Using homemade cleaning products can save money

Making your own cleaning products is a great way to save money. Cleaning products such as laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, and glass cleaners can really eat into a family's budget. Our homes have to be cleaned however, and water does not always cut it when it comes to dirt and germs. A number of items that are already around the house or that can be purchased for very little actually do a great job at getting rid of both, and you do not have to deal with that harsh chemical smell that many commercial cleaners can bring with them.
Laundry soap More people are realizing that homemade laundry soap can work just as well, and it is much cheaper per load than commercial versions. Basically, homemade laundry detergent can clean clothes for as little as 2 cents per load, while even the cheapest on the market, that may or may not work as well, costs at least 7 cents per load. The more expensive brands range from 12 to 22 cents per load. Even if you normally buy the cheapest available, the savings from making your own is almost 30%. A simple homemade laundry soap recipe uses 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup 20 mule team borax, and 1 bar of soap, grated. The brand of soap varies from recipe to recipe, but this is a good basic idea of what is involved. Essential oil can be added for scent enhancement, and generally ¼ cup is used per load with the option to add more for larger loads.
All-purpose cleaning Baking soda and vinegar are considered basic ingredients in homemade cleaners. Equal parts vinegar and water mixed in a spray bottle both disinfects and cuts through grease, dirt, grime, and mold. For tougher issues, full strength vinegar is even stronger, and for scouring purposes, baking soda does the trick. Everyone knows how cheap vinegar and baking soda are, so the math is not that hard to do on how much you can save using these items rather than commercial cleaners. Be sure not to use vinegar on marble however, as it can do permanent damage.
Toilet bowl cleaner Sprinkle the sides of a toilet bowl with borax and let sit for a few hours. Spray with vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush to make the toilet sparkle. Use a pumice stone to get rid of an especially stubborn ring. These ingredients are substantially cheaper and last much longer than the standard toilet cleaners on the market, and they are safer for you and the environment.
Glass cleaner This one involves an extra ingredient, but it is still very cost efficient and does the job well. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is often found for less than a dollar. It evaporates quickly, leaving behind a streak free shine on glass and other shiny surfaces. A mix of 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle works well on mirrors, faucets and anywhere else streaks are a concern.

My name is Nisha and I love to write about thrifty living.