DIY: Homemade Natural Countertop and Appliance Cleaner

Organizing my home is my claim to fame, cleaning my home on the other hand is not my favorite chore. I always look for new ways to help speed up the daily process, all while using safe cleaning products. I began using mostly natural and organic cleaners a few years ago. Last Christmas, I bought an all purpose cleaner by Mrs. Meyers with a Peppermint Scent. Once the holidays were over, it was hard to find, as it was a Limited Edition. On a cleaning day recently, I ran out of my counter cleaner. I quickly searched Pinterest to make my own cleaner and came across many homemade recipes. Here is one of my favorites that I use daily since that day, and guess what… it smells just like the Mrs. Meyers Peppermint All Purpose Spray.

Homemade All Natural Granite Countertop and Stainless Steel Cleaner  (compliments of cleanmama.net on Pinterest )

What you will need:  spray bottle, 3 tbsp rubbing alcohol, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint scent), measuring cups and measuring spoons

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in spray bottle.
2. Shake bottle.
3. Test on small area before cleaning.
4. Spray on granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances and wipe clean with paper towel or towel.

Something New To Try This Spring… An All-Natural Weed Killer

Having kids who play on our lawn and a small dog that runs around our yard, I am very conscious of the products and chemicals we use in our landscapes.  We were cautious when researching which fertilizer to use on our lawn, but we could not find a weed killer that I felt safe using in our  brick walkway or crushed stones beds. Last year, my husband just happen to see a friend’s post on Facebook for an “all natural” weed killer. It consisted of 3 simple products, all which seemed harmless. We gave it a try and were amazed how quickly it dried out the ever-growing weeds, which made it easier to pull out. It actually worked!

This year when it was our  yard’s spring clean-up time, I made sure I added the 3 ingredients to our market list again! Give it a try in your yard this spring!

Thank you to our friends who shared the recipe on Facebook last year and to http://nodontpinthat.blogspot.com/2014/06/all-natural-weed-killer.html?m=1 for sharing a large quantity recipe on their website (and there are many other bloggers out there sharing this recipe too!)

All-Natural Weed Killer Recipe 

Ingredients: 1 gallon organic white vinegar, 2 cups of all-purpose epsom salt, 1/4 cup “Dawn” blue dish detergent, spray bottle or large yard sprayer, measuring cup

Directions: Combine ingredients. Add to sprayer. Spray weeds. Repeat, if necessary.

Note: This recipe should only be used on brick, pavement and stone walkways, not in flower beds and lawns.