Happy Holidays Everyone! Let's get right to it and talk gift-giving. I'm sure the subject is weighing heavy on your brain right now. Well . . . put your mind at ease because I've got a great idea . . . Are you a crafty sort? I certainly am, and I like to make useful, practical, and economically-priced gifts to give to my friends and family - gifts that I know they'll enjoy receiving and find uniquely appealing. So, what to do . . . what to do? How about putting together a quart-size Mason jar full of homemade "All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner For Home & Hands"? It contains 4 easy-to-find ingredients and can be made in a snap. This blend is perfect for cleaning greasy or dirty hands and feet, as well as dirty bath and shower stalls, ceramic tiles, sinks, or ovens. Works great on filthy garage floors, too. It smells wonderfully citrusy, though it can also be scented with spruce or balsam fir essential oil so it has the essence of Christmas trees (which is nice this time of year), contains no toxic cleaning ingredients, and if you use it to clean your bathroom, kitchen, or garage, the fabulously fresh fragrance lingers! Wonderful stuff! Perfect for gardeners, mechanics, cooks, landscapers . . . anybody who works with their hands and gets dirty, plus, everyone who wants to avoid chemical-filled, home cleaning products. This is my go-to formula - I've used it for years.
This recipe can be found in my book, How To Feel Fabulous Today: 250 Simple and Natural Ways to Achieve Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Well-Being (Storey Publishing, c2001). It's full of all kinds of useful information to make your life more comfortable. So, without further adieu, here's the recipe:
All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner For Home & Hands
Ingredients:
- 1 cup soap flakes or washing soda
- 1 cup borax (20 Mule Team brand is great - find it in the laundry detergent
aisle at the grocery store)
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 teaspoons sweet orange or lemon essential oil (www.AromaTherapeutix.com is a good brand). Substitute an equal amount of spruce or balsam fir essential oil, if desired.)
Directions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, using a hand-held whisk or wooden spoon, gently mix the soap flakes, borax, and baking soda until well blended.
2. Slowly add the essential oil of choice, one drop at a time, stirring to incorporate.
Storage: Store the finished product in a quart-size Mason jar (canning jar).
To Use: Blend one tablespoon or more of the formula in a small bowl with enough water to form a slushy texture. Use it to wash hands or scrub bathroom or kitchen surfaces, or garage floors. Rinse with water.
Yield: 3 cups
To make as a gift: Wrap a length of twine or colored raffia around the top of your jar, attach a handmade custom label or find a unique one at a craft store, and write the name of the recipe, ingredients, and directions for use on the label. Great gift, now isn't it? Don't forget to make one for yourself, too!
Disclaimer: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles, www.stephanietourles.com. The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.
