Clean into Action

Tonight was our Relief Society Activity "Clean into Action"


I have really taking a liking to this calling. I admit that I am still struggling with a few things which I pray for constantly for Heavenly Father's help. But tonight it was just 1 great evening.

My friend, Melanie, and I prepared a small talk on natural ways of cleaning. She was a big help since I am a total scatter brain and couldn't get focused on what to talk about or even how to begin. So after some brainstorming we set on talking about 2 things-Vinegar and Baking Soda.

With 2 weeks of planning we made a nice little handout with all the information for these 2 ingredients. And I was really happy that I didn't have to speak. Melanie has taken a public speaking class before so I felt completely comfortable with her speaking to the group of sisters. Me on the other hand was not given the gift of public speaking. Thankfully Heavenly Father blessed me with many other talents....just not public speaking. But the day of the activity I kept receiving the prompting that Melanie wasn't going to make it tonight. I thought that was impossible since we talked days before and we were all ready to go. But I kept having that feeling....and long and behold she didn't show up. No big deal though thankfully with all the notes I was able to explain and share all the wonderful benefits of natural cleaning.

The rest of the evening was a big hit. The sisters in our ward talked about kid chores, tips and tricks for cleaning, there was a swap meet with great refreshments. I'm very thankful and happy that God sent me into this calling. It's taken me out of my comfort zone of back row seater into behind the scenes action mode. Isn't life great!

Here's the recipes that we pulled together for this activity.

Natural Cleaning Recipes

Orange Cleaner * can be used on windows, counters, sinks, grease, soap scum, EVERYTHING~

1 orange peel, 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups of water

After peeling an orange place peel in a jar with ¼ cup vinegar and allow to sit for about 1 week. (so make sure to make when running low) The oils of the orange will escape into the vinegar. After that week throw out orange peels and pour orange vinegar mixture into a spray bottle. Fill to top with water. Shake and clean.   

COST: homemade homemade 60 cents vs Method (Target) Orange Zest Spray $2.99

Cleaner Paste

For sinks, counters, and tubs sprinkle baking soda generously on surface. Spray with Orange cleaner from above over baking soda until it begins to foam. Scrub while it’s foaming. Rinse well.  

COST:  homemade 5 cents vs. Softscrub cleaner $2.77

Oven Cleaner

1 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup table salt, dish soap, water

Spray oven generously with water. Mix together the dry ingredients then sprinkle over the water. Spray again with water. Leave overnight. Wipe out the next morning and scrub with hot soapy water.

COST: homemade 90 cents vs.  Easy Off Oven Cleaner 16 oz $4.62

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

½ cup baking soda, ½ cup vinegar, 10 drop essential oil (optional for scent)

Pour baking soda directly into the toilet bowl, add oil, then vinegar- in this order! Let sit for a few minutes. Scrub bowl with brush. Flush when done.    

COST: homemade 35 cents vs. Ajax 99 cents

Fabric Softener

6 cups warm water, 3 cups white vinegar, 20 drops of essential oils OR  2 cup hair conditioner (if using oil add 1 cup of baking soda)

In large bowl mix all ingredients. Whisk gently or you’ll have tons of bubbles. Pour into container. Use ½ cup per load. Or soak a washcloth with homemade softener and throw into the dryer with other wet clothes.      COST: Homemade 75 cents for 3 quarts vs. 2 quarts of Downy $3.16

Furniture Polish

¼ olive oil, 4 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tsp lemon oil or fresh lemon juice

Pour olive oil, vinegar and lemon oil into bottle. Shake. Squirt polish onto cloth and rub onto furniture. Always go with the grain and evenly distribute polish. For dark wood you can add 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce to the polish. When applied to dark wood will mask any nicks and dents.          

COST: 50 cents to make vs. $3.99 Pledge Polish

Homemade Laundry Detergent

1 bar ivory soap (we use Kiss My Face soap since it’s all natural and gluten free)
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup oxiclean free
Grate the soap(or use food processor) Add everything else. Place in container of your choice. Each load takes about 2 Tbsp.                           

COST: Homemade $8 dollars for 6 months of ingredients vs. Gain 102 load powder $14.99