I recently was having lunch with a Vegan. I personally am a red meat kinda girl - I enjoy eggs in the morning and steak at night with plenty of other animal products along the way. I respect anyone that is Vegan/Veggie - I know that I could not be that dedicated - heck, I can't even turn down a doughnut.
But I digress - so we are at lunch and somehow get on the topic of chemicals. Now, this person is a green cleaner - with no harsh chemicals. It is a green thing for them.
Me? I actually am not longer using any store chemicals for cleaning either - but not necessary for the "green cause". While it has the benefit of saving the world, I find that DIY cleaners are MUCH cheaper and work just as well if not better. I don't think I would be willing to convert if they didn't - for example - I do not use DIY dishwasher detergent - my dishwasher just doesn't clean as well with it.
What does work for me? DIY Clog Clearers (think Drano), DIY soap scum scrub, and DIY universal cleaner. What are you going to need for all of these? Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Water - easy right? Start buying in bulk!
DIY Clog Clearer - I LOVE this - even Drano doesn't work for me all the time - this has always worked for me. Feed about 1/2 a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain and immediately put a cup/bowl over the drain (it will foam like a science experiment and the cup forces it down the drain to work on the clog). While your science experiment is working its magic, go boil some water (a big pot - around a gallon). After it is boiling (think about 15 minutes) - remove the cup/bowl and pour the water down the drain. Watch it flow right down - clog cleared! All of this for under a $1 (compared to over $4 for a bottle that *may* work)!
DIY Soap Scum Scrub - I have used this a few times in my tub - I just sprinkle baking soda directly on the surface (or on my rag) and then spray on my Universal Cleaner and wipe away. For really bad situations - I let it set for a few minutes and then wipe away. Again - pennies to use!
DIY Universal Cleaner - My favorite and every day cleaner. One part vinegar, one part water. Mix in a spray bottle (Dollar Tree has great industrial ones with different handle colors for a $1 - this is nice to help distinguish what is in what bottle if you use them for many things like I do). Just spray and wipe this stuff. I use it on my tubs, toilets, sinks, kitchen counters, windows, mirrors, for spot clean up on my hardwoods, I spay on my tiled floors and wipe off too - it really is universal. Again - pennies to use!
What is the catch? Okay - these don't smell like roses - we are using vinegar here! So what is the resolution? First, the smell dissipates quickly - like in a minute or two - and I personally, don't find it offensive as some of the harsh cleaner's smells. OR - you can do what I now do - follow up immediately with my DIY Frebeze (so like in the bathroom I will spray on my rugs or towels). Then you have a clean room with a fresh scent!
Suzy Homemaker DIY Cleaners - saving your wallet and the world - one project at a time!
I've been trying a homemade dishwasher detergent lately, and have found that it's leaving a residue all over my stainless flatware. I think this is happening b/c I didn't stir it up enough initially, but our dishwasher is the cheapest model available and may not be able to do a good job using my homemade stuff. I love making my own laundry detergent (Meghan's "recipe"), but haven't tried these other kinds of cleaners. Now I may have to! :)
ReplyDeleteLots of people have that issue - I have it even with certain store stuff (even with rinse aid). I have another posting on the Laundry Detergent that I make - it is similar but I use Oxy Clean and Purex Crystals as boosters.
Delete