Gifts of Furniture Cleaner / Polish, Citrus All Purpose Cleaner, Face Creams, Lotions, Salt Scrub & more...

Sent out gifts on Monday. Here are what two care packages of homemade Essential and Garden Produce goodies look like. A sampling of home cleaning supplies, lotions, scrubs, sprays, and sample oils. I send detailed information for those who I know will love playing with oils, a sheet on any oil I send, and instructions on how to apply the herbal treatments. On each bottle is the general recipe (I don't put measurements, because it would just get to crowded). 

 Box one is to someone who will love playing with the oils. They have herbal knowledge, but are new to Essential Oils. The box below is for a loved one who will enjoy the products I made, but isn't really interested in herbs; so the box contains mainly instructions on how to use.

 Items before I boxed them up:

This shipment held items made from the fresh, clean power of citrus.

I decided to use real citrus peels, instead of just my essential oils this time. I used the citrus peels in both cleaning products, as well as sea salt scrubs. Recipes are coming up... 

Note: if you wish to make both the Citrus All Purpose Cleaner and the Furniture Polish, a short cut is to: First I put the lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange peels into the juicer. Then pour white vinegar into the machine to get the loose bits through and to help the peels to give up their oils. I took this citrus goodness and put it into my furniture polish and into my all purpose cleaner mix. I left the furniture polish as is, but strained any peel bits out of the citrus for the all purpose spray cleaner. And of course, you can use drops of Essential oils "instead of" / or "in addition to" real citrus peel 

Basic All Purpose Cleaner:

1 Tbl. OnGuard Cleaner

20 Drops Purity

20 drops Wild Orange

1 C. White Vinegar

1 C. Distilled Water

1/2 C Rubbing Alcohol

Mix, shake well. Pour into spray bottle. Use on most surfaces: counter tops, windows, mirrors, and cabinets.

Recipes:

Citrus All Purpose Cleaner:

1 1/2 C. Citrus Peels 

1/2 C, White Vinegar

Soak peels overnight in flat container.

Juice Mixture in morning. Discard dry peel, keep juice and vinegar mixture. Strain to remove solid pieces. To the strained citrus mixture, 

add half of the basic All Purpose Cleaner Mixture (recipe above).

Now you have two cleaners, one is citrus for the extra tough cleans, (like kitchen cabinets with grease finger-prints) and a regular basic cleaner too!

Citrus Furniture Cleaner & Polish: 

Ingredients: 

3 Lemon's peel, one whole lemon

4 Lime's peel

2 Orange's peel

1 Grapefruit peel

1/4 White Vinegar

1/2 C. Almond Oil

1/2 C. Walnut Oil

Instructions:

Juice just the peels in a juicer with one whole lemon; 

Add to the juicer:

1/4 White Vinegar to clean out the bits. 

Discard the dry peel into the recycling bin. Use the pulp mixture in your polish. 

Add the 

1/2 C. Almond Oil

1/2 C. Walnut Oil

Mix with a hand mixer to make creamy.

Store in a glass container; pour out onto a clothe and use on your wood furniture for a rich wood glow!

Note: I later changed my container because my sprayer clogged (Mixture too thick to spray) and this was plastic. At the time I made it, I didn't have a good glass container. Now I do. ;-) This wood table has been through a families abuse and the color now pops! The two smaller containers I sent out were plastic squirt travel bottles, meant for shampoo (glass would have been better, but it is what I had on hand).

Also included in gift boxes:

 Carpet Cleaner: 
(See grey lidded glass jars on the back left?)
8 oz. Baking Soda
15 drops of Clove
20 drops of Wild Orange
20 drops of Lavender
Fill four 4oz. glass jars with lid or perpetrated top (like with powder). Shake on carpet; let set one hour; vacuum rug.

Refreshing Mist Spray: 
(See blue and brown glass spray bottles in middle?)
4oz. Distilled Water
20 drops of Eucalyptus
16 drops of Lavender
10 drops of Lemongrass
Fill 4 oz. glass jar with spray top. (I made three 4 oz. jars by doing this three times).  

This image is of the Lotions, Eve Cream, Day Cream, and Shea Body Butter gifts:

Shea Butter Ingredients:

1 1/2 C. Shea Butter, 

15 drops Myrrh,

3 1/2 Tbl. Aloe Vera,

2 Tbl. Vitamin E and C.

15 drops Lavender,

15 drops Frankincense

7 drops Lemon Balm (besides, therapeutic benefits, also works as a bug repellent).

