Recipes for Household Cleaning Products

So, in the process of being frugal I would also like to try to NOT use chemicals. I started once but then my mother moved in and that idea went out the window. She must have thought I'd lost my mind because I was making my own laundry soap! Oh well! I am going to try again, once I can purchase the ingredients.

I am going to post some recipes for several products, not just laundry detergent. Before I go on, I am going to let you know that one book that I recently borrowed from the library is Green Clean by Linda Mason Hunter & Mikki Halpin. There is a section that has these recipes that I found and thought I would share a few.

Castile Cleaner
1 tsp washing soda
2 tsp borax
1/2 tsp castile soap
2 cups hot water
10 drops essential oil of your choice
16 oz spray bottle

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. (Add more washing soda to help whiten any stains.) Spray as needed and wipe clean with a natural sponge or cotton cloth.

Borax Cleaner
1/2 cup borax
1 gallon hot water
pail or bucket

Mix all ingredients in the pail until borax is thoroughly dissolved. Use in areas that need general cleaning and wipe clean with a sponge or cloth. You can also reduce the recipe to fit in a spray bottle for everyday use.

Easy Deodorizer
Baking soda
Broom
Vacuum cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and leave overnight. Sweep off as much as possible and vacuum the rest. Remember: Always spot-test on a hidden area before using any product on carpet.

Dishwashing
1 part borax
1 part washing soda
Container (size of your choice)

Mix in the container and use in place of commercial detergent. If you live in a hard-water area, you may have to adjust the proportions to avoid formation of soap film on the dishes- try adding a bit more soda if there is a film residue.

Liquid Dishwashing Soap
Castile soap
Distilled white vinegar

Grate soap and add to dishwater. Add vinegar to the rinsewater to give glasses extra shine.

Toilet Disinfectant
2 cups distilled white vinegar
a few drops essential oil of your choice
16 oz spray bottle

Mix ingredients together and spritz the toilet bowl as needed. Use a toilet brush to swish mixture around the sides of the bowl.

General Antiseptic Spray
Liquid castile soap
10 - 20 drops lavendar or tea tree essential oil
Funnel
16 oz spray bottle

Mix together in a spray bottle and spritz as needed.

Essential Oil Air Freshener
1 cup water
5 drops essential oil of your choice
Small spray bottle
Funnel

Mix the essential oil and water together in the spray bottle and spritz in the bathroom or kitchen, or in any room, to freshen. Essential oils shouldn't leave any stains or residue if mixed in proper proportions.

Baking Soda Deodorizing Spray
2 tbsp baking soda
2 cups hot water
16 oz spray bottle
Funnel

This formula neutralizes odors, rather than adding scents to the room. Mix baking soda and hot water together in a spray bottle until all baking soda is dissolved. Spritz as needed. There should be no residue left if the baking soda is well dissolved. If any residue occurs, simply wipe away with a clean cotton cloth.

Lemon Furniture Polish
2 cups olive, vegetable, or mineral oil
Juice of 1 lemon

Mix oil with lemon juice. Apply with a soft cloth and buff until you can see your reflection.

Basic Laundry Detergent
1 part borax
1 part washing soda
Container of your choice

Mix in a container and use in place of commercial detergent. If you live in a hard-water area, you may have to add a bit more soda.

All-Purpose Stain Remover
1/4 cup borax
2 cups cold water
Soaking pail

Mix the borax and cold water together and soak stained clothing. Wash as usual.

There are LOTS of other recipes, but I am out of time. I will have to get off this computer. I will post more later. Let me know if you try any of these recipes!