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DIY Hand Sanitizer with Alcohol: An Alternative When Hand Washing Isn’t An Option

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March 9, 2020 By Rebecca D. Dillon 22 Comments

This flu season is especially scary. As the Coronapocalypse continues to claim lives and spread throughout the world, it’s more important than ever to take protective measures against this new strain of the flu. The top two ways to do this include handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available. With hand sanitizer unavailable in many locations due to the outbreak, you can make an effective DIY hand sanitizer at home. Keep reading to learn how to make a simple, 2-ingredient homemade hand sanitizer recipe for use when tested, commercial hand sanitizers are unavailable.

With the new virus now a pandemic, people are literally freaking out. Everywhere. And there are three sides to this entire event. At least for those of us living in the United States. They are:

The people who believe the reports of the coronavirus are nothing more than fear mongering.
Those who have a healthy outlook that most people will be okay, but precautions need to be taken especially if you are in a risk group.
And finally, the individuals who believe this is the start of the apocalypse.

There have been a lot of crazy photos and reports on social media. I’ve seen tons of pictures where big box stores and wholesale clubs who are entirely sold out of hand sanitizer, cleaning products and toilet paper. Not that the flu and toilet paper have anything in common necessarily. But there are folks who are literally preparing for the end of days. And while I can see TP being a priority in day to day life, I just never imagined folks would value it like gold when the zombie virus finally takes hold. (Although I’m definitely filing this information for later.)

On the flip side of this, I’ve also seen memes indicating that women ages 30-50 are most likely to carry the virus without symptoms. And therefore, they should quarantine themselves away from men and children, for a period of fourteen days, at their local wineries. With all cell phones confiscated upon arrival. (I mean, why not? We women totally deserve a break from home life.)

In the end, while the Coronapocalypse is indeed a pandemic, it’s not the world’s — or even our nation’s — top killer. That would be cardiovascular disease. And yet, no one is out there panicking about cutting their meat consumption and increasing their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. No, the coronavirus is apparently a hell of a lot scarier. Perhaps because of its immediacy, and its ability to infect even the healthiest of hosts.

Of course, the two week quarantine protocol they’re enacting basically everywhere does cause concern. (But as such, two weeks still does not require 96 rolls of toilet paper!) As does the large percentage of deaths that first began in China. And if you’re at risk, either due to age or health issues, then you definitely want to take precautions to avoid becoming one of the 2% of the infected population dying from this new virus. (The flu, on average, kills .2% of those infected during an average flu season in comparison.)

While hand sanitizer is flying off the shelves, and is no longer available in many locations, it’s not the end all be all to flu prevention. It still remains, and the CDC holds to this, that hand washing is the #1 preventive measure you can take against this new virus. (Learn more here.) Still, if hand washing isn’t an option — and when it is you need to do so for at least 20 seconds — then hand sanitizer can offer some level of germ destroying power until you can get your hands on some soap and water. Therefore you may want to keep it in your bag as backup when you’re traveling or attending a public event. Or, simply avoid traveling and events until this whole thing boils over. (Really, why the hell is anyone flying into Colorado for a ski trip while harboring a deadly virus anyway? Am I right?)

It is also important to note, however, that if your hands are visibly dirty, hand washing is necessary. (That hand sanitizer isn’t going to do squat.) In which case, tossing a bar of soap and few bottles of water into your bag, in lieu of hand sanitizer, is probably an even better idea. But, I get it. Staying home isn’t a realistic option for most of us. Jamming your mom bag full of even more crap? Well, we expect that anyway.

(Read the recommendations for utilizing handwashing and hand sanitizers as protective measures against the virus from the World Health Organization.)

How to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

If you can’t find hand sanitizer right now, or there’s some serious price gouging happening that you refuse to tolerate, then you can make your own DIY hand sanitizer. It is important to note, however, that unless your DIY hand sanitizer is at least 60% alcohol, then it’s not going to be effective. You can make your own DIY hand sanitizer using two types of alcohol. One is isopropyl alcohol, which is also known as rubbing alcohol. The other is ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. Ethyl alcohol is the type of alcohol used to make the alcohol we drink, such as grain alcohol, vodka or everclear. Both isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol come with varying levels of alcohol content. As well, they both have drawbacks.

