the art of savvy

In less than 20 minutes, you can make all the cleaners you need for keeping your digs looking top notch!  Keep an eye on your dollar – and the environment – with these three lovely lavender “recipes”:

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner (I use this on all surfaces, including glass, floors, and even in the bathroom.)

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vinegar
• 10 – 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• NOTE:  Always shake first before using!
• Combine ingredients in a spray bottle (extra points for re-using a bottle left over from another cleaner!)

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

Carpet/Scrub Powder (This multi-use powder can be sprinkled on your carpet before vacuuming to make your carpets look cleaner and smell fresh – or use on tubs, counters, and any other area that you would use a product like Comet.  You can even take 1/2 cup of this mixture, pour directly into toilet, and scrub the bowl clean after 10 minutes – or 24 hours if your toilet is really grimey!)  BONUS:  lavender has pest-repellent properties that make this recipe a great choice for pet owners trying to keep fleas at bay, or just trying to keep ants and other creepy crawlies out of your house!

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 teaspoon lavender essential oil
• Combine ingredients in container and shake together.  You can use a spoon or scoop to distribute as needed, or buy a dredge, available at restaurant suppliers.  (Also, the plastic Parmesan shaker containers work, too.)

Carpet/Scrub Powder

Air Freshener/Linen Water (Use this for adding a lovely scent to your bed linens after changing sheets, in place of plain water when ironing, or as a general air freshener.)

• 2 cups water

• 1/4 cup vodka (rubbing alcohol works, too)
• 1 teaspoon lavender essential oil (you may add or change essential oils to get the scent you want)
• Combine ingredients in a spray bottle (extra points for re-using a bottle left over from another cleaner!)
• NOTE:  Always shake first before using!

Air Freshener/Linen Water

Tags: cleaning, DIY, green COMMENTS