Looking to create your own natural DIY with lemon and essential oils? With just a few simple ingredients like lemons, essential oils, and pantry staples, you can make everything from all-purpose cleaners to luxurious body butters. Whether you’re passionate about eco-living, reducing toxins, or saving money, this guide is your go-to starting point.
Why Go Natural?
Commercial products are often packed with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Switching to natural ingredients like tea tree oil, lemon oil, coconut oil, and castile soap can help reduce skin irritations, environmental impact, and even your grocery bill.
Must-Have Ingredients for Natural DIY Projects
Here’s a curated list of ingredients and tools, many of which are available at stores like AC Moore, natural health shops, or online:
Base Oils & Butters
- Coconut oil – Antibacterial and deeply moisturizing
- Olive oil – Rich in antioxidants, great for skin and hair
- Grapeseed oil – Light and nourishing
- Almond oil – Soothing for sensitive skin
- Shea butter & Cocoa butter – Perfect for creamy body butters
- Vitamin E oil or capsules – Preserves shelf life and nourishes skin
Essential Oils
- Lemon oil – Natural disinfectant, uplifting scent
- Tea tree oil – Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Household Staples for Cleaning
- Baking soda – Deodorizes and gently scrubs
- Washing soda – Stronger cleaner for tough grime
- White vinegar – Cuts grease and shines surfaces
- Borax – Natural booster for laundry and cleaning
- Lemon juice – Disinfects and adds freshness
Cosmetic & Craft Supplies
- Castile soap – Mild and versatile base for soaps and cleaners
- Sea salt & Cornstarch – Exfoliating and softening agents
- Beeswax & Emulsifying wax – Binds oils and water for lotions and balms
- Glass jars, spritz bottles, and containers – For storing your DIY creations
- Granulated wax (various colors), wick assemblies – For candle making
- Regular toothpaste (no whitening/tartar control) – Used in some DIY cleaners
3 Simple DIY Recipes to Try Today
1. All-Natural Lemon Surface Cleaner
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 10 drops lemon oil
- Optional: 1 tsp castile soap
Mix and pour into a spritz bottle. Shake before each use. Great for countertops, sinks, and more!
2. Whipped Shea & Lemon Body Butter
- ½ cup shea butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 10 drops lemon oil
- 1 capsule vitamin E oil
Melt butters, cool slightly, then whip until fluffy. Store in a glass jar and use within 3 months.
3. Tea Tree & Baking Soda Deodorant
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops lemon oil
Mix all ingredients and store in a small container. Apply a pea-sized amount as needed.
Where to Buy Your Ingredients
You can find many of these items at AC Moore, local craft stores, natural markets, or online. Buying in bulk saves money and helps you stock up for future DIY projects.
Final Thoughts
Embracing natural ingredients like lemons, essential oils, and common pantry items not only promotes wellness but also empowers you to control what goes on and into your body. Start small, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating your own health-conscious products!
