Fall is the perfect season for deep cleaning. Just like spring cleaning, the cooler autumn temps make it a amazing time to get in some really good cleaning around the house as well as in the yard.
I remember watching my grandmother clean for the seasons, and she almost never had a cabinet full of cleaners to get the job done. There were only a few, limited supplies that Grandma used to clean surfaces: vinegar, baking soda, ammonia and Clorox.
Now we have use of various essential oils that have antibacterial, antiviral and other properties that help to kill germs without using the more harsh chemical cleaners that my grandma used to use.
I was recently gifted Far & Wild Oils to try and one of the oils I decided to try was the ruby red grapefruit extract. I opted for the ruby red because of its awesome, natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it the perfect addition to a homemade cleaning solution. You can also get 20% off your purchase with code: EVERYTHINGDAWN here.
One of my favorite old time natural recipes is from an old housekeeping book that I keep in my home because it reminds me of my grandmother's methods of keeping house. That book is "Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping."
While Mrs. Dunwoody has some really good natural solutions, the smell factor isn't the best. So, I've updated them just a bit with some of the resources that we now have available.
So here's a little twist on the "Excellent Cleaner for Very Nasty Chores" using the best of old school natural cleaning cleaners and Far and Wild Oils.
This recipe has been tested and is one I've been using for awhile.
DISCLAIMER: Always remember to be careful when mixing products together. Be sure to do your research and test. Good Housekeeping has a nice little cheat on what not to mix together.
Excellent Cleaner for Very Nasty Chores (Modified)
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 gallon hot water
- 1 tablespoon grated soap (or dish liquid for an easier dissolving process)
- 20 drops of Ruby Red Grapefruit essential oil
Dissolve the baking soda into the hot water and add the soap or dish liquid and stir well to mix. This is a good cleaner for sinks, toilets, tile floors, window sills and much more.
Do you make your own natural cleaners? If so, what do you use most?