When we are set upon cleaning, we rarely think of creating a potion to clean with. But in reality, that is what all cleaning products can be. The fact is that they are either a liquid themselves or a concentrate that you add to water. The fact that this country has so many cleaning products to choose from is mindboggling, and what’s worse is that most of those products are toxic. Thankfully, we do have some nontoxic options, as well. Even still, if you are able and willing making your own, that allows you the opportunity to create exactly what you need for every situation — not only to clean on a weekly basis, but you can also change things up to alter and/or enhance the energy for different seasons or festivals or even for a special spell you have been working.
A wonderful avenue that a lot of people aren’t too familiar with is Hoodoo, an African magical practice that is used for all of life’s situations, which includes cleaning. One of the potions used is China Wash, a all-purpose cleaning concentrate that you can make yourself. There is also Four Thieves Vinegar, plus that wonderful cologne Florida Water. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s take a closer look at the two I mentioned.
As indicated, you can purchase premade China Wash from a Hoodoo Botanica, or else make your own. The finished product has a lemon scent to it; plus, all the ingredients are readily available, with the base being Castille soap, to which is added Murphy Oil Soap, distilled water, citronella and lemon grass essential oils, a pinch of lemon grass, and one broom corn straw.1 The broom corn has much lore behind it, such as healing, luck, prosperity, and protection, for which no good China Wash should be without. To use, you just pour a small amount into your cleaning water. As you were making your China Wash, you would have put in the intentions you wished your whole house to be blessed with as you cleaned. When you are done, not only should the house be lighter, but the smell should also be refreshing, with a warm feeling of home and safety.
Four Thieves Vinegar is said to have been the invention of four grave robbers during the plague. With their families being herbalists of the time, they took different herbs and spices and soaked them in vinegar. After the herbs were done steeping, they soaked their kerchiefs in the vinegar, before covering their nose and mouth with it, which enabled them to steal from the plague victims without succumbing to the plague themselves. The original formula for this vinegar is long lost to history, but in my research, I have found recipes of just garlic, five different herbs, to one (that is most likely close to the original) with thirteen different herbs and spices. In spell work, this vinegar is used in protection magicks and to strengthen spells. As an additive to your cleaning, this would eliminate all sorts of nasty germs and keep your home clean and smelling fresh and disinfected.
These are just two that I’ve mentioned; there is no reason why you can’t make up your own cleaning potions, such as a furniture polish, or specific sprays for different rooms, although I think the vinegar would work in both kitchen and bathroom with no problem.
There are so many books out there on natural cleaning, and any of those recipes can be very easily adapted to a witchy formula, or you can just glean the recipes for inspiration and use ingredients that will help keep your house clean with the scents you enjoy. As mentioned, there is also the possibility to change your formulas to go with the seasons or festivals themselves. You would only make small amounts for the festivals, changing with the season will bring more of the outside into your home. The possibilities are endless.
May this give you some inspiration to create your own cleaning products for your magical home.
Many Blessings!
High Elder Redhawk
1This recipe comes from Sticks, Stones, Root & Bones, Hoodoo, Mojo & Conjuring with Herbs, Stephanie Rose Bird, Llewellyn, 2017, ISBN: 9780738702759.
