Let’s talk about how I was able to save a lot more money, improve my family’s health and be kind to the planet.
No worries, I won’t tell you about a miracle supplement, there is no huge start-up cost to implement this information, and I’m betting it will work for you too.
The secret: I started making my own cleaners.
I will be the first to admit, I am not the best housekeeper on the planet, but, I do like a clean house, and it really bothers me when I do not have a clean house.
Once my three boys were old enough to do chores, I looked forward to the help. I didn’t care if the chores were done thoroughly; I knew my kids would learn in time and I saw the light of a shiny clean house at the end of the tunnel, until I saw my youngest child with a bottle of bathroom cleaner in his hand.
My child that had severe asthma! I thought he might die from an asthma attack or maybe cancer later and these thoughts were intensified by the fact that he always used twice as much of the product as necessary. I grabbed the bottle from him and told him he was no longer allowed to use cleaners, because they are a cesspool of toxic chemicals.
Getting help with the chores did not work out the way I had planned; I would have to clean all the bathrooms myself. Then I realized I was using the same cleaner I had snatched from my child, and I was putting myself in the same jeopardy that I just rescued him from. Something had to change!
With a bit of research, I tested and found my solution. I could make my own cleaners! This was a win–win for everyone in my family. I got help with household cleaning, my kids were safe from toxic cleaners, and my oldest got to pretend he was a chemist as he tested new recipes.
And the pleasant side-note to this story: this change saved my family a ton of money! It turns out homemade cleaners are the cheapest and the best working cleaners around. Oh yeah, and we are helping to save the planet because the cesspool of toxic chemicals does not wind up in the sewer system, soak into the ground, or contribute to pollution caused by their production.
1. Laundry Detergent
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1 bar soap
Shred bar of soap in a food processor or with a grater, then mix all ingredients together
2. Furniture Polish
- 1 T lemon oil
- 1 pint mineral oil
Wipe furniture with a damp cloth. Apply with a dry cloth.
3. All Purpose Cleaner
- ½ cup vinegar
- 2 cups water distilled water
- 20 drops of your favorite essential oil (I like Lavender)
Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle.
4. Laminate Wood Floor Cleaner
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup alcohol
- 1 cup water
- 5-10 drops essential oil – I use lavender or peppermint
Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle.
5. Glass Cleaner
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle.
6. Bathroom Scrub
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup liquid soap
- ¼ cup white vinegar
Mix all ingredients together in a Mason jar or plastic bottle.
7. Homemade Fabric Refresher
- ½ cup distilled water
- 24 drops Shield oil
Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle.
