Mix away...

Now that you have the basics you can start creating some new cleaners....

The first homemade cleaner I tried making was laundry detergent. We all wash clothes, we all have our preferences of liquid vs. powder. I have always preferred liquid, and so I started here, however I do plan to try the powder recipe I have soon and I will report back. This one here is a liquid detergent, the consistency will be quite gel like, but it works great. I add a scoop full of oxiclean to a load that is particularly grimey,

Homemade Laundry Detergent

You will need:

1/3 bar of Fels Naptha
1/2 C. Washing Soda
1/2 C. Borax Powder
box grater and the 2 gallon bucket

Grate the 1/3 of the Fels Naptha Bar and put the shavings in a  large saucepan, add 6 cups of water and heat until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and borax and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. At this point you can add a couple of drops of essential oils, lavender & eucalyptus are nice. Pour 4 cups of hot water into the bucket. Add the soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon + 6 cups of water and stir again. Put the lid on the bucket and let sit for 24 hours. You will use 1/2 C. per load.
You may feel the need to stir this from time to time, but it is typical for it to be in gel form.

Homemade Glass Cleaner

1 cup Water
1/4 cup White Vinegar
2 to 3 drops Dawn Dish Soap
Empty Spray Bottle

Combine all ingredients in spray bottle. This is an amazing glass cleaner. Some people find the scent of the vinegar off-putting but rest assured it does disapate over time. In addition to this awesome glass cleaner another cost saving tip I have is using re-useable rags for your cleaning. I prefer the "bar mops" or plain white washcloths. The benefit clearly is you can wash them and used them over and over, I bleach them from time to time keep them clean. If you prefer to use paper towels, I recommend "Shop Towels" you can find these in the automotive department of most big box stores, they are great, durable towels that don't shed lint, which is nice when cleaning your windows.


Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

2 Tbsp. Distilled White Vinegar
1 Tsp. Borax
1/8 cup Dawn Dishsoap
1 cup Hot Water
Spray bottle

Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle. This may be sudsy at first but it will settle.


Homemade Stain Remover

1 part Dawn
2 part Hydrogen Peroxide

When I made this recently, I made it with 1/2 C. Dawn and 1 C. HP. Combine in spray bottle.
This is something that has most defninitely saved me money. We have 2 dogs, who are a part of our family. They are allowed to sit and cuddle with us on our furniture. We have a red, canvas type sectional couch....that had MANY stains. How embarassing!!....I was hesitant at first since the material on the couch can be tricky. Very little elbow grease had to go into getting it clean with this stain remover. I soaked the spots with the solution and let sit for 15-30 minutes and then wiped the area with a rag. Repeated until clean. I was very pleased!! 


So these are a few to get you started, I will be adding more soon!  I think you will be pleased and I hope it helps you save a few dimes!