Natural And Non-Toxic Sweet Evergreen Cleaning Solution

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Almost everyone on the planet is familiar with the product Pine-sol and its distinctive smell. Most people associate this smell with cleanliness, but did you know that you can make your own pine-scented (we prefer the term evergreen- scented) cleaning product using completely natural ingredients that you probably have in your home right now? No chemicals, better smelling, and completely non-toxic — who could ask for more? Oh, yes, price! This costs pennies, which is not something you could ever say about that other brand name pine cleaner.

Our evergreen scented cleaning solution uses vinegar and some spruce tree branches or pine tree branches. Now this will take about six weeks to make, but if you make several batches about a week apart, you will always have some on hand.

You probably already use vinegar to clean, but let’s face it — the smell leaves something to be desired. Unless, of course, you have a thing for pickles. Now, some people like to add a bit of orange oil or lavender oil, but if you are looking for a change of pace, this is what you have been looking for.

If you aren’t using vinegar and are still relying on those outdated, toxic, chemically filled — not to mention overpriced — cleaning solutions from your grocery store, you really should reconsider that decision. These chemicals have been linked to everything from lung cancer to serious skin problems.

But back to the subject at hand: Let’s talk more about the kind of evergreen branches you should use.

Continue to Page 2

Photo credit: bigstock

You can use just about any type of evergreen branches that you like. Your Christmas tree is a great place to start, as is the wreath on the door. You can also scour Christmas tree lots for broken branches that they have thrown out or that are lying on the ground. If you are lucky, you have a pine or spruce tree nearby; if not, perhaps one of your neighbors does. Of course, the next time you go camping or hiking, just pick up some of the dead branches that have fallen underneath a tree and toss them in the trunk so you can use them later.

It doesn’t really matter if the needles are fresh or dried out.

To make your own evergreen scented vinegar cleaner, simply find some glass jars with tight fitting lids and fill them about two-thirds of the way full with pine needles or spruce needles. Fill the jar with some plain, white vinegar. Leave just a half an inch of air at the top of the jar. Close the lid tight and allow the mixture to steep in a cool, dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard or your basement. The longer you allow it to sit, the stronger the smell will be. You can check it after four weeks, but most people find that six weeks is just about perfect. Strain out the needles and branches, and your vinegar is ready for cleaning!

This same method will work with almost any other scent you would like to try, such as grapefruit peels, orange peels, tangerine peels, lemon peels, lavender leaves and flowers, or lime peels.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! You never know when you will come up with a unique scent that you love!

References:

www.mbio.asm.org

www.scholar.lib.vt.edu

Prev Next