Use this to brush your teeth 2-3 times a week, as it is too coarse to use 
on a daily basis.Sea Salt Scrub
-Sea Salt
-Water1. Mix a little bit of water with about ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, dip your 
damp brush into it, and brush as usual 2-3 times a week. 272Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com ToothpasteY ou will need… DirectionsHousehold
273Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com
Sometimes grime gets incredibly stuck to surfaces, and an all-purpose 
cleaner just can’t seem to get it off. In this case, something that creates 
a little bit of abrasion is needed. I really don’t like the powders sold 
in stores, and have found that baking soda works a treat in its place. Because it is made up of very small granules, it’s great for scrubbing 
through anything gunked onto a surface. In addition it’s an alkaline 
substance, and therefore neutralizes the acidic oils that are keeping the 
grime caked on. It also has fantastic anti-microbial properties, and you 
can make it smell wonderful with a wide variety of essential oils.Abrasive Cleaners
-Sprinkle baking soda over (damp) 
crusty dishes and you’ll be able to 
scrub them easily after letting it sit 
for several hours. -Dampen the surface you are 
cleaning (slightly) when you use 
baking soda before putting the 
baking soda down. -If you are going after a really 
tough spot, let the baking soda 
sit for 10 minutes on the surface 
(after you’ve dampened it.) -After using the baking soda, use 
some vinegar to dissolve any bit 
of powdery residue that may be 
left over. -Always test your surface before 
going all out, especially if you 
suspect it may scratch. 274Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThe title for this recipe sounds like the title of a very bad romance, but baking soda and sponges are truly a 
beautiful combination. The scratchy side of the sponge combined with the power of the soda works wonders!Soda & Sponge
-1 damp sponge, with a coarse 
side
-Baking Soda
-Vinegar (optional)1. Dampen a sponge that has a coarse side-it doesn’t have to be wet, 
just damp-and pour a little baking soda into a clean bowl. 2. Dip the sponge into the baking soda and scrub away! Alternatively, 
you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto the surface that needs 
cleaning, and scrub from there. 3. Y ou can follow this treatment with a spritz of vinegar to rinse away 
any leftover baking soda that may have snuck into little cracks. 275Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Abrasive CleanersY ou will need… DirectionsNot the drama-filled sequel to Soda & A Sponge, baking soda and salt make a good abrasive cleaner if you 
need a little extra “scrub” power. Use sea salt here, with coarser flakes. Avoid using this on surfaces that scratch 
easily.Soda & Salt
-Baking Soda
-Coarse sea salt
-A damp sponge 
-Vinegar (optional)1. Mix the baking soda and salt in a bowl at a 1-1 ratio, and dampen your 
sponge. Dip it into the mixture and scrub, following up with a vinegar 
rinse if you like. 276Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Abrasive CleanersY ou will need… DirectionsIt has always seemed a bit odd, in my opinion, to spray chemicals into 
the air to ‘freshen’ it. To me, fresh air isn’t about crazy scents that make 
a home smell overwhelmingly artificial. I like clean, pure, and simple. Of 
course one of the best ways to keep air fresh is to clean regularly, but 
no matter how much you do this, your house will still have a signature 
odor-which you probably don’t notice since you become so used to it. I 
have a lot of dogs coming through my house as fosters, not to mention 
all the dirty saddle pads, muck boots, and horse blankets I schlep back 
and forth from the barn. Needless to say, I fret a lot about how my 
home smells to other people, so I find these air fresheners a particular 
blessing.Air Fresheners
- The most natural way to freshen, 
filter, and purify air is through 
the use of plants. Truly. NASA 
even went so far as to compile a 
list of the best air-filtering plants 
as part of the NASA Clean Air 
Study. Plants use a process to 
move chemicals in the air to their 
roots. The leaves absorb certain 
chemicals and impurities, and 
transport them through plant 
tissue into the roots. All of this 
leaves (no pun intended) the 
surrounding air clean and fresh. 277Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingBy simmering ingredients on a stovetop, you release their lovely scents into the air. The beauty of freshening air 
this way is that you can come up with pretty much any combination of smells that you want to, at a very low cost. The downside, of course, is that you can’t leave your stove unattended and duck out for a quick shopping trip. Simmering Smells
1. Combine all of your ingredients on the stovetop in a pot and pour in 2-3 cups of water (or enough to cover 
them) and bring to a boil. 2. Simmer for as long as you can be home and have an eye on the stove. When you are done, you can put 
the ingredients and liquid in a jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 7 days to reuse. Have fun experimenting 
with your own spices and oils, the above are just to give you some ideas. Honestly, if you wanted to keep it 
simple, you could just throw some cinnamon sticks in and call it a day. 278Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Air FreshenerDirectionsY ou will need...
-1 sliced orange
-2 sliced lemons
-Several drops of lemon or orange 
essential oil
-2-3 cups of waterFresh Citrus
Y ou will need...
-1-2 tablespoons of cloves
-5 cinnamon sticks
-1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
-Several drops of pine essential 
oil
-2-3 cups of waterWinter Warmth
Y ou will need...
-Several drops of peppermint 
essential oil
-A handful of fresh mint leaves
-1 sliced lime
-1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential 
oil
-2-3 cups of waterPeppermint Twist279Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Air FreshenerI shy away from anything “aerosol” that you can buy in stores, but don’t mind it when I’ve made it myself! All you 
need is essential oils, water, and a spray bottle-preferably one with a fine mist setting. To make any air freshener, 
simply drip however many drops of essential oil you wish to use into a spray bottle, fill with water, shake, and 
spray! Y ou can play around with whatever blends you want, but I’ve included some of my favorite below. Y our 
mister bottle should be either PET plastic, or glass, so the essential oils do not degrade the container. Spray Air Freshener
1. Blend your essential oils and then pour them into your mister bottle. Fill the bottle with water. 2. Shake well before use and spray! If you are worried about it coming in contact with your skin, add 1 
tablespoon of carrier oil-I have never had a problem with it personally. DirectionsY ou will need...
-5 drops of orange essential oil
-5 drops of lemon essential oil 
-2 drops of lavender essential oil
-1 drop of rosemary essential oil
-A small mister bottle
-Fresh waterSummer Spritz
Y ou will need...
-1-2 tablespoons of cloves
-5 cinnamon sticks
-1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
-Several drops of pine essential 
oil
-2-3 cups of waterCabin Fever
Y ou will need...
