Herbal Spring Cleaning for the Home

Hello family and friends! We're sending along some simple recipes for your Spring Cleaning!  We continue to have warm weather followed by snow up here in the Northwood's--giving us plenty of time to get to all those nooks and crannies!  Simple ways to clean, deodorize, and disinfect each area of your home!  Have a blessed day! Spring Cleaning with the Madison Herb Society  K. McFeeley 2014 Tub, Tile and Sink Scrubber 1 cup baking soda ¼ cup liquid castile soap 3-5 drops eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil Water Combine baking soda, soap, and essential oil. Add just enough water to make a smooth liquid paste. Apply paste to surface and rub with a damp cloth or sponge until clean. Rinse several times with water. Can add a little water if it gets hard. Store in jar. Fabric Softener – Lavender (can use other essential oils) 1 gallon vinegar 20 drops lavender essential oil Add the essential oil to a gallon of vinegar and you’ve got instant fabric softener. Shake well before using. For a large load add 1 cup during the rinse cycle. Use ½ cup for smaller loads. Window Cleaners There are many variations, try them out to find your perfect one. 1. Use undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle 25 2. Equal parts water or club soda and vinegar 3. ¼ cup vinegar, 1 T. cornstarch, 1 quart warm water 4. ¼ to ½ tsp liquid detergent, 3 lbs vinegar, 2 cups water Notes: Try using a squeegee or crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels for lint free results. Mold and Disinfectant Tea Tree essential oil works well for getting rid of mold or mildew. Tea tree oil is expensive but a little goes a long way. Mix 2 tsp of tea tree essential oil with 2 cups of water. Combine in a spray bottle, shake to keep blended, and spray the problem area. Do not rinse. Lavender or clove essential oils are natural disinfectants. Use the same measurements as above. Carnauba and Lavender Furniture Polish This paste wax will clean, condition and polish wood surfaces while providing a protective coat of wax. Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the palm tree Copernica cerifera. ¼ cup carnauba wax 2 T beeswax 1 ¼ cup olive oil 1 tsp lavender essential oil Combine carnauba, beeswax and olive oil in a double boiler. Heat slowly, stirring until completely melted. Remove from heat and add essential 26 oil. Pour into a glass or tin container and allow to cool completely before sealing. The formula is lightly scented with the lavender oil, which enhances its cleaning power. Use a circular motion to rub into wood floors or furniture, buff with sheep’s wool and a soft cotton cloth. Floor Cleaner A mix of equal parts vinegar and warm water is enough for light jobs. Try a vegetable based liquid soap, like Murphy’s Oil for tougher jobs Drain Cleaner Pour ½ cup backing soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Wait 15-20 minutes. Then pour ½ gallon boiling water down the drain. Bleach/Brightener Substitute 1 cup hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup lemon or grapefruit juice ½ cup water Laundry Powder  2 cups baking soda 1 ½ cups borax 1 cup grated castile soap or glycerin soap flakes 1 tsp lavender, lemon or grapefruit essential oil Combine ingredients and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1/8 to ¼ cup of powder per load.  Bright blessings, Sandy MountainsDreamz

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