DIY Alternative Cleaning Recipes

For ultimate control over ingredients, consider making your own household and personal care products. Give these a try

Easy DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 10–15 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon or lavender)
    Mix in a spray bottle and use on most surfaces.

I Love to use this on my shower. spray let soak 10-15 minutes and wipe clean and rinse well with hot water! Its that easy! You can use this in your kitchen, bathroom on floors, walls or almost anywhere that needs it. For tough stains, soap scum or other dirt let it sit longer before wiping.

DIY Homemade “Ajax”-Style Scrubbing Cleaner

A homemade alternative to Ajax or other store-bought scrubbing cleaners is simple, cost-effective, and non-toxic. Here’s a basic recipe to make your own:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda (acts as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer)
  • 1/4 cup washing soda (for stronger cleaning power)
  • 1/4 cup fine salt (for extra scrubbing action)
  • 10-15 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance; tea tree oil or lemon works well)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a bowl, combine the baking soda, washing soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  2. Add Essential Oil (Optional):
    Drop in the essential oil and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the scent.
  3. Store the Mixture:
    Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container, like a mason jar or recycled shaker bottle.

How to Use:

  1. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder onto the surface you want to clean (e.g., sinks, tubs, or counters).
  2. Use a damp sponge or brush to scrub the area.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry with a cloth.

Tips:

  • For tough stains or grime, add a few drops of white vinegar or water to the powder to create a paste. Let it sit on the surface for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
  • Avoid using this cleaner on delicate surfaces like marble or granite, as the abrasiveness could cause scratches.

DIY Simple Soap Recipe

Making your own soap is a rewarding way to ensure your personal care products are free from harmful chemicals. Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly recipe for homemade soap:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups melt-and-pour soap base (e.g., glycerin or shea butter base)
  • 2-3 teaspoons essential oils (e.g., lavender, peppermint, or tea tree)
  • 1 tablespoon dried herbs or flowers (optional, e.g., chamomile or lavender buds)
  • Soap mold (silicone molds work best)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Soap Base:
    • Cut the soap base into small cubes for even melting.
    • Place the cubes in a heat-safe bowl.
  2. Melt the Soap Base:
    • Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
  3. Add Essential Oils and Herbs:
    • Once melted, mix in your essential oils. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust for your preferred scent strength.
    • Stir in dried herbs or flowers, if desired.
  4. Pour Into Molds:
    • Carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Tap the molds lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
  5. Cool and Set:
    • Allow the soap to cool and harden at room temperature for 2-4 hours (or refrigerate to speed up the process).
  6. Remove and Store:
    • Gently pop the soap out of the molds. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

Tips:

  • Experiment with Add-ins: Try oatmeal for exfoliation, honey for moisturizing, or activated charcoal for detoxification.
  • Customize Molds: Use fun shapes or designs to make your soap more appealing.
  • Label and Gift: Package your soaps in eco-friendly wrapping for thoughtful, homemade gifts.

DIY Whipped Lotion Recipe

This luxurious whipped lotion deeply moisturizes and nourishes your skin using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil provide intense hydration, while vitamin E adds a boost of antioxidants for skin repair.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shea butter (unrefined for maximum nutrients)
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (extra virgin for natural fragrance and hydration)
  • 2 tablespoons castor oil (for extra moisturizing benefits)
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (acts as a preservative and promotes skin health)
  • 5-10 drops essential oil (optional, e.g., lavender or vanilla for fragrance)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the Base Ingredients:
    • Combine the shea butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl.
    • Melt gently using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until fully liquefied.
  2. Cool the Mixture:
    • Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly (but not harden).
  3. Add Castor Oil and Vitamin E:
    • Stir in the castor oil and vitamin E oil. If using essential oils, add them now.
  4. Chill for Whipping:
    • Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes, or until it begins to solidify but is still soft enough to whip.
  5. Whip It Up:
    • Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light, resembling whipped cream.
  6. Store Your Lotion:
    • Transfer the whipped lotion into a clean, airtight glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place.

How to Use:

  • Apply a small amount to clean skin and massage gently until absorbed. A little goes a long way!

Tips:

  • Customize the Scent: Choose essential oils like lavender for relaxation, peppermint for a cooling effect, or citrus for an energizing vibe.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: If the lotion feels too solid in cooler months, reduce the shea butter slightly. For summer, increase coconut oil for a lighter consistency.
  • Shelf Life: This whipped lotion can last up to 3-6 months, thanks to the natural preservative properties of vitamin E. This is the recipe I use! I love this stuff!

DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe and How to Use It

A sugar scrub is an easy-to-make exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Here’s how to make a simple sugar scrub and tips for its use.

Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar (white or brown, depending on preference)
  • 1/2 cup carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil) I prefer a liquid oil over coconut oil because coconut oil might solidify once cooled and clog your drain.
  • 5-10 drops essential oil (optional, e.g., lavender, peppermint, or citrus for fragrance)
  • Optional add-ins: 1 tablespoon honey or 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil for added nourishment

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and carrier oil. Adjust the oil amount to achieve your desired consistency (thicker for more exfoliation, thinner for gentler scrubbing).
  2. Add your essential oil and any optional ingredients. Stir until fully blended.
  3. Transfer the scrub into a clean, airtight jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.

How to Use a Sugar Scrub

  1. Prep Your Skin:
    • Use the scrub on clean, damp skin. This allows the sugar to dissolve slightly, making it less abrasive.
  2. Apply the Scrub:
    • Scoop a small amount of scrub into your hand.
    • Gently massage onto your skin in circular motions, focusing on rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels.
  3. Rinse Off:
    • Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove the scrub, pat dry & enjoy the feeling of smooth and moisturized skin!

NOTE: if using in the shower please be aware that this makes the tub or shower floor very slippery!!! Clean immediately following use of scrub so you don’t forget and get in the shower and fall!

Tips for Using Sugar Scrub

  • Frequency: Use 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate your skin.
  • Face Caution: If using on your face, choose a finer sugar and skip essential oils that might be too harsh.
  • Storage: Keep water out of the scrub jar to prevent bacterial growth. Use a spoon instead of wet hands to scoop.
  • Sensitive Skin: For gentler exfoliation, mix in a tablespoon of oatmeal or use brown sugar instead of white.

DIY Citrus Sugar Scrub Recipe (Energizing)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted if solid) or olive oil or avocado oil (I prefer liquid oil over coconut oil because coconut oil can solidify and might cause your drain to clog)
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange
  • 10 drops citrus essential oil (e.g., orange, lemon, or grapefruit)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix sugar and coconut oil until well combined.
  2. Add lemon or orange zest and essential oil. Stir thoroughly.
  3. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool place.

Benefits:

  • Citrus oils and zest energize and refresh the skin while leaving a bright, uplifting aroma.
  • Great for morning use to kickstart your day.

DIY Lavender Sugar Scrub Recipe (Calming)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup almond oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (optional, for extra texture and fragrance)

Instructions:

  1. Mix brown sugar and almond oil in a bowl until evenly blended.
  2. Add lavender essential oil and dried lavender flowers. Stir until combined.
  3. Store in a sealed jar in a dry, cool place.

Benefits:

  • Lavender promotes relaxation and soothes the skin, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
  • Ideal for a calming bedtime routine.

How to Use These Scrubs:

  1. Scoop a small amount of scrub and massage onto damp skin in gentle, circular motions.
  2. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  3. Enjoy the refreshed, silky smooth feeling!

CAUTION: REMEMBER TO CLEAN SHOWER FLOOR BEFORE NEXT USE