Easy DIY Home Essentials To Make Instead Of Buy

Blog | June 3rd, 2021

Once upon a time, cleaning was simple and safe. Today, with so many competing brands and chemical mixes, the home can quickly become a toxic place to live. Other than work and school, home is where we spend most of our time and that time should not be causing health issues and polluting our environment. Add to that the rising prices of these complicated cleaning supplies and the wasted money from discarded products when the dangers are realized!

As we strive to get back to healthy roots with plant-based and clean ingredients, we can breathe easier and longer while saving a mint on do-it-yourself home, health, and beauty essentials! Here are some not-so-secret recipes to get you started in a better home environment!

A Few Starting Tips

Always use glass storage if possible. Be certain to use natural oils, not fake garbage. Your skin will absorb the oils and you don’t want the unnatural toxins seeping into your system, defeating the purpose of a healthy home! Also, real essential oils can dissolve plastic and some plastics have a chemical makeup that can leach into your once natural ingredients.

Keep in mind that Isopropyl Alcohol is an excellent cleaner as well as a sanitizer! It works great for removing streaks and grime from glass, toilet bowls, many countertops, stainless steel, and more. Just be sure to test a small out of sight spot to be sure it doesn't harm the surface. Now, let's move on to more good stuff!

Related: 7 FREE Essential Spring Cleaning Tools

Toothpaste

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of coconut oil
4 tablespoons of baking soda
15 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions:

Start by adding 1/2 cup of room-temperature coconut oil to a bowl.
Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda.
Add 15 drops of peppermint essential oil.
Mix together until it forms a soft paste.
Transfer mixture to an airtight jar.
Brush!

Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

Glass spray bottle
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 drops of fresh-scented essential oil

Directions:

Fill a glass bottle with all ingredients.
Shake well before each use.

Shampoo

Ingredients:

1/4 cup liquid castile soap
6 drops tea tree oil
5 drops lavender
1 teaspoon Jojoba oil

Directions:

Add all ingredients together in a shampoo container.
Shake well to combine.
Shake well before each use.

To use:

Wet hair.
Lather with a Tablespoon of shampoo.
Rinse well.

All Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

White vinegar
Natural degreasing dish detergent
1/4 cup water

Directions:

Mix 1/2 part white vinegar and ½ part of natural liquid dish detergent.
Add water.
Shake well before each use.
Spray on the surface and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.
Scrub soap scum and residue away!

Bug Deterrent

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (4 ounces) Witch Hazel or white vinegar.
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons distilled water
10–15 drops of pure essential oils.

Those that work best and pests hate most are cinnamon, clove, cedar, lemongrass, tea tree, lavender, citronella, or peppermint.

Directions:

Using a small funnel, add all ingredients to a clean 8-ounce spray bottle.
Screw the cap on tightly and shake vigorously until well blended.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Spray around baseboards, in closets, in bathroom cabinets, and any place you see bugs.
This will normally last six months to a year.

Related: Gardening 101: How to Keep Your Indoor Plants Alive

Furniture Cleaner For Wood

Ingredients:

Juice of one lemon
Olive oil
Water

Directions:

Add the ingredients together until it reaches the consistency of oil and vinegar salad dressing.
Spray on a microfiber cloth and wipe down your furniture.