If you’ve been around here for any length of time you’ll know that I try to keep our home as toxic free as possible. When I started this natural living journey toxic cleaners were the first thing to go. I started out by buying the expensive “all-natural” cleaners and now I have transitioned to simply vinegar and baking soda for most of our cleaning.

I use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution for an all purpose spray.  And baking soda as a scrub and deodorizer. Alone these work great! However, sometimes I like to add a fun scent to my cleaners.

Now that everyones gardens are growing I encourage you to try to add some of your herbs into your homemade cleaners for a fun summer scent.

My current favorite scent is mint, lemon, and basil!

I send the kids out to the garden to pick a bunch of mint and basil. I then slice up about half a lemon. I add those to some vinegar and allow to steep for 12-24 hours. Then I drain it off. I use it as a part of my 50/50 vinegar water solution in a glass spray bottle. I also use it in my laundry as a fabric softener or to help deodorize my cloth diapers

Now you will still smell the vinegar but the vinegar smell go away. Then it will leave behind a fresh summery scent.

I also added some mint, basil, and lemon zest to my baking soda. I added them directly to baking soda in a glass container and mixed it up. I let it sit for a few hours and used it directly on our toilets, showers, and any other surface that needs a good scrub. It also is a fantastic deodorizer!

This isn’t a “recipe” by any means. But I hope it inspires you to look around your garden for fresh scents to use in your home. I can’t wait for the rosemary to come in and give that a try.

When herbs aren’t in season I like to use just use lemon or orange peels in vinegar to give it a good scent. I let that steep for about 1-2 weeks. But with the herbs I only keep it in there for 12-24 hours.

If you are looking for an inexpensive and non-toxic cleaner this is a great option.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to hang out here!