Spruce up Your Cleaning Routine with New Scents
Each season has a fragrance, an olfactory trigger, that sparks happy memories. The smell of fresh grass reminds us of spring, coconut often transcends us to the beach on a hot summer day, while boughs of holly, pine, or spruce evoke thoughts of cozy winter afternoons. This time of year, nothing beats the smell of a fresh garland or wreath in your home. It’s a subtle scent, clean and invigorating. And, although the real thing is beautiful, essential oils make it possible to have the aroma without the foliage. In fact, you can infuse your home with the scent of fresh evergreens every time you clean with these DIY all-purpose cleaners.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner #1 – the “quick and easy” recipe
What you need:
- BPA-free plastic or glass spray bottle
- 2 cups of distilled water
- 1 tsp. of borax
- ½ tsp. of washing soda
- 1 tsp. of liquid Castile soap
- 8-10 drops of pine, spruce or cedar essential oil
Combine ingredients directly into the spray bottle. Replace the spray cap and shake well. If using a clear spray bottle, add a small fresh evergreen branch to add to the aesthetic. Use as you would any all-purpose cleaner – simply spray and wipe clean with a dry rag.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner #2 – the” if you have some time” recipe
What you need:
- Large mason jar with lid
- BPA-free plastic or glass spray bottle
- 2 cups of distilled water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- Fresh cut pine branches (enough to fill the mason jar)
Snip fresh pine branches and put them in the mason jar. Pour water and vinegar over the branches in the jar, screw the lid on tightly. Allow to steep for a few weeks in a dark cabinet to infuse the solution with the fresh scent of the pine.