-Several drops of peppermint 
essential oil
-A handful of fresh mint leaves
-1 sliced lime
-1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential 
oil
-2-3 cups of waterRelaxing & WarmI love setting diffusers around the house and letting them slowly release their wonderful smell into the air. I like 
that they last a lot longer than spray air fresheners, and I don’t feel like I am using too much at once, just to have 
it dissipate. Oil diffusers work with a base oil, essential oils, and reeds. The base oil is what carries the scent of 
the essential oils up the reeds and out into the air, and reeds are “sticks” that transport the aromatic oil. Y ou can 
use whichever essential oils you like, but you will need safflower or sweet almond oil to work as the diffuser. These are the best because they are light oils, and travel up the reeds easily. If you don’t have any oil, you can 
use water, but it will not last as long. Y ou also have to add at least a teaspoon of high proof alcohol, such as 
vodka, to bind the essential oils to the water. As far as the jars go, choose a glass one that has a narrow neck 
and wide base. I collectively refer to these as “squat jars.”Diffuser
-Several squat jars
-Reeds 
-Essential oil/s of choice
-Base oil (safflower or sweet 
almond)1. Fill the squat jar halfway full with your base oil, and then add in your 
choice of essential oils. If you aren’t sure where to start, try equal parts 
cedarwood and orange essential oil-a very uplifting blend! 2. Insert a reed and use it to stir the oils together. Add 3 or 4 more reeds 
to get more scent traveling into the air. Change the reeds whenever 
they become saturated, and check the oil every now and then to make 
sure it still smells good. 3. Place these all around the house! Just make sure to keep them out of 
reach of curious critters and children
280Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Air FreshenerY ou will need… Directions281Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comEverybody needs that one trusty cleaner they can turn to for most jobs 
around the house, and this is mine. It’s nothing miraculous, but it’s a 
stead-fast little mixture, and I use it on all different surfaces-tile, wood, 
you name it.All Purpose Cleaner
-Get a 2 gallon jug and mix up a 
giant batch, keeping the ratios the 
same. Store it under your sink and 
re-fill your spray bottle as needed. In this case, don’t add any water. Simply add a 1-1 ratio of the 
vinegar mix and water when you 
do pour it into an individual bottle. -This is an acidic mixture. Test a 
small patch of the surface you 
are cleaning before using it over 
everything. -This particularly good at getting 
rid of soap scum build up. Tips & TroubleshootingFirst and foremost this contains vinegar (of course!) to act as the body of the cleaner, distilled water, and witch 
hazel. The witch hazel makes a good cleaning substitute for rubbing alcohol, disinfecting but gentle. Finally 
there’s lemon essential oil to add grease cutting power, and tea tree oil for an extra antibacterial kick.All Purpose Cleaner
-1 cup of white distilled vinegar
-1 cup of fresh filtered or 
distilled water
-15-20 drops of lemon 
essential oil
-1/2 cup of witch hazel
-5-10 drops of eucalyptus or 
tea tree essential oil
-A spray bottle1. Add your essential oil to your spray bottle and then pour in vinegar, 
water, and witch hazel. Shake well before each use. If you are cleaning 
a particularly stubborn spot, let it sit for 5-10 minutes first. It is safe to 
leave this out with water in it for 3 weeks. It could probably go longer 
because of the vinegar, but I don’t want to risk the nasties growing. If 
you make a large batch in advance, don’t add the water until you pour it 
into your spray bottle so you can use it all up in time. 282Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com All Purpose CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsWith my own rowdy dogs, muddy yard, and so many fosters coming 
through my house, I am familiar with pet stains of all varieties. I don’t 
think there’s any stain I haven’t had to deal with at this point. I have put 
more into the costly store-bought variety of pet-stain removers than I 
want to think about, but always ended up frustrated, with a big stain 
anyways once the stuff had dried. If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it’s that there is no 
perfect stain remover. Getting a stain cleaned up is a combination of 
timing, thoroughness, and then a good cleaner. It’s extra work, but if 
possible, soak up the stain immediately and don’t skimp! Blotting it a 
few times really isn’t going to do the trick-you’d be surprised at how 
quickly and how deeply spills or pet accidents penetrate the carpet. I can’t emphasize how important it is to draw out as much as you can 
while it’s fresh. Once a stain has set, there are things you can try to get 
rid of it, but they won’t work nearly as well. That’s just the reality of it. I do sometimes use vinegar in carpet cleaning, especially for 
deodorizing, but most dirt and oils are acidic, so using alkaline cleaners 
(such as baking soda and castile soap) are the most effective at 
breaking them down and pulling them out.Carpet Cleaner
-Follow up any cleaned spot with 
a spritz of scented vinegar to get 
rid of odor. -Don’t rub at a stain when first 
absorbing it, blot it. Rubbing only 
pushes the stain in deeper and 
spreads it around. However, it is 
ok to gently and carefully rub your 
cleaner into the stained area. -If you catch the stain when it’s 
fresh, neatly fold a (thick) square 
of paper towels and set it over the 
mess after any solids have been 
removed. Place a heavy book (a 
really boring one-one you don’t 
like to read) on top of the paper 
towels and stand on it. It sounds 
ridiculous, but it gets a lot up! Repeat until the paper towels stop 
absorbing. -Soap attracts dirt-it wouldn’t work 
very well if it didn’t! Make sure you 
have no residue left in the carpet 
if you use soap to clean it so you 
don’t end up drawing more dirt to 
the spot. A spritz of vinegar will 
take care of soap film that may still 
be on the fibers. -Always spot test your carpets 
before using a new cleaning 
solution. 283Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingCastile soap is real soap-I would classify most soap nowadays as detergents. It is natural, gentle, effective, and 
alkaline to break down dirt and oils. It has an olive oil base, and is available in liquid and solid form. For carpet 
cleaning, I use the liquid kind. It’s well worth having this stuff around! This recipe can be used for just about any 
stain, old or new.Liquid Castile Soap
-1 part pure liquid castile soap 
(amount will vary with stain)
-Cold water
-A toothbrush
-Paper towels or a rag
-White distilled vinegar 
(optional)1. Remove any solid matter and soak up as much of the stain as 
possible. 2. Pour a small amount of cold water over it (don’t soak the carpet) 
followed by as little liquid castile soap as possible for the size of the 
stain you are cleaning. 3. Let it sit for a minute, then take an old toothbrush (I have a lot of extra 
toothbrushes lying around for cleaning purposes-a very handy tool!) and 
gently scrub the soap into the stain. Be careful not to be too vigorous or 
careless with your motions, since you don’t want to spread the stain. 4. At this point, if the stain is stubborn, you can let the soap sit briefly 
and then scrub it some more (gently) before using something to blot up 
any moisture. Follow with a spritz of vinegar to deodorize/break down 
any soap residue. 284Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Carpet CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsBaking soda and castile soap are both alkaline, and make a great cleaner when combined. The baking soda will 
