There’s something about summer that makes me crave lightness, especially after the May rains and all the mud that Penny (our rescue dog) drags into the house. I enjoy opening windows and cleaning countertops. I love it when the scent of lemon and lavender lingers in the air. Maybe it’s the sunshine or the fact that June always feels like a fresh start—like the second chapter of the year, waiting to be rewritten. That’s why one of my favorite Prep & Plan rituals is my annual Summer House Refresh.
But instead of stocking up on harsh store-bought cleaners, I make my own. These DIY summer cleaning supplies are simple, effective, and smell like the inside of a romance novel—equal parts floral, citrus, and nostalgia. So since it’s Saturday morning when I’m writing this post, let’s clean like the heroine who just inherited a cottage and the hero is stopping by to help paint the porch swing.
Great for: Counters, mirrors, bathroom surfaces, appliances
You’ll need:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Peels from 2-3 lemons or oranges
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
To make:
Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and let it sit for 3–5 days. Strain out the peels and rosemary, then pour the infused vinegar mix into a spray bottle.
Use: Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Enjoy the spa-fresh scent!
Citrus & Rosemary All-Purpose Spray
Great for: Bedding, curtains, couches, even yoga mats
You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 3/4 cup distilled water
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- Small spray bottle
To make:
Mix everything in a bottle, shake well, and spritz as needed. Shake before each use.
Use: Spray on linens before bed for a relaxing, clean scent. I also spritz it on my office chair when writing my more intense romantic suspense scenes!
Lavender Mint Linen Spray
Great for: Kitchen sinks, bathtubs, stubborn gunk
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons castile soap (unscented or citrus)
- 10 drops lemon or sweet orange or grapefruit essential oil
To make:
Mix into a paste and store in a small glass jar.
Use: Apply with a sponge, scrub gently, and rinse well. Leaves your sink sparkling and your bathroom smelling like a citrus grove.
Sunshine Scrub: Natural Sink & Tub Cleaner
Floor Cleaner That Smells Like Heaven
Great for: Tile, vinyl, laminate (not wood!)
You’ll need:
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 5 drops lemon oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus or tea tree oil
To make:
Combine in a bucket. No rinsing needed unless your floors are super sensitive.
Use: Mop with a microfiber mop head and enjoy how the scent lingers.
DIY Dusting Spray
Great for: Wood furniture and shelves
You’ll need:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 drops cedarwood or orange essential oil
To make:
Shake before each use to combine the oil. Spray lightly onto a cloth and wipe down surfaces.
Use: Brings out the natural shine and smells like your favorite historical romance library scene.
Tips for the DIY Cleaner Newbie
- Use amber glass spray bottles to preserve essential oil potency
- Label your bottles (you think you’ll remember which is which… but you won’t. At least I never do.)
- Test a small patch if you’re unsure how a surface will react
- Make it an event: open the windows, play your favorite playlist, and pretend you’re the heroine in your favorite RomCom movie
Clean House, Clear Mind, Happy Heart
There’s a quiet kind of joy in creating a space that feels fresh, lived-in, and loved. And when that space smells like citrus and lavender and you’ve made it yourself? Even better.
So whether you’re cleaning because you’ve got a guest (or a fictional hero) arriving, or you just want to feel a little more peaceful in your everyday, these DIY recipes are my go-to summer refresh essentials.
