When it comes to natural cleaning solutions, herbs bring a lot to the table. Not only do they add a lovely scent but they also pack numerous benefits. Lavender, stemming from the Latin word “lavare,” literally means “to wash” and carries both therapeutic and purifying attributes, while thyme and mint are known to awaken the senses while cleansing. Rosemary helps ease congestion and may even support memory health. Outside of the home, lemongrass helps keep annoying pests away like mosquitoes, and peppermint’s high menthol levels make it antibacterial and an effective expectorant.

Another huge ingredient used in homemade cleaning is citrus. In many recipes, the peels from a lemon, lime, or grapefruit contribute disinfectant benefits thanks to their volatile oils. You’ll see citrus peels used in stovetop potpourri, all-purpose sprays, bathroom cleaners, and much more. Using the proper natural ingredients removes any airborne microbes rather than merely masking odors. Here are a few natural cleaning remedies to help you start the new year right.

Quick & Easy Microwave-Cleaning Hack

by Irena Saro & Cyna Rank from The Natural Home Issue Volume 6

You Will Need

• • Bowl: microwave-safe
• • 1 fresh lemon, cut into slices
• • 1 handful fresh mint leaves
• • 5 drops natural liquid dish detergent (Dr.Bonner’s Sal Suds)
• • 1 cup water
• • Oven mitts
• • Cloth/Sponge
• • Towel

To Make

In a bowl, combine the lemon slices, mint leaves, liquid dish detergent, and water. Place the bowl into the microwave, and heat on high power for three to five minutes, or until the water comes to a boil and fills the microwave with steam. Let the bowl sit in the microwave for five more minutes with the door closed; the steam will loosen food residue and grime.

Carefully remove the bowl; please use oven mitts, as it will be hot. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the warm lemon mint water, and wipe the inside of the microwave, focusing on stubborn spots. Let air dry or wipe dry with a towel.

Naturally Powered Bathroom Cleaner

from The Natural Home Issue Volume 5

You Will Need

• • Funnel: small
• • ½ TB. unscented liquid Castile soap
• • Filtered/Distilled water
• • 14 drops tea tree essential oil
• • 7 drops peppermint essential oil
• • Glass spray bottle

To Make

Using a small funnel, add the unscented liquid Castile soap to a glass spray bottle, and top the rest of the bottle with filtered or distilled water. Add the essential oils, and shake well to combine. Shake well before each use

A Cleaner for Sparkling Windows

from The Natural Home Issue Volume 6

You Will Need

• • Funnel: small
• • ½ cup white vinegar
• • ½ cup water
• • Glass spray bottle
• • 1 pinch cornstarch
• • 1 TB. vodka/alcohol (optional)

To Make

Using a small funnel, add the white vinegar and water to a glass spray bottle. Add a pinch of cornstarch and the alcohol, if using. Shake well to combine, and shake well before each use.

Oil-Infused Dusting Cloths

from The Natural Home Issue Volume 6

You Will Need

• • Glass container
• • 5 tsp. olive oil
• • 20 drops lemon essential oil
• • Spoon
• • 1 cup hot water
• • Scissors
• • Old T-shirt/fabric
• • Twine
• • Clothespins

To Make

In a glass container, add the olive oil and lemon essential oil, and stir to combine. Add the hot water, and mix well. Cut an old T-shirt or fabric piece into squares or rectangles, whatever shape you prefer. Submerge the fabric in the water mixture, squeeze out the water, and hang to dry on a makeshift clothesline with twine and clothespins. Use the cloths to dust surfaces. To clean the dirty cloths, hand rinse the used cloths, and line dry. Do not put them in the dryer.

Find more natural cleaning remedies to help you start the new year right in The Natural Home Issue.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.