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Tag: natural cleaning

  • Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Wash Recipe – Garden Therapy

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    Unless it’s homegrown, we know so little about where our produce really comes from. To ensure you remove all traces of pesticides and herbicides, as well as prolong shelf life, I recommend using a fruit and vegetable wash. This homemade recipe uses only 4 ingredients, all staples you are sure to have in your pantry already!

    Do you ever pick up a fruit or vegetable from the grocery store and already feel the gunk from its surface on your hands? Even after I rinse an apple or nectarine, I still feel as though something is lingering there.

    I like to use my fruit and vegetable wash to ensure that all my produce is completely free from any surface contaminants, such as herbicides and pesticides. Even with my own organic produce, I feel more comfortable making sure they are 100% clean before I store them away in my fridge.

    The good news is, washing fruit only takes a few minutes and doesn’t have to be a huge and annoying step in a grocery store routine. All you need are a few quick sprays of my vegetable and fruit wash.

    This post will cover…

    homemade fruit and vegetable wash surrounded by fresh producehomemade fruit and vegetable wash surrounded by fresh produce
    This veggie wash only requires four ingredients.

    Is Fruit and Veggie Wash Necessary?

    When it comes to the garden, I don’t mind popping homegrown fruit and veggies straight from the plant to my mouth. I use only organic gardening methods, meaning no pesticides, herbicides, and only natural fertilizers. This makes me feel safe about my veggies!

    But when it comes to large harvests, I still like to wash my vegetables. Since I live in the city, I never truly know 100% what is in my soil at any given time. If you use any kind of herbicides or pesticides, I highly recommend giving them a wash beforehand.

    Plain tap water works just fine for removing debris and dirt, but a fruit and vegetable wash helps to remove the more difficult stuff, such as apple wax and surface-level pesticides.

    It’s important to note that vegetables and fruits usually have some microorganisms on them. In most cases, washing produce removes these organisms, prolonging their life. However, some fruit and vegetables have their own protective measures. For example, blueberries have bloom, the fine powdery covering that allows them to fight off bacteria and fungus that would cause premature decay.

    fruit washfruit wash
    If you live in the city, it’s still a good idea to use a wash to remove surface pollutants.

    When To Use Fruit Wash

    Most fruit and vegetables can be washed when they come home from the grocery store. I like to wash produce with the skin on, like avocados and beets, right away. I remove packaged goods, like raspberries or cherry tomatoes, completely before washing them. Make sure all produce dries before storing it in the fridge or pantry.

    Others you may want to wait to wash until just before eating to prolong the shelf life. For fresh fruit such as apples, grapes, blueberries, and tomatoes, I like to wait to keep the protective bloom I mentioned earlier. The same goes for kale!

    For more on when and how to properly wash vegetables, visit this post.

    washing an apple with fruit and vegetable washwashing an apple with fruit and vegetable wash
    Wash fresh fruit shortly before you plan on eating it.

    How Does Veggie Wash Work?

    When you soak vegetables and fruits in an acidic solution, it helps to remove bacteria and any surface-level pesticides. This recipe uses both vinegar and citric acid to lower the pH. This helps to further break down any wax left on produce as well as any contaminants left on the surface.

    A fruit and vegetable wash that’s made of a combination of acid and salt makes it easier to remove some of the waxes, chemical sprays, and dirt that can stick to produce when it comes home from the grocery store.

    The ingredients in this fruit and vegetable wash help to get produce squeaky clean without adding an off-putting flavour.

    vegetable wash spray with veggiesvegetable wash spray with veggies
    Acid and salt combined help to remove surface contaminants easily.

    Fruit and Vegetable Wash Recipe

    This recipe is so quick and easy to make. It uses common grocery store ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Keep it handy in the kitchen for any quick produce trips!

    Materials & Ingredients

    See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

    veggie wash ingredientsveggie wash ingredients

    Make it!

    Measure the warm water. Add citric acid and salt.

    making fruit and vegetable wash with citric acidmaking fruit and vegetable wash with citric acid

    Stir until both are fully dissolved.

