In the current economic landscape, now is a better time than ever to use essential oils to  create homemade household products. Drop by drop, you can learn to replace many store bought items with a DIY substitute. For example, let’s say you're used to placing a shiny and  colorful gel packet into your dishwasher each day. What if, after stocking up on a few supplies  in bulk, you could begin creating your own dishwasher detergent, eliminating the need to run  out to the store for yet another bag of those gel packs? 

To branch out and make DIY Dishwasher Detergent, you’ll need: 

• 1 cup super washing soda  

• 1 cup baking soda 

• 1 cup salt 

• 1/2 cup citric acid 

• 1 glass mason jar, size 32 ounces 

• 30 drops dōTERRA® Lemon  

Combine all dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Add essential oil drops and mix well, making sure  there are no clumps. Pour into 32 oz glass jar for storage. When ready to use, place 1  tablespoon of mixture into the soap dispenser in your dishwashing machine.  

This essential oil detergent takes advantage of the refreshing aroma and powerful cleansing  properties of Lemon oil, making your dishes smell lovely. And it only takes a few minutes to  make, once you’ve located the basic ingredients. Hint: super washing soda is 100% sodium  

carbonate, and once you stock it in your home, you’ll be able to use it for other applications as  well. The same goes for citric acid, another exceedingly useful item that most people just don’t  keep in their homes. Fortunately for us, in these days of online shopping, we don’t have to be  frustrated scouring store shelves for new-to-us DIY ingredients.  

Our other May money saver idea involves another must-have item that can get expensive,  depending on the quality and quantity that your household requires. Once again, investing in a  few basic ingredients via your favorite online retailer can set you up to be more self-sufficient  when it’s time to replace something as practical as body wash. 

To create Your Blend Body Wash, you’ll need: 

• 8 ounce glass pump bottle (larger if you plan to double or triple recipe) • 1/2 cup unscented castile soap 

• 4 tablespoons vegetable glycerin (to thicken mixture and promote a good lather) • 3 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil 

• 10 drops of your favorite dōTERRA oils 

Combine ingredients into glass pump bottle, then add desired essential oils. Shake to combine,  and note that ingredients will separate; you will need to shake before each use.  

Let this body wash, uniquely scented by you, wake up your senses in the morning or calm  them down at night. For ideas on where to start with an uplifting aroma, try Peppermint,  Grapefruit, Eucalyptus, Lime, or another favorite citrus oil. For a more relaxing experience, try  Lavender, Bergamot, Geranium, or Roman Chamomile.

If the thought of investing in the ingredients for these recipes intimidates you, you might want  to consider setting up a make-and-take event where your guests each contribute a small  amount to the cost of supplies and then bring home their DIY creations. Of course, you’ll want  to send them home with the recipes so that they can replicate the event with their friends,  continuing to share the practical gift of dōTERRA within their own circles. I hope these money saving ideas inspire you to new ways of economizing every drop!