Fill three 4oz. glass jars.  

Sea Salt Scrub ingredients:

1 C. citrus peel pulp
1 C. Geranium Essence, (or substitute 20 drops of Geranium oil),
1 C. Sea Salt,
1/2 C. Epson Salt, 
2 Tbl. Vitamin E, 
10 drops Lavender,
10 drops Myrrh,
10 drops Frankincense, 
7 drops Lemon, 
7 drops Wild Orange
7 drops Rosemary (Optional)
This makes 3 1/2 C's. ~I filled four glass containers (Three recycled 1 C.'s & one 4oz. canning jar). 

Sore Muscle Cream ingredients and product:

20 drops Deep Blue, (or for a dbl recipe: 40 drops)

20 drops Eucalyptus, (or for a dbl recipe: 40 drops)

10 drops Peppermint, (or for a dbl recipe: 20 drops)

1/4 C. Solid Coconut Oil, (or for a double recipe: 1/2 C.)

3/4 C. Cocoa Butter (or for a double recipe: 1  1/2 C.) 
If you're using refined cocoa butter, it is already creamy for use. If you're using raw-hard-purest-form cocoa butter (which is awesome!), you will need to melt it. Black cocoa butter is the hardest I've used. 
Your options are: 1. In a dbl broiler (two pans, larger one has water in it) to slowly melt it. Or 2. Add boiling liquid to cocoa butter and it will melt. Coconut and Almond have a high smoke rate, meaning they can get to boiling without ruining them. But, don't take them past the point of a boil, or you can ruin their properties. ~Perhaps even making them contain free-radicals.
In general you need a ratio of 75% cocoa to 25% liquid in the form of water or oil (like Sweet Almond or Coconut Oil). 
After melting the cocoa butter, and mixing your coconut and cocoa butter together, you may need to refrigerate to make solid again before you can whip it up with a mixer to make an amazing creamy body butter. I pop mine into the freezer for 15-20 min.'s. ;0)
Add your essential oil drops to creamy mixture and stir in. Fill three glass containers with screw top lid (I recycle & use canning jars).(Or if you doubled the recipe, then six glass jars). ---I edited this because I had a question about how to use the cocoa butter from one person, and another question about how I got six jars out of the recipe. Giving away three, I kept three for myself ;0).--- 

For Night and Day Face Cream Recipes: 
http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2016/05/diy-geranium-essence-for-lotions-day.html

For Eyelash Serum, Bug Off, Diffuser, Baby Wipes & more Recipes: http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2016/03/essential-oil-recipes-ive-been-enjoying.html 

For Hair recipes:
http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/01/home-remedies-to-treat-winter-hair.html

For more Cleaning recipes: 
http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/01/clean-your-house-w-household-items.html
and
http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2016/04/courtesy-rmos-i-stumbled-upon-their.html

The mixture of goodies before I sent the packages out: 

*Note: If you enlarge this picture and spy a gift that isn't included on this blog post, simply ask via comment or in person and I'll add the recipe to this post. I didn't put every recipe that is in the picture(sent as gifts), because I didn't want the post to be too long.

Springtime Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes!

Courtesy of RMO, I stumbled upon their Springtime cleaning recipes! 

They are running a sale on the oils we typically use in the spring; sale ends on the 25th of April. ;0) The recipes are conveniently given for each room in your home.  *I noted many of these I actually have made and used; like the first one, only I didn't add the castile soap (occasionally, I'd add Dawn). So, give these a looksie, they are just basic old fashioned recipes with our favorite oils added for more umph!

Note: The links to the Essential Oils will be in orange; first Doterra and then RMO. Whatever company you buy from is fine. I'm currently experimenting with various brands myself. ;0)

Cleaning Recipes for the Bedroom

At the end of the day, bedrooms are often one of the most neglected spaces in a home because guests rarely see them so the motivation to clean is lowered. This shouldn't be the case, however, since this is a place where you (hopefully) spend seven or more hours each day! Transform your bedroom into a tranquil retreat with these cleaning recipes created especially for your space.

