1. Mix oil and borax thoroughly by hand.  A blender also works great, but the oil will
     leave a residue that is hard to clean.
2. Use a grater and shave the bar of soap (I like Dr. Bronners) into fine pieces.
3. Mix above two ingredients with washing soda (available in grocery stores) Note:  
    This is different from Baking Soda!
4. Store in air-tight containers, and use 1-2 tablespoons per load.


Rosemary Stain Pretreatment

1. Combine essential oil with dish-washing liquid in spray bottle
2. Apply to stains on damp fabric and scrub gently.  Allow to set for 20 minutes, then 
    wash in cold water.

*This works great on a number of different stains.  Be sure to use cold water, as hot water sets stains.


Happy washing!

~Kristin Henningsen, M.S., R.Y.T.

It's started.  My usual spring-cleaning assault on all the dirt, grime, and germs that always seem to take over my house in the winter time.  I'm coming for YOU dirty floors!  Perhaps it's the sunshine (and subsequent Vitamin D) that gives us the energy to freshen up our homes in the Spring.  Maybe it's that awakening we tend to feel as we come out of hibernation, and we finally see some of the dirt and clutter we've been overlooking for months.  It doesn't matter.  If you are feeling the urge to open the windows and put the sheets on the line, then go for it!  Because the temporary inspiration for spring freshness tends to wither with the daffodils.

This week I will be sharing with you some of my favorite natural cleansers out there.  They are inexpensive, easy to make, and actually work.  And you get to have some creative license in your formulas.

 Let's start in my least favorite place to clean. The bathroom.   I do have a 4 year old!  Here it is crucial to have some antibacterial and deep cleaning formulas.

Gentle Scouring Powder

*Other EO's to try are peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus.  Experiment!

Mix essential oil and baking soda well and apply with sponge or scrubber pad. 


Herbal Window/Mirror Wash

Mix herbal vinegar and water and pour into spray bottle.  Shake well, spray, and polish with clean, dry cloth.

Herbal Vinegar

1.Place herbs (Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, or Yarrow are good for cleansers) in clean jar
2.Fill the jar with vinegar (white or Apple Cider work best), making sure all the herbs are covered.
3.Tighten lid and shake the jar
4.Store in cool, dark, place for at least 2 weeks, shaking occasionally
5.Strain and label.

*There are so many uses for herbal vinegar!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1. Sprinkle powder into toilet.

2. Spray with vinegar to make a bubbling paste, and use brush to scour.

*You can also leave the scouring powder in overnight for deep cleaning.

Whew!   Now which room to do next........?

~Kristin Henningsen, M.S., R.Y.T.