CLEANING NATURALLY! When it comes to cleaning there are so many safe and effective options. Feel free to play around with your own blends.
Detract Mould
My go-to essential oils include:
- Clove as it removes the mould and the mould spores. Mix 1 teaspoon of clove oil with 1 cup vinegar and 1 tablespoon glycerine. Spray over mouldy areas and leave for 15 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.
- Pine which also kills yeast spores and smells nice.
- Tea Tree oil is also, as a bonus, antiseptic and smells nice. Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of warm water. Spray and leave on shower surface to detract mould.
- Citrus, particularly lemon will help to take the stains out of grout.
Disinfectant
- Lemon or orange. Combine ½ cup water, ½ cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon castile and 10 drops of lemon or orange oil. Soak a sponge and use light pressure to lift grease. Wipe away soapy residue with a warm damp cloth.
- Eucalyptus oil
- Tea tree oil
- Lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Thyme oil
- All the above essential oils make great disinfectants. Just add a couple of drops of your favourite to a clean, damp cloth and wipe surfaces clean. Caution: Do not to use the oils directly onto the benches as some may stain!
Windows
For keeping on top of windows and glass fill a simple spray bottle with water and a tablespoon of vinegar. Spray and wipe with a clean cloth.
For windows that need that extra bit of cleaning
Lavender or lemongrass. 1:1 hot water and vinegar and 10 drops of lavender or lemon grass. Wipe windows and remove excess liquid with a squeegee. Use old newspaper to polish. Alternatively polish with vinegar, water and clean cloth.
Combs and Make Up Brushes
- Any of the above antiseptic oils can be used to clean brushes and combs. My favourite is Tea tree as it also detracts lice. Combine ½ cup warm water, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 5 drops of one of the oils above in a jar. Soak brushes for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Leave in the sun to dry.
Shower Scum and Grime Build Up
To get the grime off to start with, wipe the surface with a non-toxic dishwashing liquid. Leave a few minutes and rinse well, wiping as you go. For built up grime it may take a few attempts to get clean.
Once clean, use the following.
- Wipe or spray shower surfaces with a little water containing several drops of lemon oil once or twice a month.
- Tea Tree. Fill an empty spray bottle with vinegar and a couple of spoons of tea tree. Use daily as antibacterial.
- Liquid soaps do not leave a soap scum the way that cake soaps do
Ants and Other Pests
Cinnamon has a lovely aroma and is also great for repelling ants and other pests. Crush it up and sprinkle along window edges or other places where the insects are getting in. Leave it as a stick in a decorative vase for aromatic effect.
