My Homemade Cleaners

[Kari3110]

There are so many great things about homemade cleaning supplies and it is extremely simple. I didn't start doing this to save money, but rather to ensure that my girls were exposed to as few chemicals as possible. The side effect, for me, was a HUGE savings :0)

A couple notes: 1.) vinegar will become the most important staple in your house. In cleaning supplies, it is a disinfectant. In the laundry, it is a fabric softner. In your hair, it is a conditioner. It only smells like vinegar until it dries, then it smells clean...not fragrant though. 2.) Tea Tree Essential Oil is not vital in my recipes, but it really enhances the strength of the vinegar. Tea tree oil is an antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and a couple more anti's that aren't coming to me right now :) A little bit goes a long way. Small amounts will not harm you, your children, or your pets...but don't leave the bottle within reach of the kids because large amounts can have negative effects. 3.) There are a ton of recipes for cleaning and laundry, but the ones I use are SIMPLE and FAST...I'm busy, ya know? So, give these a whirl, and if they don't work for you, at least you have a starting point.

All-Purpose cleaner: I use a plastic spray bottle I picked up at the grocery store. Fill it 1/2 full of vinegar and the rest with hot/warm water (the heat helps the ingredients mix, no need to keep it warm). Add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil. I use this in the bathroom and kitchen. Leave it soak in the bathtub for a few a few minutes. Also, using baking soda in the tub works well as a soft scrub.

Toilet: I just dump straight vinegar in the bowl, then sprinkle baking soda before I use my scrubber.

Windows/mirrors: 1/2 water, 1/4 vinegar & 1/4 rubbing alcohol

Floors: A bucket of hot/warm water, some vinegar (whatever I feel like that day) and 10 drops Lemon essential oil (or tea tree). I have hardwood, tile and linoleum floors...this works for all of them.

Laundry detergent: 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup shredded bar soap (castille or Ivory are best). Use 1 cup if you have a top loading washer or 1/4 cup if you have an HE washer.

Fabric softner: 1/8 cup - 1/4 cup vinegar

Dusting polish: equal parts water and vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 5-10 drops lemon essential oil

Hope this helps!!