If you are like me, right about now you are tearing down the decorations and scrubbing everything. I always get that spring cleaning itch right after Christmas. I scrapped my tree yesterday. A nice clean slate! Clean countertops and clutter free rooms- bliss.
This year, as gifts for my friends, I went a little crunchy. I put together little cleaning kits for my friends.
The Dollar Tree was so helpful. I found the empty spray bottles, scrub brushes, microfiber sponges and cute green baskets there. I also tucked in an organic cotton dish towel. The cleaners I made for them: All-Purpose Cleaner, Window Cleaner, and Lavender Scouring Scrub.
Here's how I made them.
All Purpose Cleaner:
In an large glass measuring cup I mixed together 1 tsp Baking Soda, 2 tsp Borax, a few drops of Lliquid Dish Soap. (I used this because it was dye and fragrance free), and 2 cups of very Hot Water. Stir, stir, stir. Then I added a splash of Lemon Juice and several drops of Lemon Essential Oil. Then, use a funnel to pour cleaner into an empty spray bottle.
Window Cleaner:
Again, in a large glass measuring cup mix together 2 Tbl Vinegar, a few drops of Liquid Dish Soap, and 2 cups Hot Water. Using a funnel, pour into empty squirt bottle. This one is so easy! If you are just staring to use natural glass cleaner you may find this to be somewhat smeary as it cleans off all the residue of commercial cleaners.
Lavender Scouring Scrub:
In a large bowl measure 2 cups of Baking Soda. Add 10-15 drops of Lavender Essential oil into the bowl along with the baking soda. Then, pour this mixture into a sifter and work all the little clumps out. I put finished mixture into a wide mouth pint jar. This smells so good and can also be used in the laundry along with to your soap.
Easy huh? Happy Scrubbing.
**With all the tidying up around here, I haven't neglected myself. There's been some "cleaning house" going on inside of me too. I've been doing this program for sometime now and am beginning to see real and lasting changes in my heart and in my weight too. Just thought I would throw that out there as many of you may be contemplating your New Year's Resolutions.
My tree was undressed and out on the deck Dec 26 at 8am. I too crave order and a certain amount of starkness after a month of glitter, glitz and clutter. I love the little baskets you put together for your friends. What a great idea. My next crochet project is actually the organic wash clothes from the purl bee!
Posted by: Cindy | December 29, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Love the baskets. What awesome gifts. Hope little Hannah is feeling better!
Posted by: Kim | December 29, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Lovely gift idea! I'll bookmark this for next year. And thanks for the link about the Lords Table, too. I'm going to check that out. =)
Posted by: Addie | December 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM
this was the best gift...I'm so glad you posted this because I was wondering what to do once they run out. (I really like it because I can let my kids use it without fear of growing some extra part from the chemicals)
Posted by: Melissa | December 29, 2008 at 04:41 PM
I must say that I adore reading your blog but on the other hand I feel like a total loser. I mean c'mon...can you get any more crafty!
Posted by: Alicia Chavez | December 29, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Thank you so much for this information. I love using some of the Method cleaning products, but some of them are so costly.
Posted by: Victoria | December 30, 2008 at 05:01 AM
I'm still on Christmas, I try to leave my decorations up for the 12 days. But that doesn't mean I don't get that itch! Thanks for these recipes. I'm going to need to try them right away. Happy new year!
Posted by: grace | December 30, 2008 at 07:38 PM
LOVE this! and the entire gift is so great.
my friends would love them, too.
my tree is driving me crazy. it is coming down FRIDAY! i was ready to dump it on the 26th!!! :)
Posted by: leslie | December 31, 2008 at 04:12 PM
What a cute idea! That would be a great housewarming gift. I think I may have to make a little kit myself since we're moving in two weeks. Maybe I'll be more likely to clean with cute, cheery things!
Posted by: Jenn | December 31, 2008 at 04:57 PM
I love cleaning after Christmas too! Your gift ideas are great, the color combination looks so refreshing. Thanks for the directions on making the cleaners! I am going to try them out! Have happy New Year!
Posted by: Cherrise | January 02, 2009 at 08:28 PM
I am trying to catch up on my blogroll and just read this. How fantastic!! What a wonderful idea for a gift!!
Posted by: Liz | January 13, 2009 at 04:16 PM
After holidays is usually the general cleaning of every household. And it's good that you do make your own cleaning mixtures. It's very healthy for the environment and for your family as well. It will also help you save more of your budget.
Posted by: Corie Drane | May 04, 2011 at 03:37 AM
You’ve got an early start to clutter-free new year! I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning after the New Year’s celebration since my family told me they can’t feel the spirit of celebrating when there’s no décor. Hahaha! Do you guys feel the same way too or are they just used to the habit of removing the Christmas decor at the end of December? I hope they understand that I just don’t want a lot of mess on the first day of January. :)
[ Kylee Groves ]
Posted by: Kylee Groves | March 11, 2013 at 08:24 AM