Going Green: Cute Odor Eliminator

As a proud owner of a cat, I struggle with the odors of the litter box. I think I'm going to attempt homemade kitty litter at some point. But for now, I'm going to tackle the issue of litter box odors. I got this cute idea from Pinterest.

Here's what you'll need:

Baking soda

Essential oil

Glass mason jar

Fabric

Cotton kitchen twine

I used orange essential oil because it is light and fresh. It has a tough job ahead of it, so I wanted something sweet but strong.

Simply fill your mason jar about half or 2/3 full:

Add in 25-30 drops of essential oil. Don't be shy!!

Next, cover the opening of the mason jar with fabric. Eyeball it, and cut slits in the fabric to create holes for the air to pass through.

Next, secure the fabric with the kitchen twine (or whatever you have on hand). Trim up the extra fabric and tie a sweet bow.

And voila! You have a cute, eco-friendly, odor eliminator to sit next to the litter box. This would also be cute in other areas of the house... perhaps near my husband's work boots. If the baking soda gets stiff, just give the jar a good shake. That will release the scents of the essential oil and keep the baking soda effective.

If Mr. McGee could, he would say "Thank you!"

But he doesn't speak to us lowlife humans. 

Going Green: Homemade Powder Cleaner

Powder cleaner you ask? What would I use that for around my house?

I use it as a Comet-like bathroom scrub. I also sprinkle it on the carpet, let it sit about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. This smells great and it is SO EASY to make!!!!

Here's what you'll need:

Baking soda

Essential oil (I used orange because that's all I had)

Container 

I am going to blow your eco-friendly mind by how easy this is! Simply put the baking soda in your container and sprinkle in 15-20 drops of the essential oil. Mix together. Done!

Again, I use this like I would the brand-name Comet in the bathroom or use it to take odors out of the carpet. 

Happy Cleaning!!

Going Green: Soft Scrub

For most of these "green" products, I have to give a big shout-out to my fabulous mother, Jan:

She has her own "green only" cleaning business. So, basically... she is a professional and a genius. Trust me.

This is her recipe for a "soft scrub." I use this in the shower, toilet, and sink areas. She only likes to use it for the shower. However, I have this weird tendency to want to know that something was "scrubbed" really well in order to be clean. Just make it and see how you like it, but definitely try it on the shower! I used it this morning and it even took off the soap scum from the awful glass doors we have on the master bath shower.

You'll need:

1 & 2/3 C baking soda

1/2 C water

1/2 C Castille Liquid Soap (I used unscented)

2 Tbsp white vinegar

A few drops of an essential oil (I used tea tree oil because I like its disinfectant quality)

Bottle to hold solution (I used a 20oz recycled Coke bottle)

Directions:

Mix baking soda, water, and liquid soap together in a bowl.

Add the vinegar. Don't be alarmed when it fizzles!

Stir together well and then add drops of the essential oil. Add however much you like - you may like a stronger scent than I do.

Give it one last stir, pour into whatever container you like and close the lid tightly. Done!

When you are ready to use this, you may notice that the scrub has gotten a little stiff. Give it a good shake or add a few drops of water and another good shake. It'll loosen up and work its magic on your shower. I use an old washcloth turned rag and just scrub away!

Happy Cleaning!