Keeping a Green Home

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Keeping it green in your home isn’t just healthier for you, your family, and the planet—it’s a win for your wallet, too. Mixing simple ingredients to make your own cleaners saves cash, and I’m all about that life. Many of those so-called “green cleaners” still sneak in questionable junk and cost a fortune, and don’t even get me started on conventional cleaners—forget about it!

I used to dread cleaning day, but these quick recipes turned my home into a pure, toxin-free haven, and they’ll do the same for you.

As you know, in my Wise & Wild Way workshop, I’m all about ditching the junk and living clean—body, mind, spirit and home. Here are some simple DIY recipes to freshen up your space, no fancy stuff needed. Let’s get to it!

In the Laundry

  • Soften and Refresh Clothes: Add ¼ cup Epsom salt to your wash cycle.
    • Why It Works: Epsom salt softens hard water, letting your detergent clean better so clothes feel softer and look fresher—no more scratchy towels.
    • Tip: Pair with sunlight drying for a natural brightness boost—your shirts will love the sunshine.
  • Whiten Whites: Soak whites overnight in warm water with 1 scoop oxygen bleach, then wash, adding ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
    • Why It Works: Oxygen bleach releases hydrogen peroxide to whiten safely, while vinegar in the rinse cuts residue for extra crispness.
    • Tips: Use warm water to activate the oxygen bleach better—don’t let it cool off too much. Don’t mix oxygen bleach and vinegar in the soak—they’ll cancel each other out; keep vinegar for the rinse only.
  • In the Dryer: Toss in wool dryer balls instead of chemical-laden softener sheets—they keep clothes soft and static-free the natural way. Check out my full article on dryer balls for the details.

In the Kitchen

  • Streak-Free Dishes: Use white vinegar instead of rinse aid. Fill the rinse dispenser.
    • Why It Works: Vinegar cuts soap residue and prevents water spots, leaving dishes sparkling.
  • Countertop and Cutting Board Spray: Wash counters or cutting boards with soap and water, then spray with white vinegar and let air-dry.
    • How to Use: Spray vinegar on surfaces, let sit 5 minutes (especially after raw meat), and leave to air-dry—no wiping needed.
    • Why It Works: Soap and water clean off grime, vinegar kills most meat-related germs and cuts residue—your kitchen stays safe and fresh.
    • Tips: For wooden cutting boards, rinse and dry occasionally to avoid drying out. Don’t use on untreated countertops like marble—vinegar can etch the surface.

In the Bathroom

  • Scouring Scrub: Mix ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup salt, add water (or 3% hydrogen peroxide for extra power) to make a paste. Store in a container with a lid; mix fresh if using peroxide.
    • Why It Works: Baking soda and salt scrub away grime; water makes a solid paste, while optional peroxide kills germs and lifts stains—your tub will shine either way.
    • Tip: Got hard water stains? Pre-soak with white vinegar, then scrub—don’t mix vinegar in the paste, it’ll fizzle out the power because vinegar and baking soda cancel each other out.
  • Scrubby Gloves Trick: Use body exfoliating gloves (just not the same ones you wash with) to clean crevices around tubs and floors.
  • Tub Scrub Hack: Keep an over-the-cupboard caddy under your sink with scrubby gloves and homemade scouring scrub—clean the tub right after your shower.

Deodorizing Carpets

  • Baking Soda Freshener: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let sit 1 hour, vacuum.
  • Orange Peel Powder Boost: In a coffee grinder, grind fully dried orange peel into powder, mix with baking soda, sprinkle on carpets, let sit 1 hour, vacuum.
    • Why It Works: Baking soda kills odors with an hour to tackle deep smells, orange peel adds a citrus zing to your carpets and vacuum.
    • Tip: In a rush? 15 minutes works for a quick refresh, but an hour gets the real stink out.

Cleaners

  • Window Cleaner: Mix ½ cup water, ½ cup white vinegar, and 1 drop liquid castile soap (not too much, just enough to cut greasy smudges without residue) in a spray bottle.
    • Why It Works: Vinegar cuts streaks, one drop of soap tackles greasy smudges.
  • Oxygen Bleach Soak: For stained sinks/tubs: Fill with warm water, add 2-3 Tbsp oxygen bleach, soak overnight, scrub. For toilets: Add 1 Tbsp to toilet water, soak overnight, scrub.
    • Why It Works: Oxygen bleach makes stains vanish.
  • Wood Polishing Furniture Oil: Mix ¼ cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp white vinegar, and 5 drops lemon extract (or 5 drops orange essential oil for a citrus kick) in a small jar—great for sealed wood furniture and floors.
    • How to Use: Dip a soft cloth into the oil, rub onto wood furniture or sealed floors in circular motions (use a thin layer on floors to avoid slipping), then wipe with a clean cloth to remove excess—buff for a shiny glow.
    • Why It Works: Olive oil nourishes and conditions wood, vinegar cleans off grime, lemon extract adds a fresh scent and cuts light residue—your wood will look loved again.
    • Tip: Test on a small spot first—some finishes don’t love vinegar; don’t use on unsealed wood floors, it’ll get greasy and slippery; reapply every few months to keep wood hydrated.
  • All Purpose Cleaner: ½ cup liquid castile soap, ¼ tsp baking soda, 1 cup cold water, optional 2½ Tbsp witch hazel (for extra cleaning), optional ¼ tsp tea tree extract (for disinfecting), optional 4 drops orange essential oil (for scent)
    • How to Make: Mix soap, baking soda, and water in a spray bottle; add witch hazel, tea tree extract, and essential oil if using, then shake gently and thoroughly.
    • Use: Spray and wipe—great for counters, floors, you name it.
    • Why It Works: Baking soda boosts cleaning, soap tackles grime, optional tea tree disinfects—your house will be spotless.
    • Tip: Cleaner may settle, if so, just give the bottle the ol’ shakeroo.

The Catch: Keep It Smart

  • Test a spot first—some surfaces don’t love vinegar or salt.
  • Keep out of reach of kids—obviously.
  • Double batches if your house is a mess magnet like mine.

Elevate It, Wise & Wild Style

  • Detox Your Hair: Pair with my no-poo shampoo—clean home, clean scalp.
  • Detox Your Body: Soak in a bentonite clay bath—pure inside and out.
  • Stay Grounded: Walk with God like I do—peace starts at home.

Why Bother?

These recipes are cheap, quick, and keep your home toxin-free. Ditch the chemical parade and feel good about your space. Clean home, clear mind—done!

Mix, scrub, shine—clean living, your way!

Take It Further

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