also help absorb any odor if the stain is the result of an unwanted present left by your beloved pet.Castile Soap & Baking Soda
-Liquid castile soap
-Baking soda
-Vinegar
-Water
-Clean rag
-Toothbrush1. Blot up any excess liquid or solids. 2. Mix equal parts liquid castile soap and baking soda to form a paste. Cover the stain with the paste and, using an old toothbrush or damp rag, 
gently scrub. Use some scented vinegar to rinse the soap and baking 
soda out. 285Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Carpet CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsIn case of a really heavy duty stain, I will turn to borax. Although I don’t consider borax completely non-toxic, I do 
consider it a much better alternative to many other cleaners. I can’t tell you whether or not you should use it, but 
I did write about it under the “That Sounds Scary” section so you can make your own decision. If I do use it, I will 
vacuum the spot thoroughly before I let any pets on or near it.Bring Out the Borax
-Borax
-Baking soda
-Water
-Toothbrush1. Make a paste of equal parts borax and baking soda, using just enough 
water to get it to stick and spread, but not watering it down too much. 2. Work the paste into the carpet fibers with your toothbrush, and then 
let it sit until it’s dry. 3. Vacuum up the powder, and use some vinegar to get any residue 
off. Make sure to not let kids or critters near the spot while there is still 
borax on it! 286Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Carpet CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsThis recipe contains castile soap, baking soda, washing soda, vegetable glycerin, and optional essential oils for 
scent. The castile soap is the soap part (duh) that cuts through grease and grime, while the baking soda and 
washing soda are both water softeners to help boost the cleaning efficiency of the castile soap and reduce 
any soap film that could be left clouding your dishes. Vegetable glycerin is water soluble, and gives this soap 
its smooth gel factor, while cornstarch also helps thicken the consistency and ensures a streak free clean on 
glassware.Liquid Dish Soap
-5 cups of water
-2 1/2-3 tablespoons of grated 
castile soap
-1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
-1/4 teaspoon washing soda
-1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin 
-15-20 drops of essential oil 
(optional)
-3 tablespoons of cornstarch
-White distilled vinegar (optional)1. Put the cool water in a saucepan and stir in the cornstarch. Over 
medium heat add grated castile soap, and washing soda. Stir until all the 
ingredients have completely dissolved. 2. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a minute or so 
before stirring in baking soda and vegetable glycerin. 3. Pour into a jar and allow it to cool overnight. In the morning give it a 
good stir and pour into your container. 4. If you have hard water, spritz some vinegar onto your dishes after 
cleaning them to make sure no film or soap scum gets left behind. 287Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Dish SoapY ou will need… Directions288Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comWhile routine maintenance and active prevention are the best methods 
to keep drains flowing smoothly, sometimes, clogs happen. Although 
homemade drain cleaners may not work with the blast-through fast 
acting efficiency of something store bought, I find the benefits far 
superior. Y ou don’t get the fumes or the negative environmental 
impact, and your family and household is safer for not having the toxic 
chemicals lying around. On top of all of this, I find they do work quite 
well; you just need a touch of patience.Drain Cleaner
-If you have a garbage disposal, 
toss peelings from citrus fruits 
such as lemons and oranges 
down the drain, and grind them 
up. This will make your drain and 
sink smell wonderfully fresh. Tips & TroubleshootingThis recipe contains vinegar and lemon juice which are both acidic by nature, and help break down certain 
materials that may be causing the back-up. Because they are acidic they also create foaming action with baking 
soda. Remember those volcanoes you would build in grade school with baking soda and vinegar? Y ou’re doing 
a similar thing to your drain. All that vigorous bubbling from the baking soda really does the trick when it comes 
to breaking stuff down. Follow up the mixture with boiling water to soften and flush away fats that may have 
become hardened in the drain-if you’re cleaning the kitchen sink, just think about bacon fat! The lemon juice is 
optional-it can be a nice touch, but isn’t necessary.Drain Cleaner
-1 cup of baking soda
-1/2 cup white distilled vinegar 
-1/4 cup of lemon juice 
(optional)
-2 kettles worth of boiling 
water (or 6-8 cups)1. Pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain (roughly 3-4 cups)
2. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, shaking it back and 
forth as you pour so it doesn’t just go straight down, but gets on the 
sides of the drain as well. 3. Pour ½ cup of vinegar down the drain and wait until the bubbling has 
subsided. When it stops,  another 3-4 cups of boiling hot water down 
the drain. 289Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Drain CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsHave you ever heard the saying “Minnesota nice?” Well let me tell you-
Minnesota is not nice. Oh the people are lovely, but this state makes 
every winter as mean and harsh as it possibly can, and part of that 
means sucking any and all moisture out of the air. The result for me is 
hair that looks like I’ve been electrocuted on a daily basis, and two dogs 
and horse that look at me like I am the wickedest person alive when I 
accidently give them a shock. But even if you don’t have a one thousand pound animal getting jumpy 
around you, you still probably don’t like static, especially when it fills 
your clothes. That moment when you go out in public and then realize 
a sock (or worse-underwear) is clinging to your back? Or you pull a shirt 
over your head and your hair looks like you just got struck by lightning? It’s no fun. I don’t use fabric softener during the warmer months, but 
come wintertime, it’s vital for me. In addition to reducing static, these 
softeners also do their job just as their name implies and leave fabric 
soft and snuggly. Fabric softener works by coating the fibers of clothes with a thin layer of 
lubricant chemicals that make the fibers feel smooth and prevent static 
electricity from building up. There’s a much more detailed explanation of 
what exactly is going on, but that’s the gist of it.Fabric Softener
-If your clothes are still static-y, 
after your put them on, run over 
the problem spot(s) with the long 
side of a rust-free wire hanger. The metal diffuses any built up 
static charge instantly. 290Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThis recipe isn’t any great secret-its vinegar, water, hair conditioner (optional) and essential oil. Vinegar is an 
amazing all-purpose cleaner, and the core of the many homemade cleaners that I use. In this fabric softener it 
works as the vinegar’s hydrogen ions bind to negatively charged ions on the outside of the fiber, neutralizing 
their charge. The water isn’t needed unless you add the conditioner-I usually opt out of the conditioner as I try to 
steer clear of as many chemicals as possible, but it does add a little extra something if you want to use it.Liquid Fabric Softener
-3 cups of white vinegar 
-5-8 drops of your favorite 
scented essential oil 
-If you are using it, add 1 1/2 -2 
cups of hair conditioner and 6 
cups of water1. Get a container that seals well and add 3 cups of white vinegar before 
putting in a few drops of essential oil. Give it a stir, seal it off, and keep it 
