UPDATE: Homemade cleaners

So I have been using my homemade cleaners for about 4 months now, and thought that the info I posted about them could use an update.

Laundry Soap:  So I never did try the liquid version of my laundry soap because frankly, that took way too much time.  So I now create my powder version in about 5 minutes.

• 1 bar of Ivory soap, grated fine (small holes on my hand grater- the whole bar)
• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda

That is IT!  I use a 1 1/2 tablespoon measure that we saved for some reason from Miracle-Gro.  Most loads get one scoop.  Some bigger loads or dirtier loads or stinkier loads get 2 scoops.  

This recipe makes about 15 regular loads.  I honestly have never taken the time to count how many.  

Fabric Softener:  Super super easy and so much cheaper than the regular brands.  If you are addicted to the smell of Gain or Downy or whatever, well, this won't fill that void.  (I have started adding a dryer sheet to big loads for more static cling fighting power.)

Recipe:

• 1 cup of hair conditioner  (ANY kind... I now use V05 because it is 75 cents a bottle at Walmart.)
• 1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
• 3 cups water

I now don't even bother with a bowl and whisk.  I pour all of this in my saved fabric softener bottle from my Downy days, put the cap on, and shake to mix.  A bigger bottle will hold a double of this recipe.  

I use a capful of the stuff for every load.  Sometimes I add 10 drops of lavender oil to the mix also, for extra freshning power.  (Running low and need to locate this in our new town!)

Dishwasher detergent:

• 1 TBL Borax
• 1 TBL Kosher salt
• 1 TBL Washing Soda

This is enough for one load.  I usually put about 4 loads worth in a small container under my sink and swirl the contents to mix well.

About once a week I squeeze a lemon into the dishwasher (no seeds please!) to get the freshness of lemon in there as well.

And my rinse aid dispenser is always full of white vinegar.

Toilet Cleaner:

This is probably the most "fun" because of the bubbles that remind me of volcano experiments as a kid :)

Sprinkle baking soda in the bowl.  Pour white vinegar on top to get the bubbly action going.  I probably use about half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar.  Again, sometimes I sprinkle in some drops of lavender oil, but the vinegar smell goes away after a little bit.

Let sit for about 10-15 minutes.

If you need some more scouring power when scrubbing, sprinkle more baking soda in there.

I did go back to buying all purpose cleaner, as I felt like the vinegar and water wasn't cutting through the grime on my countertops.  I love the smell of Method cleaners from Target (pink grapefruit is my fave right now.)

Shower Cleaner:

I tried the Method shower cleaner and low and behold, it is not doing as good of a job as my homemade stuff, which is mostly vinegar and water with a little Dawn dishsoap.  (See my previous blog post for the link).  

All this homemadeness has enlightened us to making our own foot scrubs and foot soaks and lots of other things.  Next blog post will share some of those.  Happy cleaning!