    Add vinegar and mix ingredients well together. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

    homemade fruit and vegetable washhomemade fruit and vegetable wash
    Store on a counter for up to 3 months.

    How to Use

    Spray produce 2-3 times, let it rest for two minutes, and then rinse off with tap water before consuming.

    While this fruit and vegetable wash tastes rather good (if you like salt and vinegar flavoured chips), it will not change or affect the flavour of the fruit. As long as it’s applied as described, even soft skin fruit like strawberries and raspberries will not take on the salt and vinegar flavour.

    DIY Veggie Wash Storage

    This vinegar-based wash will keep for three months on your counter or in a cabinet. Simply give it a shake before spraying to disperse the ingredients. However, if your veggie wash changes colour or has a strange aroma, it should be discarded.

    More Natural Cleaning Ideas to Try

    Fruit and Vegetable Wash

    Makes 2 1/2 cups of fruit and vegetable wash.

    • Measure out your warm water. Add in your citric acid and salt, stirring until fully dissolved.

    • Add in vinegar, stirring again. Pour into a glass spray bottle.

    • To use, spray produce 2-3 times. Let sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing produce with cold water.

    • Use cleaner within 3 months. Discard if odour arises or colour changes.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Naturally Freshen Laundry with Homemade Reusable Lavender Dryer Bags – Garden Therapy

    Naturally Freshen Laundry with Homemade Reusable Lavender Dryer Bags – Garden Therapy

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    Lavender dryer bags are a natural way to freshen laundry and a good use for dried lavender harvested from your garden. Lavender is a lightly floral but clean-smelling fragrance that adds a little lift to your laundry.

    Get all natural scents with

    Four years ago I swapped out chemical-laden dryer sheets for sachets of lavender and I’m so much happier with how my clothes feel and smell.

    Of course, the best option is to line-dry your laundry in the sunshine and let the garden perfume it that way. There is no better way to remove odours from laundry than to dry the fabric in the sun!

    Unfortunately, you can’t line dry outdoors all year in many places. In rainy Vancouver, I would have to wait for months for my clothes to dry. In those winter months, I turn to the dryer but bring some of the garden into the laundry room with me.

    Dryer bags can be filled with the dried flower buds and used many times over before needing to be replaced. Adding in a few essential oils will give your laundry a fresh and natural garden scent that makes you feel wonderful as you cozy into your freshly washed bed clothes or pull on a sweet-smelling shirt.

    Here’s how I use them!

    How to make Natural Laundry Fresheners with Lavender Dryer BagsHow to make Natural Laundry Fresheners with Lavender Dryer Bags
    Avoid artificial fragrances with lavender and essential oils.

    Lavender Dryer Bags to Freshen Your Laundry

    Making your own lavender dryer bags takes just seconds to make. You can also customize these dryer bags with other scented flowers and essential oils.

    Materials

    • Dried lavender
    • Drawstring muslin bags
    • Lavender essential oil (optional)

    Make It!

    Lavender dryer bags are made simply from lavender scooped into small drawstring muslin bags like these. These bags are typically sold as bouquet garni bags for adding herbs to soups, stocks, or stews. If you don’t grow your own lavender, you can purchase it in bulk online.

    When you have filled the bag with lavender, tie it tightly in a few knots and then wrap the string around the top and tie again. This will ensure that it will not come apart in the dryer. Toss a bag in with the laundry to add a light fragrance. Each dryer bag will last for ten loads in the dryer.

    To add more fragrance to your fabrics, you can also add a few drops of essential oils to the muslin before each cycle in the dryer. Of course, you will want to add some lavender essential oil, but you can also add some cheery sweet orange essential oil, bright and earthy lemongrass essential oil, or deodorizing rosemary essential oil.

    Lavender dryer bags will also make a great gift! Present a set of 6  bags in a vintage jar wrapped with ribbon. The sealed jar will help keep the bags fresh when you store them in your laundry room.

    How to make Natural Laundry Fresheners with Lavender Dryer BagsHow to make Natural Laundry Fresheners with Lavender Dryer Bags
    Store your lavender bags in a sealed jar to help retain the fragrance.

