2.09.2015

essential oils // cleaning recipes


after busy weekends, our monday is usually dedicated to things done around the home.  a bit of homeschool activities with stella, laundry, shape puzzles with theodore, meal prep for the week, and cleaning.  

i love starting out our week feeling all fresh and clean, so when i have a free moment i like to get things dusted and scrubbed here and there.  i am in the (seemingly long) process of swapping out all of our non-natural cleaning products for ones made using essential oils.   sure i could have thrown them all away, but my husband is all...that's a giant waste so i am taking my time in leaning how to use oils and declutter with products i had already bought.  

i am such a maker and crafter by heart and really enjoy concocting and trying recipes to use everyday in our home.  because i have looked, i know there are hundreds out there to get inspiration from, so i just dove in and started trying different blends with essential oils i have on hand.  i am interested in safe cleaning products that will not only work, but will be healthy for our family and perhaps a bit friendlier on our wallet to boot.  that is why our family got into using essential oils in the first place.  they help promote a more intentional lifestyle by way of a healthier alternative to to many things we put on and in and around our bodies everyday.  

here are three cleaning recipes i use and love in our home.  i have more cleaning ideas and recipes using essential oils here if you care to take a peek!

*each of these recipes use 2 oz dark amber bottles that i purchased in bulk here.  they will prevent the oils from degrading when exposed to light and will not react with the oils like plastic can.  if you want to make more cleaning spray, just double the amount, friends.

pine sol scented wood dusting spray:

- 2 oz dark amber bottle
- 2 teaspoons of liquid castile soap (i prefer the unscented dr. bronner's) OR olive oil.  you choose what you like best.  
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- the rest with filtered water

to make, add all ingredients in the order they are presented above.  shake the bottle before spraying and dust on wood surfaces with a soft cloth.  i have found this formula not to leave any residue behind and it smells like pine sol which i happen to love!  doesn't everyone?

germ / antibacterial spray:

(for external use only because i am pretty sure we don't drink witch hazel)

- 2 oz dark amber bottle
- 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (sub witch hazel for vodka if you plan on using this as a throat spray too.  or if you want to clean AND party.  you're welcome.)
- the rest with filtered water

to make, add all ingredients in the order they are presented above.  shake the bottle before spraying and use to disinfect countertops, doorknobs, baby toys, to wash fruits and veggies, remove odors on yucky clothes, and for general sanitization of your husband's dresser/clothes/side of the bed. ;) 


linen / fresh laundry spray: 

- 2 oz dark amber bottle
- 1 tablespoon of witch hazel 
- 5 drops of purification essential oil 
- the rest with filtered water

to make, add all ingredients in the order they are presented above.  shake the bottle before spraying and use before bedtime or before you before you dry your laundry.  i like to spray this on our beds before sleeping or on furniture to give them a freshening up.  this also makes a really great air freshener for the bathroom.

//

if you are new to essential oils and want some of your own, i recommend getting the premium starter kit (11 essential oils and a diffuser).  you will become a part of my young living team where we will help along every step of the way, giving you support and resources to build knowledge and feel more comfortable incorporating them into your everyday lives.  i would love to have you! honestly, young living oils are something that i wish i had known about years ago because the benefits for our family have been substantial.  i'm eager to continue this learning process and share it with you all!

*click this link if you want to order under me*

sign up wholesale, and nope you never have to sell a thing!  wholesale just gives you a great discount at 24% off that retail customers do not get.

if you have any questions or comments about using essential oils please feel free to leave a comment below or email me privately.  i am more than happy to pass on what i know or help you find an answer to a lingering question. 

13 comments:

  1. Hi Amanda.
    So sorry if this question was already asked/answered... Was wondering how often do you replace your homemade cleaning products in the bottle? Every day? Once a week? I just don't want to leave it in the bottle longer then I should, thanks!
    Ps. Your blog is my favorite

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    1. hello! i only replace them when they run out :) depending on the product that is once every two weeks or once a month...they should not go bad! xx amanda

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  2. Where did you get your little cleaning brush? Thanks for your post! Lovely.

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    1. i found it at a home goods store here in kansas city :) xx a

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  3. I've been looking for some cleaning recipes with essential oils! That linen spray looks so refreshing. Thank you so much, bookmarked!

    Circus & Bloom
    ♥♥♥

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  4. Ooo this post is great. I definitely will get my hands on that starter kit - do they deliver to the UK???

    Zoe Newlove Beauty Blogger & MUA

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    1. yes, they sure do! would love to have you on my team :) xx amanda

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  5. Thanks girl! A couple other questions....this might sound weird but I was wondering if you can use the anti-bacterial spray like you would lysol spray? By that I mean spray it on things and just leave it or is the residue not good to do that?

    Also, do you have a recipe for toilet cleaner or will that be in a later post? Thanks!

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    1. Yes, the antibacterial is JUST like lysol but safe :) no need to wipe which is why i love it. i am working on something for toilet cleaner, something better than that i use for the tub. i currently use a tub cleaner that i have talked about in a previous cleaning post, so i would check there. i will do another cleaning one before spring and include toilet scrub and dish soap! xx amanda

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  6. Not related to this post but I'm guessing essential oils are going to feature highly in your next labour? I'm due to give birth in around 4 weeks and am planning a home birth so looking for suggestions on which oils to diffuse around the home during birth. I've done a bit of research already but if you have any tips I'd love to hear them :))

    Also, considering signing up for the starter kit - but what does being 'on your team' involve if we're at no obligation to sell? Just curious :)) x

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    1. Hello Stephanie! Yes, they are for sure. I am working on oils and pregnancy related posts at the moment :) Have you heard of the book called Gentle Babies? I really recommend you get it! It is all about how to safely use oils when pregnant and with babies/children. I am planning on diffusing lavender and a few Young Living blends called Joy & Peace and Calming. Both Joy and Lav are in the premium starter kit. :) Stay tuned for more on that in the coming weeks.

      Regarding the my team, what that means is education and support! You will get in invite to our private team page where you can ask questions and look around for recipes etc. It basically means you are not in this journey alone! As a wholesale member of YL you NEVER have sell anything. Sometimes people think that selling is part of the deal, and nope, you never have to. Most in fact do not! As wholesale you get the option to sell if you want. All members get discount of 24% off all purchases with no catch, it really is the best option. If you are interested, here is an easy link to use to order: http://yl.pe/bnf

      Let me know if you ever have any questions, my dear! xx Amanda

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  7. Thanks for sharing about essential oils..

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