Animals

Accidents happen: DIY pet stain and odor remover

Even good boys and girls make mistakes! When your four-legged friend misses the piddle-pad or the litter box, it’s no fun for anyone. Don’t dismay! With this DIY pet stain remover, you and your furry pals will be cuddling odor-free in no time.

Pet Stain and Odor Remover Recipe

Ingredients: 

Instructions:

If your doggo buddy very recently left a puddle on the living room carpet, use these instructions for removing fresh stains:

1. Add the essential oils to the salt and mix well.
2. In a spray bottle, combine the salt mixture, apple cider vinegar, and water. Mix thoroughly until salt has dissolved.
3. Blot the “accident” to remove excess moisture.
4. Shake the bottle, then spray the stained area generously until wet.
5. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
6. Using an old towel or rag, soak up the mixture by blotting until moisture is removed. Do not apply heat to aid in the drying process, as it can cause unwanted odors and stains to set permanently.

When you find an older, smellier, set-in stain, use the instructions above to make the DIY pet odor eliminator and then:

1. Spray the area generously until wet.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and leave for 24 hours or until dry. The baking soda will absorb the stain during this time.
Once dry, scoop up as much baking soda as possible and discard, then vacuum thoroughly to remove any remaining powder.

DIY

29 DIY cleaners with Thieves Household Cleaner

Thieves® Household Cleaner. You know it, you use it, and you love it. If you don’t love it yet, you will after your cleaning is transformed by its strength and versatility.

This powerful, ultra-concentrated, plant-based solution is a helpful and naturally derived chore companion—helping you clean everything from wood floors to shower doors. And the best part? It doesn’t have any of the harsh chemicals you’ve removed from your lifestyle. That’s right, you don’t have to worry about what’s in Thieves Household Cleaner. It’s perfect to use around everyone in your whole family.

Tips for using Thieves Household Cleaner

Thieves Household Cleaner is safe to use at a 15:1 dilution or higher for most non-porous surfaces. One capful of Thieves Household Cleaner is equal to approximately ½ tablespoon, so ½ cup of water mixed with one capful of cleaner yields a 15:1 dilution.

  • Most cleaning applications use 30 parts water to 1 part Thieves Household Cleaner—more concentrated dilutions may be necessary for some uses.
  • For best results, mix only the amount of cleaner that you will need to use right away.
  • Before using Thieves Household Cleaner, do a small spot test in an inconspicuous location, especially on wood, plastic, fabric, and granite.
  • Do not use this product on soft plastics or vinyl.

29 DIY cleaners with Thieves Household Cleaner

We made 29 cleaners with less than one bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner! With 60-65 capfuls of the cleaner in each 14.4 fl. oz bottle, we had plenty to spare even after making each of these solutions. Keep reading to find out how to use Thieves Household Cleaner in all areas of your home!

Thieves Household Cleaner

Kitchen cleaners

1. Trash can scrub

Clean stains and deodorize!

  • Empty trash can and fill with water.
  • Pour 1-2 capfuls of Thieves Household Cleaner directly into the can (1 capful for a small can, 2 for a large one).
  • Let sit for several hours.
  • If needed, scrub stubborn stains with a brush.
  • Empty can and wipe dry.
  • For an ongoing fresh scent, place a few drops of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil on a cotton ball and put it in the bottom of the trash can before replacing the liner.

2. Stovetop cleaner

Tackle light and heavy degreasing.

  • In a spray bottle or bowl, combine the following:
  • Apply with cloth to remove buildup; when grease is gone, wipe clean with a damp cloth.

3. Garbage disposal refresher

Refresh the disposal with a clean scent!

  • Pour one capful of Thieves Household Cleaner down the disposal.
  • Let sit 5 minutes.
  • Add ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar.
  • Let sit until fizzing stops.
  • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil; pour down the drain.
  • Turn on disposal and run cold water for 30 seconds.
  • Pour 3 drops of Purification® essential oil blend in the disposal for an extra-fresh scent.
Purification essential oil blend

4. Wood cabinet polish

Polish your cabinets and eliminate buildup!

  • In a spray bottle or bowl, mix the following:
  • Apply evenly to cabinets with a damp cloth.
  • If cabinets have heavy buildup, extra scrubbing may be required.

5. Dishwasher cleaner

Clean the inside of the dishwasher!

  • In the bottom of the dishwasher, add the following:
  • Run empty dishwasher through a full cycle. Do not add detergent.

6. Oven scrub

Scrub away baked-on food!

  • In a spray bottle or bowl, mix the following:
    • ½ cup white vinegar
    • ½ capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • ½ tablespoon dish soap
    • 2 drops Thieves® essential oil blend
  • Avoiding the heating elements, sprinkle baking soda liberally on the bottom of the oven, and then spray with Thieves Household Cleaner and vinegar.
  • Let sit until it stops bubbling.
  • Scrub stubborn spots with a sponge.
  • Wipe the rest of the cleaner off with a damp cloth and rinse well, making sure to remove all baking soda
essential oils for colds and congestion

7. Microwave cleaner

Make your microwave sparkle!