    FAQ About Lavender Dryer Bags

    Are dryer sheets bad for you?

    Dryer sheets are used to help add fragrance and reduce static, but they do have quite a long list of chemicals. While all of them are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, I try to avoid unnecessary chemicals when I can. And these dryer bags are an easy addition for fragrance, as well as vinegar for static (see FAQ below).

    One of the main concerns for dryer sheets is artificial fragrances. Many chemical fragrances can cause irritations to the skin, eyes, and lungs of people, as well as are known to cause migraines.

    When do you put the lavender bags into the dryer?

    I add my lavender dryer bags at the same time that I add the laundry. I leave  them in for the whole time. One lavender sachet should last you about ten loads in the dryer.

    How can I add lavender fragrance to my clothes without a dryer?

    If you choose to hang dry your clothes and linens, I recommend using my lavender linen water spray. I spray this on all my linens when they need some freshening up, including clothes, the couch, pillows, and sheets.

    Can I use fresh lavender?

    I recommend using dried lavender to make these dryer bags.

    Do these dryer bags also reduce static?

    These dryer bags are designed just to provide a nice light lavender fragrance. To get rid of static, I’ll add vinegar into my wash cycle. To do this, I fill up the fabric softener cup with vinegar and add a few drops of either rosemary or grapefruit essential oils.

    How much lavender should I use per bag?

    I put my lavender into 4×6 bags, filling them up completely (but so they can still fully close). I have LOTS of lavender growing at my house, so this is no problem. You can also use smaller 3×4 bags.

    More Natural Cleaning Ideas With Lavender

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Make a Foaming Soap Dispenser + an All-Natural Foam Soap Recipe – Garden Therapy

    How to Make a Foaming Soap Dispenser + an All-Natural Foam Soap Recipe – Garden Therapy

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    Making your own all-natural foaming hand soap costs a fraction of store-bought options, takes mere seconds to make, is healthy for your skin, and you can customize the scent to be whatever you choose. All that should be enough to get you excited, but making your own dispenser also reduces unnecessary waste! In this post, I’m going to show you how to make an easy foaming soap dispenser and give you my favourite recipe for a luxurious and eco-friendly foaming soap.

    If you follow along on Garden Therapy you know that I scrapped the store-bought beauty products and make all of my own natural skincare products.

    Somehow along the way, I became addicted to foaming hand soap. At first, I thought that I was cheating on my homemade soap bars. All-natural homemade soap is so much better for my skin than store-bought liquid soap. But the foam. Oh, the foam. It’s so luxurious!

    This post will cover…

    How to Make Foaming SoapHow to Make Foaming Soap
    I made my own dispenser out of a Mason Jar.

    How to Make a Foaming Soap Dispenser

    I set upon the task to make a homemade foaming hand soap recipe and came up with some fun and foamy soap that I’m proud to wash with.

    Of course, I needed a stylish container and pump that I could refill, so I made one from a Mason jar and a foam soap pump from a disposable bottle.

    I’ve shared how to make one today so you can reduce the waste of buying disposable foam soap dispensers by replacing them with a reusable DIY version.

    First, I’ll show you how to make the Mason jar foaming soap dispenser, and then I’ll share my basic foaming hand soap recipe.

    There are a number of options for a permanent foaming soap dispenser. You could certainly just buy one, as there are some pretty nice ones out there on Amazon like this one, this one, and these ones. You could also just refill the disposable foam soap bottle with my foam soap recipe below.

    Or you can make one inexpensively using an attractive mason jar and the pump from the disposable ones.

    That’s what I did. Here’s how you can, too.

    Materials

    Method Foaming SoapMethod Foaming Soap
    Any plastic foaming dispenser should work for this project.

    Make it!

    First, look for a disposable foaming hand soap bottle. I chose a Method one because I liked the look of it. You only need the nozzle and foaming mechanism, so remove that from the bottle.

