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Homemade cleaners, debt update...

June 2nd, 2012 at 08:57 pm

In my early 20s, I used to make all of my household cleaners using recipes from the book Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan. Most of the recpes are easy and non-toxic, using vinegar, castille soap, and baking soda.

Well, I bought the supplies and am going to start doing it again. My boys always want to help me clean the house, and if the cleaners are so gentle, I'd be happy to let them help.

I talked to a mom friend about it. She let;s her 5-year-old make homemade scrubs and use them.

My kids love spray bottles and always want to help me clean the house. I never let them because even though I use Method or Seventh Generation, I'm still freaked out about chemicals that could hurt them.

The added bonus is that the cleaners are super duper cheap. Pennies for a 16 ounce bottle. And, you can scent them how you like, which is huge for me. I can't stand artificial chemical smells.

I got some supplies yesterday and hope to make the cleaners this week. The boys will be amped. They (ages 2 and 4) love to spray bottles and wipe walls. Why stop the trajectory if I can get them to help me out and learn to clean house?

I would also like to try making my own laundry detergent. I watched a good Youtube video outlining the process, and have a good, nontoxic recipe. They claim it costs about $8 to make a 6 month supply, and you can just funnel it into your empty detergent bottles. I'm going to try it to see how it goes, one day when the boys are out and about. I think I'm getting a good deal paying $2 to $3 a bottle for detergent, but $8 for 6 months sounds even better!

**
In other news, I've managed to pay just shy of $3,000 ($8 shy, to be exact) off the principal of the car loan so far this year. I have four more extra freelance gigs that should be paying up within the next two months too, so that should also help inch us closer to a paid off car!

4 Responses to “Homemade cleaners, debt update...”

  1. snafu Says:
    1338678853

    I've made detergent with Fels Napa & Washing Soda which 'gels' and is easy to store and use in an ice cream bucket. Stains on clothes [boys 2, 4] need pre-treatment though. I've been using shampoo samples.

  2. Shiela Says:
    1338684236

    I love using baking soda for everything. I have about half a dozen spray bottle around the house, with either baking soda, vinegar or natural oil (tree tea oil, lavender, etc.). I very rarely use bleach, only if I really have to. I don't like the strong smell, it gives me headaches.

    I think your boys are so cute for wanting to clean.

  3. Swimgirl Says:
    1338739596

    Yep, use those boys! I had my little ones dusting baseboards at a very young age! They think it's fun!

  4. ThriftoRama Says:
    1338741726

    I do sometimes put socks on their hands and make them dust furniture/. They think it's awesome. Looks like I need to keep the trajectory!

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