I remember back in the good old days (10 years ago) when the only thing I had to spend my money on was clothes and handbags, and the occasional Sonic treat. Oh the life.
But now I am a real life grownup and have to spend my money on boring things like insurance and cleaning products. Boo. I don’t like either one of those things.
Anyway, I don’t know why I am saying all that, except for the fact that I am learning and trying and relearning about how to be frugal with my cleaning products.
I guess it is part of my quest to simplify my home.
I am trying to spend less, and use less chemicals. And I could use whatever advice anyone has to help me do so.
So far, this is what I am working with:
Water/Vinegar Solution - I’ve been replacing most of the chemicals in the house with this. Except for Windex, because I can’t find anything else that is streak-free. .
Baking Soda – Instead of Comet. I am mixing it with vinegar for some of the tougher grime. And I like the bubbliness that happens with that combination. It makes me feel like a science teacher:)
Laundry Detergent – I’ve made my own, and I am pretty much loving it so far. 3 bars of gated Ivory soap, 3 cups Borax, 3 cups washing soda. And (this is really important) I think it looks a lot cuter than my usual container of Tide.
Reusable Rags- Instead of paper towels. I keep paper towels around, but I try not to use them very often. (This reminds me of my mom, who once snapped at my brother-in-law for using a napkin to clean something up. She’s funny like that.)
Here’s a few links that have helped me out:
Cleaning Products: Are you spending more than needed?
Any of you other homemakers have any great ideas as far as getting your frugal on and simplifying your cleaning products?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Simplifying & Frugal Cleaning
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Well, this one may surprise you, but salt actually has a lot of cleaning uses, and it's definitely frugal and natural! I found this page a while back at the Salt Institute that lists all kinds of cleaning uses for salt, including removing stains, brightening fabric colors and more. Who knew??
ReplyDeleteWell now I'm inspired. Couple of questions...where do you get borax and washing powder? And do you grate your own soap? How much in each load and does it work well in cold water? Ok more than a couple but would really like to try this.
ReplyDeleteMy Walmart didn't carry either one, but I was able to find both at a local grocery store. Also, I noticed my Target does carry Borax. Each are just a couple of bucks or so. The washing soda is made by Arm & Hammer, it looks like baking soda, but in a yellow box. I used about 1/4 C, and have found it works fine in cold water. And yep, I just grated the bars of soap on my chesse grader. I have heard of others using their food processer, too.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely inspiring. I've been switching to the vinegar/water, too, as my other stuff runs out, but I'll have to try the laundry soap! I already have the borax. Bought it so the girls could make this cool slime: http://mulberryspot.blogspot.com/2010/01/homemade-slime.html. I'm sure the boys would love it, too! Might keep them from coloring their *ahem* bodies with marker. :-)
ReplyDeletemy biggest issue would be whether or not the laundry soap smells purty. but i love your container!
ReplyDeleteThe best and cheapest way I have found to clean windows is just plain soapy dishwater. Soap up your windows with rag and then wipe off with a dry towel. Works like a charm!
ReplyDeleteSheri