    Next, cut a hole in the middle of the snap lid to fit the soap pump into. The easiest way to do this is to use a hammer and nail to pierce a few holes in the center of the snap lid. Then, squeeze the metal snips in to cut out a hole.

    How to make a Mason jar Soap DispenserHow to make a Mason jar Soap Dispenser
    Your circle doesn’t need to be perfect. It will be covered by the pump.

    Cut the hole large enough that the thinner bottom part of the pump fits into the hole, but small enough that the top of the pump sits above it.

    Assemble the Mason jar soap dispenserAssemble the Mason jar soap dispenser
    Trim the straw length is necessary.

    Insert the pump into the snap lid, top the Mason jar, and twist on the ring to see how it fits. Trim the length of the straw to fit if necessary.

    All Natural Liquid Foam SoapAll Natural Liquid Foam Soap
    I didn’t need to glue down my dispenser, it fit just right.

    How to Make Foam Soap

    Make your own foaming hand soap by using this recipe:

    • 60% water
    • 20% prepared liquid soap*
    • 20% air

    *I use this liquid castile soap, which comes concentrated and needs to be diluted. I prepare the castile soap according to the instructions on the package and use that for my 20%. If you like it a bit more creamy, use a bit less water. You can replace 5% of the water with more soap.

    If you are using unscented castile soap, add 5-6 drops of essential oils to the recipe for a personalized scent. I like these scents in my DIY foaming hand soap:

    I have also made this recipe with herbal tea. As it has botanical elements, it doesn’t last as long. Make it in small batches and it’s a wonderful way to change up and infuse your foam soap.

    You can also check out my recipe for lime and rosemary foaming hand soap.

    All Natural Foam Soap Recipe FormulaAll Natural Foam Soap Recipe Formula
    You can also think of it as 3 parts water, 1 part air, and 1 part soap.

    FAQs About Foaming Hand Soap

    How does the pump work?

    The pump is made of two parts, one for soap and one for air. It injects air into the soap when it goes through the pump, making it lather.

    What are the benefits of foaming soap?

    I wrote at the beginning that making your own foaming soap is both less expensive and less wasteful than buying pre-made foaming hand soap. It’s very easy to make as you simply dilute liquid soap and water at the appropriate ratio. You can also reduce waste by refilling a container as opposed to buying a new one each time.

    Finally, if you use natural Castile (olive oil) soap as the basis of the recipe, it’s very gentle on the skin and all-natural.

    Will regular soap work in the foaming dispenser?

    No, regular soap is too thick for a foaming dispenser, you need to reduce the viscosity by diluting it in water.

    Is foaming soap less effective than regular soap?

    Yes, if not used properly. Dirt and germs are removed from skin in the process of lathering up with soap so if that lathering is already done for you, it can be less effective at cleaning to use foaming soap.

    That being said, proper hand washing is the variable. If you apply any soap and lather for 20 seconds, rinse well, dry your hands, and then apply hand cream, you will have clean, soft, well-cared-for hands no matter which soap format you choose.

    Do you need to add a preservative?

    Despite adding water, I don’t add any preservatives. When I make my soap, I do a small batch that lasts me about a month or so, but I’ve had it last over six months.

    It’s important that when you’re making it, you ensure that the container and all the tools used have been sterilized so that you’re not inviting any additional bacteria into the container once it’s sealed off.

    Do the Mason jar lids rust after being cut?

    They do. When I refill the soap, I just wash off the rust with a nail brush. I need to sterilize the container to prevent bacteria anyway before the next batch, so it’s not a big deal.

    If the rust bothers you, you can also seal it with spray paint.  

    More Soap Recipes to Try

    If you are also interested in bar soap, check out these recipes:

    Foaming Hand Soap

    How to make all-natural foaming hand soap with Castile (olive oil) soap

    • 60 % water
    • 20 % prepared Castile soap
    • 20 % air
    • 5-6 drops essential oil
    • Prepare a clean jar with a foam soap pump. Measure out the percentages of the space inside the jar to determine amounts.

    • Fill the jar 60% of the way with water.

