(From various natural-living, professional sources on the web).
These recipes are wonderful for those who are allergic or sensitive to the various toxins from commercial cleaning products, and for those looking to economize, simplify their cleaning routine, reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors, protect children from harmful residues, etc.
Natural Laundry Soda
Ingredients
1/2 cup Epsom Salt
1 1/2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda)
1 1/2 cups Sodium Carbonate (washing soda)
1/4 cup sea salt
20-25 drops Essential Oils (optional)
Instructions
To make, measure out the ingredients.
Mix well and be sure to incorporate all ingredients, including essential oils, if using.
Store in a Mason jar or other glass jar of choice with a lid.
Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons per load.
Lemon essential oil is wonderful to use for brightening whites, and is an antiseptic. This recipe is very cheap, and it works extremely well, I was quite surprised. The woman whose blog I retrieved the recipe from uses it even for her husband's dirty farm clothes, and cloth diapers. I have added lemon only and lemon and eucalyptus, and both gave great results.
All-Purpose Cleaner
In a spray bottle, mix 1 part 10% vinegar and 1 part distilled water, or use 5% vinegar full strength, with no water added. Add 30-35 drops of lemon essential oil, or another antiseptic such as eucalyptus, clove, orange, etc. Create useful and delightful mixtures such as lemon and thyme, lemon and eucalyptus, orange and peppermint, etc.
Glass/Mirror Cleaner
Mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water in a spray bottle. For best results, use one cloth to do the cleaning, and a dry cloth to wipe the residue away.
Natural Dishwashing Soda
1 cup washing soda
¼ cup citric acid
¼ cup sea salt
20 drops lemon essential oil
Mix, store in a glass jar, and use 1 tsp per load (1.5 tsp for greasy loads)
Depending on the state of the economy, can be as cheap as 3 cents per load
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda inside the bowl
Add a splash of vinegar
Let fizz, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush
Floor Cleaner (for tile or hardwood)
1/4 cup Castile soap
2 gallons warm water
Optional: 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Mop as usual—no residue and no artificial smell.