentrated oils derived from plants. For those wanting a more scientific definition, here’s how Retha, a certified aromatherapist from Plant Therapy, defines an essential oil,  “An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam.”

Essential oils not only provide a pretty, natural fragrance to homemade cleaners, but also important disinfecting properties. A few of my favorite essential oils for cleaning, include: lemon, tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and orange.

My favorite trustworthy and affordable essential oil brands for cleaning include: Aura Cacia, NOW, and Plant Therapy. All of these brands can be found online.

Borax:

Out of all the ingredients I use to make homemade cleaners none are more hotly debated than good ol’ borax. Over the years, some people have expressed concerns that Borax isn’t a safe homemade cleaner. I take just the opposite view, especially when you compare super effective Borax to most of the main-stream cleaners on the market.

While I feel safe using Borax in my cleaning recipes, I take care to avoid inhaling this ingredient and keep it away from little hands that may choose to taste-test some of the white powder. The product receives an F according to the EWG for respiration concerns (don’t purposely sniff inside a box of Borax!). I believe this article from Wellness Mama offers valid points to why we shouldn’t throw the Borax out with the box.

The results of using Borax in homemade recipes is quite impressive, so don’t skip this ingredient if a recipe specifically calls for Borax. Trust me, the result just won’t be the same.

Recipes to Try: Homemade Laundry Soap, Easy DIY Dish Soap

Hydrogen Peroxide:

I have very “fond” memories of hydrogen peroxide as a young child. I clearly remember my many playtime booboos and my dad applying the bubbly substance called hydrogen peroxide to the dirty ouchies. As it turns out, I’d grow to love this common ingredient later as an adult. In fact, I keep quite the stock of hydrogen peroxide in my home due its amazing disinfecting properties (hey, clean ouchies and laundry!).

Ingredient Caution: Never combine hydrogen peroxide and vinegar when making homemade cleaning recipes; you will create peracetic acid which can be irritating and corrosive. Hydrogen peroxide also demands a bit of extra storage care since it’s sensitive to light, so it should be kept in a dark container/space (ever wonder why the hydrogen peroxide bottles are brown?).’

Recipes to Try: Homemade Stain Remover Spray, DIY Scrub Cleaner

Alcohol (Vodka and Rubbing Alcohol):

The guy at the liquor store knows me well and it’s not because I’m a lover of exotic alcoholic beverages. I’m still trying to convince him that my large vodka purchases are due to my love for homemade vanilla extract and cleaners.

Vodka’s high alcohol content is perfect for killing germs, and even mildew or mold. You can also use alcohol to help shine chrome and glass. Simply wipe a surface with a cloth that’s been moistened with vodka, and viola–squeaky clean! Vodka may also be used to kill odors and freshen-up fabrics. That’s right, kiss the Febreze good-bye.

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is considered an anti-septic and sold as such in grocery stores. Rubbing alcohol is used in homemade cleaners to kill germs. I know some people in the natural community avoid rubbing alcohol for cleaning purposes. Vodka may be safely substituted for rubbing alcohol in cleaning recipes.

Recipes to Try: Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner, Floor Cleaner Wipes, 4-Ingredient Citrus Air Freshener

Kosher or Sea Salt:

Yep, add good ol’ cooking salt to your DIY toolkit. Salt has been well-known for centuries for its cleaning and preserving properties. Salt can be used to soften hard water and clothes, and even used as a natural scent booster. And its abrasive properties can be used to scour dirty surfaces, particularly when paired with a lemon or lemon juice. Costco and many grocery stores sell large boxes of salt for $1-2.

Recipes to Try: Laundry Softener and Scent Booster

Olive Oil:

Olive oil (I use an inexpensive olive oil specifically for cleaning) can be used to condition furniture and dust surfaces. When it comes to skin cleansing, olive oil is a great facial cleanser.

Recipes to Try: Dusting Spray and Furniture Polish (in my cleaning book), How to Clean Your Face Naturally with Oil, Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser, Homemade Liquid Hand Soap

Water:

When making homemade products, clean tap water may be used for temporary storage; for long-term storage use distilled water or boiled and then cooled water to limit the possibility of bacteria growth.