Isopropyl Alcohol vs. Ethyl Alcohol for Making DIY Hand Sanitizer

Isopropyl alcohol is great for disinfecting surfaces. 70% isopropyl alcohol is recommended when sanitizing surfaces. (Source.) So while you may have the 91%+ in your arsenal for melt and pour soap making — hello, fellow soapers! — opt for the lower percentage when disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces. If you already have it on hand, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol to make a DIY hand sanitizer as well, but with some caution.

It is extremely important to note that isopropyl alcohol is poisonous when consumed. This is especially the case where children are concerned, as isopropyl alcohol can poison children in even small amounts. As such, it’s not recommended that you use a DIY hand sanitizer with isopropyl alcohol on small children who may lick their hands after the application. (You can learn the symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning here.)

Likewise, ethyl alcohol can also poison children through ingestion. (And, unless, it’s been denatured, is illegal in a number of states.) Small children could potentially become drunk or even develop alcohol poisoning through the ingestion of a DIY hand sanitizer made with ethyl alcohol. (I once came across an ex-physician who would drink a gallon of the old school, ethyl alcohol hand sanitizers when working at the hospital to feed his alcoholism.) Therefore, as the coronavirus seems to spare children from death, unlike adults, you may want be diligent about having young children wash their hands, rather than using a hand sanitizer.

It is also important to note, that any DIY hand sanitizer with a high level of alcohol, can be especially drying to skin. As dry skin is prone to cracking, which allows germs to more readily enter the body, you may want to stock up on moisturizers, and not just hand sanitizer, to prevent dryness.

As safety is a concern where children may have access to hand sanitizers, I chose to use vodka with 75% alcohol content, rather than 70% isopropyl alcohol to make my DIY hand sanitizer. However, you may use either one or the other according to your preference, in my homemade hand sanitizer recipe, found below.

Using Alcohol or Vodka to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Despite Virginia being well known for its moonshine, 190 proof Everclear, which is 95% alcohol, is illegal where I live. Therefore, my homemade hand sanitizer recipe uses 150 proof vodka which contains 75% alcohol. Fortunately, you can readily purchase 150 proof alcohol, providing you’re at least 21 years of age, even if you’re in one of those states where 190 proof alcohol is illegal. This means, however, that you do need to use a larger percentage of vodka in your DIY hand sanitizer in order for it to be effective.

Vodka with a high alcohol content is also important if you’d like to add essential oils to your DIY hand sanitizer. As essential oils don’t mix well with water, low proof alcohol, witch hazel or vinegar, you risk causing irritation, sensitivity and even an allergic reaction if including them in your DIY hand sanitizer. Therefore it’s important to both properly dilute and ensure a solid emulsion when formulating a homemade hand sanitizer, or other skin care formulation, using essential oils. However, there is no evidence that adding essential oils improves the effectiveness of hand sanitizer.

DIY Hand Sanitizer with Vodka or Grain Alcohol

You honestly only need two ingredients to make a DIY hand sanitizer. Aloe vera gel and 150 proof vodka or grain alcohol. A formulation calling for two parts 70% alcohol to one part aloe gel was recommended by my local news station, in order to meet the guidelines set for an effective hand sanitizer in that it contains at least 60% alcohol. However, as they didn’t use weights it all gets very confusing. Therefore, I now recommend using a 3 to 1 ratio unless you’re really good at math, and are able to verify the weight of your ingredients, in order to err on the side of caution. (See the addendum below.) If desired, you can also add an essential oil blend as you see fit. You can also substitute the grain alcohol or vodka, if desired with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Ingredients:

2 oz. aloe vera gel
6 oz. 150 proof vodka or grain alcohol

Directions:

Measure out both the aloe vera gel and vodka in fluid ounce. (If you don’t have high proof vodka in your area, you can use Everclear 151.) Combine in a glass bowl.

Then mix the ingredients well, until thoroughly combined. There should be no lumps once the hand sanitizer is evenly mixed throughout.

Once you have a smooth hand gel, spoon your sanitizer into a 6 oz. container (or several smaller containers) of your choice. (I used these containers from SKS Bottle & Packaging.)

Be sure to wash your hands frequently. When soap and water are not available, rub your alcohol based hand sanitizer on hands until dry to help protect against viruses, when a tested, commercial product is unavailable.

