Welcome to the Natural Living Edit
There is something grounding about creating your own home and beauty essentials with simple, plant-based ingredients. These recipes are easy to make, gentle on your family and pets, and fill your home with fresh, botanical scents that make it feel like a retreat.
Everything here can be made in small batches using Castile soap, essential oils, and a few pantry staples.
This post contains affiliate links through which I may earn a small commission through your purchases.
Castile Soap Surface Spray (All-Purpose Cleaner)
Perfect for: countertops, sinks, kitchen surfaces
You will need:
-
2 cups warm distilled water
-
1 tablespoon Castile soap
-
10 drops lemon essential oil (or 5 lemon and 5 rosemary)
- Refillable glass spray bottles
Instructions:
-
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.
-
Shake before each use.
-
Spray on surfaces and wipe clean.
Do not mix vinegar directly with Castile soap. It can cause curdling. Use vinegar as a rinse afterward if desired.
Citric Acid Cleaning Spray (Natural Degreaser + Descaler)
Best for: stove tops, faucets, tile, soap scum, mineral buildup, greasy spots
Not for: natural stone, brass, or aluminum (acidic solution can etch soft metals and stone)
You’ll need:
-
2 cups warm distilled water
-
2 teaspoons citric acid powder
-
1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
-
10 drops citrus essential oil (lemon, orange, or grapefruit)
Instructions:
-
Dissolve citric acid powder completely in warm water.
-
Add essential oils and optional vinegar
-
Pour into a labeled spray bottle.
-
Spray directly on greasy or mineral-coated surfaces, let sit 2–3 minutes, then wipe clean.
Tip: This spray leaves glass stovetops, faucets, and shower tiles sparkling. Use after your Castile spray for extra shine and degreasing.
Natural Fruit and Veggie Wash
Perfect for: removing wax and residue from produce
Spray version (for delicate fruit):
-
1 cup distilled water
-
1 tablespoon Castile soap
-
1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
Soak version (for sturdier produce):
-
4 cups water
-
½ teaspoon Castile soap
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
Soak produce for 2 to 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
Optional: add 2 drops grapefruit or sweet orange essential oil for a bright scent.
Gentle Botanical Dog Wash
Perfect for: keeping pets clean without harsh chemicals
You will need:
-
1 cup warm water
-
¼ cup Castile soap (unscented or baby formula)
-
1 tablespoon coconut oil or aloe gel
-
Optional: 2 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil (only if your dog tolerates scent)
Instructions:
-
Mix gently, avoiding excess foam.
-
Massage into wet coat, avoiding eyes and ears.
-
Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
Avoid tea tree or peppermint oils, which can be too strong for dogs.
Foaming Hand Soap
You will need:
-
⅔ cup distilled water
-
⅓ cup Castile soap
-
10 drops lavender or lemon essential oil
-
Optional: 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin for softness
Combine in a foaming dispenser and shake gently before use.
DIY Body Wash
You will need:
-
½ cup Castile soap
-
½ cup distilled water
-
1 tablespoon jojoba or sweet-almond oil
-
10 to 15 drops essential oil (lavender and orange make an uplifting blend)
Use within one to two weeks or store in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Botanical Bath Salts
You will need:
-
1 cup Epsom salts
-
½ cup coarse sea salt
-
¼ cup baking soda
-
10 to 15 drops essential oil blend (see options below)
-
Optional: 1 tablespoon dried lavender, rose petals, or chamomile
-
Optional: 1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal for a silky texture
Mix well and store in a jar.
Package individual soaks in silk, cotton, or muslin drawstring bags for easy cleanup.
Essential Oil Blend Ideas for Bath Salts
| Mood | Oils | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Relax and Sleep | Lavender, Cedarwood, Bergamot | Classic spa scent |
| Breathe Easy | Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemon | Refreshing and clear |
| Grounded Calm | Patchouli, Orange, Rosemary | Earthy and warm |
| Joyful Bloom | Geranium, Grapefruit, Vanilla | Bright and floral |
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
You will need:
-
1 cup baking soda
-
½ cup citric acid
-
¼ cup cornstarch
-
1 to 2 tablespoons water (just enough to clump)
-
15 to 20 drops essential oil blend of choice
Instructions:
-
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
-
Slowly mist in water and essential oils until the texture resembles damp sand.
-
Press mixture into silicone molds and dry for 24 hours.
-
To use, place one steamer on the shower floor and let the hot water activate the aroma.
Oatmeal Silk Bath Soak
You will need:
-
½ cup finely ground oatmeal
-
½ cup powdered milk or coconut milk powder
-
¼ cup Epsom salts
-
1 tablespoon dried chamomile or rose petals
-
Optional: a few drops vanilla or lavender essential oil
Combine ingredients and spoon into muslin, cotton, or silk bath bags. Drop one bag directly into warm bath water for a creamy, soothing soak.
Botanical Room and Linen Spray
You will need:
-
1 cup distilled water
-
2 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka (for preservation)
-
10 to 15 drops essential oil blend (lavender and eucalyptus create a spa scent)
- Glass Spray Bottles
Shake before each use and mist onto linens or in the air.
Want a TJ room spray dupe? Try 5 drops Vetiver Essential Oil and 5 drops Bergamot Essential Oil.
Cedar Pine Room Spray (100 ml)
1 cup chopped cedar and pine cuttings
½ cup distilled water
Steep on low for 30 to 40 minutes, then strain
To make the spray:
70 ml cedar pine infusion
30 ml Thayers Witch Hazel or vodka
Optional: 5 to 10 drops evergreen essential oil for a stronger scent
Shake before each use and store in the fridge to extend freshness.
Quick Castile Soap Uses
-
Dish Soap: 1 cup Castile soap, 1 tablespoon baking soda, 10 drops lemon oil.
-
Floor Cleaner: 1 gallon hot water, 2 tablespoons Castile soap, 5 drops peppermint oil.
Final Thoughts
These natural recipes are simple, effective, and endlessly customizable. Once you have a few staples like Castile soap, essential oils, Epsom salts, and muslin bags, you can make almost everything on this list with ingredients you already have at home.
They also make thoughtful handmade gifts. Package bath salts or oatmeal soaks in small jars or cotton bags with kraft tags, and add a sprig of rosemary for a rustic botanical touch.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer
These recipes are shared for informational and educational purposes only. Always test any homemade product on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or pets. Some essential oils can cause irritation or may not be suitable for certain animals. I make no warranties or guarantees about the results, shelf life, or safety of these formulations. Use your best judgment and consult a professional if you have concerns before use.