cleaners Archives - Soap Deli News

Spring Cleaning Tips: How to Naturally Clean & Declutter Your Home

Follow me: Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Email
I may receive compensation from links on this site. As an Amazon Associate I also earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclosure policy.

January 30, 2020 By Rebecca D. Dillon 4 Comments

Part of getting my home in order for spring, involves spring cleaning. This includes decluttering — and grudgingly tossing out those craft and soap making supplies that have hung around a bit too long. While spring cleaning is probably one of my least favorite chores ever, it doesn’t have to be a full on gladiator challenge. Get your home in order this spring with these easy spring cleaning tips and tricks. Plus discover ideas for decluttering your home and utilizing natural cleaners. Following are my best spring cleaning tips and homemade cleaner recipes to help you get your butt in gear and start the new season off right!

Spring Cleaning & Decluttering Your Home

Although it’s been a mild winter thus far, I’m still looking forward to spring. As the weather gets warmer, the birds start chirping and the flowers and trees start to grow. I also prepare for a new beginning and growth in my home. It’s definitely an inspirational time for me. Not only do I get excited about getting outdoors again, but I’m also always stoked to start on new projects. However, a clean space — without the clutter from the previous year — is paramount to both my productivity and creativity.

With the stress of the holidays gone, along with all those crazy commitments, I’m finally recharged and ready to tackle spring cleaning in my house. Spring cleaning isn’t my favorite chore, but the reward is well worth it. Knowing that everything is clean gives me a sense of peace and calm. And, of course, it grounds me better than any other activity out there. (Sad, but true. If only I had the patience to meditate.)

I used to dread spring cleaning. Now I look at it as a time to get organized and start fresh, which helps improve my mood and motivates me to get it done.

Easy Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks to Get the Job Done

If you dread spring cleaning, here are some helpful, spring cleaning tips that will aid you in getting your home clean and organized naturally. All without having to turn it into a huge production resulting in weeks worth of memes on your Facebook page and no actual progress.

Declutter Your Home

Weeks before I begin the actual cleaning, I start decluttering. Why waste my time cleaning things that I don’t want? And to be honest, you can clean anytime. I mean, you do it all year long anyway. (Well, I hope you do. There are some single dudes I know that are just flat out gross. Their kitchen floor literally requires a blow torch, not a mop.) Therefore decluttering tops my list of spring cleaning tips.

To get started decluttering my home, I go through each room with two baskets and a trash bag, one at a time. Trash goes in the trash bag, things that don’t belong in that room go in one box, and things I want to get rid of go in the other box. You’d be amazed at how much stuff you don’t need anymore! (And while I know you haven’t used all that shea butter up yet, it’s hitting the end of its shelf life and has got to go. Because seriously, while you could throw it into a soap recipe this weekend, are you really going to 100% make that happen?)

The things I don’t want I take directly to my car to drop off at a thrift store that benefits charities. Other things, like ingredients on their last leg and those spices in my cabinets that are basically flavorless dirt granules at this point, get tossed. I have less clutter, and other people benefit.

Although sometimes I think people benefit more from me tossing the “garbage” in my pantry (I mean, if I don’t want to eat it, do they?) than the clothing I drop off at the thrift store. The same, of course, can be said for that ever growing stash of soap making supplies that stretches on to infinity. The last thing you want to do is invest the time it takes to make cold process soap only to end up with dreaded orange spots at the end of a cure because you held onto that olive oil too long.

Decide How to Clean

Once you declutter your home, then decide how you’re going to clean. I clean room by room. This helps me stay motivated because I can finish a room and feel a sense of accomplishment once it’s done. It also keeps me from getting overwhelmed. After all, no one wants to see me sheltered in a corner talking to myself anymore than I usually do. (I’m self employed, dammit. It’s called a staff meeting!)

I have a friend who does one chore all over the house. She cleans every window at the same time, then she cleans all of the floors. This saves her the time and hassle of getting out the same cleaning products over and over.

Make a Schedule

I would love to get my all of my spring cleaning done in just one or two days. However, I can’t do that without risking a fibro flare. Although I take supplements that help me manage my fibro, I have to respect my daily limits. (Self care, while important for EVERYONE, matters even more when you have a chronic illness. Because literally it can put you out of commission for days to weeks.)

Whether it’s your health or your work schedule that dictates how much you can do in a day, it’s helpful to make a plan. Sometimes it takes me up to two weeks to spring clean. That’s okay! Take your time and it will get done eventually. You’ll find that trying my spring cleaning tips as well a developing your own spring cleaning tips and tricks that fit your lifestyle and personality, really does help.

I make a plan for a room a day and skip some days so I don’t overexert myself. You don’t have to get everything done in one day.

Work Top to Bottom

When it is time to start spring cleaning, always work from the ceiling to the floor. Any dust that you move around will fall to the floor, so it’s important to clean your floors last.

I’m no seven foot NBA player, so getting cobwebs from the ceiling or cleaning the walls is a nightmare. I love this Compact Mop and Broom Kit for dusting the ceiling and walls, however. I use the microfiber mopping cloth dry or slightly damp to dust the ceiling and walls. It makes it so quick, and I can finally reach them without risking falling off of a chair.