The post 12 Must-Have Ingredients to Clean Your Entire House, Naturally appeared first on Live Simply.

I have a pretty close relationship with the local liquor store cashier.

Our monthly meet-ups usually start the same way. I walk up to the counter with the largest bottle of vodka. He smiles, and I smile back. Then I proceed on with a full five-minute speech trying to persuade the poor man that this, larger-than-my-purse, bottle of vodka is for a DIY project. “I don’t have a drinking problem!”

The conversation usually ends with a nod of his head and a polite acceptance, “Okay, Ma’am.”

And in an odd way, I always leave the store feeling unsatisfied, “Why didn’t he ask about my latest DIY project?  I don’t think he really believes me. He must think I drink a huge amount of vodka each month! Why didn’t he card me? Do I really look older than 21?”

Moral of the Story: You don’t want to accept a job at my local liquor store. I’ve been told that a crazy DIY lady, who writes some blog, frequents the place.

And now that you’re probably thinking, “Who is this girl?” let’s go straight to today’s recipe. I promise, it will help clarify the whole monthly vodka-buying internal struggle. So, Mr. Liquor Store Cashier, I hope you’re reading this.

Last month a Live Simply reader, Daisy from Simplicity Relished, commented on a DIY post, “Can you share a recipe for homemade air freshener spray?” I thought about her comment for several days, contemplating the best (most economical) way to make a DIY air freshener that kills bad odors, freshens linens, and leaves behind a pleasant all-natural scent. The answer?

Vodka, of course!

As it turns out, vodka can be used for much more than a strong cocktail. It’s also a very handy DIY ingredient. For example: Vodka may be used to make homemade extract, like: vanilla and mint. Seriously, once you make your own extracts, especially vanilla, you’ll never go back to the store-bought extracts. Need another example? Vodka can also help shine chrome and glass. Simply wipe a surface with a cloth that’s been moistened with vodka, and viola–squeaky clean!

Vodka may also be used to kill odors and freshen-up fabrics. That’s right. Kiss the Febreze good-bye. All you really need is a large bottle of vodka. Vodka is also the perfect liquid for making an infused scent, since vodka (really strong alcohol) doesn’t grow bacteria like a bowl of water. Infusing vodka with a natural scent is pretty easy, you just need a handful of citrus peels and a little bit of patience.

Let’s simplify this conversation a bit more…

Vodka + Citrus = DIY Citrus Air Freshener!

This DIY citrus-infused air freshener is for you, Daisy! It’s made with just four ingredients which means you can enjoy a natural air freshener that deodorizes, disinfects, and leaves behind a delicious scent without spending a ton of money, or spraying your home’s contents in a million artificial toxins. And this story is for you, Mr. Liquor Cashier, because as it turns out, a bottle of vodka can be a DIY girl’s best friend.

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4-Ingredient DIY Citrus Air Freshener

Vodka + Citrus = DIY Citrus Air Freshener!

Course DIY

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Citrus Air Freshener

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Fruit Infuse 14 days days

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 32 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

Infused Vodka:

• 4 cups vodka high-proof vodka
• peels from 2-4 oranges , grapefruit, and/or lemons
• storage jar
• 2-3 sprigs fresh herbs (optional) such as: mint or rosemary, optional

To Make the "Sprayable" Air Freshener:

• glass spray bottle
• infused vodka recipe above
• distilled water
• 30-35 drops sweet orange essential oil per 16 oz. bottle of air freshener
• 20-25 drops germ destroyer synergy essential oil (optional) per 16 oz. bottle of air freshener or a germ-fighter essential oil blend (like Thieves). Lavender essential oil would also be lovely.

Instructions

• Place the citrus peels (and fresh herb sprigs, if using) in a storage jar. Pour the vodka over the peels. Place the vodka in a cool, dark place. Infuse for 7-14 days. 

To Use:

• Fill a spray bottle with ½ the infused vodka and ½ distilled water. Add the essential oils until you reach the desired scent. Use this air freshener on the couch, rug, clothing, linens, or a really stinky bathroom! Always test a small area before applying to an entire surface. 

Notes

The “where to buy” links provide links to the actual products I use. As always, I recommend shopping around online and at local stores for the best prices and products you love. Find my favorite DIY ingredients and tools, here.

