Make it yourself = Save $$

One of my goals lately has been to get rid of some of our standard cleaners that we use around the house and make them!  Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about this project mainly because I wasn’t sure that homemade cleaners would really get the job done. And being a bit OCD, there’s no way I would use something that doesn't perform well.

So....here is a list of my favorite recipes for homemade cleaners and DIY homemade cleaning solutions.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

• 1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (NOT BAKING SODA)
• 1/2 cup Borax
• 1 bar of Ivory Soap
• Water
• Bucket (2 Gallon or larger)
• Empty laundry detergent containers or bucket with lid for storage

Grate the entire bar of Ivory Soap over a large pot or saucepan, and add 6 cups of water.  Heat over medium-high heat until soap dissolves and melts.  Add washing soda and Borax and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.  Pour 4 cups hot water into bucket, then add soap mixture.  Stir, then add 1 gallon + 6 cups of additional water.  Stir.  Transfer into a bucket with a lid, or pour into empty laundry detergent containers.  Let sit for 24 hours to thicken.  Stir or shake before each use.

Original recipe from The FrugalGirls

Homemade Fabric Softener

• 6 cups HOT water
• 3 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups of favorite conditioner

Mix conditioner and hot water well, until conditioner is dissolved completely.  Add the vinegar, and mix well.  Store in a large sealable container.  (I use an old fabric softener bottle)

Original recipe from The FrugalGirls

Homemade Shower Cleaner

• 12 oz  white vinegar
• 12 oz Dawn dish soap

Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle. Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate.  You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything. Just spray it on, scrub, rinse and be amazed. For tough soap scum build-up, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight. Then, scrub and rinse.

Original recipe from Food.com

Homemade Glass Cleaner

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup whit vinegar
• 2 to 3 drops Dawn Dish Soap
• Empty Spray Bottle

Combine water, vinegar, and dish soap in an empty spray bottle.  Gently shake.  Ta da, you're done!!

Original recipe came from a friend.

Other ways to save money with household chores:

• cut dryer sheets in half
• use vinegar as a rinse aid in dishwasher

GOT A MONEY SAVING TIP?

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