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DIY Thieves Household Cleaner

November 11, 2014 By Jennifer 50 Comments

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Since we’ve been using essential oils more and more in our daily lives, I knew I wanted to start making my own homemade products.  A DIY Thieves Household Cleaner was the first thing I wanted to make and it’s so easy. I also love that it’s less expensive to make your own and you can have control over what goes in it. If you’ve followed my blog for long, you know I care about the food we put into our bodies at our house. So it only makes sense for us to take it to the next level and start replacing all the chemicals we are using around the house.

Most of us assume that the products we are using in our home are safe, but that is not the case. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that cleaning supplies have hidden toxins such as ammonia, lye, and chlorine. These ingredients can cause external irritation, and are harmful if inhaled. You can cut these chemicals by making your own cleaning supplies and that is exactly what I’m starting to do.

Some really cool background info on Thieves. I love this story!

Thieves was created based on research about four thieves in France who covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing plague victims. In the Late Middle Ages, Europe was devastated by the Bubonic Plague, which killed a third of the human population. Out of this period, a legend emerged of four thieves who were captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims. When the thieves were tried, the officials offered a lighter sentence if they would reveal how they didn’t contract the horribly contagious disease.

Thieves Oil, developed by Young Living, is inspired by this story. Thieves essential oil is a proprietary blend of cinnamon, clove, lemon, rosemary, and eucalyptus therapeutic grade essential oils. It smells insanely good!

 

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We started with just diffusing Thieves oil or applying it topically to help support a healthy immune system. I am now also using the amazing Thieves to make this non-toxic spray for all my cleaning tasks around the house. I love it, feel great using it and my house smells incredible! I’m using it to clean counters, clean toddler toys, anything that needs cleaning – Thieves has it covered. Such a versatile essential oil – I’m in love!

The basic Thieves all-purpose spray solution for cleaning around the home is this:

1 drop of thieves essential oil for each ounce of water, or for a stronger solution, 1 drop for every 1/2 ounce of water.

Add the thieves oil first, then add water. It mixes better that way. Shake vigorously before each use. You can use this basic recipe or change it up by adding vinegar or castile soap.

I have a 16 oz bottle I use in the home – like this one:

These are my new favorite glass bottles, I love the blue color and the reusable chalk labels are just SO CUTE!

AND it’s great to have the cleaner in smaller bottles to carry with you. I clean shopping carts, high chairs, toilet seats, basically anything that needs cleaning out there 😉 with these bottles – like these:


4.5 from 11 reviews
Print
DIY Thieves Household Cleaner
Author: Jennifer Strohmeyer
Recipe type: Non-Toxic All-purpose Cleaner
 
Ingredients
Basic Thieves Cleaner:
  • 1 drop of thieves essential oil for each ounce of water
or
  • 1 drop for every ½ ounce of water (for a stronger solution)
Variation 1: Makes 8 oz.
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 8-16 drops thieves essential oil
Variation 2: Makes 8 oz.
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons castile soap
  • 8-16 drops thieves essential oil
Instructions
  1. Pour thieves essential oil into a dark glass spray bottle.
  2. Add remaining ingredients.
  3. Shake well before use.
  4. Store in a cool, dark place.
3.2.2807

 

Looking to learn more about essential oils or to get a Young Living Essential Oils Starter Kit at a fabulous price? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Click HERE to learn more and get you some Thieves Oil!

XOXO,

Jennifer

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Filed Under: Essential Oils, Natural Home Tagged With: DIY homemade thieves cleaner

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Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:26 am

    we are absolutely loving essential oils around here, so glad we started using them too =)

    Reply
  2. Barbara Hoyer says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Wow! I’ve heard of the oil, but didn’t know the story. How fascinating!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:46 am

      Hi Barbara! I know such an interesting story!! =)

      Reply
  3. Tea Fijala says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:52 am

    I love everything that is homemade and everything related to diy. I will try this one.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:46 am

      Let me know what you think! =)

      Reply
  4. tamaralikecamera says

    November 12, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    I started reading this yesterday and I was interrupted before I could leave a comment! Kids!
    I love Young Living and I never knew the many uses of the oils. I have the Peace & Calm one and I keep it at my desk for stress breaks. I think it works nicely.
    What’s funny is that the cats are obsessed with it and rub by it and always smell very nice after.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      November 12, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      I am loving learning all about them and I can’t wait to share it all with you guys! I’m having so much fun with it all! YL has a lot of really cool products, check out their website…I’m loving the ART skincare line right now and I have Ningxia Juice coming next month =) xoxo

      Reply
    • JoEllen says

      October 19, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Can you mix with Hydrogen Peroxide ?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 29, 2015 at 12:43 pm

        I have never done that, not sure, I will ask around!