When you introduce water into a product, without a preservative, you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use water-based products quickly.

This recipe may be customized to your desired scent by replacing the essential oils with your favorite oils. Lemon or grapefruit essential oil also work great in this recipe.

More DIYs You May Like:

DIY Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner

DIY All-In-One Bathroom Cleaner

DIY Homemade Scrub Cleaner: Like Soft Scrub

The post 4-Ingredient DIY Citrus Air Freshener appeared first on Live Simply.

Contributor post written by Marie of HumbleBee and Me.

My kitchen counters are very well used. Over the course of a week they might see the making of a few pounds of soap, serve as a dump zone for bags of groceries, act as an impromptu seating area, take a bread-kneading beating, supervise the preparation of a myriad of meals, and endure several frustrated glances from yours truly for looking so disheveled (sorry, counters, that’s my fault, not yours).

That’s where this awesome disinfecting kitchen spray comes in. Starring a few of my favorite safe cleaning ingredients, it comes together in a flash and leaves counters, stove tops, and more looking (and smelling) their best.

The majority of this spray is a 50/50 blend of white vinegar and water. White vinegar is a wonderful cleaning ingredient—inexpensive, safe, and effective.

To this base I’ve added a blend of rubbing alcohol and Bandits oil, an essential oil blend you can make yourself, or purchase as Thieves® Oil or Germ Fighter Oil. Bandits oil is a powerful blend of antibacterial and antiviral essential oils like lemon and clove. Legend has it the blend was developed by a group of thieves while the Black Plague ravaged Europe so they could rob its victims. It’s not the happiest of tales, but certainly illustrates how strong of a disinfectant this blend of botanicals is.

When combining essential oils (which are oil soluble) in a water base you need an emulsifier or solvent of some kind to disperse the essential oils so they don’t just float to the top. That’s what the rubbing alcohol is for. High proof alcohol will dissolve essential oils, and that alcohol/essential oil mixture can then be added to a water base, where the essential oils will disperse reasonably well. It’s not quite an emulsion, but it helps reduce the need for vigorous shaking. The alcohol also lends additional disinfecting power to the final product.

Once everything is mixed up you’ll be left with a hazy looking bottle of citrus-spice scented DIY disinfecting spray. I like to spritz down my counters and stove, let it sit for a minute, and then wipe everything down. Disheveled counter tops be gone!

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Bandits Oil Disinfecting Kitchen Spray

Starring a few of my favorite safe cleaning ingredients, it comes together in a flash and leaves counters, stove tops, and more looking (and smelling) their best. The majority of this spray is a 50/50 blend of white vinegar and water. White vinegar is a wonderful cleaning ingredient—inexpensive, safe, and effective.

Course DIY

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Disinfecting Kitchen Spray

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1 Bottle

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 2 TB rubbing/isopropyl alcohol 70–99% alcohol
• 40 drops bandits essential oil blend
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

• Measure the rubbing alcohol and bandits essential oil into the bottom of a trigger spray bottle or mister bottle with a 2 cup (500mL) capacity and let rest for approximately 5 minutes. What we're doing here is giving the alcohol a chance to dissolve the essential oils a bit, meaning they will disperse better in this water-based solution. This isn't quite an emulsion, but does a nice job of helping the essential oils disperse while adding a bit of disinfecting punch from the alcohol. Please do be sure to use a brand of rubbing alcohol that's at least 70% alcohol—weaker solutions won't dissolve the essential oils very well.
• Once the rubbing alcohol and essential oils have sat for at least five minutes, measure out the vinegar and water into the spray bottle. Cap and shake gently to combine.

When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use water-based products quickly.

To use, spray over your counters, stove top, or anywhere else that needs a good cleaning, and wipe down with a damp sponge.

Learn how to make your DIY cleaner bottles using vinegar bottles here.

 More DIY Cleaners You May Like:

 DIY Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner

 DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap

DIY Floor Cleaner Wipes

The post DIY Bandits Oil Disinfecting (Kitchen) Spray appeared first on Live Simply.

Video Note: This recipe was recently updated (on November 9, 2015) to include a video. Find the video post, here.

Has my plan worked yet?