Not only is it made from recycled materials, this makes multi-tasking a snap and the collapsable handle saves on space.

Once the ceiling and walls are clean, I move onto the surfaces and finally the floors. Afterwards, I just toss the microfiber mop head into the washing machine, so there’s zero waste.

Tips on Spring Cleaning Your Home with Natural, Non-toxic Cleaners

Steam Cleaning

Another of my favorite spring cleaning tips is to steam clean. I don’t want to use chemicals when I clean, so my preference is to clean with steam for those extra dirty jobs. I have a portable steam cleaner that I use for surfaces, including the microwave, sinks, bathrooms, and more. Not all surfaces can be steam cleaned, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.

Steam cleaning removes up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and other germs. It’s a great way to kill germs with just water and no chemicals.

Of course, if a steam mop isn’t part of your doomsday arsenal, you can always make your own DIY all purpose cleaner with essential oils to disinfect floors and other surfaces. (Just be sure to sub the tea tree oil if you have pets in your home.)

Alternately, if you’re in the market for a steam mop, the PurSteam Thermapro Steam Mop is truly multi-surface and multi-functional. It can be used on hardwood floors, tile, laminate, carpet and even clothing. In addition, it’s also pet friendly. And the small size means it doesn’t take up half my utility closet.

All Purpose Cleaner

The all purpose cleaners that you find in stores can be toxic and not healthy for you, your family, or your pets. So choosing the right cleaning products for your home is important. Products such as Mrs. Meyer’s all purpose cleaner, which is made from plant-derived ingredients, as well as Aunt Fannie’s cleaning vinegar are the perfect natural alternatives for cleaning your kitchen and bathroom.

In addition to buying non-toxic, commercial cleaners, you can also make your own natural cleaning products. If you’re new to making your own cleaners, I recommend starting with an all purpose cleaner because you’ll use it often in the kitchen and in the bath. Here’s a very easy and basic all purpose cleaner recipe with vinegar, water and essential oils.

Alternately, if you significant other has threatened maiming, torture or death if you ever use vinegar to clean the house again, here’s a vinegar free all purpose cleaner that uses Sal Suds to clean instead. (It’s pretty crazy awesome. It got an old wine stain off my laminate countertop.)

All purpose cleaners are great for general cleaning, but they don’t work well on stuck on dirt or dried food spills. Therefore, I recommend making this natural cleaning clay recipe. It works like a soft scrub cleanser and is perfect for cleaning your stove top, tile floors or glass. It requires just three simple ingredients and is ready to use in just 5-minutes.

Liquid Castile Soap

I also use liquid castile soap to clean my home. Typically, I’ll use it in the mop bucket and dilute it to clean surfaces. I’ve tried making my own liquid Castile soap, but it always separates. Therefore, I usually just pick up Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap instead.

Not only is Dr. Bronner’s a quality liquid soap, it’s also safe enough you wouldn’t feel completely terrible about washing out your teenager’s mouth with it. While not something I condone, I certainly won’t play innocent and balk over thinking about it a time or two. Even the most perfect children can drive you up the wall. Especially during that “no” stage. And the one where they question everything… “But why?”

If you’re short on cupboard space like I am, here’s how to make a liquid castile soap concentrate for cleaning. This won’t separate like a homemade liquid will and it will save you some dough if you’re on a budget.

Laundry Cleaners

My washer and dryer work overtime when I’m spring cleaning. I always make sure to wash my curtains, bedding, and pillows.

I wash them in the hottest water possible for the fabric to kill germs. I also like to hang them outside in the sun to kill more germs and make them smell like fresh sunshine.

Making laundry detergent is also easy and saves a lot of money. Here’s my easy, homemade laundry soap recipe. If you have tough laundry stains, then be sure to treat them with a laundry stain remover recipe. (This stain remover stick also works great for hand washing delicates.)

Don’t like grating the soap? Here’s how to make laundry detergent without grating.

Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips

I think spring cleaning the bathroom is at the bottom of everyone’s favorite things to do list. If you clean your bathroom weekly, there isn’t much left to do for spring cleaning except declutter the cabinets and give it a thorough cleaning. (And if you have little boys running around your bathroom, then you’re likely cleaning a lot more frequently. Because, boy pee. Am I right?)

To make cleaning my bathtub quick and easy, I use my homemade shower cleaner weekly. It not only makes my bathtub sparkle, it also works great on grimy toilets and sinks! Overall, it’s just an easy way to keep my bathroom clean without a lot of effort. My Dawn and vinegar shower cleaner is also great for a no scrub deep clean on shower doors and soap scum, and requires as few as two ingredients. (This is by far one of my most popular bathroom cleaner recipes!)

Then, for daily maintenance, use an after shower spray to keep your shower clean for longer periods between cleaning. This easy bathroom cleaning hack also works on windows and mirrors, and is made with a simple, 2-ingredient essential oil blend that naturally freshens your bathroom as well.