in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. It will keep for up to a year. 2. If you decide to use the conditioner, mix it in a pot with 6 cups of 
water and warm it over the stove briefly, stirring constantly, until well-
blended. 3. Add ¼-½ cup to an average size load with conditioner, and ½-1 cup if 
you are just using the vinegar. 291Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Fabric SoftenerY ou will need… DirectionsI think I may prefer the crystal/powder form of fabric softener-it was the first variety I ever made, and it’s 
probably the one I use the most today. It only requires salt, essential oil, and baking soda. It does help with static 
a little, but not quite as much as the liquid softener.Fabric Softener Crystals
-2 cups of Epsom salt of 
course sea salt
-20-30 drops of your favorite 
essential oil or blend of scents
-1/2 cup of baking soda
-A marker
-A container with a tightly 
fitting lid1. Mix together salt and your favorite essential oil. 2. Add baking soda and stir until everything is completely blended. Store in a labeled container with a tightly fitting lid out of direct sunlight. 3. Use 2-3 tablespoons and toss in with your clothes before starting the 
wash. Put directly in the drum with the load. 292Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Fabric SoftenerY ou will need… DirectionsAll you need to make your own dryer sheets is a batch of the above powder fabric softener!Dryer Sheets
-1 batch of powder fabric 
softener
-2 soft, clean, cotton cloths (I 
use small dishcloths)1. Run each cloth under water and wring out excess liquid. 2. Lay one side of the cloth in the powder, pressing it in a little with your 
fingertips, and then flip and repeat with the other side. Shake off any 
excess powder and toss in the dryer with your clothes. 3. Repeat with the other cloth. 293Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Fabric SoftenerY ou will need… DirectionsMost people know they want a sparkling clean, perfectly polished floor, 
but what very few people know is that you really don’t need anything 
fancy (or toxic) to get the results you want. Truly. These floor cleaners 
take a little extra elbow grease, but work beautifully.Floor Cleaner
Mild Mop
-If you have a truly sticky spot on 
your floor, use an abrasive cleaner 
before using the vinegar spray. 294Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThis mild mop mixture contains nothing more than vinegar, peppermint essential oil, and water. If you have a 
really dirty floor, let the solution sit for 15 minutes or so (after testing a small part of the floor first) or toss on 
some baking soda for those truly sticky smudges. Mild Mop
-1 cup of distilled water
-1 cup of white vinegar
-15-20 drops of peppermint 
essential oil
-A mop or rag
-Baking soda (optional)1. Mix vinegar, water, and the essential oil in a spray bottle and shake 
well. 2. Spray onto the floor and let it sit for up to 15 minutes before scrubbing 
with a mop or rag. 295Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Floor CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsThis is almost more of a scrub than a cleaner, and utilizes liquid soap to give it an extra boost. This can also 
double as a tile/tub cleaner.Extra Tough Floor Cleaner
-1 ¼ cups baking soda
-1/2 cup liquid castile soap
-White vinegar
-1/3 cup water
-Peppermint essential oil
-A spray bottle1. Mix baking soda, soap, peppermint oil, and water. Pour into a spray 
bottle and squirt onto the floor, and scrub. 2. Rinse with scented vinegar diluted with warm water to get rid of any 
baking soda or soap residue. 296Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Floor CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsFor those of us who need to smell pine to feel like something is truly clean.Pine Scrub
-1 cup liquid castile soap
-1/8 cup water
-20 drops of pine essential oil1. Mix together water, soap, and essential oil. 2. Shake well, apply to the surface that needs cleaning, and scrub with 
the rough back of a sponge. Rinse with scented vinegar if you have a 
hard time getting all the soap off. 297Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Floor CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsI love glass in all its forms, especially the big windows that let sunlight stream into our homes. I am a huge fan 
of natural light, and can’t have enough windows in a room, but they are sadly fragile, and extremely prone to 
smudging and clouding. Let me elaborate on that smudging bit-I have two dogs. Two big, mushy-faced dogs 
that like nothing better than to stare out the windows-breathe on them, press their big wet noses up against 
them, and lick them (don’t ask me why on that last part.) This results in some serious crusting and smudging. But 
the last thing I want to do is reach for store bought cleaner. I despise using it, and I know my pups are going to 
be right back at smooshing their faces up against the glass when I am done cleaning, and I don’t want that on 
their precious mugs. So I needed an alternative-something that would get the goobers off, but not harm my four-
legged children- and discovered that this natural glass cleaner does a better job than any I’ve used before. Even 
better than how well it works is that when I use this, I no longer have to worry about my window-lickers window-
licking. They are free to smudge and smoosh away and I will carry on with peace of mind to clean my windows 
again…and again…and again. This recipe contains a rather random ingredient-cornstarch. Made from the ground heart of the corn kernel, 
there’s something about it that reduces any streaking on your windows after you clean them. When you first 
spray this cleaner on and wipe with your cloth, it will look streaky/cloudy, and you will curse my name for tricking 
you into putting corn starch on your windows. Just wait-it does get better. After you’ve sprayed and cleaned with 
your first cloth, go over with a second clean cloth to wipe away any little smears you see. Voila! Y ou will be left 
with the most gloriously clean windows you’ve ever had, and totally satisfied that you made it all yourself.Glass Cleaner
-A spray bottle
-1/4 cup of white vinegar
-2 tablespoons of cornstarch
-2 cups of warm water
-2 clean soft cloths1. Mix together white vinegar and cornstarch in a spray bottle. 2. Add 2 cups of warm water to the mixture and shake to get everything 
well mixed. 3. Spray onto windows/ glass surfaces and wipe with a clean soft cloth 
for a sparkling finish. If you prefer, you can also spray directly onto your 
cloth and wipe. 4. If needed go over the window a second time with a dry, soft, cloth to 
get it perfectly sparkling. 298Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Glass CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsWhen you have jewelry you want it to shine and sparkle, not look dull-or worse-tarnished. Recently I had 
a wedding to go to and pulled out a silver necklace I hadn’t worn in a while, and lo and behold, it was so 
discolored and ancient looking it could have been from the Shang Dynasty back in 1675 BC. I dug up an old 
bottle of jewelry cleaner, but wasn’t able to go through with using it when the fumes just about knocked me 
unconscious after uncapping it. A quick brainstorming session later led me to the conclusion that some old 
faithful household items would do just as dandy a job as the toxic stuff I held in my hand (albeit they did take a 
bit longer. )Jewelry Cleaner
299Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comFor silver jewelry, a thick paste of baking soda and some elbow grease will do the trick to get it shining and 
looking new again.Shining Silver
-Baking soda
-White vinegar
-Water
-2 clean, soft, cloths1. Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. 2. Dip a slightly dampened clean, soft, cloth into the mixture and polish 
