Mouse Repellent

Here's an interesting one for you: make your own mouse repellent.

I know. I kind of raised one eyebrow too. Who makes their own mouse repellent??

Well, you do. If you're looking for even the weirdest ways to save money, here's one of the most unique we've ever offered. Or, if the thought of your two-year-old accidentally ingesting mouse poison freaks you out like it does me, then this is for you. OR, if the thought of a dead mouse in your house (or elsewhere on your property) gives you the willies, then wouldn't you rather REPEL the mice than trap them, poison them, or worse, find one dead? (Cue horror music from the movie, Psycho.)


{Funny side story: I actually called my husband home from work one day and insisted he, .....er..... dispose of a dead mouse I found in our laundry room. True story.}

So, it's pretty simple:

All you need is peppermint oil. Not peppermint fragrance or extract...peppermint essential oil. The good stuff.

Put 5-10 drops in a spray bottle and fill with water. Thoroughly spray the rodent's access and travel points (ie. that mysterious hole in the sheet rock in your garage counts).

That's it.


Phew. That was easy. And I bet it smells pretty good too.

Submitted by Gaeleen. Written by Lindsey @ Penny-wise.

Sanitizing Cloth Diaper Pails

If you use a diaper pail to soak dirty diapers, you might want to try this gentler and greener sanitizing solution. The two best pure essential oils to use for this are Tea Tree and Lavender. Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and has anti-fungal properties.

If using tea tree oil, add five drops to your diaper pail full of water. If using lavender, add five drops to 2/3 bucket of water.

If you do not wash diapers daily, be sure to change the water daily. The essential oils will deodorize your diaper pail.

Some infants and children are sensitive to these oils, so use with caution at first and make sure to wash and rinse diapers thoroughly after soaking in either of these solutions.

NEVER apply these oils directly to a baby or child's skin.

Also be sure your diaper pail has a secure lid and is stored away from where your child plays, as infants and toddlers can drown in even a small amount of water.

For Cloth Sanitary Pads

For those of you using cloth sanitary protection for yourselves, this solution is excellent for soaking cloth pads. Be sure to rinse pads thoroughly before soaking them. Follow the same directions as above.

Written and submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise

Cleaning With Essential Oils

Essential oils are very useful in household cleaning. They're all-natural, chemical- and additive-free, and inexpensive. Some essential oils you might consider for use in your home include:

• Lavender: This essential oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. One of the safest oils, it has calming and relaxing qualities.
• Lemon: Lemon has similar qualities to lavender and has excellent cleansing properties. Often used in furniture products, lemon oil is a grease cutter. It is invigorating to the senses, rather than calming. When considering which lemon essential oil to purchase, be sure to avoid those containing petroleum distillates.
• Eucalyptus: Also a grease cutter, eucalyptus oil is also great for soap scum and countertops. Like lavender, it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Tea tree oil and orange oil are also useful for cutting grease.
• Tea Tree: An excellent antiseptic, this oil can be used for soaking cloth diapers. Use six drops of tea tree oil along with six drops of lavender oil in water. The oil and water should be changed daily.

These essential oils and more can also be used as air purifiers. Simply mix a few drops of the oil of your choice in a spray bottle of water and spritz in the air as necessary. Four to six drops is usually enough; however you should use as much as your personal taste dictates.

Oils to consider for air purifiers are: lemon, thyme, eucalyptus, and/or tea tree oil for germs. Lavender and geranium oils are good for calm and relaxation.

Remember to keep all your mixes away from children, and ALWAYS label your bottles.

Finally, here are two recipes for cleaners we all use everyday:

Disinfecting Spray

2 cups water

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 tsp. tea tree oil

1/4 tsp. lavender oil

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and use wherever you would normally use a disinfecting spray: countertops, sinks, toilet handles and seats, high chairs, trashcans, door knobs and light switches. Shake before use. Test in an inconspicuous area first.

All-Purpose Cleaner

2 Tbsp. Borax

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 cups hot water

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and use for all-purpose cleaning.

IMPORTANT: Pregnant women or anyone with a medical condition should check with a doctor before using essential oils. Used correctly, they are a wonderful addition to the natural home. Essential oils should ALWAYS be diluted in carrier oil or water and SHOULD NOT be applied directly to the skin unless recommended by a qualified practitioner. Always use with caution.

Submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise