Cleaning House & Saving Money Part 3 - Homemade Dusting Spray

Household Dusting Spray:


WHY DO IT?

*Because it's so cheap I think I actually might be MAKING money!
*No weird chemicals being sprayed into the air...ever
*Fresh clean smell.
*Super quick and easy to put together
*Did I say cheap? I seriously can't remember the last time I purchased the ingredients for this...it lasts THAT long

Here is a post I did years ago on "Dusting"...it includes my one simple, aerosal free ingredient (two if you count water) for dusting... :)

Go HERE.

Cleaning House & Saving Money - Part 2 - Fabric Softener

The second household money saving tip I'm going to share is for Fabric Softener. 

I know, a lot of people don't even use it, that saves money right there.  However, I'm a fan of that sweet, light scent and the softness that Fabric Softener adds to my laundry.  I'm not a fan of the chemicals in this stuff, the material waste in packaging etc...

So, here is what I use instead.  The important thing to remember is to purchase a good natural/organic type of hair conditioner...if you use a cheap chemical laden one, you are pretty much defeating the purpose.

Homemade Fabric Softener:


WHY DO IT?

*Because this is the stuff that kinda "stays" in your clothes....touches your skin...the biggest organ you have that sucks up whatever it comes in contact with....just sayin'
*Costs slightly more than pennies per load, but still saves you money.
*You know what's in it.
*Smells good and fresh.

Note: Use a natural and/or organic conditioner.



You will need a large bowl or container to mix it in.  Some smaller containers to store it in (I use all my saved Agave Nectar containers with the flip cap tops).

Ingredients:
6 Cups Water
3 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups (approx.) Organic/Natural non-chemical hair conditioner
**Optional  a few drops of essential oil
NOTE:  The first time I made this I used a conditioner that had a very neutral scent, so I added the lavender essential oil.  The last few times, I have used a conditioner that has a delicate scent, so no essential oils were needed.

Directions:
1.  Put water and vinegar into your container.  Add the conditioner (swish water around in the bottle to get it all out).  Whisk it all together really well. 
2.  Use a funnel to pour this into several smaller containers (mark the containers with a permanent marker so you know what this is).

To Use - Two ways to use it:

A.  Gently shake container, as contents will separate while they sit.  Use about 2-3 Tbsp. per load (eyeball it), add water to the fill line (as you would with regular softener).  This is how I use it.

OR

B.  Spray or squirt it onto a damp washcloth and toss this washcloth into the dryer with your clothes.  I have not tried this method, I have to wonder if there isn't a possibility of it putting too much softener on a piece of clothing and staining???

Go do laundry! :) 

Cleaning House & Saving Money - Part 1 - Laundry Detergent

It's late...really late, way too late for me to be awake.

But I am.

I'm definitely going to bed soon...after I write this. :)


I promised my son, and his lovely bride, that I would share with them some of the things I do around the house to save money on simple household items. So, here ya go...first installment. :) 

Homemade Laundry Detergent:

WHY DO IT?

Pennies per load - you save money! This is a good thing.
Minutes to make a batch - I'm so not kidding.
Smells clean and fresh. Not chemically and flowery.

Note: It doesn't make suds, so don't freak out - your clothes are still clean. Suds does not = clean. :)

You will need a grater or a food processor.  A lidded container that holds at least 2 Cups.  A 1 Tbsp. measuring spoon (that will not be used for food anymore, it's only for detergent now).

Laundry Detergent:

1/2 bar Fels Naptha Soap (near the bleach and fabric softener at Wally World)

1/2 bar of a pretty smelling ALL NATURAL soap of choice (OR you can just use 1 whole bar of Fels Naptha instead)

1 C. Borax

1 C. Arm n' Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)

NOTE: Borax and Washing Soda are found right next to the Fels Naptha soap at my Wally World

Grate, shred or grind your soap (I use my food processor). Grate it up really well. Put it in the container, add the borax and washing soda.  Stir it up really well. Place the 1 Tbsp. measuring spoon in there and put the lid on.  Get your dirty clothes all gathered up...

For one large load of wash, use 2 Tbsp. powder.

Yes, you read that correctly. You only need 2 Tbsp.  Nice.  I've been using this for at least a month now.  No comlaints yet. :)

With all my love,
Momma :)