        Reply
  5. Dana says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:23 pm

    I have switched out all my cleaners to all natural ones, but a DIY one is even better. I will definitely check out the oils. What an interesting story about the origin of Thieves – thanks for the history lesson!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      November 13, 2014 at 5:51 am

      I love making my own, it’s really so easy. I’m going to share a lemon oil version one next…there are so many uses for the oils and I can’t wait to share it with you all…it’s been so life-changing around here…message me if you have any questions! xoxo

      Reply
  6. chocolaterunnergirl says

    March 28, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Thanks for the recipe! I’ve been looking for a good one to use with my thieves oil! Love it!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      March 29, 2015 at 8:25 am

      you are very welcome!! =)

      Reply
      • Mary Bennetch says

        November 29, 2017 at 1:19 pm

        Do u have to use glass bottles?

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          April 19, 2018 at 12:49 pm

          yes! the EO can eat away at plastic 😉

          Reply
  7. kathryn says

    April 3, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Is this a leave on cleaner, or do you have to wipe it off like a traditional all purpose cleaner?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      April 4, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      I wipe it off like a traditional cleaner =)

      Reply
  8. Michele says

    April 22, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    What type of water to do you use? Distilled, tap or purified?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      April 24, 2015 at 7:53 am

      I just use tap water for mine =)

      Reply
      • Tracy says

        March 12, 2016 at 8:43 pm

        Thanks! I’ve been searching and searching for ehat kind of what to use.

        Reply
  9. Melisse says

    May 25, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    I just used this cleaner recipe, and am officially a Thieves lover now. I only made one cup, because I only had a plastic spray bottle and wanted to use it all. It was enough to damp clean 2 bathroom floors, 1 bedroom laminate floor, and the kitchen floor. Then, I still had enough left over to soak a washcloth and did bathroom sink fixtures, stove, appliance fronts, refrigerator doors/handles, all door handles (including cabinet knobs), and one large (now sparkling) glass light fixture. I was impressed with how far I felt I could stretch it. I wasn’t the least bit worried about the dogs (or me) breathing any fumes, or the dogs incidentally licking the floor. AND, instead of smelling like heavy cleaners or bleach, my house smells pleasant with hints of cinnamon and clove. LOVE IT!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      May 27, 2015 at 7:36 pm

      it’s the best!!! thanks for sharing! =)

      Reply
  10. Sumanth Saha says

    February 16, 2016 at 6:11 am

    The best part about the DIY Thieves Household Cleaner is that it is affordable and easy to make at home with a blend of your own choices. I love the fact that it is completely chemical free and this helps me keep my house safe from any sort of illness and also improves the ambience of a home to a great extent.

    Reply
  11. Marita G says

    February 16, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    It’s unfortunate that we do not have Thieves oil where I’m from, but I do love the idea of making your own anything. DIY using organic and natural materials is great because you know every single thing that goes into whatever you’re making. You know it’s safe. Maybe I could whip something out of ginger, lemongrass, lemon, even the herbs included in Thieves to come up with my own cleaning concoction. Ha ha!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      March 18, 2016 at 9:10 am

      I know I’m probably going to get sent to Essential Oil prison for this comment but do you have a Walmart where you live?
      If so check in the pharmacy section on the aisle with all of the vitamins. They actually carry Natures Bounty brand essential oils. They have all of the main EOs or at least Peppermint, lavender, Eucalyptus, chamomile, lemongrass, jasmine, & Rosemary. They also have their own Thieves blend that is called “Thrive”…
      I know it’s not Young Living (which is what I always use ) but I have used them quite a few times when I was in a pinch financially (they are $5.97 per bottle here) or waiting on my order to arrive.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        June 17, 2016 at 11:10 am

        I have done the same thing. Their thrive blend is awesome. I can’t afford young living oils. Another one to use that has the same ingredients as young living is the Now brand oil called Natures Shield. I get it on amazon and it comes out to being even cheaper than the natures bounty and it’s awesome. Smells just like thieves by young living. I love NOW oils. They are very good quality.

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          June 30, 2016 at 3:26 pm

          Thanks for sharing!! I have tried other brands of oils and I’m sensitive(get headaches from them) to most of them but the young living oils don’t do anything like that to me but only help me, I do believe they are some of the purest oils out there from my own experience~

          Reply
  12. Maria says

    February 16, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    I have heard of (and used) several essential oils, but have not heard of the Thieves essential oil. Quite an interesting story! I love homemade cleaners and this is something I must try. I have used a combination of water, vinegar and lemon essential oil, but this sounds better.

    Reply
  13. kevin M says

    February 16, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    I wonder if the 4 thieves is a reference to 4 of the most important herbs in this recipe. Herbs are so much better than chemicals.

    Reply
  14. vrimee says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:54 am

    DIY Thieves Household Cleaner seems a very different product. The name itself is very catchy. Can it be used for cleaning kitchen countertops and sinks? Can it be used to remove the stains on carpet?