Adding Essential Oils to Hand Sanitizer

Essential oils aren’t necessary for an effective DIY hand sanitizer. The key is, as previously stated, ensuring the alcohol content of your homemade hand sanitizer is 60% or more. There is no indication that essentials oil can or will protect you from the coronavirus, or other cold and flu viruses. If you do decide, however, that you’d like to include essential oils in your formulation, you can add one of the following essential oils blends to my homemade hand sanitizer recipe when blending the alcohol with the aloe gel. You should also increase the alcohol in your DIY hand sanitizer by triple the amount of essential oils added.

Immunity Boost Essential Oil Blend:

Thieves Essential Oil Blend:

It’s important to note that both clove and cinnamon essential oils are known skin irritants. Therefore, this blend is used in a lower concentration, and should be used with caution.

Addendum: The correct way to figure the amount of alcohol needed for a DIY hand sanitizer is to use weight measurements. I used volume to simplify this recipe for those without access to a digital scale. Aloe gel by weight is not 2 oz. It’s 1.75 oz. While vodka seems to weigh less than water, around 1.5 oz. per 2 fluid oz.

I have a screenshot of a chart here that explains the math for figuring out the amounts you need to end up with the desired amount of alcohol in your final product. If you are using a product with 99% alcohol say, you can decrease the recipe to 2 parts alcohol to 1 part aloe gel.

For further reading on how alcohol based hand sanitizers are formulated, you can learn more here.

Or check out my natural remedy for cold and flu relief for making fire cider vinegar. You can also learn how to make soap. Or buy some! It’s not sold out yet.

If you like my post on how to make a DIY hand sanitizer with vodka, then follow Soap Deli News more health and wellness projects! You can find and follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram and Blog Lovin‘. Or sign up to receive an email whenever I share a new post!

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: cleaning, cleaning hacks, cleaning products, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, cleaning tips, diy, essential oil recipes, essential oils, handmade home, health, health and wellness, healthy homemaking, healthy living, wellness

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

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

DIY All Purpose Cleaner with Essential Oils for a Non-Toxic Clean

January 10, 2020 By Rebecca D. Dillon 5 Comments

Discover an easy way to make a simple DIY all purpose cleaner with essential oils. A safe, non-toxic way to clean your home, this recipe for a green friendly cleaner — and the essential oils to make it! — are part of the new Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box! Read on to learn how to add this easy, 4-ingredient DIY all purpose cleaner to your cleaning routine. Plus discover six more non-toxic cleaning recipes you make using essential oils.

Should I Switch to Natural Non-Toxic Cleaners with Essential Oils?

Wondering if you should make the switch to natural cleaners or your cleaning routine? The answer, in short, is yes!

While spring cleaning is the buzzword as winter dissipates and warm weather sneaks back in, cleaning is unfortunately a year long (not just seasonal) task. There are so many products marketed for those of us obsessed with killing germs, sanitizing surfaces and removing dirt, it can be hard to know which products to choose. Especially when many of those cleaners contain scary, and sometimes evenly potentially toxic, ingredients. And unfortunately, many of them aren’t very eco-friendly either. They contain ingredients like bleach, which harms not just the environment and its ecosystems, but can also cause skin and respiratory distress in both humans and pets.

Luckily, cleaning your home doesn’t have to be toxic or expensive. You can make your own non-toxic homemade cleaners. This DIY all purpose cleaner with essential oils is an easy way to get started. But first, I want to tell you about a sweet offer from Simply Earth. Their new starter essential oil recipe box not only has essential oils perfect for cleaning and sanitizing your home, but also the ingredients to make your very non-toxic DIY all purpose cleaner. There’s also a recipe to make an easy immunity boost hand sanitizer that’s perfect for cold and flu season!

Simply Earth Makes It Easy to Make the Switch!

There are a lot of recipes for natural non-toxic cleaners to be found through a simple google search. Many of which contain essential oils. Knowing the right products to buy, however, can get confusing fast. Luckily, this is where Simply Earth steps in. They make it easy to not just grow your collection of quality essential oils, but also to get started making your own simple essential oil recipes for health, home and beauty!

If you’ve thought about signing up for Simply Earth before, you may have noticed how quickly their monthly essential oil recipe box sells out. Usually, by mid-month, they’ve sold out of the current month’s box. So if you sign up, you’ve had to wait until the following month to receive your first month’s box. Now, when Simply Earth’s monthly essential oil recipe box sells out, you won’t have to wait until the following month to receive your first box. Instead, you’ll get their awesome new starter box, which includes their 4-ingredient recipe for a non-toxic DIY all purpose cleaner.

