Protecting the environment is something we all strive to do. Using fewer toxic chemicals in our everyday lives is something each of us can do that collectively could make a big difference in our world. We encourage everyone to use simple fresher herbal cleaners and avoid those harsh store-bought chemicals. The ingredients are products you probably already have around the kitchen, and they are safe for the people and pets in your home. Since fresh herbs are abundant, now is a great time to find some that can be used with simple common household ingredients for naturally cleaning your home – indoors and out!
Herbs for Cleaning
No fancy herbs needed – simply look around your garden or check with friends and neighbors to see if they have them in their gardens. Here are some herbs we love to use for cleaning around the house, along with their properties for use:
• Lavender – antibacterial, repels insects, aromatherapy
• Rosemary – antiseptic, antioxidant (preservative)
• Sage – antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic
• Thyme – strongest antibacterial herb, strong disinfectant, antifungal
• Lemon Balm – antiviral, aromatherapy
• Peppermint – antibacterial, antiviral, repels insects and mice
For the following recipes, it’s best to grind your herbs finely – if fresh – chop them finely with a sharp knife. We find coffee grinders work well if using dried herbs, but you can also use a mortar and pestle or a bag with a rolling pin.
You can use fresh herbs available now in the summer – laying them out in the sun to dry before using. Then consider gathering and drying some for using the rest of the year. Simply store dried herbs in an upcycled glass jar – don’t forget a label!
Common Household Ingredients
Like the herbs, no fancy ingredients are needed for creating your own simple and effective cleaning products. Simply head to your kitchen cupboards and look for these items:
• Sea Salt
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Liquid Castile Soap
Creating & Using Your Own Cleaning Products
As we pull out our summer patio furniture and start using our bar-b-ques more, things can get a little dirty. So here are some DIY natural cleaning products you can quickly whip up to keep things clean for your summer adventures!
Scouring Powder
This works best on porcelain tubs & sinks, tile, and glass tabletops. It is not recommended for stainless steel or ceramic (see below for ideas on adapting this recipe for stainless).
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 T sea salt
• 1 T ground herbs
Add enough water to make a paste and use immediately. You can scale this recipe up and keep it dried in a glass jar, adding water as needed to make just what you need.
Herbs we like for this recipe include rosemary, thyme, mints, and lavender.
Note: For stainless steel or ceramic items, we take out the sea salt and add enough liquid Castile soap to make a paste. Then wipe it down with a very damp cloth after scrubbing.
BBQ & Oven Cleaner
This recipe has strong scrubbing power and is meant to be mixed as you need, using it all immediately (no storage).
• ½ C sea salt
• ¼ C borax
• 2 C baking soda
• 2 Tbsp total lemon balm and/or peppermint
• Enough water to make a paste (about ¼ C)
Preheat the oven to 250˚ or turn your grill on to medium-high heat, turn off and leave the door/lid ajar. Spread paste on walls of oven or grill racks, then let sit for 30 minutes. Put ¾ C vinegar in a spray bottle, spray thoroughly and wipe everything off. If needed, rinse racks well under a bit of warm water, then air dry.
Surface Spray – aromatic disinfecting solution
Use this on glass or plastic patio/picnic tables and chairs.
• 1 C distilled white vinegar (infused with herbs, see below)
• 1 C water
• 8 oz fresh herbs or 4 oz dried
• Herb suggestions: rosemary, thyme, lavender, peppermint
Place herbs in a glass jar, cover with vinegar, and steep for at least 3 days. Strain and compost herbs. Combine infused vinegar with water in a 16 oz spray bottle. Shake well before using.
Add some re-usable cleaning cloths to your supplies, and you are ready to clean the house and the car and clean up any summertime messes. Have a great summer and enjoy the bounty of herbs!
Erin Harwood & Eloyce O’Connor
Erin Harwood & Eloyce O’Connor are co-owners of Garden Delights Herb Farm in Brush Prairie, WA, where they grow a variety of herbs for culinary, medicinal, pet, home and garden use. They also offer classes.
For more info: www.gardendelightsfarm.com