Cleaning Hacks for Naturally Freshening the Air

I think opening the windows helps clear the air and makes the house smell so fresh! However, if the temperature isn’t warm enough in your neck of the woods, try one of these easy ideas for natural air cleaners instead.

I use my diffuser to kill germs in the air during the winter. Essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus essential oil, lemon essential oil, and clove essential oil can kill germs in the air when diffused. You can find a ready made, Purify essential oil blend that’s perfect for this task here.

You can also try my rosemary fir room spray to freshen the air or my lavender eucalyptus DIY air freshener with essential oils to freshen both the air and fabrics. It’s great for smelly kids rooms as well as pet odors.

Looking for Eco-friendly Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home?

For eco-friendly spring cleaning tips, check out this post for healthy homemaking ideas. This collection of spring cleaning tips will save you both time and money! And they’re perfect for anyone who wants to create a non-toxic home using eco-friendly cleaning products.

Or give Grove Collaborative a try and score a free sustainable, spring cleaning starter bundle for your household chores when you spend $20 on any of their natural cleaning products, essential oils or cleaning tools. (Offer good for first time customers only.) Sign up here.

If the sustainable starter kit isn’t really something you need, they also have an offer for free laundry detergent as well as a free home bundle with Mrs. Meyer’s products. (Sadly, you can only pick one. I know, bummer. But it’s still a sweet deal regardless.)

For more spring cleaning tips and homemade cleaner recipes, be sure to visit my Natural Cleaning Products & Homemade Cleaner Recipes Pinterest board here. You can also find and follow me on Blog Lovin‘, facebook, twitter and instagram. Or sign up for my newsletter.

Filed Under: Handmade Home, Lifestyle Tagged With: bathroom cleaner, cleaners, cleaning, cleaning hacks, cleaning products, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, cleaning tips, eco-friendly, green cleaning, healthy homemaking, healthy living, homemaking, housework, kitchen cleaner, non-toxic, shower cleaner, spring cleaning, window cleaner

Natural Cleaning Clay Recipe for Your Glass Stove Top, Countertops & Tile Floors

March 27, 2019 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Learn how to make a natural cleaning clay recipe to clean just about everything! Perfect for cleaning glass stove tops, granite countertops and even tile floors, this easy cleaning clay recipe requires just 3-ingredients. Make yours in just 5-minutes! Plus discover more simple, all natural cleaning products you can make using essential oils.

Natural Cleaning Products That Work

I first discovered the miracle of cleaning clay after attending an H2O at Home party at a friend’s home. I was particularly impressed with both the effective of their cleaning clay and the simplicity of this all purpose cleaning product. Not only does it work great as a non-toxic, natural household cleaning product on most surfaces, it literally lasts forever!

Since trying out their products, I’d been dying to make my own natural cleaning clay. Unfortunately this homemaking project kept getting pushed onto the back burner. That is until I received the new Simply Earth essential oil recipe box for April. Well timed for spring cleaning, this essential oil recipe box contained a variety of recipes for natural cleaning products. It also had a bottle of that one ingredient I’d needed to finally make my natural cleaning clay recipe – lemon essential oil.

All of Simply Earth’s essential oil boxes come with a collection of four essential oils. They also include additional ingredients and containers to make everything from natural beauty and skin care products to non-toxic cleaning products and aromatherapy diffuser blends. Each box also includes a collection of essential oil recipe cards. As their recipe cards are the same size as index cards, they fit easily into a standard 3″ x 5″ recipe box for quick reference and storage.

I love receiving my Simply Earth essential oil recipe box every month. It’s such a great way for me to explore new essential oils (some of which I’d never heard of like the amyris essential oil) as well as affordably grow my essential oil collection. Plus it feels good knowing that Simply Earth donates 13% of their profits to help end human trafficking. How can you not get behind a cause like that?

Related: Amyris Essential Oil Uses, Benefits and Recipes

Inside the new Simply Earth essential oil recipe box.

The April recipe box from Simple Earth is all about making your own natural cleaning products. The most recent box contained nutmeg essential oil, tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil. It included an essential oil blend – BO Be Gone – as well. (It’s kind of perfect for making hand soap and natural laundry detergent.) In addition to the essential oils, my box also contained liquid Castile soap and an aluminum spray bottle for making their tea tree & lemon multi-surface cleaning spray.

The April essential oil recipe box contains recipes for the following natural cleaning products.

Tea Tree and Lemon Surface Cleaner Recipe
Lemon and Nutmeg Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
Laundry Stain Remover Roll On Recipe
Natural Home Diffuser Recipe
Easy Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
Natural Laundry Detergent Recipe

(If this is your first time learning about Simply Earth’s amazing essential recipe boxes, I’ve provided a clear overview of their ingredients, supplies and benefits here. There’s also coupon code for a free jam packed bonus box on your first order and a discount code for your second box.)

