Make your own Herbal Cleaning Powder
Relax. Breathe. You made it! It’s 2020. It’s a brand new decade and we’re primed for a fresh start.
January is a time of resolutions. And while most of us are in the habit of making resolutions, more than ever, we’re determined to actually stick to them. For the new year, many of us are choosing to continue on our path of natural wellness in pursuit of sustainable living.
Part of that involves ditching harsh conventional cleaning products in favour of eco-friendly, low-waste, and DIY alternatives. What better way to ring in a “new year, new me” than with a naturally clean house & beautifully refreshed home.
This herbal cleaning powder is easy to put together and stores incredibly well. It works on tough kitchen and bathroom residue like showers, tubs, and sinks, but can be used on most tile flooring and countertops as well.
The refreshing scent of natural eucalyptus and rosemary invigorates while you work. Eucalyptus essential oil is rich in camphor-like aromas that brighten, stimulate, and refresh the senses; paired with rosemary, they contain limonenes, which may be used as natural solvents to dissolve tough oily buildup and messes (1). Similarly, the presence of D-Limonene in lemon essential oil tackles grease and leaves surfaces shiny (2). These essential oils work in tandem with this recipe’s other natural ingredients to help your living space shine its brightest.
Start by grinding soap flakes in a food processor or blender until it resembles coarse sand or meal. We want to use a blender that is reserved for DIY-projects only: if you do not have one, consider picking one up from a thrift store, or breaking up the flakes with your hands. We don’t want to accidentally consume any soap residue that may remain in the machine after washing. In lieu of soap flakes, feel free to grate your favourite plain unscented soap bar into a large bowl.
Rosemary may be ground up in a spice grinder or mortar & pestle, or simply omitted if you choose.
After this, assembly is easy. Simply mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. When kept away from heat and light, this mixture should last up to 2 years.
To use, sprinkle the herbal cleansing powder sparingly across grimy sinks, tubs, shower stalls, and tile floors. A little goes a long way! Use caution on other surfaces: test a small patch in a hidden area to make sure it won’t be too harsh on the material.
Scrub away with a natural bristle cleaning brush or biodegradable sponge that is lightly moistened with hot water. Be sure to wear gloves as you work. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly and lightly dry with a clean towel.
That’s it! You’re ready to tackle the grime and start the year with a sparklingly clean slate.
Without further ado, here’s our recipe for our all-natural herbal cleaning powder:
Herbal Cleaning Powder
| Servings | Prep Time |
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Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Ground Soap Flakes
- 1 1/2 cups Washing Soda
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 tsp Rosemary
- 12 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 12 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 12 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
- Grind soap flakes on “low” in high-powered blender or food processor until it resembles coarse sand, making sure it does not blend so much that it melts. If you cannot find soap flakes, grate a plain, unscented soap bar.
- Grind rosemary in mortar & pestle or spice grinder.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated and store in airtight container or mason jar for up to 2 years.
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Herbal Cleaning Powder
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Ingredients
Instructions
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Recipe Notes
To use: Sprinkle powder as needed across sinks, tubs, and tile floors. Scrub with a wet brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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KolyaNaturals.com
And here’s a step-by-step video on how to make this simple recipe:
What are your top 3 messes to tackle in the new year? Let us know!
References:
1) Johnson, Dr. Scott A. Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic and Clinical Application of Essential Oils. Authorscott, 2015.
2) Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2014.