    • Prepare Castile soap according to the instructions on the package – it comes undiluted so this prepared soap mixture is what you use to fill up 20% of the jar. If you like it a bit more creamy, replace 5% of the water with more soap.

    • Leave the top 20% for air.

    • Add essential oils of your choice.

    • Add the soap pump and shake to combine.

    • Shake regularly to ensure the essential oils are dispersed before using.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Make Lavender Linen Water (DIY Lavender Spray)

    How to Make Lavender Linen Water (DIY Lavender Spray)

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    Lavender is one of my all-time favourite scents. Thanks to its calming, uplifting properties, I try to use lavender as much as I can throughout my home. One of my favourite ways to enjoy it is in this lavender linen water as I iron. Don’t let the name fool you, though. This can also be used as a lavender spray anywhere in your home to freshen up any space! Read on to learn how to make this 5-minute DIY.

    To say that I love lavender would be a major understatement. In fact, lavender is one of my favourite plants to grow in my garden.

    If you were to spend just a short time looking around this site, you would see that I have recipes for lavender ombre soap, lavender lemonade, and even my dried lavender wreath.

    From health and beauty products to food and home decor (and everything in between), I love using lavender in my everyday life.

    Now, I’m adding another use for lavender: a lightly scented lavender linen water spray that is a must-have for your laundry room.

    This post will cover…

    Lavender Linen Water RecipeLavender Linen Water Recipe
    This linen spray has only 3 ingredients!

    Why Use Lavender?

    Lavender is an herb that has been long-known for its pleasant scent and calming properties. In fact, it has been used to cleanse and refresh since ancient times. The word “lavender” has its root in the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash.”

    True to its namesake, ancient Romans used the flower to perfume their baths, bodies, beds, and clothing.

    Those Romans were on to something. Not only does lavender leave linens smelling fresh and clean, but studies also suggest that lavender possesses anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, which may prevent common skin infections.

    The test of time certainly stands behind this scented herb. Lavender has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times and is gentle on skin. Plus, it smells wonderful.

    So the way I see it, the more lavender I have in my life, the better! What better way to get all those awesome aromatherapeutic benefits besides surrounding yourself with the scent as you sleep? That’s why I love this DIY lavender spray.

    Bunches of lavender drying upside downBunches of lavender drying upside down
    The smell of lavender is known for it’s calming properties.

    How to Use Lavender Water

    First of ,all, yes you can buy lavender linen water, but you’ll end up paying a pretty heftforprice on something that you can easily (and inexpensively) make yourself.

    Before we get into how to make this recipe, let’s talk about why you need it. Understandably, if you’ve never used lavender water before, you may be wondering what to do with it.

    I originally made this spray myself to use when ironing. I quickly realized that this scent was a favourite of mine and started using it for so much more.

    Of course, I still use this recipe for ironing too. To use this linen water when ironing, simply fill up your iron with it. It will freshen the fabric while pressing, and make ironing a much more pleasant chore.

    Additionally, you can pour it into a spray bottle and mist linens fresh from the wash or those that have been stored for a while and need a refresh. And, if you’re like me and love the smell, you can use this lavender spray on SO many things, including spraying it in the air to deodorize the air.

    Lavender pillow sprayLavender pillow spray
    Keep the linen water in a spray bottle for easy use.

    It’s a really easy way to add a light scent to help freshen fabrics of all types. You can also use it on:

    • Towels
    • Curtains
    • Furniture upholstery
    • Throw pillows
    • Dog beds
    • Bathrooms
    • As an air freshener

    I use this linen spray for bedding, on my sheets, on dog beds, and on my son’s bed. I’ve even added it to a small spray bottle I keep next to my bed to use as a lavender pillow spray that helps me fall asleep at night. I might be just a little obsessed.

    The all-natural ingredients mean that this spray is gentle with a delicate scent that doesn’t overwhelm the senses, making this a wonderful recipe to add to your regular laundry routine or pull out and use anytime you want to enjoy it.

    Homemade Lavender Linen WaterHomemade Lavender Linen Water
    Add a cute tag, and it will also make a great hostess gift.

