Make Your Own: Cleaning Supplies
I like to keep things simple… and clean! But I decided a long time ago I wouldn’t pay the ridiculous prices for cleaning supplies. I’ve been the route of “homemade” cleaners, and I’ve found my cleaning needs for the most part, come down to some simple separate items!
Meet my arsenal. My dream team! I feel powerful when I’ve gone through and filled all my Dollar Tree Spray Bottles and my Dollar Tree Shaker with my dirt and grime-fighting favorites! They take all of a few seconds to fill, no mixing or waiting!
BAKING SODA
In the shaker I use plain baking soda. I make shampoo for our family, so I always have lots of baking soda on hand! It is a wonderful, natural, cleansing, scrubbing agent! Easy as that! Inexpensive and no harsh chemicals.
Ahh, my beloved spray bottles! (Ask my family – I have a thing for them.)
PEROXIDE
First, straight peroxide. It packs a punch as a bleach alternative. It’s a powerful bacteria fighting agent for counters and cutting boards!
BLEACH
Next, bleach mixed with water (ratio = about one part bleach to five parts water). Hey, I live on a farm so this baby gets used a lot. I like to use it to make sure my sinks stay germ free. Really anything plastic or stainless steel gets a dose quite regularly, and a rinse in hot water.
ALCOHOL
Thirdly – my all time favorite! My life wouldn’t be the same without my mix of rubbing alcohol and water (50/50). I’m serious here. My stainless steel refrigerator, oven, microwave and trash cans love this stuff! It cleans and cuts grime like a champ and delivers a fantastic shine. Mirrors? YES! Granite??? YES! Granite especially – the key is the alcohol evaporates quickly not leaving anything to dull your beautiful counters.
VINEGAR
I keep a bottle on hand of (50/50) white vinegar and water for washing vegetables and fruits. Vinegar wash removes pesticides and 98% of bacteria. I rinse in warm water, spray the solution on, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse well. If it’s a leafy food like kale or if it grows in clusters like broccoli, I often soak it in a bowl of the solution instead of spraying.
FLOOR CLEANER
Lastly, my wood floor cleaner. It’s important to use very small amounts of vinegar on your hardwoods, too much is harsh on them. This cleaner is simply 1/4 cup of white vinegar, peppermint essential oil (20-30 drops) and water. Easy! And I adore the smell. Works with my Swiffer nicely, but I must admit – I’m old school and I like to get on my hands and knees and use a cloth.
What about you? Any easy must-have cleaners in your home? Please share!
Great tips. Great way to save money and keep crazy chemicals out of your home.
Nolie recently posted…8 Tips to a Better Nights Sleep
I love these tips! I always like to use homemade cleaning products whenever I can. I really like know what I’m cleaning with.
Dawn recently posted…Try New Degree Women MOTIONSENSE with a Coupon & a Giveaway
I love making my own cleaning solutions whenever possible. It’s so much more affordable than having a house full of cleaning supplies. It’s better for the environment as well.
Jennifer recently posted…Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio Coffee Maker Sweepstakes
I really need to get more bleach for my towels because they have that dank smell. I eventually plan on making all my own cleaners.
Amy Desrosiers recently posted…DIY Kid’s Good Behavior Chart Craft + Share a Coke Reward
Vinegar and water make such a great floor cleaner! I love how making your own products save money too.
Meagan recently posted…Designer Clothes for Toddlers
These are awesome. I much prefer to make my own cleaners as opposed to buying them.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…5 Tips to Making Travel and Exercise Successful
I’ve never made my own but this looks so easy. Think of all the money saved!!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Hyatt Place Los Angeles – LAX El Segundo
I haven’t made my own cleaners in forever. I really need to start doing that again.
OOOh, great idea. I never thought about doing this. Thanks so much!
What a great recourse for household cleaners! I use baking soda and Vinegar a lot in my household cleaning!
Amber Edwards recently posted…One of a Kind Dr Pepper Date Night Kit for a last minute Backyard Bash
I love this post! I will be making a shaker of baking soda for us. I hate the clumps and overuse that comes from just spooning it onto messes from the bag!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday
That is great Chelley. I am glad our post was helpful. Thank you for taking time to comment.
I’ve always tried to make a lot of our cleaners. It’s so much better for you that way.
Ellen Christian recently posted…Dealing with an Overactive Bladder – 7 Tips
They sure are Ellen. I’m glad to know you make your own too. It’s nice to frugal and environmentally conscious 🙂
Wow, I could save SOO much money by making my own cleaning supplies. Never realized it was this simple. Thanks!
I know Right? How much we spend is staggering. Let us know if you do make your own and how you like it? I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Great tips! I’ve yet to find a wood floor cleaner I like, so I will CERTAINLY be trying this one! Wish I would have thought about making my own.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets recently posted…Healthy Popcorn Trail Mix for Movie Night {#StreamTeam}
Hi Marina.I’d love to hear after you have made your own. We just love them and so much better for our home 🙂
Great list… we make all our cleaning supplies, too. I swear by Vinegar a drop or two of dish soap and hot water.. gets the job done and then some… Thanks for sharing
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie recently posted…Dinner on the Go ~ Save anywhere, anytime, anyplace with Restaurant.com #ReviewCrew
Yes! Vinegar is an absolute unsung hero, Melanie! I agree! Thanks for dropping in!
I haven’t really tried making my own cleaning supplies. Occasionally I’ll use a lemon to clean the countertops, but for the most part I rely on storebought products. Interested in learning, though!
Dede recently posted…#FlashYourLash and other weekend fun
Thanks for the feedback Dede… I don’t remember what prompted me at first but it has really been a lifesaver for me:)
This is so helpful to know all the good these cleaners can do. I’m so glad you posted this.
Liz Mays recently posted…What Makes You Sparkle? #SparkleWithDasani
I’m glad you enjoyed Liz… your feedback is always so encouraging! We really appreciate that!
I have to say HECK YES on the alcohol! It is awesome on my mirrors and stainless steel as well!
Jenn recently posted…Celebrate Summer & Be Prepared with a Puracyn® First Aid Kit #PuracynFirst
Jenn! – YES! Fellow alcohol lover… wait that sounds bad. 😀 You know what I mean. I love the grime cutting power of the alcohol and I LOVE how inexpensive it is!
My oldest actually likes to help me clean, so I do make my own all-purpose cleaner so he can help me. I want to learn how to make other cleaners.
Janel (A Mom’s Take) recently posted…The Voice Tour & $1000 Giveaway!
Cool Janel! – That’s more than a lesson in ‘cleaning’ for him too – for him to see you being resourceful and making your own. Awesome.
Great tips. I have never used peroxide in cleaning, but now I will have to try it!
Thanks so much Pam!
Great tips. I bet making your own is much better than using th e ones from the store.
Toni recently posted…Easy Movie Night Snack and Family Fun With Big G Cereal Movies #BigGCerealMovies #Ad
Definitely – I run to the store very seldom now Toni:) I just make my own refills. Much easier and economical to stock up on these types of items.
What would you say is best for Spot removal? I struggle with that.
SHELLEY R ZUREK recently posted…5 Light Bladder Leakage Solutions, Helping You With Your Triggers!
Ooh, Shelley, the dreaded SPOT. On what, carpet? I have completely removed blood from fabric with peroxide and baking soda.
These are great tips! The less chemicals the better!
Aimee Smith recently posted…The Voice Tour & $1000 Giveaway!
Thanks for dropping a line Aimee!