by Katrina Murphy

Created on: February 02, 2009

When we consider the need for greener living and rising costs of products, homemade cleaning products greatly affect our environmental footprint and wallets. Green cleaning not only saves money; it is healthier and usually provides better results than store bought cleaners do. Most ingredients for cleaning recipes are right in your kitchen; however, the addition of essential oils will personalize your products, provide aromatherapy and boost cleaning power.

Most homemade cleaners are storable, so you can pre-mix cleaners to save time. Empty spray bottles are available at low cost in home improvement stores. Additionally, you can re-use an empty lidded can to hold scouring powder by poking holes in the lid.

The following ingredients will make cleaners for each surface of the home:

* Baking Soda

* White Distilled Vinegar (scent disappears as it dries)

* Castile Soap (all natural liquid soap)

* Lemon Juice

* Olive Oil

* Sea Salt

* Essential Oils (optional, use with caution if you own cats as some essential oils are toxic to felines)

Variations abound for each cleaning recipe, but there are basic components for each household surface. You can experiment with each to find which concentrations provide the best results.

*Glass Cleaner*

Fill a spray bottle with 1 part Vinegar, 2 parts Water and one fourth to one half of a teaspoon of Castile Soap depending on bottle size. (5-10 drops of essential oil). Shake before use. Spray and wipe off with lint free paper towels or newspaper.

*All Purpose Spray Cleaner*

Fill a spray bottle with 1 part Vinegar, 2 parts Water and one half teaspoon of Castile Soap. (10-30 drops of essential oil depending on preference). Shake well before use. Spray on and wipe off with a paper towel. This mixture is great for countertops and the kitchen table.

*Furniture Polish*

~This recipe cannot be stored, use immediately and discard remainder.~

Mix 1 part Olive Oil to 3 parts Lemon Juice, stir well.

Dab a small amount of the mixture, with a clean rag, onto the wood and rub in a circular motion. Afterward, buff out the polish with a separate clean rag.

This recipe is not advisable in hotter climates as some people report the mixture sours on the furniture. Used lightly, this is rarely an issue.

*Scouring Powder or Paste*

Baking Soda serves as scouring powder for sinks, tubs, toilets and the refrigerator. For added scouring power, mix in 1 part Sea Salt to 3 parts Baking Soda. (10-30 drops of essential oil provide a lasting scent once rinsed). Use this as commercial

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