Here’s what’s inside:

Lemon Essential Oil
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil
Sleepy Essential Oil Blend
Aloe Vera Gel
2-oz. Spray Bottle
2 Lip Balm Tubes
Sticker Labels for Your Finished Projects
6 Index Sized Recipe Cards

The recipes included in the Simply Earth essential oil starter recipe box are for the following:

Detox Bath Recipe with Epsom Salt
Sleepy Rollerball Essential Oil Recipe
Fresh Air Essential Oil Diffuser Blend Recipe
Lemon Meringue Lip Balm Recipe
Non-Toxic DIY All Purpose Surface Cleaner
Immunity Boost Hand Sanitizer Recipe

You can purchase the starter box from Simply Earth without a subscription. However, when you sign up for a subscription to the Simply Earth essential oil recipe box, you save almost $40 over purchasing the box solo. In addition, you’ll also receive a free bonus box (valued at $40) packed with empty rollerball bottles, blending bottles, coconut oil, beeswax and more materials and supplies to use in future recipes. You’ll also get a coupon code for $40 off your second order from Simply Earth. And it’s good on literally ANYTHING you want to buy. Whether it’s a new diffuser — theirs is so rad! — single essential oils or even more ingredients for your recipes.

Just use coupon code: SOAPDELIFREE when you sign up. Then enjoy exploring six new home, health and beauty recipes every month afterwards! Order your first box today.

Ready to make that easy, non-toxic DIY all purpose cleaner with essential oils now? Great! Let’s get started.

DIY All Purpose Cleaner with Essential Oils

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons distilled water
2 Tablespoons vinegar
13 drops lemon essential oil
7 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions for making a DIY all purpose cleaner:

You’ll need a 2 oz. spray bottle (included in the Simply Earth starter box) to make this DIY all purpose cleaner. If you have a larger spray bottle you’d like to use, simply double the recipe as needed for the size bottle you’d like to use.

To make this non-toxic cleaner, simply combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle. Then, shake the spray bottle for 30 seconds to mix the ingredients.

How to use your non-toxic DIY all purpose cleaner:

To use your DIY all purpose cleaner with essential oil, shake before use. Then spray the cleaner onto surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber towel. This all purpose spray not only loosens dirt and grime, it also disinfects surfaces.

As vinegar is abrasive, you do not want to use this DIY all purpose cleaner on porous surfaces such as granite. Otherwise you may damage the stone. If you’d like to use this recipe on granite, you can substitute the vinegar with unscented liquid Castile soap.

Omit or substitute the tea tree oil if you have pets, as tea tree oil is toxic to both cats in dogs at low levels.

More Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes

If you like this recipe for making a non-toxic DIY all purpose cleaner, then you may also want to try these other non-toxic cleaning recipes.

No Scrub Deep Shower Cleaner Recipe with Lemon Essential oil
Vinegar Free All Purpose Cleaner Recipe with Lemon Essential oil
DIY Air Freshener with Essential Oils
Deodorizing Room Spray Recipe with Essential Oils
Stain Remover Recipe for Laundry Stains with Lemon Essential Oil
Natural Soft Scrub Cleaning Clay Recipe with Essential Oils

I hope you enjoy my easy, non-toxic cleaning recipes with essential oils. Don’t forget to order your Simply Earth essential oil starter box to start your subscription today to start on your essential oil journey. Sign up here now. And don’t forget to use coupon code: SOAPDELIFREE to receive your free bonus box and a coupon for $40 off your next order. Or explore past essential oil recipe boxes from Simply Earth here.

Like this recipe for making a non-toxic DIY all purpose cleaner with essential oils? Then don’t forget to pin this natural cleaning recipe to Pinterest for later.

For more great natural product, recipes and ideas from Soap Deli News, make sure to follow me on facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram as well as on Blog Lovin’. You can also sign up to receive an email whenever I share a new post!

Filed Under: Handmade Home, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle Tagged With: bathroom cleaner, cleaning hacks, cleaning products, cleaning recipe, cleaning solutions, cleaning tips, essential oil recipes, essential oils, healthy homemaking, healthy living, homemaking, kitchen cleaner, non-toxic, simply earth, 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