Related: Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

Essential Oil Natural Cleaning Products

Following are some of my favorite homemade natural cleaning products included in the latest essential oil recipe box from Simply Earth. I’ve also included my own natural cleaning clay recipe so you can discover why I think it’s the bee’s knees. (And yes, I’m told, bees do have knees. Technically.)

Tea Tree & Lemon Surface Cleaner

Ingredients:

1/3 cup hot distilled water
1 tsp. borax powder
2 tsp. white distilled vinegar
2 tsp. rubbing alcohol
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

Measure out the hot water into a glass measuring cup. Add the borax powder then stir to dissolve.

Follow with the remaining ingredients for the surface cleaner as called for in the recipe. Stir well to combine.

Now pour the mixture into an aluminum spray bottle. If desired, label your creation with one of the product stickers provided by Simply Earth.

Usage:

Shake this product prior to each use. To use, simply spray onto countertops and other non porous surfaces, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Your natural tea tree & lemon essential oil surface cleaner not only cleans surfaces and kills germs, it will also leave your home smelling naturally fresh.

Laundry Stain Remover Roll On Recipe

Ingredients:

10 mL liquid Castile soap
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

Combine the essential oils in a 10 mL roll on bottle. Swirl the bottle to mix the oils.

Now fill the remainder of the bottle with liquid Castile soap.

Usage:

Shake well prior to each use. Then simply roll this natural laundry stain remover onto laundry stains. Allow to sit 5 to 10 minutes prior to washing.

Natural Cleaning Clay Recipe

Ingredients:

4 oz. liquid Castile coconut oil soap
12 oz. white kaolin clay
40 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

Using a digital scale to weigh out the Castile soap into a large glass bowl. Add the lemon essential oil and stir well to combine.

Then, in a separate container, weigh out the kaolin clay. Slowly add the clay to the the liquid soap base, mixing with a fork until all the clay is incorporated into the soap. If necessary, use your hands to blend the last bit of clay into the natural cleaning clay. There should be no dry clay left. However the mixture should be very firm.

Now fill an 8 oz. low profile jar with the cleaning clay. Press the natural cleaning clay firmly into the jar until it’s filled. You can then use the back of a measuring cup or as spatula to press the clay flat on top.

Usage:

Massage a slightly damp bubble up brush or sponge onto the cleaning clay. Then cover your surface with the cleaning clay, adding slightly more water to the sponge if necessary to form a thick foam. Then remove the cleaning clay using a damp microfiber cloth.

For dirty glass stove tops, cover the entire stovetop with cleaning clay. Allow the mixture to dry on the surface, then wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth. Follow with a damp cloth to remove any residue if needed. Then polish clean with a dry cloth.

My natural cleaning clay recipe works great for deep cleaning a number of other surfaces including granite countertops, sinks, tubs and tile. However, as will all natural cleaning products, I recommend testing the cleaning clay first in an inconspicuous area on natural surfaces.

More Natural Cleaning Products Recipes

Now that you’ve tackled these recipes for natural cleaning products, try some of these other recipes for natural cleaning products for your home.

Also be sure to check out my eco-friendly laundry tips to save time and money as this household chore. You’ll also love my collection of spring cleaning tips for a green friendly lifestyle and a non-toxic clean throughout your entire home.

Explore more recipes with essential oils.

It’s so easy to get started with essential oils as well as make your own simple essential oil recipes for home, health and beauty. Visit Simply Earth now to order your first essential oil recipe box and get a free bonus supply box with coupon code: SOAPDELIFREE You’ll also receive a $40 discount on your next order of anything you like.

To discover more ways to use essential oils in your home, visit my Essential Oils & Herbs for Health, Lifestyle and Beauty Pinterest board. You can also find and follow me across your favorite social media platforms including Blog Lovin‘, facebook, twitter and instagram so you never miss a post. Or simply sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter.

Filed Under: Handmade Home, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: bathroom cleaner, cleaners, cleaning, cleaning hacks, cleaning products, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, cleaning tips, diy, easy, eco-friendly, essential oil recipes, essential oils, green cleaning, green living, handmade home, healthy homemaking, healthy living, homemaking, housework, kitchen cleaner, simply earth, spring cleaning

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

March 13, 2019 By Rebecca D. Dillon

This collection of eco-friendly spring cleaning tips will not only help you save time, but also save money! Discover the best spring cleaning tips for a non-toxic home.

It’s that time of year again! Time to give your home an overhaul and clean everything and every room for the new spring season. Sounds daunting, right? You bet it is! Rather than try to tackle the task all in one go, try implementing these spring cleaning tips over time instead! Plus learn how you can save money on your favorite eco-friendly cleaning essentials. All while making more time to do the things you actually enjoy!

Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

1. Give yourself a break. While women certainly perform superhero feats in our daily lives, we are in fact, not superwoman. Rather than try to tackle a whole house makeover in a single day, go room by room one day a week. After all, it’s not a race.

2. Clean your windows with water, not chemicals. You can save money by using microfiber cloths from Grove Collaborative to clean mirrors, windows and other glass surfaces. Simply clean with a wet microfiber cloth, then follow with a dry cloth for spotless windows. For extra tough jobs, save money with Grove’s eco-friendly glass cleaning concentrate.

