The other day, I thought I’d pick up some of that Mrs. Meyer’s stuff everyone raves about. Specifically, I was looking to splurge on the scented scouring powder. One of my favorite homeschool bloggers, By Sun and By Candlelight, writes her seasonal and monthly themes and plans, and every once in a while mentions scrubbing all of her countertops with herbal cleanser.
Well, that sounded delicious and elegant, and miles above my regular counter cleaning technique of throwing the toys onto the carpet in the next room, then getting out the chisel.
Unfortunately, the store only had stinky scents. I love the Sweet Pea and the Geranium, but around here apparently the locals prefer Basil, Lemon Verbena, and Lavender. I detest lavender because I’m weird, the lemon makes me sneeze, and I find the basil to be just odd.
However, being the Queen of Cheapskates, I figured I could make my own. I already make my own dishwasher detergent on occasion, and the recipe makes an excellent scouring powder especially for ceramic and enameled stoves. I added a few drops of essential oil – peppermint, because I like it, I had it on hand, and it is that time of year again.
To make your own custom scented natural cleanser, in a sugar shaker or similar container add 1/4 c. borax, 1/2 c. salt, and 1/2 c. baking soda. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil and mix thoroughly. Make sure you mark the container well and store it away from food so no one mistakes it for sugar!
The result? Peppy, minty counters that made the whole house smell like Christmas.
Happy cleaning!
Note: Borax is natural, but it is harmful if swallowed. If you want a food safe natural cleaner, just use baking soda and salt. I add the borax for a little extra boost – it has some bleaching action and will help remove stains when used with hot water, it cuts grease, and it prevents mold.
Linking up:
Karen (1)
Raso @ lasagnarec... (1)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I want to try this as well.. Hmmm.. I’ll be doing this cleaning for thanksgiving..
Any turkey recipes?
I like the smell of basil, but in a cleaner? Who wants a kitchen that smells like pizza? (Okay, I mean when you aren’t exactly having pizza for dinner.) Lavender is okay. I like lemon. I love your idea to make your own cleaner with a scent you like. I especially like that you matched your scent to the season, LOL!
I don’t like the smell of lavender either. Thanks for the recipe! I make my own laundry detergent and spray cleaner. I’ll have to try this.
You’re not alone. Lavender is awful.
I like lavender for some things, but in a house full of boys and men…. Well, girlie-scents just don’t cut it! I LOVE your idea of making custom-scented cleaners, though! Peppermint would be a HUGE hit around this household, too.
I think orange would be nice, too. Orange scented Goo-Gone kind of turns my stomach because it smells so “fake” but I have some orange oil that I might try next. And maybe put some cloves in the mix and have a pomander-scented scrub!
I’d be all over the basil! I’ll have to check it out now.
I’ve been using home made “glass cleaner” as my general counter cleaner (vinegar, water, a little rubbing alcohol), and vinegar/hydrogen peroxide for potential contamination sprays. However, the glass cleaner spray is a little strong until it dries, and occasionally sends my husband into a panic because he associates vinegar smell with “spoiled” or “something-died-in-here-this-can’t-be-good”.
I do like the clove idea though! I love the smell, but don’t like the taste so more ways to smell it without having to eat it too makes me happy.
I can’t wait to try this. I have all of the ingredients already! I just need a shaker jar.