A couple of years ago, I set out to simplify my cleaning. I was tired of buying multiple cleaners that cost a fortune. In addition to this, I was looking for cleaners that would be safe for my family to use on a daily basis. After some research, I decided to create my own cleaners because it would help our health and save us money in the long run. After two years of trying different combinations, I have finally settled on three ingredients that I use to clean my entire house.
Today, I’m going to be sharing the three safe ingredients I use when cleaning my home and how you can use them in your own home. There are occasional times when we use something a bit stronger, but I would say that we use these methods 90% of the time. I love that my cleaning supplies are simple and safe now. There’s no need to worry about the baby or the dogs being around when I’m cleaning.
Let’s start with the three ingredients and then I’ll tell you exactly how I use them. First, I want to say that there is a fourth ingredient – water – but I don’t count it as a main ingredient. However, it is an important part of my cleaning. So, now for the three ingredients – white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and essential oils (If you’re interested in essential oils, let me know and I can put you in touch with someone. I don’t sell them, but I’m happy to make a recommendation!). There’s a good chance that you already have those items floating around your house.
Now, I could leave you with the three ingredients and send you on your way, but that wouldn’t do you much good. That would simply leave you wasting time researching or experimenting with these ingredients. And since I’m all about saving you time in your busy life, I’m also including exactly how I use them around the house.
All Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients:
water
white vinegar
lemon essential oil
(or actual lemon juice if you don’t have any oils)
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of water and vinegar. Then, add a few drops of the lemon essential oil. Wet a rag, spray the surface, and wipe clean. The vinegar and lemon will help lift up dirt and disinfect at the same time.
I use this cleaner to wipe down the kitchen counters, stove, bathroom counters, bathroom floors, windows, and kitchen floors (most of our house is carpeted).
Bathroom Cleaner
Ingredients:
Dawn dishsoap
white vinegar
lemon or orange essential oil
(or actual lemon juice if you don’t have any oils)
Toilet: Squirt some Dawn in the bowl (I estimate on this one) and then add about a cup of vinegar. Use a toilet bowl brush to clean as you would with any other cleaner. Flush when finished and add a couple drops of essential oil to make the bathroom smell fresh.
Shower: Fill a soap dispensing dish sponge with half vinegar and half Dawn. Use the brush to wipe down your entire shower or tub, scrubbing a little extra in tough spots. Let sit for five minutes and then rinse clean. Keep the brush in the shower and use it once or twice a week after you shower to keep things clean and fresh.
These are the main ways that I use vinegar, Dawn, and essential oils to keep the house clean. When it comes to dusting, I use a simple cloth diaper to wipe things down and keep them dust free. (I used cloth diapers for this purpose even before having a baby.) I’m still looking into ways to use essential oils for air fresheners, homemade Lysol, and other tasks around the house.
What are you favorite tips for keeping the house clean? Do you use essential oils around the house?