away. 3. Dunk the silver into a bowl of white vinegar to dissolve any leftover 
baking soda residue, and dry/buff with another clean, soft, cloth. 300Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Jewelry CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsFor gold you have two options-vinegar and baking soda, or beer. Make sure you don’t use these on pearls or 
gem-stones, as it could loosen glue or damage their surface.Gleaming Gold
-1 tablespoons of baking soda
-2 teaspoons of white distilled 
vinegar
-a bowl
OR
-Beer (not dark ale)
-A soft cloth1. Set jewelry in a bowl and sprinkle baking soda over it. Add vinegar 
and let it fizzle for a minute or so, and then polish with a cloth or damp 
sponge. 2. If using beer, simply pour it onto a clean cloth and polish jewelry. Make sure you use a light ale. 301Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Jewelry CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsA little club soda will gently make your gems look fantastic again.Shimmering Gems
-1/4 cup of freshly cracked 
open club soda
-2 soft clean cloths1. Dampen a clean cloth with club soda and polish gems. Follow this by 
drying with another cloth. 302Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Jewelry CleanerY ou will need… Directions303Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comBecause of “trade secrets” manufactures who make laundry detergent are not required to list exactly what 
they put in their products. Hmmm. Whenever I can’t figure out what’s in something, my suspicions are aroused. There’s no way that (most) mass-produced detergent is anything but harmful to the environment, and there 
are more than a few people out there that will vouch for the fact that it can be harmful to us too. While there 
have been lower levels of 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogenic (i.e. cancer causing) chemical found in leading brands 
of detergent, nothing has been done about it, despite private testing showing that it leads to cancer and other 
health problems in rats. Now I am not saying using these products will give you cancer guaranteed, but for me, 
even a “trace” amount of these chemicals is too much. Making your own detergent does take more effort, but 
the peace of mind-not to mention the cost difference-makes it more than worth it.Laundry Detergent
-Manufacturers tend to overestimate how much detergent you need to use, as they try to strike a balance 
between the different types of water people have. Better to have too much than too little right? No, too 
much detergent not only costs you more, but will make your clothes dirtier. If you use too much detergent, 
I can almost guarantee it’s not all washing out. Run a load like you normally would and the do a rinse cycle 
with only water. About halfway through the cycle, or a little before, take a peek at what’s going on. Y ou will 
probably see suds, and those suds are proof that there is still detergent in your clothes. Not only does this 
equate to it sitting against your skin-highly detrimental to those who are sensitive-but your clothes are still 
dirty! Detergent works by binding with dirt and oils and pulling them out of your clothes before getting rinsed 
away. What happens to the dirt when the detergent is still on your clothes? Y ou’ve probably guessed by now-
it’s still there as well. -These recipes do not suds up much, and I have had no trouble with my HE front loading washer, or any build 
up. If you are worried about build up, you can add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle. Vinegar 
during the rinse cycle will also soften clothes and help with static. -Base your detergent off of your water and your clothes. Hard water contains mineral salts that interfere with 
soap doing its job properly, while soft water doesn’t. If you have hard water, you may have to use more than 
someone with soft water. In this case borax is very helpful, as it breaks down those pesky minerals, ensuring 
your detergent is cleaning at the utmost efficiency. -If you reduce the amount of water, don’t forget to reduce the amount of detergent as well. -Not quite ready to make the leap to making your own laundry detergent? Use less of the kind you buy and 
add borax or baking soda. Baking soda softens fabric and removes odor, while Borax just gives an overall 
cleaning boost, brightening any dingy clothes and increasing effectiveness if you have hard water. For liquid, 
add ½ cup of baking soda or borax at the same time as the liquid detergent (for a regular to large load.) If 
you use powder detergent, add ½ cup of each during the rinse cycle. Use less if the loads are smaller-even 
several shakes will help. In terms of the baking soda, too much can leave a pesky white residue, so start with 
less than you think you need and go from there.Tips & TroubleshootingNo secrets here-the first ingredient in this liquid detergent contains castile bar soap, an olive-oil based soap 
popular in homemade detergent recipes. Next on the list is washing soda. A highly alkaline compound that is 
similar to baking soda, but not quite the same, washing soda is known as sodium carbonate, and is a salt of 
carbonic acid, which is what produces the wide range of salts colloquially known as carbonates. A common 
source of washing soda is actually the ashes of plants. When used to wash laundry, the high alkalinity acts as 
a solvent, removing stains and breaking down grease, dirt, and oils. I use Borax personally, as I find it makes 
the detergent more effective, but you can leave it out if you prefer. The food grade vegetable glycerin is also 
optional-it can help with stains, and help keep your detergent “gelled.” It is water soluble and will not leave 
stains.Liquid Laundry Detergent
-1/2 bar of solid castile soap 
-1-2 cups of washing soda
-4 cups of water 
-2 1/2 gallons of separate 
water
-1/2 cup of Borax
-2 tablespoons of food 
grade vegetable glycerin 
(optional) 1. Grate your soap. Castile soap will actually flake quite nicely if you ‘shave’ it with 
a knife (cut thinly) and don’t want to bother with a grater or food processer. 2. Get a pot. Add your grated soap, vegetable glycerin (if you are using it), and 
water, and then slowly pour in the washing soda and Borax. Make sure to continue 
to stir as you add the washing soda-it can clump and take a while to break down. Stir occasionally until no chunks of any kind remain. 3. In the meantime, boil 2 ½ gallons of water, and then let it cool for 10 minutes. If 
you do not have enough space (or a big enough pot) to boil it, you can use very 
hot tap water. Add this water to a 3 gallon bucket. 4. Now stir the melted soap mixture into the bucket with your water until 
everything comes together. Leave the lid halfway ajar for 1 ½-2 hours after you 
have mixed everything to allow any evaporation or steam to escape. If you cover 
the detergent when it’s toasty warm, condensation can form on the inside of the 
bucket lid and excess water will drip into your detergent. 5. After you’ve waited a bit, cover it completely and let the mixture sit for 24 hours. In the morning, stir in either a 1/2 cup of washing soda, or a ¼ cup of Borax. It may 
look either too solid, or too watery, but don’t worry. Give it a good stir and it will 
come together. Funnel out into re-purposed detergent containers, or leave it in 
the bucket. Use 1/4 cup for regular loads, and up to a ½ cup for large loads. If you 
have an HE machine, use 2-3 tablespoons for a regular load, and 5 tablespoons 
to ¼ cup for large loads. This will keep for up to 3 months in a cool, dark place, in 
an airtight container. If you won’t use all of this by that time, feel free to halve the 
amount. 304Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Laundry DetergentY ou will need… DirectionsFor those times you just don’t feel like bringing out the pot and melting the soap and stirring it into a bucket and 
