I've started making these things not only to save a few bucks, but in most cases also to keep away from a lot of the chemicals in conventional products. Not only can I control what goes into these cleaners, but I can also use whatever scent I want! So yes, I guess I do look like I'm playing with potions while I'm leaning over my bubbling kettle with bottles of essential oils and such, but at least I'm having fun.
Tonight I will give you the recipes for the Antibacterial Surface Cleaner and Liquid Laundry Detergent. I will follow up later with the hair products, facial cleanser and body wash once I have thoroughly tested them (and have forced my husband to test them as well).
The first product that I tried was the antibacterial all-purpose cleaner. I love it! I will never go back to a store bought cleaner after using this. It's not only quick and easy to make, but it cleans just about everything effortlessly. It even did an amazing job cleaning the dreaded toddler prints off of the stainless steel appliances! In this recipe it's the vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils that give this cleaner it's antibacterial properties.
I found this post through a Pinterest search that led me to olymomma.com, and she found the original recipe on Elizabethobsesses.blogspot.com.
This is the recipe along with the changes that I made:
Antibacterial Lavender Surface Cleaner
2 Cups of warm water
2 teaspoons of Dr. Bronner's lavender liquid castile soap (I used unscented)
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol
8-10 drops of lavender essential oil - optional (I used grapefruit essential oil in one of my cleaners, and equal parts of eucalyptus and mint essential oils in another, 10 drops each)
Mix well and add it to a spray bottle and your good to go!
Next, I tried my hand at laundry soap and was pleasantly surprised. This brew actually got my whites whiter! I'm guessing it was the Borax, but whatever it is, I'm happy! It is a little more labor intensive than the surface cleaner because you have to grate the soap, but it's worth it. It makes about 2 gallons, so I've been able to share with a few friends and I've still got a ton! I have an HE washing machine and this works perfectly in it as it is low sudsing. I store mine in an old detergent bottle and use the measurements on the cap.
Once again, this was a great Pinterest find on thefrugalgirls.com They also have a bunch of other DIY cleaner ideas and a powdered laundry detergent alternative to this recipe listed. Definitely worth a visit!
The recipe that they use is as follows. I have also listed any substitutions that I have made.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (not the same as baking soda)
1/2 cup of Borax
1/3 Bar of Fel's-Naptha Soap (you also can use an entire bar of Ivory soap, or I used a 1/2 bar of Zote soap)
Bucket (2 gallons or lager with lid, I used a washed out cat litter bucket)
Grate the soap into a large pot or saucepan and add 6 cups of water. Heat over medium-high heat until the soap dissolves and melts into the water.
Add the washing soda and Borax, stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket, then add the soap mixture. Stir well.
Next add 1 gallon + 6 cups of additional water and stir well. Put the lid on the bucket.
Let it sit overnight to gel and thicken. Mine got very thick, but when I stirred it up it became a laundry soap consistency. You will have to stir or shake this up before every use because it will continue to go back to it's thick state as it sits. That's it, you are ready to wash some clothes!
I hope that you'll enjoy these cleaners as much a my friends and I have! Let me know if you try them out, I'm curious to hear your experiences with DIY cleaners.
I'm off to knit! Have a great week!
I'm off to knit! Have a great week!
Can't wait to try these! Keep blogging, you are not talking to yourself!
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