I am by no means the Perfect Queen of Clean, but I have been around the block a few times over the years and have come to rely on some simple things to help fight grime and germs.

The Two Best Cleaning Friends You’ll Ever Meet

Vinegar- The Best Cleaner Base!
Simple Soap and Water!

Vinegar is great at killing germs and loosening mineral deposits and it’ll knock off soap scum. The addition of essential oils add extra antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal fighters makes this cleaning solution one of my favorite ‘go tos’. I let my 7 and 8 year-olds use a bottle of the vinegar/water solution with a few drops of lavender and rosemary essential oil, a clean rag, and set them out on a mission to fight grime!

Perfect Vinegar/Essential Oil All Purpose Mix

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup water
12-24 drops of essential oil: Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Orange, Pine.

Try These Blends

To Purify: Lavender and rosemary; not just for germs and mold.
For Motivation and Energy: Lavender and orange
Inspiration: Lavender and peppermint
To Brighten The Mood: Rosemary and Lemon; this combo also works to cut grease
To Repel Bugs and Bacteria: Tea Tree and Eucalyptus
To Clear the Air: Pine and Lavender; also a powerful deodorizer.

Basic Disinfectant:

In a spray bottle, put water and a squirt of natural soap (I love Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena hand and dish soap). Add your favorite antiseptic, anti-bacterial essential oils (e.g., 5 drops each of lavender, lemon, and lemongrass essential oils). Shake well before each use. Remember to always use natural cleaning tools (natural sponge, cotton cloth) because essential oils can react with plastic, making an even bigger mess to deal with.

Around the House:

Add a boost to your Dish-washing Soap:

Add several drops of essential oils such as lavender, pine, lemon, geranium, or orange.

Dusting:

Don’t underestimate the power of  beeswax!

Use natural lemon oil to lubricate and polish dry wood

Windows & Mirrors:

It’s as simple as water and a microfiber cloth.

Floors:

1/2 cup white vinegar to 1/2 gallon of water

For those grumpy scuff marks: Apply two to four drops of tea-tree oil to the spots then rub gently with a clean cloth. Wipe up any excess oil with white vinegar/water solution.

To Deodorize Carpets:

Sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for 5 minutes then vacuum.

For Stubborn Gummy Messes:

Rubbing Alcohol usually does the trick.

Apply orange essential oil with a cotton ball and wipe clean.

Bathroom:

When was the last time you cleaned those combs and brushes? I thought so. Fill a container with 1½ cups water, ½ cup distilled white vinegar, and 20 drops tea-tree, oil. Soak combs and brushes for 20 minutes. Rinse well and air-dry.

Shower doors: Wipe glass doors with a few drops of lemon oil twice a month. You will be amazed by how well it diverts grime buildup.

Toilets: The Crappy Job That Seems To Always Be left Up To You: Add 2 teaspoons tea-tree oil and 2 cups water to a spray bottle. Shake, then spritz along the toilet’s inside rim. Let sit for 30 minutes; scrub.

Added tip: Place a few drops of your favorite oil on the inside of the toilet-paper tube to help keep the toilet area smelling fresh.