We are big believers in the benefits of involving kids in household chores, both inside and outside the home. My kids love projects and they get so excited when they get to help us out around the house and be a part of the team. Their favorite chores usually involve the hose, a water bucket or a sprayer. But store-bought cleaners can be harsh or even dangerous to little ones. That’s why I’m so thrilled to have Kari, founder of PNW Kids and one of my Insta crushes (@rewildhood) here today. She’s sharing her recipe for an all-natural DIY kid-friendly herbal cleaner you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Make this cleaner now and it’ll be ready just in time for some serious spring cleaning!
A safer solution
My first foray into herbal cleaners sparked from an unfortunate incident involving my two-year old’s mouth and a store-bought all-purpose cleaner. Fortunately, nothing happened to my little one but the incident got me thinking about our home cleaning solutions. Given that my kids (well, at least the little ones) love to help around the house (and really love it when spray bottles and cloths are involved), I wanted a safer solution. I began researching all-natural cleaners that are safe for everyone, actually clean well, and smell nice.
Apple cider vinegar cleaner
I started making my own version of an apple cider vinegar cleaner and now I don’t clean the windows or kitchen with anything else. Not only does it do a great job cleaning, but it also smells fantastic. My kids join in on the cleaning fun and love to scurry about the house with spray bottles in hand. I also appreciate that the cleaner is kid-friendly and safe. That way, if one of my kids feels inclined to spray one of their siblings in the face (which happens on the regular, if I’m being honest with you), I no longer worry!
My recipe uses apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs from our garden (or store-bought ones), and some essential oils if you want to soften the cider smell. We grow herbs in our garden in large quantities specifically for their cleaning properties and scents. The kids love to tend to these hearty plants knowing they’ll end up in our special cleaning solutions. If this is something that appeals to you, think about starting your own herb garden with the kids this summer.
Herbal All-Purpose Cleaning Solution
Today, I’m sharing the recipe for our all-natural, all-purpose, kid-friendly, DIY herbal cleaning solution. That’s a mouthful! This herbal solution is made with just a few ingredients, but it does a great job cleaning and smells great. Plus, it’s a fun way to get kids involved in both cleaning with it and making it. Making an herbal cleaning solution is a fun gardening/kitchen DIY project that even the youngest among us enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Bunches of rosemary, thyme, and lavender (rosemary and thyme will do if you don’t have lavender)
- Optional: Essential oil of your choice (I like lavender oil)
Directions:
- For every two cups of apple cider vinegar, put in a handful of each herb into a mason jar(s) and seal.
- Allow the herbs to steep for 6 weeks in a cool area.
- After 6 weeks, strain the herbs out and pour into a spray bottle. If you are adding essential oils, now is the time to add those in.
- Use the cleaner for windows and all kitchen surfaces.
Do you make your own herbal products?
Kari is a mom of three little explorers who love adventuring in the ocean, forests and mountains of Oregon (along with a wiener dog). She can be found on Instagram @rewildhood and at www.pnwkids.co where she writes about kid-friendly adventures in the Pacific Northwest.