Up until recently, the idea of the thought of making my own cleaning and laundry supplies seemed complicated and overwhelming. But after a little research and a LOT of experimenting, I’ve discovered making your own cleaning supplies can be easy, fun and a great way to save money.

Glass Cleaner: Use on windows and mirrors.

Supplies:

white vinegar, blue generic brand dish soap and water.

Directions:

Using a funnel, mix 1/3 cup of vinegar, 6 drops of blue dish soap and 3 ½ cups of water into a spray bottle.

Multi-Surface Cleaner: Use on dirt, grease and grime.

Supplies:

Borax, white vinegar, blue generic brand dish soap, orange essential oil, water.

Directions:

Using a funnel, add 4 T of vinegar, 2 t of Borax, ¼ cup of dish soap, 2 cups of water and 8 drops of orange essential oil inside a spray bottle. Shake gently.

Tub and Shower Cleaner: Use in bathroom on soap scum and in sinks and in shower.

I also used on moldy areas and it worked well.

Supplies:

white vinegar, blue generic brand dish soap, and lemon-
eucalyptus essential oil.

Directions

1. Warm 2 cups of vinegar in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl. Using a funnel, pout into spray bottle.
2. Add 2 ½ cups of blue generic brand dish soap.
3. Add 12 drops (optional) of lemon-eucalyptus essential oil.

Laundry Detergent

Supplies

Arm and Hammer Washing Soda, 1-2 bars of soap (I used Zote, Fels-Naptha and Ivory are also recommended but your favorite bar soap will do) Borax and a cheese grater. Note: I found the washing soda and Zote soap at Wal-Mart, not all grocery stores carry them. Check the Laundry Supplies aisle.

Directions

1. Grate the soap. You’ll need 4 cups. You could also use a food processor.
2. Combine the grated soap with 2 cups of Borax and 2 cups of washing soda.
3. Store in a lidded glass jar or other airtight container.

Makes 8 cups of laundry detergent. 2 T for every load will do the trick.

Fabric Softener

Supplies:

white vinegar, hair conditioner, water, lavender essential oil (optional).

Directions:
1. Warm up 2 cups of vinegar in the microwave, in a microwave safe bowl (I did it for 1 minute).
2. Combine with ½ cup of hair conditioner (I used Suave Soothing Lavender Lilac because it’s inexpensive and smells good), 1.5 cups of water and 4 drops of lavender essential oil.
3. Store in a lidded container or spray bottle. Shake well before using. Use ¼ cup during your washing machine’s rinse cycle.

Stain Remover

Supplies:

ammonia, Whisk Laundry Detergent and water.

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups each of ammonia, Whisk Detergent and water. Using a funnel to put the mixture in a spray bottle.

More Info

I bought all the spray bottles ($1 each) and white plastic funnels ($1 for a set) at The Dollar Tree.

You can find essential oils many places including PCC Markets (in the greater Seattle area).

Enjoy a FREE set of the cleaning labels (outlined in color, in color and blank). Print them out at home on sticker paper. Labels are by Printabelle (www.printabelle.com) for Yesterday on Tuesday.

Directions for Printing Labels

1.  Click Here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27508477@N05/sets/72157632950413580/
2.  Open the printable you want.
3.  Click Actions
4.  Scroll down to “View All Sizes”
5.  Select “Large”
6.  Save to your computer
7.  Print

The Nitty Gritty Disclaimers:

- Always test in an inconspicuous spot.
– As with all cleaning products, keep out of reach of children.
– These recipes worked for ME, I am not making any claims about their effectiveness for everyone.
– Have fun creating the right products to suit your needs.

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