I started my journey in making homemade cleaners because I was wanting to have a healthier home. As a bonus, I found that it also drastically reduced my household budget. I started making cleaners at home for about $0.30 or less a bottle compared to $3.00 a bottle from the store. Once I started making my own cleaners I was shocked to find out how easy it is. I even started making my own laundry detergent!
Getting Started
If you are new to green cleaning try mixing up a bottle of multi-purpose cleaner. I use this cleaner on all types of surfaces including the kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, glass doors, windows and mirrors. Make sure you don’t use vinegar or vinegar solutions on marble.
Simply mix a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar with water in a clean spray bottle. The vinegar does have an odor but it dissipates after a few minutes and leaves no residue or lingering scent. Essential oils can be added to mask the vinegar.
This solution costs about $.30 a bottle to make (not including the bottle purchase). You can purchase a spray bottle for around a dollar or just reuse one you already have.
Replace Paper Towels
Paper towels are very expensive! I now use washcloths that I can reuse and only cost about $0.25 each! I use these to wipe up most kitchen messes, clean the counter tops and wipe down the table. I throw the dirty rags into a small basket in the laundry room and a couple of times a week I empty the basket into the washing machine to clean the rags.
Invest in Microfiber
Microfiber cloths trap dust and dirt so you are not redepositing it around the house. These cloths cost around $2-3 each, but they will last a long time. The packs of pretreated wipes and dusters cost around $3-5 a pack and you can only use them one time. All the microfiber clothes can be tossed in the washer to clean. You can use microfiber materials to clean furniture, floors, and mirrors!
Start Slow
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the idea that you need to replace all your cleaning products at once. Try one thing at a time and soon you will find you are cleaning green and saving money!!
Here are a few more recipes to try:
Be sure not to use fabric softener on those microfiber cloths because it will leave a residue and will lose its ability to trap dust. I recently learned that 100% cotton doesn’t need fabric softener – and now my towels are so much more absorbent. (Apparently old dogs CAN learn new tricks)
I was just coming to write that I have moved to microfiber but they have lost their luster. Then I read Debi’s comment and NO wonder! Silly girl, who knew!? I’ve tried to get my family to use more dish cloths for clean-ups, but DH is still stuck on paper. I guess if I dont buy it, he wont use it… well, he might go get the toilet paper instead, lol!
Debi-thanks for the tip!
I love using microfiber cloths. I used to think they were awfully expensive, but then I discovered that you can get them much cheaper if you look for them in the automotive section of the store. For example, Target sells packs of 20 or so in the auto cleaning section for a much better price than the ones in the household cleaning department.
Great idea-thanks Laura!!
I make my own dry laundry detergent. Same recipe, just don’t boil it. Only use 1-2 tbsp per load. Much easier to store than the liquid version! I love my green cleaners!!!
You don’t boil? Does this work as good?
I have been using vinegar/water to clean with for several years now. Not only am I saving money, but I don’t have to worry about having chemical residue on my kitchen counters where I’m preparing food. And, my kids can use it without worrying about them being around harsh chemicals. I think this is just an added bonus! 🙂
Another place to buy microfiber cloths is Harbor Freight Tools. It’s a cheapy type tool store that my husband, dad, and brother in law are in love with. There are often things I can find there cheaper. I think he may have paid a buck or two for a 3 pack last time he was there.
What’s Washing Soda?
A great all-purpose cleaner and laundry additive, it has uses similar to baking soda but can scratch some surfaces. You can find this at your local grocery store (most Walmart stores don’t have this) in the laundry section.