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the following:
  • Microwave for 2 minutes.
  • Wipe down the microwave using a damp rag—the heat and steam from the solution in the bowl should make removing grime easy.

8. Stainless steel cleaner

Make the outside of appliances shine like a mirror!

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
    • ½ capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Buff the cleaner into the stainless steel with a damp, lint-free cloth.
  • Wipe off excess with a clean, dry cloth.

Bathroom

9. Soft scrub for porous materials

Polish your bathtubs, toilets, and sinks!

  • In a bowl or spray bottle, mix the following:
    • ½ cup baking soda
    • 5 tablespoons liquid castile soap
    • ½ capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 3 drops Lemon essential oil
  • To use: Apply the mixture with a damp cloth or brush and scrub away.
Lemon essential oil

10. Cleaning fizzies

Remove buildup from toilet bowls and stubborn shower floors!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, combine water, essential oils or blends, and V-6.
3. Pour liquids into a large bowl and whisk together until combined.
4. Use mixture to fill ice cube tray or candy mold about three fourths full. If mixture expands and spills over mold, gently replace into the mold.
5. Let sit overnight to dry in room temperature area. When dry, pop tablets out and store in a glass jar.
6. When needed, put a tablet in the toilet bowl, hard-to-clean bottles, or sink full of dishes to help clean and deodorize. Let tablet sit in bowl, bottle, or sink for 20-30 minutes to fizz and dissolve. Once dissolved, flush or rinse out.

11. Prevent shower soap scum

Get rid of water droplets!

12. Shower head/faucet cleaner

Remove gunk and mineral buildup! 

  • In a plastic bag, mix the following:
    • 1 teaspoon Thieves Household Cleaner
    • ¾ cup white vinegar
  • Attach the full bag to faucets and fixtures with rubber bands.
  • Leave for several hours.
  • Scrub with a coarse brush if needed to remove hard water stains.
  • Rinse well.

13. Shower door deep-clean

Keep your shower doors free from residue!

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
  • Spray liberally onto the surface and scrub with a sponge to remove spots.
  • Rinse well and dry.
Thieves dish soap

Living room

14. Couch and upholstery cleaner

Deodorize and clean minor spots!

  Combine 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 1-2 cups baking soda. Mix well.

  • Let sit for 24 hours to thoroughly combine.
  • Add 5 drops of Lavender essential oil for an extra boost of freshness.
  • Sprinkle lightly over furniture and wait 1 hour.
  • Use a stiff brush and back-and-forth motions to work the cleaner into the fabric; then vacuum up the excess.

Tip: You can also use this technique on car upholstery, mattresses, carpets, and rugs.

15. Ceiling fan cleaner

Wipe off dust and built-up grime!

  • In a spray bottle or bowl, mix the following:
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 2 cups water
  • Wipe dust off fan blades, light fixture, and ceiling mount with a damp cloth.
  • Dip the same cloth in the solution and thoroughly wipe down the blades to remove built-up dust.
  • Dry with a clean cloth.
  • Try this on your air vents, bathroom vents, and anywhere dust gathers!
Lavender essential oil

16. Carpet spot cleaner

Remove spills and spots. 

  • In a spray bottle or bowl, mix the following:
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 6 cups water
  • Mix well, apply to the spot, and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until stain is gone.

Kids

17. Kids’ furniture spray

Keep high chairs, strollers, and changing tables clean! 

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
    • ½ capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 4 cups water
  • Spray liberally onto plastic and metal and wipe clean with a damp cloth or rinse with water.
  • Test a small, discrete spot before applying cleaner to fabrics.

18. Car seat cleaner

Get solid and fabric surfaces of car seats stain free. 

Mix 2 drops of Thieves Household Cleaner with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.

  • Spray plastic and fabric lightly and wipe with a soft cloth.
  • To clean the harness, mix a small amount of baby wash with 2 cups of water.
  • Gently wipe with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid hard scrubbing or soaking.
  • Let everything dry completely before using.

19. Wall art remover

Remove crayon murals from the walls.

  • Apply a splash of Thieves Household Cleaner and 3 drops of Lemon essential oil to a damp rag.
  • Wipe drawings off the walls.
  • Repeat until the art is gone

Multipurpose cleaners

20. “Get it all done” spray

Wipe countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and more.

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 2-3 cups water
  • Spray liberally and wipe with a damp cloth.

21. Glass cleaner

Clean mirrors, windows, windshields, and car windows!

