It is time for Spring cleaning so we can spend more time outside when the gardening season gets in full swing.

What herbs do you use around the house for cleaning, refreshing or keeping pests away?

I occasionally pick random herbs (in bloom or not) for a kitchen bouquet. They look quite pretty, smell lovely, and most will deter at least one kind of bug. I like to keep my doors open as often as possible, but my desire for fresh air versus the annoyance of flying insects is a fine line. I don't use screens - they make me crazy as my vision is already compromised. They do make good racks for drying herbs though...

Here's a list of herbs I've found that have anti bactieral, anti fungal , anti septic and antiviral properties which make them good for cleaning around the house.
Basil
Bay
Cardamom
Clove
Coriander
Eucalyptus
Ginger
Lavender
Lemongrass
Oregano
Peppermint
Rose geranium
Rosemary
Spearmint
Sage
Thyme

I have used cedar leaf tea in my laundry and found it brightens and softens towels and I don't need to use fabric softener at all.

Mindy, how do you make your cedar leaf tea? And when/where do you add it - in the wash machine softener spot? How much do you add? I usually add vinegar to the oxy-whatever spot. I may also experiment with home-made detergents for the wash machine. I love the idea of adding herbs to the simmering process for both fragrance and cleaning properties. Thanks for the list.

I make it using cedar needles then pour boiling water over them. If you just want to try one load I'd use maybe 1/4 cup of the cedar needles to one cup of water. Let it cool to room temperature then strain.
I use liquid deer gent so just use the cap to measure the cedar tea. It can be added to the wash cycle via the bleach dispenser or to the rinse cycle via the softener cup. Doesn't seem to make much just difference so I usually opt for the wash cycle.
I haven't tried this on fancy clothes so you might want to skip it for that but it works great on towels and the dogs blankets.

Thanks, I'll give it a whirl. We have lots of native cedar available.

I love the information you share with us, Mindy. I have some recipes for herbal cleaning products that I will share as soon as I have a little time. I love using natural products if I can.

You are welcome Linda.
Just giving everyone more reasons to grow herbs.

More herbs to use in your cleaning
Bergamot
Clary sage
Rose geranium
Cinnamon
Fir
Juniper
Lemon
Myrrh
Nutmeg
Orange
Pine
Spruce
Tea tree
Yang ylang