Just Like A Pro’s Window Cleaner

Ingredients:

·         2 cups Rubbing Alcohol

·         1/2 cup White Vinegar

·         1/2 teaspoon liquid Castile Soap

·        *Note: DoTerra link first, then RMO link for essential oils needed to make the recipe. 
15 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=42 or Citrus Blend

·         Water

Directions:
In a large bucket, combine alcohol and vinegar. Add enough water to make 1 gallon. Add Castile soap and essential oils and stir gently to combine. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before every use. Spray on windows and wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. Good to use on outside windows as well as inside.

Spicy Potpourri

Ingredients:

·         2 drops Nutmeg

·         1 drop https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=17 or Clove Bud

·         2 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=18 or Cinnamon Bark

·         Peel of 1 orange

·         Optional: Leaves, wood shavings, cleaned and dried fruit stones (peach, plum and apricot), dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, clove buds, whole nutmeg, etc.

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a plastic bag and let sit for a few days so the aroma can settle in to all of the potpourri ingredients. Put in container of your choice. can add extra drops of essential oils as the aroma fades.

Refreshing Mist Spray

Ingredients:

·         20 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=20 or Eucalyptus Globulus

·         16 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=26 or Lavender

·         10 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=28 or Lemongrass

·         4 ounces pure water

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a 4 ounce, fine mist spray bottle. Shake well before every use. Spray the room several times over a couple of hours. Good to clear out stale odors as well as cigarette smoke.

Cleaning Recipes for the Living Room

Living rooms are a great gathering place for friends and family. Establish a welcoming atmosphere with a clean space enhanced by essential oils. Use these recipes to get rid of germs, stains and stale air and help your home become a refuge from the outside world.

Mirror Bright Cleaner

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups White Vinegar
1/2 cup Water
8 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=31 or Orange, https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=27 or Lemon, https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=42 or Citrus Blend or https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=25 or Grapefruit 

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well before every use. Clean mirrors with it using a dry cloth or towel.

Magic Carpet Cleaner

Ingredients:
10 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=17 or Clove Bud
15 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=31 or Orange
15 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=26 or Lavender
8 ounce Baking Soda

Directions:
Put the soda in a polythene bag or glass jar with a lid. Add essential oils and mix well. Seal bag or jar tightly and allow oils to permeate the baking soda for at least 24 hours. Sprinkle over carpet, leave for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming.

Room Disinfectant Mist Spray

Ingredients:
65 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=36 or Tea Tree
50 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=37  or  Thyme
35 drops  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=20 orEucalyptus Globulus
4 fluid ounces pure water

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a 4 ounce, fine mist spray bottle. Liberally spritz room to clean the air. Can also use it to wipe down counters.

Cleaning Recipes for the Kitchen

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. Whether you're cooking meals for your family, having late night talks with your children or hosting a dinner party, you want your kitchen to be clean. To help make that process easier, try one of our cleaning recipes with essential oils! From wiping down counters to ridding your sink of soap scum and leftover food, RMO has you and your kitchen covered.

Ready-to-Use Kitchen Wipes

Ingredients:

·         1 cup Water

·         1 ounce Liquid Castile Soap

·         6 - 8 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=31 orTangerine

Directions:
In a sealable container, add formula and store multiple squares of soft cotton cloth or cellulose sponges. After use, they can be washed and returned to the container. Keep it tightly sealed in between uses.

Fruity Dishwashing Blend

Ingredients:

·         15 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=42 or Citrus Blend

·         6 drops  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=26 orLavender

·         5 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=205 or Bergamot

·         Liquid Castile soap

Directions:
Fill a clean 22 ounce plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using a concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the liquid to the dishwasher and wash as usual.

Sink Scrubber for Stains

Ingredients:

·         1/4 cup Borax

·         1/4 cup Baking Soda

·         8 drops  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=34 orRosemary, Eucalyptus Globulus or  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=36 orTea Tree

·         3/4 cup Vinegar (for rinsing)

Directions:
Combine the Borax, baking soda, and essential oil in an airtight container and shake well to blend. Keep closed and allow to sit for 24 hours. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse sink with vinegar, then run hot water for 5 minutes.

Cleaning Recipes for the Bathroom

When it comes to dreaded chores, the bathroom is often a leading source of stress. From mildew growing on the shower walls to stubborn stains in the toilet bowl, the bathroom has a lot of cleaning opportunities that aren't very enticing but must be done.