blah blah blah. “Lazy” Liquid Laundry Detergent
-1 cup of liquid castile soap
-1 cup of water
-2 tablespoons of baking soda
-1/2 cup of washing soda
-1/2 cup of Borax1. Mix everything together thoroughly, and use the same ratios per load 
as the regular liquid laundry detergent. Store in an airtight container in a 
cool dark place for up to 3 months. 305Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Laundry DetergentY ou will need… DirectionsI have to say I prefer liquid laundry detergent over powdered, but here’s a version for those of you who prefer 
powdered! This recipe uses castile bar soap (grated), washing soda, baking soda, and borax. This is also a good 
alternative if you struggle with getting the proper consistency of liquid detergent.Powder Laundry Detergent
-1 cup of finely grated pure 
castile bar soap
-2 cups washing soda
-2 cups borax
-1/2 cup baking soda1. Grate the bar soap finely (or use a food processor) until you have 1 
cup. 2. Mix this together with the washing soda, baking soda, and borax, and 
store in a container with a tightly fitting lid. 3. Use 2 tablespoons for small to regular loads, and up 5 tablespoons 
if a load is large and the clothes are heavily soiled. This will keep 
indefinitely. 306Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Laundry DetergentY ou will need… DirectionsMetal cleaner is nasty stuff, and used to get me particularly freaked out 
when I used it on any grubby metal pots or pans. I was so paranoid that 
I would always toss out the sponge I used to scrub with afterwards, 
scared of what might happen if it came in contact with my dishes-even 
after being rinsed for minutes on end! These metal cleaners are similar 
to the “abrasive cleaners” but slightly more specialized to fit the task. Use them without fear!Metal Cleaner
-These cleaners are suitable for 
brass, bronze, and copper (not 
silver or jewelry though.) They 
could also be used on stainless 
steel. -When using salt, make sure that 
the surface you are cleaning will 
not scratch easily. 307Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingSalt and vinegar makes for more than just good chips, it makes a great metal cleaner too. The abrasiveness of 
the salt and the acidity of the vinegar do a good job at removing grime, soap scum, and tarnish.Salt & Vinegar
-White distilled vinegar
-Sea salt
-A soft cloth1. Dampen a cloth with vinegar and then dip the cloth in a small bowl of 
sea salt. Gently rub surface in a circular motion to clean. 308Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Metal CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsI have a tendency to procrastinate when it comes to doing the dishes sometimes, but when I accidently left 
my cast iron pot in the sink overnight, I paid for putting it off with a giant rust stain on my lovely white sink. The 
solution? A salty paste of lemon juice, flour, and salt, left to sit and rubbed off with the lemon rind!Lemon, Flour & Salt for Rust
-1 lemon
-Flour
-Salt1. Wet some flour (about tablespoon, depending on the size of the stain) 
just barely with water. 2. Finish creating a paste by adding the juice of one lemon, and then stir 
in sea salt. 3. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes, or several 
hours. Take the rind of the lemon you used earlier, and rub the solution 
off. Repeat as needed. 309Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Metal CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsThis is kind of a cross between recipes 1 and 2, and works as a wonderful polish as well as a cleaner.Salt, Vinegar & Flour Paste
-1 tablespoon of flour
-1 tablespoon of sea salt
-White vinegar
-A damp cloth or sponge1. In a small bowl combine the flour and salt, and then make a thick 
paste by adding the vinegar a little bit at a time. Using a cloth or sponge 
dampened with water, smear on the paste and rub in gently (but not off.) 2. Let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour, and then rinse with a cloth dipped in 
warm water. Buff dry with a soft cloth. 310Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Metal CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsThe second staple of natural household cleaning is sodium bicarbonate-
or baking soda. What exactly is this miraculous substance anyways? A chemical compound that is both naturally occurring and obtained 
by artificial means, sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, which means 
it neutralizes acids, breaks down proteins, and raises pH levels. Something that is extremely alkaline will dissolve and eat through 
what it comes in contact with-many drain cleaners are highly alkaline. Baking soda is great on its own for a number of reasons, but no matter 
what you’re doing, adding some scent can add a lot to the cleaning 
experience-and yes, it will still absorb odor with essential oils added to 
it. There’s such a variety of things baking soda is used for I only listed a 
few below, but plenty of other recipes in this book will call for it and give 
you many more reasons to love it!Scented Baking Soda
-One of my favorite uses for 
baking soda is sink stains. Just 
sprinkle some in your skin and 
let it sit for a few minutes before 
scrubbing it around with the 
coarse side of a sponge. Y our sink 
will be pearly white in no time! -I always keep the baking soda I 
am using in a shaker-the kind you 
see at restaurants that usually 
have sugar/parmesan/hot pepper 
flakes in. That way I don’t have 
to get frustrated trying to deal 
with the box, and I can control the 
amount used. -Use baking soda for regular drain 
maintenance to avoid having to 
turn to something harsher later on. When it’s scented it adds a nice 
fresh smell and helps keep drains 
smelling fresh as well. -Add some baking soda to your 
usual shampoo. Especially when 
scented, it makes a lovely addition 
to your hygiene routine. Simply 
sprinkle a little pinch in your palm 
along with your shampoo. -Try coordinating your scented 
baking soda with your scented 
vinegar, either for a fresh mix of 
smells or matching them. -Just a reminder-don’t mix baking 
soda and vinegar directly as they 
will neutralize each other. 311Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingIf this is your first time experimenting with scented baking soda, start with lemon! There’s a reason it’s added to 
so many cleaners-it just has such a wonderful, refreshing, scent. Lemony Baking Soda
-15-20 drops of lemon 
essential oil
-1 ½ cups of baking soda
-Fork
-A shaker
-A bowl1. Fill your shaker with plain baking soda, and then pour the amount into 
a clean bowl. 2. Make indents in the baking soda by pushing your finger into it, and 
add the essential oil into these little wells. 3. Using a fork, carefully stir the baking soda and essential oil together 
and pour back into shaker. 312Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented Baking SodaY ou will need… DirectionsI absolutely adore the smell of jasmine-if you haven’t added it to your collection of essential oils, I would highly 
recommend you do so!Jasmine Baking Soda
-10 drops of jasmine essential 
oil
-1 ½ cups of baking soda 
-A fork
-A shaker
-A bowl1. Fill your shaker with baking soda, and then pour it into a bowl. 2. Make little indents with your fingers in the baking soda, and fill them 
with essential oil. 3. Mix thoroughly with a fork, and pour back into shaker. 313Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented Baking SodaY ou will need… DirectionsThis is a particularly invigorating blend of smells that will brighten up any room you use it in.Citrus & Rosemary Baking Soda
-10 drops of citrus essential oil
-5 drops of rosemary essential 
oil
-Baking soda
-A fork
-A shaker