Are you convinced that cleaning is the coolest activity in the world? Did I just date myself by using the word “coolest?” The nineties can really stick with a gal.

Over the past month we’ve poured vinegar into jars filled with brightly-colored towels for cleaning dirty surfaces. We’ve given new life to the Swiffer sitting in the lonesome corner of the garage by making homemade wipes. Our bathrooms now smell amazing, and are actually enjoyable to clean thanks to the absence of mystery smells and liquids (potty-training also sticks with a gal and bathroom).

Oh the magic of homemade cleaning.

Homemade DIY cleaning is not only empowering and even a tiny bit magical (or maybe the word is “motivating?”), it’s also incredibly simple. And if you’re new around here, I love simple. Simple enough that every single homemade cleaner I make only requires a few ingredients that cost little when compared to the price I used to pay for a massive number of individual cleaners from the store.

Since the cleaning bug bit me with its magical (okay, I’ll try “motivating” next time) powers, I’ve been on a blog frenzy sharing my homemade cleaners. Let’s recap the simple ingredients needed to make every single cleaner for a house that sparkles and shines:

Vinegar: Costing only a couple of dollars for a quart, vinegar can clean just about anything. A big bottle of vinegar can easily be stretched to make anything from homemade cleaning wipes, Swiffer wipes, surface spray cleaner, or a natural fabric softener.

Essential Oils: I use essential oils (particularly orange, tea tree, and lavender) in my homemade surface spray, cleaning wipes, Swiffer wipes, bathroom cleaner, laundry soap, hand soap, and even homemade beauty products.

Water: If you turn over a bottle of store-bought cleaner I guarantee the first ingredient will be water. I use water in many of my homemade products. Water can aid in bacteria growth (not something you want when cleaning your counter). If you’re planning to use homemade products within a few weeks, tap water is just fine, but for a long-term use I suggest boiling water or using distilled water.

Castile Soap: Castile soap is an incredible cleaner that’s made from 100% plant oils. It’s known as a “true” soap due to its biodegradable properties. Castile soap is concentrated and highly effective which means one bottle can create multiple homemade products such as: hand soap, laundry soap, and bathroom cleaner.

Baking Soda: Baking soda absorbs odors (hello amazing bathroom cleaner!) and can remove the toughest of stains.

Rubbing Alcohol: I’m sure many of us have torturous memories of this product as kids. Ever have a cut? Yep, painful!

Rubbing alcohol is actually good for much more than torturing (I mean “cleaning”) boo-boos. This ingredient is used as a disinfectant and also works to dissolve dirt and oil. Rubbing alcohol dries quickly which makes it the perfect ingredient for DIY glass and stainless steel cleaner or homemade Swiffer wipes.

Today, let’s kick up the cleaning motivation (I got it right that time) to a new level and sparkle some windows. Using the vinegar and rubbing alcohol already found in our homemade cleaning arsenal,  this cleaner can be made in just five seconds (really! I promise…five seconds) and costs just pennies for an entire bottle.  Homemade glass and stainless steel cleaner will leave your windows and fridge streak-free and sparkly without the overwhelming toxic smell of store cleaners.

Ready to get started? I knew you would be.

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DIY All-In-One Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner

this cleaner can be made in just five seconds (really! I promise…five seconds) and costs just pennies for an entire bottle. Homemade glass and stainless steel cleaner will leave your windows and fridge streak-free and sparkly without the overwhelming toxic smell of store cleaners.

Course DIY

Cuisine Cleaning

Keyword Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner

Prep Time 1 minute minute

Total Time 1 minute minute

Servings 1 -16oz. spray bottle

Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

• 1 16-ounce glass spray bottle

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rubbing/isopropyl alcohol
• 1/3 cup white distilled vinegar
• 12 ounces distilled water or filtered water if used within a few days

Instructions

• Add the alcohol and vinegar to a 16-ounce glass spray bottle. Add water until the bottle is full (use a funnel, if needed).
• If you don't care for a vinegar scent (although it goes away once the surface dries), add a few drops of your favorite cleaning essential oil. This cleaner may be stored at room temperature.