To help you get the job done, we assembled a list of our staff's favorite bathroom recipes that use essential oils. Your house will be sparkling in no time, and you can rest easy knowing you didn't expose your body or family to harmful chemical cleaners in the process.

Tile/Grout Cleaner

·         1 cup Baking Soda

·         1 cup Borax

·         20 drops  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=26 orLavender oil

·         10 drops  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=36 orTea Tree oil

Place all ingredients in a large, glass measuring cup and mix well. Pour into a large container with a lid. (Can be an old yogurt or detergent tub.) Label container. Apply with a natural bristle brush for best results.

Toilet Cleaner

·         1 cup distilled Water

·         1/2 cup Liquid Castile Soap

·         1 cup Baking Soda

·         1/4 cup White Vinegar

·         1 teaspoon  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=36 orTea Tree oil

·         1 teaspoon https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=26 or Lavender oil

Mix all ingredients into a large measuring cup. Be careful when you add the vinegar because the whole thing will fizz up. Pour into a squirt bottle and use for the toilet bowl, rim and seat.

Sink/Counter Cleaner

·         Lavender Soft Scrubber

·         3/4 cup Baking Soda

·         1/4 cup Powdered Milk

·         1/8 cup Liquid Castile Soap

·         5 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=26 or Lavender oil

·         Water

Combine baking soda, milk, castile soap, and lavender oil in a plastic squirt bottle. Add just enough water to make a smooth paste. Shake or stir to mix. Apply to surface, then wipe area clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well.

Mold Buster Formula

·         1 cup White Vinegar

·         1/2 cup Water

·         4 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=25 or Grapefruit oil

·         3 drops  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=205 orBergamot oil

·         2 teaspoons   https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=36 orTea Tree oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix before using. Spray mixture on surfaces where mold is present and allow to sit for a few hours. Spray again and allow to dry. Do not rinse.

Cleaning Recipes for the Hallway

Hallways are the veins of your home, ushering pets, guests and children to the various rooms. With all that traffic, the hallways can gather fingerprints, dirt and remnants of snow sludge. To keep your space clean and walkways clear, try one of these recipes that utilizes essential oils instead of harsh chemical cleaners.

All-Purpose Citrus Wall Cleaner

Ingredients:

·         1 cup water

·         1/2 cup Vinegar

·         6 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=27 or Lemon,  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=25 orGrapefruit, orhttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=31 or Orange oil

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake vigorously before each use. Lightly spray the affected areas of your wall and wipe with a clean, damp sponge.

Citrus-Scented Wood Floor Wax

Ingredients:

·         1 cup Linseed oil

·         1/4 cup lemon juice

·         2 tablespoons grated Beeswax

·         2 tablespoons Carnauba wax

·         6 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=27 or Lemon oil

·         2 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=31 or Orange oil

Directions:
Place linseed oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and waxes in a double boiler over low heat. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Add essential oils. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a clean coffee can and allow to harden.

Once the wax has hardened, tap the sides of the can until the wax breaks free. Turn out the wax and gently rub it into the floor, like a crayon. Saturate a cloth with lemon juice, wring it out, and rub wax tracings well into the floor. Buff with a clean, dry cloth.

Cleaning Recipes for the Office

Whether you're tidying your home office or freshening up your workplace, these recipes use essential oils to get your office clean and ready for work.

Easy Breezy Glass Cleaner

·         1 cup Water

·         1 cup White Vinegar

·         10 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=27 or Lemon

Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well before every use. Spray lightly onto a cleaning cloth and wipe surfaces until dry. Good for monitors, glass surfaces of printers, etc.

Basic Office Dust & Germ Buster

·         2 cups Water

·         1 cup White Vinegar

·         1 teaspoon https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=25 orGrapefruit oil

·         10 dropshttps://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=31 or Orange oil

Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well before every use. Spray directly onto a dry cloth and wipe surfaces clean.

Cleaning Office Phone

·         2 tablespoons Water

·         2 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=34 orRosemary oil

·         2 drops https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=36 or Tea Tree oil

Blend all ingredients in a small bowl or cup. Moisten a soft cloth with this solution and clean the telephone receiver. Use a second cloth to dry it off.

For more essential oil recipes: 
http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2016/05/diy-geranium-essence-for-lotions-day.html
http://lisakramerartlifestyle.blogspot.com/2016/03/essential-oil-recipes-ive-been-enjoying.html