You’ll also want to wash your windows on a cloudy day as the sun can hamper your efforts by drying your windows too quickly. This in turn can cause streaks to be left behind.

3. Kitchen cabinets can build of with grease and grime fast. Especially those cabinets in range of the stove. Make cleaning your greasy kitchen cabinets a breeze by mixing a few drops of Mrs. Meyers new spring scented dish soap with a vinegar and water solution. Then simply wipe them down with a microfiber towel or soft sponge.

You can also make a natural cleaner to clean and polish your wood cabinets, along with the wood furniture in your home. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil with 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle. Shake well then spray onto a microfiber cloth to use.

4. While sheets and pillowcases should be washed at least every two weeks, comforters and pillows don’t need laundering quite as often. Typically they should be washed 2-3 times a year. You can simply toss these into your washer, then dry normally. (Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing first!)

5. Not only do you need to launder your bedding, your mattress should also get a spring cleaning! While your comforter and pillows are in the wash, take the time to vacuum out the crevices, top and sides on your bare mattress. Then use a spot cleaner, like Paw Sense Pet Stain and Odor Remover, to tackle anything that remains after vacuuming.

6. Spring is also a great time to clean out your refrigerator. After all, it is where food is stored. Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface cleaner is great for this task. First, pull out your refrigerator’s interior shelving. Then wash them with warm soapy water. Before putting the shelves back, use your multi-purpose spray and a sponge to wipe down the surfaces on the inside of your fridge that can’t be removed.

7. While area rugs don’t need to be cleaned every spring – with the assumption you are vacuuming out the dirt on a regular basis – now’s a great time to treat stains. If your rugs are too large to throw in the washer, you can use club soda to treat stains. Just keep in mind that some stains, such as those caused by pets, coffee or red wine, can be more difficult to remove. Therefore spill or stain with a dye or acid base should be cleaned immediately – or as soon as humanly possible.

This recipe for a DIY all purpose cleaner without vinegar works great at removing stains not just from rugs and carpets, but laminate countertops as well. Or try this soap based DIY stain stick for anything you can toss in the wash.

8. Organizing your closet can be frustrating. Therefore I recommend removing and donating any items you haven’t worn in at least year. Then go back and organize your clothing by type or color – whatever works best for you. I typically organize my closet starting with short sleeve shirts to long sleeve, then following with skirts, short and pants so each type of clothing is grouped together. This makes my everyday routine easier. It’s also easy to keep organized once it’s done.

9. Use an old toothbrush to clean out the track for your sliding glass door. It can loosen up dirt and grime that your vacuum cleaner can’t. Vacuum again once the extra dirt and grime is knocked loose. Then follow with a damp sponge.

10. Don’t forget to perform your spring cleaning routine to your makeup bag as well. Most makeup is only good for 3-6 months. So toss the old and treat yourself to something new. Plus, you can use your old eyeshadows to create custom nail polish! Just add eyeshadow to clear nail polish and shake to mix!

11. You’ll also want to deep clean the carpeting in your home. This is my least favorite thing to do as the fibro makes it ten times as challenging as it needs to be. So if you have the money, you may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner. Otherwise, vacuum up dirt and debris. Then spot treat your carpet stains first. Follow with a carpet steam cleaner. (If you don’t have one, you should easily be able to find one for rent.)

12. If your curtains aren’t dirty enough to wash, you can remove dust by simply going over them with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. Or, for more delicate or sheer curtains, toss them into the dryer on low with one of Seventh Generation’s essential oil based fabric softener sheets. They’ll come out dust free with a fresh non-toxic fragrance that’s perfect for spring.

13. Get rid of stubborn hard water stains, soap scrum and even grease your tub by using this 2-ingredient shower cleaner recipe made with vinegar and Dawn. It’s the perfect solution for really grimey tubs and my go to cleaner whenever I move into a new apartment.

You can also make a daily shower cleaner to help prevent mildew and resist soap scum by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, then adding citrus based essential oils to suit. (I love a lemon lime combo. But lemongrass and orange is also amazing!) Simply spray inside your shower after you bathe for a fresh scent and an extended clean.

My Favorite Everyday Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

1. Use wool dryer balls to conserve energy and dry clothes faster. A money saver that allows you to toss softener and dryer sheets, wool dryer balls can be reused again and again. Plus they can be scented with your favorite essential oils. I bought my wool dryer balls from Grove Co., rather than make my own, and I absolutely love them!

2. For everyday cleaning of kitchen countertops, use Full Circle’s Squeeze Cellulose Sponge Cloths or Grove Collaborative’s European Dish Cloths. They work like like super heavy duty paper towels, but are reusable rather than disposable. When they get dirty, simply toss them in the dishwasher the next time you run it.

3. Swap out the rinse aid for your dishwasher with plain white vinegar. You can add a few drops of a citrus based essential oil, if desired. Otherwise, switch to Seventh Generation’s eco-friendly rinse aid for a non-toxic shine.