To Use:

• Spray the cleaner on windows and mirrors, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. A cotton towel may be used, but I highly recommend microfiber to achieve a streak and lint-free appearance. I've also used this cleaner on some of our stainless steel appliances with good success. Before using this cleaner on stainless steel always check your appliance manual since some appliances recommend using plain water for wiping the surface (like our new fridge). And always do a small spot test before using any cleaner on a surface.

Notes

Rubbing Alcohol: I know some people in the natural community avoid rubbing alcohol for cleaning purposes. A high-proof vodka may be safely substituted for rubbing alcohol.

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There are few issues that stir up a group of “crunchy” (naturally-minded, real-foodie, homemade) ladies as much as hand sanitizer.

Okay, maybe vaccines. But, we’re not going there. Let’s stick with dirty hands and the clear liquid found in millions of purses and classrooms across America.

Before kids I had a “thing” (me and my “things”) against dirt, but oh my, how things changed once my first baby entered the picture. Suddenly messes and dirt (and other unmentionables) stuck to my hair, clothes, skin, and house like cheese on a good grass-fed burger. The need to embrace dirt (not being dirty, just a few extra clingy good germs) became apparent.

Here’s the funny thing about dirt: the more I embraced it, the less we got sick. I’m sure a good diet also helped, along with natural preventives such as: probiotic kombucha, elderberry syrup, and homemade chicken broth.

Now, please hear me out. I’m not talking about smothering our bodies in buckets of dirt and rubbing our hands on every public grocery cart in the store. Please don’t do that! Instead, let’s avoid the constant urge to sanitize our living conditions with millions of toxins in a state of paranoia. Cleaning is good, very good! But a little bit of healthy dirt (allowing our kids to run around outside, garden, and get dirty every now and then) is wonderful for the immune system. In fact, our guts need good bacteria to fight off the bad guys–this is an important aspect to having a healthy and thriving immune system.

Before we throw away our soap and hand sanitizer, I would like to tell you that I believe in cleanliness. I believe a good liquid hand soap is important to stock in the kitchen and bathroom, laundry soap is a necessity (obviously), and body wash is a smart choice.  I also believe hand sanitizer has a time and place: after handling money or touching the never-washed grocery store carts.

For those times when good ol’ soap and water just aren’t available, and hands needs to be washed, I keep a homemade hand sanitizer in my purse, made with a few simple ingredients.

Let’s embrace good hygiene, naturally. I promise it can be done.

More Natural Ways to Protect Against Unwanted Germs

• Homemade Hand Sanitizer Spray: A simple spray for when you need to wash your hands and don’t have soap and water. If you want a spray instead of a gel, this recipe is for you.
• Homemade Disinfecting Spray: A spray for counters and surfaces made with tea tree essential oil, vinegar, and water.
• Natural Ways to Boost the Immune System: My tried-and-true ways to naturally maintain a healthy and happy immune system.
• Homemade Elderberry Syrup: A homemade remedy that’s delicious and beneficial.

Print

Hand Sanitizer

For those times when good ol’ soap and water just aren’t available and hands needs to be washed, keep a homemade hand sanitizer (made with a few simple ingredients) in your bag.

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Hand Sanitizer

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 3 TB 190 proof alcohol or at least 120 proof alcohol or 70% or higher isopropyl rubbing alcohol (the original recipe called for witch hazel, however, alcohol is considered the best and what's currently recommended in light of recent issues). Don't use other types of alcohol (methanol, butanol) since they're toxic.
• 1 TB aloe vera (this is to prevent hands from drying out from the alcohol)
• 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin or vitamin E oil (optional, again adds moisturizing properties to the hand sanitizer to benefit your hands)
• essential oil (optional, like a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil) see note below

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
• To use the hand sanitizer store in a small jar or a squeeze tube (like this). This recipe will make 2 fluid ounces (one tube.) If you prefer to make a spray, use this recipe.

Notes

Please consult your doctor and the CDC website to do your own research about the best ways to protect your family. The CDC recommends hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol. The power of this hand sanitizer comes from the alcohol, so if you don’t have the essential oils, no worries. The important part is the alcohol! 

The original recipe included essential oils, but they aren’t necessary. The necessary ingredient is at least 60% alcohol, so to simplify this recipe and make it as easy as possible, I’ve adjusted the recipe to reflect this. 

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