    Caution Regarding Lavender Linen Spray

    One quick word of caution. While lavender is generally considered very safe, especially in a diluted form like this, use caution when using it around pregnant women, babies, and pets (especially cats).

    Never spray this spray directly on pets, and always provide an avenue for fresh air in case the scent bothers them.

    I have never had any kind of issue like this in my home or with my dogs; however, it’s always good to be cautious around animals as their noses are much more sensitive than human ones.

    bundle of freshly cut lavenderbundle of freshly cut lavender
    Lavender is a common scent in many skincare and cleaning recipes.

    How to Make Lavender Linen Water

    Now that I’ve told you all the fun ways to use this lovely spray let’s talk about how to make it. It takes just five minutes!

    Ingredients

    Make It!

    Remove the spray bottle and pour the witch hazel into the bottle. Use a funnel if needed. Next, add your lavender oil to the bottle.

    Add the distilled water to the bottle. Shake the bottle well for several seconds to mix the ingredients together. Also, shake again lightly before using this spray, as the ingredients can separate over time.

    lavender linen water recipelavender linen water recipe
    Shake before each use to ensure the ingredients are mixed together when spraying.

    Use a Glass Spray Bottle

    You will need a spray bottle for this recipe. When you use essential oils, use glass bottles because the essential oils can leach chemicals from plastic ones. Plus, it’s friendlier for both the environment and your budget as they will last a long time.

    I like to recommend using a dark-coloured bottle to store your spray if you are going to be making a large batch. This helps preserve the essential oils by preventing UV rays from breaking them down. If you only have a clear spray bottle, that will work just fine too. Just make sure to store the spray bottle in a dark area like a cupboard.

    Of course, if you are making this simply for linen spray, you will likely go through it fairly quickly. In that case, a glass bottle like the one pictured below works just fine.

    lavender linen waterlavender linen water
    You don’t need a spray bottle if you’re pouring the linen water directly into an iron.

    Substitutes For Witch Hazel

    Also, this recipe uses witch hazel to preserve the scent of your lavender oil. It should also help keep your oil dissolved in the solution (but I always shake it before using it, just in case). If you don’t have any witch hazel, you could swap it out and use unflavoured vodka or rubbing alcohol in its place.

    Witch Hazel and spray bottleWitch Hazel and spray bottle
    Witch hazel helps to keep the mixture from separating.

    FAQ About Linen Water

    Can I add dried lavender to linen water?

    While it will look aesthetically nice, it will end up colouring the water and could stain the linens.

    Does the essential oil leave stains?

    This recipe uses only a few drops of essential oil, and it’s well mixed in the mist. Therefore, you shouldn’t see any problems with oil stains.

    Can I use my infused lavender oil instead of the essential oils?

    I wouldn’t recommend using anything besides essential oils. They are highly concentrated, so you do not need to add much to the mixture. And in such small amounts, it doesn’t create oil stains. Meanwhile, an infused lavender oil will require more to get the scent and could leave behind oil stains.

    Do I have to use distilled water for linen spray?

    Distilled water is free from bacteria and other organic materials. This means that the likelihood that you’re adding contaminants to the recipe lessens, and the linen spray will last longer.

    lavender cleanerlavender cleaner

    Try using this lavender linen water as a pillow spray to help you relax and sleep better. I hope you love this lavender spray as much as I do. Before you know it, you may also be spraying your kids’ pillows with it to help them sleep at night. Enjoy!

    More Ways to Use Lavender

    DIY Lavender Linen Water

    This simple lavender linen water can be used for so many things. From refreshing clothing as you iron to being spritzed on your pillow at night, this lavender spray is a soothing, wonderful-smelling treat!

    • Remove the spray bottle top and pour your witch hazel into the bottle.

    • Next, add your lavender oil to the bottle.

    • Add the distilled water to the bottle.

    • Shake the bottle well for several seconds to mix the ingredients together.

    Make sure to shake lightly before using this spray as the ingredients can separate over time. 