4. The new front loading HE washers need to be cleaned out periodically. Ours automatically lets us know when it’s time for a deep clean. While the manufacturer suggests running a cycle with bleach to keep our washer from developing odors, a combination of distilled white vinegar and baking soda is a more eco-friendly choice. You should also leave your washer door open to prevent odors from developing faster than usual.

5. To save both time and money on cleaning essentials, I order all of my cleaning supplies from Grove Collaborative. Their discounted pricing makes the products I use everyday more affordable. They also offer auto-ship, not just for cleaning supplies, but also for the probiotics and personal care items I use regularly.

Unlike other auto-ship services, Grove reminds me well ahead of time that an auto-shipment is coming up. So I always have plenty of time to change the items in my cart as needed. I can remove everything from my cart – even if it’s on auto-ship for the month – if I’ve not run out of something or money is tight. I can also change the frequency of how often things come with ease. It’s truly effortless. And I’ve honestly never had any issues with having something ship without me be aware.

If you’re not already a Grove customer, you can totally score some awesome freebies right now! All new customers will receive the hand soap, dish soap and all purpose spray in Mrs. Meyer’s new spring scents along with their best selling walnut scrubber sponges. Plus you get a really cool bubble up soap dish. Just add soap and water to the spring loaded ceramic base. Then move the brush up and down to make super scrubby bubbles for pre-washing stubborn pots and pans or even simply hand washing. (It can also be used as a drain for your kitchen sponges.)

All you need to do is spend $20 on other products at Grove that you might need, including any of the products mentioned above. So basically you end up getting over $50 in products for $20. And shipping is free! Spend $39 and you’ll also get a free stoneware tray. Plus new customers also get a free 60 day VIP trial. I’ve been a VIP member since I’ve joined and it really pays off! As a VIP customer I get free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service! Truly this is an amazing company. Check it out! (Delivery is carbon offset right to your doorstep!)

Now that I’ve shared my favorite eco-friendly spring cleaning tips, I’d love to hear your ideas as well! Be sure to leave a comment with your favorite spring cleaning tips in the comments so we can all learn from one another!

To discover more eco-friendly homemaking solutions, sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter! You can also find and follow me across a number of social media platforms: Blog Lovin‘, facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram.

Filed Under: Handmade Home, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: cleaners, cleaning hacks, cleaning products, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, cleaning tips, easy, eco-friendly, green cleaning, green living, healthy homemaking, healthy living, homemaking, housework, kitchen cleaner, life tips and tricks, spring, spring cleaning

Homemade Cleaner Recipes with Essential Oils

October 13, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

I love essential oils! They’re perfect for all types of uses, not just making bath and body products. I also use essential oils to create my own homemade cleaner recipes with essential oils. However, I don’t always have the time to create my own products. I mean, life can be crazy sometimes, right?

Honestly, there are days I feel like I can’t catch up much less get ahead. Add in those weekly shopping trips, meal planning, cleaning – it’s hard to squeeze in some free time. And if you have kids? I don’t know how many of you do it.

Anyhow, for those of us whose lives are always running in overdrive, I wanted to share a really special deal that Grove Collaborative is offering this month. And, of course, share some of my favorite homemade cleaner recipes with essential oils too! First, however, I have to let you in on Grove’s new offer!

New Eco-Friendly Hand Soap with Essential Oils

Grove recently released a new line of their own dish and hand soaps in addition to stylish refillable glass containers for each one. Naturally scented with essential oils, their natural fragrance options include Lavender & Thyme, Lemon, Eucalyptus & Mint and Pomegranate. Not only are these products eco-friendly options to your regular brand, they can also save you a trip to the store!

As someone who’s always trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, I always excited when I find a natural and sustainable product that works as well as its traditional counterparts. I love the new Grove hand soap. Not only is is eco-friendly, it doesn’t dry out my skin like other soaps. I’m also a sucker for reusable glass containers. And the glass soap pumps from Grove? They don’t just look great. They also work incredibly well. I love mine so much, I also bought a set for my BFF who is somehow (shhhh.) a wee bit more type A than I am.

Try Grove’s New Eco-Friendly Hand Soap Free!

For a limited time you can be among the first to try their new hand soap along with a few bonuses! Here’s what new Grove Collaborative Customers get with their first $20 purchase:

Free Grove Collaborative Hand Soap Vessel
Free Grove Collaborative Hand Soap Pouch
Free Grove Collaborative Stoneware Tray
Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial

(If you’re already a customer, you’ll receive a free set of Grove walnut scrubbers — they’re sustainably made and tackle tough messes on dishes or countertops.)

Grove’s new hand soap pouches are every zero-waster’s dream come true! Instead of buying a single-use plastic soap pump, you just twist off the top, fill up your soap dispenser, and voilà!

Benefits of Grove’s Hand Soap with Essential Oils

Each pouch of Grove Hand Soap contains approximately three refills. The pouches use 60% less plastic than a traditional soap bottle and cost a lot less to make, fill, and transport. This means you end up saving a lot of money in the long run.

