DIY Essential Oil Cleaners

• Essential Oils can be used for countless DIY projects around the house, from cleaning fruits and veggies to degreasing pots and pans, to keeping pests at bay.   I've found a few images around the web that are helpful in detailing out some recipes.   

My favorites: 

Floor Cleaning:  Cleaning bucket filled 2/3 with hot water, 1/4 c white vinegar and a few drops each of lemon and lavender oil.   It leaves a nice clean smell behind!

Laundry:   Add 10 drops of oregano and/or tea tree oil to your load for their refreshing smell and anti-bacterial properties

Fruits and veggies:  I normally use just plain warm water, a couple caps of vinegar and a few drops of lemon EO.  

P.S.  I am not affiliated with Young Living Essential Oils, but do think they are top-notch in terms of purity.   If anyone wants to purchase, let me know and I'll hook you up with Crystal at Soul Space!

Cheers & happy cleaning!

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• And...Pest Control in the Garden!
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DIY All-Natural DoubleMint Toothpaste

If you're like me, you might be trying to avoid fluoride, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and other junk in your toothpaste.  Also,  you've probably tried a half-dozen + natural brands and are just looking for something that tastes decent and works.   I finally gave up on switching around and found something EASY to make at home!  If you're going to pick one essential oil instead of committing to both, I recommend the PEPPERMINT.   I've experimented with a little bit of vanilla extract in here, and that's a nice taste as well.  Spearmint and vanilla by themselves were...meh.  Also, you can use 1 packet of stevia rather than the droppers. 

Disclaimer:  if you are used to using Colgate or other mainstream brands, this will taste a lot different and might take some getting used to.  If you've used Arm & Hammer or other baking soda toothpastes, you'll recognize the flavor.  

DIY All-Natural DoubleMint Toothpaste

3 Tbsp coconut oil (Vitacost)
3 Tbsp aluminum free baking soda (Bob's Red Mill)
15 drops peppermint essential oil (Now Foods)
15 drops spearmint essential oil (Now Foods)
15 drops liquid stevia (Now Foods)

Use coconut oil that is solid (room temp).  In a small mixing bowl, mix the coconut oil and baking soda, working in all the drops.  Mix well, until there are no chunks of solid coconut oil left.   I keep mine in a small Tupperware container by the sink.  To keep it sanitary, refrain from dipping your toothbrush in.  I  use a funky little cheese spreader from the 70's to apply it to my toothbrush and rinse it off afterwards.

Do me a favor - comment & let me know how you like it if you end up trying!

~Angela

Food Renegade!