DIY: 3 Nontoxic Cleaning Products

These cleaners are wonderful and effective environmentally-friendly alternatives to strong-smelling chemicals. The essential oils leave a fresh, clean smell and mildly disinfect the area. Herbs also make perfect room sprays and wonderful potpourri.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY*

Makes 1 cup. Keeps indefinitely.

Preparation

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Shake well before use. Spray the surface, then wipe clean.

Makes about 1 ¾ cups. Keeps at least 6 months.

Preparation

If using grated soap, stir into the water until dissolved, then slowly stir in the soda. If not, dissolve the washing soda in the water, then add the liquid soap, continuing to stir until dissolved. Let cool. When cool, stir in the essential oils and bottle. Shake well before use.

ODOR-BUSTING NATURAL DRAIN CLEANER

The herbs and baking soda control germs and help eliminate bad odors.

Makes about 4 ½ cups. Keeps at least 1 year.

Preparation

Put the thyme and rosemary with the essential oils into a jar. Mix well. Add the baking soda, then shake and stir to mix thoroughly. Store in a dry, airtight jar. To use, first run the hot tap water for a few minutes to warm up the drain. Then slowly pour about 1 teacup or half a mug of the scouring powder down the drain. Dribble in a little hot water to send it down the pipe. Let the cleaner work overnight, then rinse to clear

*Recipe courtesy of Michael Vertolli