All week I will be sharing ways to save money and cut your budget in 2012. Today, I will be sharing how to use homemade cleaners to save money. 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 counter tops, 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:
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