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Determine the Shelf Life of Beauty Products Made at Home – Garden Therapy

    How to Determine the Shelf Life of Beauty Products Made at Home – Garden Therapy

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    When making your own beauty products, there isn’t a printed expiry date you can turn to. Knowing when to keep or toss your products can make people feel a little worried about making their own products in the first place, but it really isn’t that complicated or scary (I promise!). Here’s how to find out the shelf life of beauty products you make at home.

    One of my favourite activities to do is interact with all the comments on my blog posts. Sometimes, they’re lovely comments about your own garden or musings about nature, while other times, they’re questions about the blog.

    And I love it when you ask questions! I’m always ready to help clarify things or let you pick my brain.

    One of the questions I get a lot on my DIY beauty or cleaning recipes is how do you know the shelf life of beauty products. So, I wanted to break it down for you, as it depends on what ingredients were used.

    Here’s what you need to know about homemade cosmetics’ shelf life.

    Shelf Life of Beauty Products Without Water

    If a product doesn’t have water in the ingredient list, such as my balms and salves, you can use the soonest expiration date from your ingredients. The final product will last as long as the earliest expiry date from the ingredients you use.

    For instance, let’s say you make a lip balm with beeswax, cocoa butter, and grapeseed. Out of those ingredients, the cocoa butter has the earliest expiry date. Even if the beeswax and the grapeseed oil last longer, the lip balm’s expiry date will be the same as the cocoa butter.

    Using the earliest expiry date is the general rule of thumb, but also use your common sense. If it has a weird, funky smell or looks off, throw it away. I know when you make products yourself, you become attached to them from all the time and money you put into them. But it’s never worth the risk. Just throw it away!

    Shelf Life of Beauty Products With Water

    When you start working with water, it’s a whole other ballgame. Anything that has water in it will only last a few days. Water will grow bacteria in it and is only good for a few days unless you add a preservative.

    For example, my sugar scrub is good on its own since it’s just sugar and oils. But once you add your wet hands into it while in the tub or shower, the sugar scrub will only last a week.

    Meanwhile, my magnesium lotion has water in it, but I’ve added leucidal as a preservative. The lotion then lasts for about six months.

    How to Make DIY Beauty Products Last

    You can extend the shelf life of water-based items without preservatives by keeping them in the fridge. Just like our food, the cold will help slow down bacteria growth and keep the product good for longer.

    Products With Fresh vs Dried Herbs

    Many of my recipes harness the healing properties of plants from my garden. And almost all of them use dried herbs. When you dry herbs first, you’re removing the moisture (AKA water) that will cause the degradation of the product and the growth of bacteria that can cause the product to spoil.

    Check out my guide for drying herbs for more information on the different ways you can do this.

    One big exception is when I use lemon balm. You can only get medicinal properties from fresh lemon balm. I use it fresh in my favourite cleaning spray, lip balm for cold sores, and to make my bar soap.

    How Long Does Scent Last?

    People also like to ask how long the scent will last in products, especially bar soaps and bath bombs. Over time, the scent and colour will naturally fade. The essential oils will dissipate in the air.

    To help keep the fragrance of your products, store them in an airtight container. This will help the essential oils to last longer.

    But say you keep a rose scented product with a mint one in the same bin, everything will end up smelling like the more dominant scent mint. Keep scents separate, or the scents will mingle.

    FAQ About Skin Care Shelf Life

    Do natural skincare products expire?

    Yes. Refer to the expiry dates listed on your ingredients list. The earliest expiry date is the skin care shelf life. If your product contains water and doesn’t have a preservative, it will only be good for a few days before bacteria begin to break it down.

    What’s the best way to store homemade skin care products?

    Always place items in an airtight container with a lid. Your goal is to preserve the scent and make sure the product doesn’t go bad. Keeping moisture and dust away from your product is the best way to extend your DIY cosmetic’s shelf life.

    How can you keep homemade cosmetics fresh?

    Storing items in the fridge will help prolong your products’ life since it slows the growth of bacteria. This is especially important if your product contains water and doesn’t have any preservatives. Products without water do not need to be refrigerated.

    More Need-To-Know DIY Beauty Info

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    Stephanie Rose

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