-A bowl1. Fill the shaker with baking soda and then pour into a bowl. 2. Create indents in baking soda with your fingers, and add essential 
oils to them. 3. Mix well with a fork and pour back into shaker. 314Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented Baking SodaY ou will need… DirectionsWhite distilled vinegar-the golden child of natural home cleaning! This 
bio-degradable acidic liquid is the natural bi-product of fermented 
vegetables, fruits, and grains. It breaks down odors, helps kill off germs, 
bacteria, mold, and cuts through grease and grime. On top of all of this 
you don’t have to wear rubber gloves and a heavy duty mask when 
using it! I love it because I don’t feel guilty using it around the many 
dogs that come through my home (mine used to sneeze at the offensive 
smell of toxic cleaners!) and I know it is much safer for little ones than 
pretty much any other option. Some people hesitate when it comes to 
using vinegar (“won’t it smell bad?”) but I can guarantee you it smells a 
whole lot better than the other stuff out there. I actually think that the 
smell of plain vinegar is nice and clean-and it doesn’t linger like you 
think it might-but this scented vinegar, along with scented baking soda, 
is truly my staple cleaner. These are three of my favorite kinds.Scented Vinegar
- As an acid, vinegar it can even 
break down some mineral/lime 
deposits. -Use vinegar to get rid of any 
dried baking soda residue in little 
nooks and crannies that might 
stick after you clean with it. -Experiment with scents, and 
you know you can always adjust 
the amount according to your 
preferences. -Pour a little of your scented 
vinegar onto a clean cloth and 
wipe a surface-smelling it directly 
from the bottle doesn’t always 
give the most accurate idea of 
what it will smell like when you are 
using it. -Buy vinegar in gallon jugs and 
scent the whole thing at once-this 
is easy and cost-effective. 315Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingI love the fresh smell of citrus with vinegar; it just adds a little extra something that makes it feel like things are 
that much cleaner. The citrus I am referring to is orange, although you can use lemon if you prefer.Citrus Vinegar
-1/2 teaspoon of citrus 
essential oil
-1 gallon of white distilled 
vinegar1. Drop the essential oil into the vinegar, close the lid, and give it a good 
shake. Add more or less if you prefer. 316Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented VinegarY ou will need… DirectionsTo add a little extra germ-killing/disinfecting power to your vinegar, mix in some tea tree oil.Tea Tree Oil Vinegar
-3/4 of a teaspoon of tea tree 
essential oil
-1 gallon of white distilled 
vinegar1. Add the tea tree oil to a gallon of vinegar. Replace the cap on the 
vinegar and shake well. 317Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented VinegarY ou will need… DirectionsThis relaxing scent is probably my favorite to use when cleaning the bathroom-I think it’s an old association I 
have with keeping a little lavender sachet in the bathroom for as long as I can remember.Lavender Vinegar
-1/2 teaspoon of lavender 
essential oil
-1 gallon of white distilled 
vinegar1. Add lavender essential oil to 1 gallon of vinegar. Replace the cap on 
the vinegar and shake well. 318Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented VinegarY ou will need… DirectionsIf you like a piney scent, adding fir essential oil to your vinegar is a great way to get it. I enjoy using this to clean 
floors.Fir Vinegar
-1/2 teaspoon of fir essential oil
-1 gallon of white distilled 
vinegar1. Mix essential oil into vinegar. Replace cap and shake well. 319Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Scented VinegarY ou will need… DirectionsY ou’re being force-I mean happily attending-a wedding. How are you going restore your dusty, scuffed, leather 
shoes to the beautiful shiny creations they once were without using something toxic when many commercial 
products can contain things like turpentine? Short of painting them or going over them with a permanent black 
marker, as I once watched a friend of mine do, it seems hard to naturally restore luster to leather. Luckily, it’s not-
and there are no markers involved.Shoe PolishOlive oil and lemon juice just have a way of restoring the shine to your shoes. Olive Oil & Lemon Juice
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-2 teaspoons of lemon juice
-Two soft clean cloths1. Mix olive oil and lemon juice. 2. Soak cloth and then wring out extra moisture. 3. Polish shoes. Let the mixture soak into the shoes for a minute or so 
and then buff them to a high shine with a soft, clean, cloth. 321Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Shoe PolishY ou will need… DirectionsSame concept as the olive oil in the above recipe, but coconut oil has a slightly different make-up.Coconut Oil
-1 tablespoon of coconut oil
-2 clean soft cloths1. Warm coconut oil to a consistency that is easy to apply to your shoes. Dip cloth in it and shine, letting the oil soak in before buffing with a dry, 
soft, cloth. Y ou can also simply scoop out a solid bit of coconut oil and 
rub it in without warming it first. 322Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Shoe PolishY ou will need… DirectionsI know, shoes and banana peels don’t usually go well together, but when it’s on your shoe and not under it, a 
banana peel can really be a good thing. The natural oils on the inside of a banana peel can help bring out the 
best in our shoes, so don’t throw that peel away yet.Banana Peel
-1 banana peel
-A dry, soft, cloth1. Take a banana peel and rub the inside of it in a circular motion over 
your shoes. Let it sit for a minute, and then buff your shoes with a clean 
soft cloth. Make sure there is no leftover banana bits on your shoes 
when you’re done. 323Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Shoe PolishY ou will need… DirectionsStainless steel looks great in the kitchen-until it gets all smudged up with grease and fingerprints. The cleaners 
can get expensive though, especially if you have a lot of steel. The alternative? Vinegar, baby oil/olive oil, 
dish soap, and water. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through anything left behind from the soap (instead of 
just smearing it around) while the soap also cuts through the smudges. A few drops of olive oil will give your 
appliances a fabulous shine to have them looking new and polished again.Stainless Steel Cleaner
-1/2 cup of water
-1/4 cup of baking soda
-A spray bottle
-2 or 3 good squirts of dish 
soap or liquid castile soap
-White distilled vinegar
-A few drops of olive or baby 
oil (optional)1. Mix water, baking soda, and several good squirts of mild dish soap or 
liquid castile soap in a spray bottle, and give it all a good shake. 2. Spray onto surface and let it sit for a minute. 3. Using a slightly dampened cloth scrub the steel clean. 4. Follow this with a spritz of vinegar to polish it off. A few drops of baby 
oil or olive oil on a clean soft cloth rubbed on afterwards will give it a 
nice, healthy, glow as well. 324Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Stainless Steel CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsI am going to share a rather embarrassing story with you about chemical 
toilet bowl cleaner. Before making the switch to natural cleaners, I had 
bought some in a spray can and thoroughly filled my toilet with it. I had 
lit a match (one of the best deodorizers in an emergency!) and tossed 
it into the toilet, not realizing the implications. With a whoosh flames 
erupted all around the rim of the toilet bowl. Frantically huffing and 
puffing I blew them out and flushed the toilet. It was a terribly unnerving 
experience, not helped by my ever-thoughtful significant other who said 
afterwards, “what if you had been sitting on it? !”
