Homemade Cleaning Products

I finally did it. I've been talking about doing it. I've been slowly collecting the products needed to do it. And today was the day to pull out the caldron (okay it was really a big popcorn bowl) and mix up my own cleaning potions.

Waa Ha Ha!!

I tell ya, if I had known how easy and cheap it is to make cleaning products I would have done it a LONG time ago. Have I mentioned I can be a little slow? Oh well, the timing works for me, since I am trying to lower our household expenses and make our home a safe, green haven. I love it when a plan comes together.

I actually started the day with:

Super Window & Glass Cleaner
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
3 1/2 cups water
1 clean 32oz spray bottle

Pour it all into the bottle and shake well before using. Awesome.

And

Citrus Disinfectant
1 orange peel
3 cups white vinegar
1 clean qt jar
1 clean 32 oz spray bottle

Put the peel & vinegar into the jar, close the lid, put in a cupboard for 2 weeks, giving it an occasional shake.
Remove the peel, strain the vinegar into bottle and fill w/ water.
You can also deodorize a room by setting out a small bowl of the citrus vinegar. (A MUST for the boys' bathroom!)

Today, I mixed these up

Fresh-Smelling Multipurpose Cleaner
3 1/2 cups hot water
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar (I used cider, next time I will use white and you should, too)
1 tsp borax
1 tsp washing soda
1 tsp liquid castile soap (I used sweet almond)
1 clean 32 oz spray bottle (I used 2 16oz bottles)

Pour it all into the bottles and shake well before using.
Perfect for countertops, kitchen appliances & fixtures, and tile or painted surfaces. Just spray and wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge.

Nontoxic Bathroom Cleaner
1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap (I used the last of my "dish liquid" to use it up and have the bottle)
1/2 cup water
2 tbl white vinegar
1 clean 16 oz squirt bottle w/ closing cap

Mix baking soda & liquid soap in a bowl. Dilute with water and add vinegar. Stir the mixture until any lumps have dissolved. Pour liquid into the bottle. Shake well before using.
Squirt on area to be cleaned. Scrub with a nylon-backed sponge. Rinse off with water. Keep cap on between uses.

As you can see in the pic, I just slapped on hand-written labels, but anyone that knows me should know that I will shortly have pretty ones instead! I plan on making Spicy Carpet Freshener & Spicy Room Freshener Spray as soon as I get the herbs & essential oils. I will keep you posted!