While these soaps are wallet friendly, the scents are decidedly luxurious: Lavender & Thyme, and Lemon Eucalyptus & Mint. Both are formulated with essential oils and aloe vera for extra moisture, and are perfect all-season scents. (For those of you who prefer fragrance free, check out the Free & Clear.)

The set also includes a gorgeous refillable glass hand soap dispenser. Think of it as a “grown up” version of your typical plastic pump bottle. The glass is thick and sturdy, and the brushed metal pump complements any decor.

Along with Grove’s new hand soap and dispenser, this versatile stoneware tray has quickly become one of my favorite items. I’ve purchased a few so I can have one by the kitchen sink and one on my nightstand. It’s perfect for everything from loose sponges to jewelry and glasses.

Grove Collaborative has become my go-to for laundry detergent, toothpaste, vitamins and more because they share my passion for healthy, beautiful household products. They hand-select the best natural products and deliver them (carbon offset) right to your doorstep, on your schedule. I love that their products save me not only money, but that their autoship option also saves me time. This is especially important for those products I just can’t find locally. And I’ve never been surprised by a charge or delivery I didn’t first authorize.

Using Grove is a simple switch that can make a big difference in the health of your home. An added benefit: Once you’ve submitted your first order, you’ll also be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service. I have gotten some really get free gifts from Grove. Kitchen and hand towels, reusable zipper bags, a bamboo prep board – all as a VIP member. And there’s a new free gift available every single month!

If you’re like me and trying to reduce your carbon footprint and create a healthy home, I can’t recommend Grove enough. Here’s how to get your free gift and give Grove a try:

Sign up for Grove Collaborative here. You will receive the free hand soap vessel, hand soap pouch and stoneware tray for free when you sign up! To receive this offer, your order does need to be a minimum of $20. (I just recently tried their European Dish Cloth Set and was hooked! Just in case you’re looking for more eco-friendly products to try.) Choose the combination of products and scents you love, place your order and then your receive your products in a just a few days!

Homemade Cleaner Recipes with Essential Oils

Ready to save even more by making your own homemade cleaner recipes with essential oils? Give these simple, eco-friendly homemade cleaner recipes with essential oils a try. And don’t forget to add your favorite essential oils to your Grove order!

For more ideas for creating your own homemade cleaner recipes with essential oils, be sure to check out this article on the best essential oils for cleaning. You can also learn how to make your own DIY holiday foaming soap pumps to give as quick & easy gifts! Find that tutorial, along with a simple peppermint essential oil foaming soap recipe, here.

For more great ideas for using essential oils as well as updates from Soap Deli News blog, be sure to follow me across all of your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’ and Instagram. Or, alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Handmade Home, Lifestyle, Shopping Tagged With: cleaners, cleaning, cleaning products, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, diy, eco-friendly, essential oils, essential oils recipes, green living, hand soap, healthy living, homemaking, natural, soap

Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Cleaning Caddy (Plus Non-Toxic DIY Cleaners to Make Right Now!)

July 10, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

If you struggle to stay organized amidst the chaos of your crafty life, then be sure to check out this collection of six clever ways to repurpose your cleaning caddy. Plus learn how to make your own non-toxic cleaners to keep your creative spaces clean this summer!

As a crafter and soapmaker, staying organized can be a challenge for me. However, it’s a necessity I can’t live without. I’ll admit that I do allow my desk to become a mess of papers, books and notes ~~from time to time~~ often. However, every time I reorganize and declutter my desk, it falls back into disarray within a few days.

While I can deal with a messy desk, keeping my soapmaking and craft supplies organized is an absolute must. Obviously keeping my supplies organized allows me to find what I need for my projects quickly and efficiently. It also serves as a great reminder of which ingredients or materials I have on hand for my next recipe.

Knowing what materials I have to work with is of upmost importance. I’m sure that you, like myself, have accidentally reordered a supply only to discover you still had it in stock, hiding in the back of your pantry. This was, of course, after you removed that new product you were dying to try from your cart in order to buy said supply to stay within your budget. (I SO hate that.)

The best thing to do in this particular situation is to make a list. And while I generally enjoy making lists, I loathe making inventory lists. It remains one of the most tedious tasks I have to perform, so I almost never ever do it. I’d much rather have limitless storage space and containers for organizing.

Cleaning caddies are perfect for neatly storing and carrying just about anything around your home. Especially if your regular storage spaces are overrun with craft supplies. So when I received this stylish, multi-functional enamel caddy from Grove Collaborative, I’d already thought of a reason to order two more!

It’s also why I’m so excited to share this free offer with you: When you place your first order of $20 from Grove Collaborative, you’ll get this free caddy to help you organize your space. Even better, this awesome cleaning caddy comes filled with Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap, hand soap, and lotion. Plus you’ll also receive free shipping!

While you’re more than welcome to go the traditional route and fill your caddy with cleaning supplies like a multi-purpose spray, microfibers, a wand duster, and Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap – why stop there? Following you’ll discover six clever ways to repurpose your cleaning caddy for something other than simply cleaning! (Plus keep reading after these tips for recipes to make your own homemade cleaners!)

Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Cleaning Caddy

1. Mini herb or succulent garden.

I love the idea of a kitchen herb garden in an unconventional planter. Add a few inches of gravel or pebbles for drainage, then a layer of potting soil, and your plants. My favorite herbs to grow are basil, cilantro, and rosemary. Another benefit of the caddy: The handle makes it easy to carry your plants to the sink for watering!

2. Garden tool organizer.

Here’s a gardening hack for all my green thumb friends: Repurpose your cleaning caddy into a garden tool organizer! Fill it with a cute pair of gloves, trowel, pruning shears, hand rake, and kneeling board. Easily carry your garden tools around the yard instead of running back and forth to the shed. When you’re done gardening, Meyer’s hand soap and lotion are perfect for pampering hardworking hands. (You can also learn how to make your own homemade gardener’s soap from scratch!)

3. Hair tool organizer.

Low on storage space under the bathroom sink? Repurpose your cleaning caddy to create a styling station with your hair dryer, brush, flat iron or curling iron, and products all within reach. I recently added Seed nourishing hair and body oil (which is available through Grove) to my kit, and it’s perfect for taming summer flyaways! My roommate, Bambi, is always flat ironing her hair while I’m always trying to put curls in mine. So having a place to stash our styling tools is a must!

4. Dog toy holder.

Your furry best friend will love this trick: Repurpose your cleaning caddy into a dog toy bin that matches your decor. Fill the caddy with tennis balls, stuffed animals, and other toys. Your pup can reach his own toys, and you won’t have to worry about stepping on a squeaky toy in the middle of the stairs! (This was, of course, my dachshund’s favorite idea!)

5. Ice chest for summer entertaining.

Raise your hand if you’re ready for patio season! This caddy is just the right size to hold ice and a few bottles of wine or lemonade. It’s easy to carry outside, and so much cuter than a plastic cooler. I also recommend adding Murphy’s Naturals mosquito repellent candles to your Grove order to keep summer pests away from your party! (You can keep wine in stock all summer long without ever leaving the house with Winc!)

6. Art supply organizer.

With summer finally here I’ve been spending a lot more time outdoors. Part of that time includes hunting for river rocks to paint! Rather than struggling with multiple containers for our paint brushes and paint pens, my roommate and I repurposed this cleaning caddy for our art supplies. Now it’s quick and easy to remove our art supplies from the dining room table for our regular Tuesday date night dinners.

What are some of the ways you would repurpose your cleaning caddy from Grove? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Plus, don’t forget to grab your free set while supplies last. Here’s how: Sign up for Grove Collaborative here.

You will receive the Grove cleaning caddy along with a Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap, hand soap, and lotion free when you sign up! (To receive this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20. Choose the combination of products and scents you love and receive your first box within a few days!)

Tip to save: Once you have submitted your Grove order, you will be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service.

Favorite Non-Toxic Cleaner Recipes

Now that you’re set with some awesome new products from Grove, why not try your hand at making some of your own? I love the ease and flexibility of making my own non-toxic cleaners when I run out last minute or just feel like a fresh new scent. Here are some of my favorite recipes for homemade cleaners. (Or try out one of Grove’s easy cleaning concentrates!)

1. Best Homemade Shower Cleaner Recipe

This homemade shower cleaner recipe is a snap to make and is super effective at ridding your shower of hard water stains and soap scum with almost no effort on your part! Even better, it requires just two ingredients that are likely already in your home! Learn to make it here.

2. DIY Odor Neutralizing Spray

This 2-ingredient DIY odor neutralizing spray tackles tough odors your pets or family leave behind. Made using naturally sanitizing & deodorizing witch hazel in combination with an odor neutralizing fragrance oil, this homemade household product effectively conquers even the toughest smells. Make yours with an odor neutralizing fragrance oil. Or go completely natural with Spark Naturals Refresh Cleansing Blend Essential Oil. Learn how to make your own odor neutralizing spray here.

3. Vinegar Free All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

Need a vinegar free all purpose cleaner that works magic on your family’s muck and mayhem? This 3-ingredient recipe with lemon essential oil not only makes wine stains disappear, but it’s also non-toxic, saves you money and smells amazing! Learn to make it now.

4. Homemade Laundry Detergent

Learn how to make your own DIY homemade laundry detergent for an eco-friendly approach to cleaning! Not only does making my own detergent save money over buying commercial detergent brands, but it’s also rewarding to know you’ve made your own natural products. Learn how here.

5. Homemade After Shower Spray and Window Cleaner

This homemade after shower spray and window cleaner is a wonderful natural, non-toxic way to clean your bathroom and other home surfaces! It requires as few as three simple ingredients and can be customized with your preferred essential oil or essential oil blend. Find this non-toxic cleaning recipe here.

For more great DIY ideas for your home, be sure to follow Soap Deli News on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’, and Instagram so you never miss a post. Alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, Shopping Tagged With: cleaners, cleaning, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, handmade home, homemaking, housework, non-toxic, summer