Granted this was just an all-around silly situation, and looking back I 
really only have myself to blame for being so ignorant, but you live and 
you learn. Y our toilet bowl erupting into flames is probably one of the 
less-likely scenarios you’ll have to worry about when using the chemical 
laden cleaners found in stores, but it still makes you wonder what on 
earth you are putting into the environment that makes it so combustible!Toilet Bowl Cleaner
-For a quick touch up sprinkle 
scented baking soda in the toilet. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then 
give the sides a quick scrub and 
flush. -Invest in a good toilet brush-it 
makes all the difference in the 
world. -A little elbow grease goes a long 
way here. Just remember that. While cleaning the toilet is not a 
fun task, it’s better than keeping 
dangerous chemicals around the 
house. -Get gloves that go up to your 
elbows if you are squeamish 
about the toilet. Check for 
punctures before using them. 325Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comTips & TroubleshootingThis recipe contains tea tree oil for its disinfecting properties, vinegar, mild liquid soap, and baking soda for odor 
and general cleaning. The eucalyptus scented vinegar adds a nice finishing touch and is my preferred one to go 
to for this particular task, but it is not added to the cleaner, as the soap will simply break down.Tea Tree Oil Toilet Bowl Cleaner
-1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil
-2 tablespoons plain vinegar
-1 ½ - 2 cups baking soda
-1/2 cup mild liquid soap
-Eucalyptus scented vinegar 
(see Scented Vinegar Chapter)
-1/4 cup of water
-A spray bottle 1. Mix liquid soap and baking soda together, doing your best to get rid of 
any lumps that form. Add the water to dilute, and lastly, add the tea tree 
oil. 2. Mix the whole solution and then pour into a squirt bottle and give it a 
good shake. Spray the inside of the toilet with the mixture and let it sit 
for a few minutes. Take a good toilet brush and scrub away as needed, 
and finish up by spritzing with eucalyptus scented vinegar (if you want 
to give it a little scrub after the vinegar that’s you can, but it’s usually not 
necessary.) 326Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com Toilet Bowl CleanerY ou will need… DirectionsResources
327Copyright 2014 everydayroots.com
328Copyright 2014 everydayroots.comMountain Rose Herbs
A wonderful website to order your herbs, carrier oils, butters, etc. They make a point of using raw, organic, 
and unrefined products, all while keeping sustainability and the environment in mind. ( click here to visit )
Aromatics International
Another great resource to order all of your ingredients from, I recommend Aromatics International’s essential 
oils in particular. They get their essential oils from small distilleries around the world and work directly with 
them to ensure they are pure and only of the highest therapeutic grade quality. Each oil comes labeled with 
the plants scientific name as well, so you can be certain of what exactly you are getting-for example, there are 
many different types of lavender out there, and they are not all the same! ( click here to visit )
PubMed
PubMed is a great database for searching for studies or research done on just about any and all things you 
could ever wonder about. It is a reliable, well-run, website that gives the public free access to legitimate 
medical knowledge that would otherwise be unavailable. From their F.A.Q. page-“PubMed is a service of the 
US National Library of Medicine® that: Provides free access to MEDLINE®, the NLM® database of indexed 
citations and abstracts to medical, nursing, dental, veterinary, health care, and preclinical sciences journal 
articles.” ( click here to visit )Bulk Apothecary
A wonderful website to order your herbs, carrier oils, butters, etc. They make a point of using raw, organic, 
and unrefined products, all while keeping sustainability and the environment in mind. ( click here to visit )
215+_Natural_Home_Remedies.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        Use this to brush your teeth 2-3 times a week, as it is too coarse to use 
on a daily basis. Sea Salt Scrub
-Sea Salt
-Water1. Mix a little bit of water with about ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, dip your 
damp brush into it, and brush as usual 2-3 times a week. 272Copyright 2014 everydayroots. com ToothpasteY ou will need… DirectionsHousehold
273Copyright 2014 everydayroots. com
Sometimes grime gets incredibly stuck to surfaces, and an all-purpose 
cleaner just can’t seem to get it off. In this case, something that creates 
a little bit of abrasion is needed. I really don’t like the powders sold 
in stores, and have found that baking soda works a treat in its place. Because it is made up of very small granules, it’s great for scrubbing 
through anything gunked onto a surface. In addition it’s an alkaline 
substance, and therefore neutralizes the acidic oils that are keeping the 
grime caked on. It also has fantastic anti-microbial properties, and you 
can make it smell wonderful with a wide variety of essential oils. Abrasive Cleaners
-Sprinkle baking soda over (damp) 
crusty dishes and you’ll be able to 
scrub them easily after letting it sit 
for several hours. -Dampen the surface you are 
cleaning (slightly) when you use 
baking soda before putting the 
baking soda down. -If you are going after a really 
tough spot, let the baking soda 
sit for 10 minutes on the surface 
(after you’ve dampened it. ) -After using the baking soda, use 
some vinegar to dissolve any bit 
of powdery residue that may be 
left over. -Always test your surface before 
going all out, especially if you 
suspect it may scratch. 274Copyright 2014 everydayroots. comTips & TroubleshootingThe title for this recipe sounds like the title of a very bad romance, but baking soda and sponges are truly a 
beautiful combination. The scratchy side of the sponge combined with the power of the soda works wonders. Soda & Sponge
-1 damp sponge, with a coarse 
side
-Baking Soda
-Vinegar (optional)1. Dampen a sponge that has a coarse side-it doesn’t have to be wet, 
just damp-and pour a little baking soda into a clean bowl. 2. Dip the sponge into the baking soda and scrub away. Alternatively, 
you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto the surface that needs 
cleaning, and scrub from there. 3. Y ou can follow this treatment with a spritz of vinegar to rinse away 
any leftover baking soda that may have snuck into little cracks. 275Copyright 2014 everydayroots. com Abrasive CleanersY ou will need… DirectionsNot the drama-filled sequel to Soda & A Sponge, baking soda and salt make a good abrasive cleaner if you 
need a little extra “scrub” power. Use sea salt here, with coarser flakes. Avoid using this on surfaces that scratch 
easily. Soda & Salt
-Baking Soda
-Coarse sea salt
-A damp sponge 
-Vinegar (optional)1. Mix the baking soda and salt in a bowl at a 1-1 ratio, and dampen your 
sponge. Dip it into the mixture and scrub, following up with a vinegar 
rinse if you like. 276Copyright 2014 everydayroots. com Abrasive CleanersY ou will need… DirectionsIt has always seemed a bit odd, in my opinion, to spray chemicals into 
the air to ‘freshen’ it. To me, fresh air isn’t about crazy scents that make 
a home smell overwhelmingly artificial. I like clean, pure, and simple. Of 
course one of the best ways to keep air fresh is to clean regularly, but 
no matter how much you do this, your house will still have a signature 
odor-which you probably don’t notice since you become so used to it. I 
have a lot of dogs coming through my house as fosters, not to mention 
all the dirty saddle pads, muck boots, and horse blankets I schlep back 
and forth from the barn. Needless to say, I fret a lot about how my 
home smells to other people, so I find these air fresheners a particular 
blessing. Air Fresheners
- The most natural way to freshen, 
filter, and purify air is through 
the use of plants. Truly. NASA 
even went so far as to compile a 
list of the best air-filtering plants 
as part of the NASA Clean Air 
Study. Plants use a process to 
move chemicals in the air to their 
roots. The leaves absorb certain 
chemicals and impurities, and 
transport them through plant 
tissue into the roots. All of this 
leaves (no pun intended) the 
surrounding air clean and fresh. 277Copyright 2014 everydayroots. comTips & TroubleshootingBy simmering ingredients on a stovetop, you release their lovely scents into the air. The beauty of freshening air 
this way is that you can come up with pretty much any combination of smells that you want to, at a very low cost. The downside, of course, is that you can’t leave your stove unattended and duck out for a quick shopping trip. Simmering Smells
1. Combine all of your ingredients on the stovetop in a pot and pour in 2-3 cups of water (or enough to cover 
them) and bring to a boil.
Not mentioned in the text, as the text only discusses using sea salt and water.
What is the recommended ratio of baking soda to water when making the sea salt scrub for teeth?
Not mentioned in the text, as the text only discusses making the liquid castile soap with a 1:1 ratio of liquid castile soap to water.
What is the recommended ratio of baking soda to water when making the liquid castile soap?
The tea tree oil is not added to the toilet bowl cleaner recipe; instead, it is recommended to use eucalyptus scented vinegar.
How do you use the tea tree oil in the tea tree oil toilet bowl cleaner recipe?
The text does not provide information on this, so it is unclear if this cleaner can be used on all types of toilet bowls.
Can you use this tea tree oil toilet bowl cleaner on all types of toilet bowls?
The text recommends using a mixture of water, baking soda, and mild liquid soap, then rinsing with white distilled vinegar.
What is the recommended method for cleaning stainless steel surfaces?