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
  • Spray onto glass and wipe away streaks with a soft cloth.
Citrus Fresh essential oil blend

22. Tile and laminate floor cleaner

Clean tile and laminate floors! 

  • In a bucket, mix the following:
    • 1 tablespoon Thieves Dish Soap
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
    • 1 gallon warm water
  • Use this mixture to mop your tile and laminate floors!

23. Deep cleaning scrub

Scrub stubborn bathroom and kitchen stains.

  • In a glass bowl, mix the following:
    • ½ capful of Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • Form a thin paste.
  • If the cleaner is too thick, add more Thieves Household Cleaner. If it is too runny, add more baking soda.
  • Apply with a clean cloth or a sponge, scrub surface thoroughly, and rinse clean.

24. Whiteboard eraser

Make marker smears disappear.

  • Apply a few drops of Thieves Household Cleaner to a damp washcloth.
  • Wipe board clean.

25. Glasses cleaner

Create a streak-free outlook on life!

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
    • 1/4 cup witch hazel
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 2 drops Thieves Household Cleaner (use a Glass Dropper to get the right amount)
    • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
  • Spray on lenses and wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth.

26. Car interior spray

Get a spotless interior!

  • In a spray bottle, mix the following:
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 2-3 cups water
  • Spray dash, cupholders, console, interior handles, and more! Then wipe with a damp cloth.

27. Wood floor cleaner

Shine and polish hardwood.

  • In a bucket, mix the following:
    • 4 cups water
    • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 5 drops Orange essential oil
  • Mop your wood floors!
Orange essential oil

28. Reusable water bottle rinse

Get the funk out of your water bottle!

  • Pour ½ capful of Thieves Household Cleaner into your bottle and top off with water.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Scrub the inside and outside well; then rinse several times with water.

29. Blinds cleaner

Wipe off dust, fingerprints, and grime!

  • Mix the following in a bowl:
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup white vinegar
  • Use an old sock as a cleaning mitt.
  • Dip the “mitt” into the cleaning solution; go over each slat until they’re all clean.
Health

Myrrh the merrier: 5 unexpected uses for Myrrh essential oil

Myrrh essential oil is as biblical as they come. Literally. With its ancient ties to frankincense and scripture, Myrrh tends to get our focus during holiday and spiritual moments. But did you know that Myrrh offers so much more?

From cuticle care to spring and summer scents, Myrrh is welcome year-round! Read “Myrrh” about the diverse uses for this woody, warm essential oil.

What is Myrrh oil used for?

Opt into oral care

Another surprising Myrrh tip? Add two drops of Myrrh to your toothpaste or mouthwash to elevate your morning and night dental hygiene routine.

Skin for the win

Myrrh is no respecter of skin; it’s truly a friend to all. Concerned about dry skin? Infuse your pre-makeup skin care routine with a drop or two of Myrrh. Bothered by blah skin? Dab on a drop or two of Myrrh to up the hydration in your skin care. Whatever you’re facing with your skin, Myrrh is more than willing to help!

Service sidekick

Myrrh’s gentle, grounding aroma pairs perfectly with planning random acts of kindness. While baking cookies for a friend, diffuse Myrrh. While delivering supplies to your local homeless shelter, swipe on Myrrh. As you celebrate, use Myrrh as a personal perfume while you practice goodwill toward friends.

All-season star

Yes, Myrrh is a merry-must during the holidays, but we’re fans of it all year long. Diffuse these blends during the summer solstice, the fall equinox, and every other month of the year!

Spring: As the rains start to fall and the flowers start to bloom, you’ll need a diffuser blend to accompany those exquisite scents. Mix the fresh-cut fragrances of Geranium and Ylang Ylang with musky Myrrh for a garden-fresh diffuser blend!

2 drops Geranium 2 drops Myrrh 3 drops Ylang Ylang

Summer: The temperatures are rising and all we want to do is cool off with a fan, a glass of sweet citrus something, and a diffuser blend that’s as refreshing as a dip in the pool. Try this one: Blend sunny Lemongrass, tangy Grapefruit, and complex Myrrh.

3 drops Grapefruit 3 drops Lemongrass 2 drops Myrrh

Fall: Leaves are falling and autumnal aromas are calling. Mix together earthy and rich Myrrh with balmy and warm Sacred Sandalwood. Throw in a splash of spunk with Tangerine and you’ve got a blend that’s reminiscent of crispy, chilly days!

2 drops Myrrh 2 drops Sacred Sandalwood 2 drops Tangerine

Winter: Here’s an end-of-year recipe you’ll need! Beat the brr with drops of Myrrh. Feel festive with a touch of Frankincense. Soak in the season’s spirit with Cedarwood. Blend it all together with a bit of Bergamot!

YL tip: Yikes, you’re out of Myrrh! What can you substitute for Myrrh oil? Try Vetiver and Copaiba.