Natural Household Remedies

If you have a lot of grease to fight, try this vinegar formula:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of hot water
• 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1 cup vinegar
• 20 drops essential oil, either peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree

Clean your floor as usual.  Rinsing is not necessary.  For extremely stubborn spots, drop essential oil directly on the spot, wait a litte, and scrub off.

If your fridge or freezer doesn’t smell as fresh as you would like it to, here is a simple fix:

Refresh-Your-Fridge-or-Freezer Mix

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tbsp baking soda
• 6 drops of essential oil, peppermint or eucalyptus (for freezer)
• 10 drops of essential oil, peppermint or eucalyptus (for fridge)

Mix a solution of these ingredients.  After emptying the fridge / freezer and turning down the temperature regulator, or even shutting it off if you can, wipe the inside, walls and floor, of the fridge / freezer with a damp cloth and above solution, and don’t forget the shelves either.

Rinse well to remove baking powder residue, then dry walls, floor and shelves well with ahand towel before putting the food back.  Turn the temperature settign back up or switch it back on.

And the fourth part of my mini series deals with

Centipedes, Earwigs and Silverfish

Several drops of either of the following essential oils placed in all areas that collect moisture, like damp basements, garages or cabinets that house plumbing fixtures will deter any of these critters:

• peppermint
• eucalyptus
• wintergreen
• citronella

Works great for stove tops and refrigerators if s[prayed generously on the appliance and wiped off with a damp sponge or cloth, and then wiped dry with another cloth.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp liquid castile soap
• 1/8 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups water
• 6 drops citrus seed extract
• 4 drops lemon, lime, orange or eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 tsp borax

Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle.  Shake well before every use.

Allow this powder to rest on the stains for a little while. For less stubborn stains no resting is needed.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup borax
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 8 drops essential oil, either rosemary, eucalyptus or tea tree
• 3/4 cup vinegar for rinsing

Combine borax, baking soda and essential oil in an airtight container and shake well. Use the airtight container for storage, too. When needed, sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink, and let sit, the more stubborn the stains, the longer.  Then scrub with a damp sponge and rinse with hot water and vinegar.