Cinderella’s Hearth: Essential Cleaning, by Kate Wolford

I’ve been writing about home keeping for many years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned to enjoy, it’s cleaning with essential oils. I’ve written about them a lot, and this post is adapted from a previously published work. Anyway, I thought sharing two of my all-time favorite, super-easy cleaning recipes would be useful for readers. But first, some caveats:

I am a fan of natural cleaning, but I believe that when a home has sick people in it, then strong cleaners, like bleach, are in order (diluted, of course). I recognize that all readers won't agree with me, but we'll have to leave it at that. I won't budge on this one.

Essential oils come from nature, but that doesn't mean they can't do harm. They should be kept far away from children and pets.

Essential oils can stain. Keep that in mind when using them (even diluted) around fabric. Also, remember that they are actual oils, so they may leave streaks on shiny surfaces, like glass.

Essential oils do not last forever. Store them in a cool, dry place. If a bottle begins to lose its scent, toss it.

Below is my favorite, easy, general cleaning recipe. You can use it in the kitchen, bathroom, playroom--you name it.

Lavender, Mint, and Lemon Cleaner

5 drops of lavender oil

5 drops of peppermint oil

5 drops of lemon oil

a small squirt of gentle cleaner, like Dr. Bronners or Dawn

32 ounces of warm water

Squirt the soap into the bottle, then add the essential oils, all of which have antiseptic properties. Slowing add the water. If you can use filtered water, that's even better. Shake before using.

The following is great for floors, and can even double for an all-purpose cleaner, in a pinch.

Sweet-Smelling Floor Cleaner

1/4 cup of white vinegar

5 drops of pine or rosemary or cinnamon or lavender or thyme or lemon oil

Quart of warm water

Mix all ingredients together, in order, and start cleaning. Remember to swish the mop in the water to recombine the ingredients from time to time. (You may use the oils in any combination, if you'd like.)

There you go. You can clean most of your house with these two recipes, and your home will smell divine!

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Kate Wolford was the publisher and editor of The Fairy Tale Magazine for many years. She’s now enjoying being Resident Fairy Godmother.

Image from Pixabay.