Making household products from natural ingredients
Natural recipes for using around the house
People that use chemical cleaning products are at risk for respiratory and skin problems. These products also cause harm to wildlife and the environment.
Many people are looking for herbal products that don’t pollute the environment and don’t cost a fortune. For anyone interested in natural household products, here are a few ideas and recipes to try at home.
Drain problems? Use baking soda and vinegar.
Are your drains sluggish? Pour one-half cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour in one-cup of vinegar.
Stand back just in case reaction is more than expected. You don't want it to spew on to your face or into your eyes!
After several minutes, flush with a gallon of hot water. Don't be alarmed if it foams up like a volcano! This method is much safer than commercial lye based drain-cleaners that can cause blindness if an accident occurs.
Two ingredient laundry soap
Niamh gives us complete instructions for making an effective and safe laundry soap in this video.
Upholstery shampoo gets fabric clean without toxic chemicals.
Here is a simple recipe for upholstery shampoo.
- In a large bowl, mix 6 tablespoons of pure soap flakes with 2 tablespoons of powdered borax.
- Slowly add 1 pint of boiling water and mix well.
- Let cool, add a few drops of favorite essential oil, then whip into foam with electric mixer or egg-beater.
- Apply dry suds to hidden part of furniture, wait a few minutes, and then wipe off with a damp sponge.
- If colors do not bleed, then continue until upholstery is clean and fresh.
If you have been reading my Every Green Herb blog for a while, then you know we grow and sell a variety of herbs, but we also buy a lot, too. Try our favorite herbal suppliers for quality and value.
This herbal rug freshener is cheap and easy.
Combine 1 cup baking soda with a half-cup of any crushed, scented floral material such as lavender flowers or geranium leaves. Sprinkle liberally on rug, leave for an hour or two, and shake off outdoors.
Vacuuming baking soda or any powder can cause motor failure so beware before using on large area rugs or wall-to-wall carpet. You don't want to ruin your vacuum cleaner.
Simple recipe for windshield cleanser
Here's a recipe for windshield cleanser. Mix one-half cup of cornstarch with 2 quarts of warm water. Vinegar can be added for extra strength. To prevent streaking, do not use in direct sunlight.
Easy leather or vinyl car upholstery cleanser recipe
Need to clean leather or vinyl car upholstery? Try mixing 2 tablespoons of vegetable-oil soap (castile soap), one-fourth cup of olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon essential oil. Test on hidden spot before rubbing entire area.
Natural car wax can be made at home
A natural car wax can be prepared at home.
- In a double boiler, melt 7 tablespoons of beeswax with 12 tablespoons of carnauba wax.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Add 2 cups of mineral oil, 4 tablespoons of turpentine, and 1 tablespoon of pine oil.
- Mix and pour into an old, clean coffee can.
- To use, scoop up a small amount of wax with a soft dish-cloth.
- Rub wax onto the automobile with small circular motions and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- Buff to a high shine.
- All auto paints are not the same. Test first on a hidden part like under the hood.
Natural products, cleansers, and fresheners are good for the body, mind, and environment. They are not expensive and give good results.
Natural room spray recipe
Homemade natural room sprays are a breeze to make. Use a pint size spray bottle with fine misting nozzle.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of favorite essential oil, a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol, and fill with water.
A favorite recipe combines a half cup of alcohol, two cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of bergamot essential oil, ten drops of clove essential oil, and ten drops of lemon essential oil. Shake gently before using in every room of the house.
Natural furniture polish recipe:
Natural furniture polish is simple and inexpensive to make. Just add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to a quarter cup of vegetable oil. Rub into wooden surfaces for protection and glossy shine.
Natural household products are effective, inexpensive, and better for the environment than harsh chemicals.
Natural toilet bowl cleaner recipe:
Just mix a cup of borax with a half cup of vinegar. Complete bathroom cleaning chores with a paste made from borax, vinegar, and water. This mix is a good mold remover and can be used on most surfaces.
Herbal sachet and sleep pillow recipes:
Herbal sachets make your linens, closets, and drawers smell fabulous. Use bags of lavender, patchouli, rose petals, and other favorite herbs (alone or mixed).
The sachet bag can be as simple as a brown paper sack or elaborate like embroidered silk.
To protect from moths, use wormwood, thyme, lavender, patchouli, and sage. Sachets make nice gifts and the choices of herbs and fabrics are unlimited.
A sleep pillow also makes a nice gift for a loved one or friend. Sew an eight by eight inch pouch (or larger), leave an opening, and stuff loosely with herbs like lavender, chamomile, and rose petals.
Add mugwort for enhanced dreaming. Sew up opening and sleep with it under a regular sized pillow.
Read about making herbal lotions, potions, and tinctures here.
*Most natural products do not contain preservatives and should be kept in a cool, dark place. Use within a few weeks. Discard if mold appears or scent becomes rancid.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976595/
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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