    Reply
  15. Lakeyia says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:31 am

    Oh wow I have never heard of this oil, but this is so fascinating. I am happy to see that we can make things out of simple stuff. I would love to make some homemade cleaners for my home, because some of the cleaners you buy are strong as all outside.

    Reply
  16. Agnes Magdaraog says

    February 17, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Anything organic is safe, basically. But we do must remember we gotta use it in moderation and with the right quantity, mixtures etc..I would love to try that Thieves and perhaps see around some specialty organic shops if they do have here in the Philippines. But currently, what I am using as a DIY household cleaner, is lemon of course, which is really in abundant supply in my area, also its great with hands and body as well. Charcoal to eliminate such bad odors also having plants inside the house, helps a lot to combat such unwanted smells and also provides artistic natural elements as part of the interiors.

    Reply
  17. JL says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    That is quite an interesting product. I’m all for the natural stuff. Unlike the usual cleaning chemicals I purchase, I won’t have to worry much about having such things around the house. Although, this article would be more helpful if the price and availability information are already included. Links can be such a pain sometimes. Then again, thank you for sharing this info!

    Reply
  18. Stacy says

    February 18, 2016 at 4:27 am

    Great recipe and tutorial for safe household cleaner. I have been thinking about converting to more environmental and household friendly products for a while now. And now is the time to take the plunge!

    Reply
  19. Harriot S. says

    February 23, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    I’ve never heard of this thieves household cleaner. I really have to try this, sounds very useful!

    Reply
  20. Homegrown Adventures says

    March 14, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    I have been thinking about learning to make organic cleaning product for awhile now. I’ll look into thieves. Thanks for inspiring. You always encourage me to better myself. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Susan Cox says

    May 2, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    I have just purchased a bottle. Can you use this on Wood Service? Can you tell me what I can use it on.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      June 30, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      I use it on my wood floors but I would test an area first just be sure 😉

      Reply
  22. Deeree98 says

    July 13, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    I’d like to make a Thieves concentrate to dilute further to mop floors. Is this the recipe above or is it just for a spray cleaner already diluted? Any help on a concentrate?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      August 10, 2016 at 5:29 pm

      I’m not really sure, sorry but I can ask around! 😉

      Reply
  23. Stephanie Delp says

    January 31, 2017 at 5:39 am

    I used your variation 2 recipe. I used 1 cup of filtered water. Then I used 2 tsp of Cover pure & vegan castile soap. Then I used 16 drops of Vivorific Triple defense. It’s the closest to thieves that I have on hand. I washed the kitchen floors & some of the hard wood floors also. Floors dried up nice and are not sticky when you walk on them. My bf loves this scent. He has a sensitive nose and this scent doesn’t bother him at all. It’s a strong oil and you don’t need a lot at all. Thanks for the recipe. I love it!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 31, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      Awesome Stephanie! Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

      Reply
  24. tfthemovie1986.com says

    June 3, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    Typically I can use my Thieves Household Cleaner to clean most everything, but sometimes I need a little more quot;muscle.

    Reply
  25. Brenda says

    December 13, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    I have recently started using essential oils. And, now I have realized how many benefits do they have.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 15, 2018 at 4:13 pm

      awesome, glad you enjoy using essential oils, I love using mine!

      Reply
  26. Anna Snedker says

    March 30, 2020 at 10:17 pm

    When you ve got a very curious toddler who doesn t like hearing no, it gives me such peace knowing I don t worry about Owen getting in the cabinets under the sink. Since we switched to all non-toxic products I m calmer when I suddenly realize it s silent! For the most part, you use Thieves cleaner like you would any other typical household cleaner. Spray it on and wipe it clean with a paper towel. I use the all-purpose spray nearly everyday on our countertops and on our marble dining room table. I even use it on wood too and have had no issues.

    Reply
    • Wordpress says

      May 30, 2020 at 5:34 pm

      awesome and I agree!!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Essential Oils | THE KITCHEN REVOLUTION says:
    June 5, 2015 at 6:01 am

    […] Thieves Cleaner – Stretch Mark Cream – Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream […]

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  2. Carrier Blog says:
    April 15, 2017 at 5:19 am

    Do You Love Making Your Own Diy

    […] ant supply in my area, also its great with hands and body as well. Charcoal to e […]

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  3. The 6 Must Have Essential Oils for Beginners - A Sip of Truth says:
    April 4, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    […] Thieves Cleaning Spray (you can use Thieves Household Cleaner or make this spray with any brand of “Thieves” oil) – recipe from Pure Thyme […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Jennifer, Welcome to Pure Thyme! This is my recipe blog where I share my love for food that is healthy, simple and delicious. Here is where you will find inspiration to have fun, live well, and find balance in your life!

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