Hi Friends! I know it's been a long winter in some parts of the country, but the weather in AZ has been very warm for this time of year. We even turned the air conditioning on the other afternoon -- yikes! since it feels like spring, I've been getting a head start on my spring cleaning. And since I've been in a cleaning and purging mode lately, I thought I would share some of the homemade cleaning products I use, which not only do a great job of cleaning your home but can also help you save money on cleaning supplies.
When I was growing up, my mom was a total clean freak, and I mean that in a good way! But, she used brand name cleaning products that did the job but made the house smell horrible. I tend to be sensitive to strong scents anyway, and I think this is why I used to hate cleaning my own home.
So a few years ago, I switched to making my own cleaning products, using things that we already had at home. My husband was so skeptical at first -- with five kids, we used Lysol wipes like crazy! But after seeing the great results and the money we were saving, he was totally on board with my little experiment. And yes, he does help clean!
A lot of people make their own household cleaners, and you may already know this, but I thought I would share the tips anyway. We use mainly vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap, salt, baking soda and lemon -- love lemon!
Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide
I use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect just about everything. In fact, this is what made us toss the Lysol wipes! I just spray some on the surface, like counter tops, and wipe it off with a damp paper towel. It also works to clean the toilets, faucets and sinks. Plus, it also removes laundry stains. And a 32-ounce bottle costs less than a dollar -- can't beat that!
You do have to make sure it isn't exposed to light for long periods of time, or it may not be as effective. That's why I usually leave it in the original container, which is dark.
Dawn
I use the regular Dawn dish soap for washing dishes and for wiping off kitchen surfaces. But, it works great on removing stains on clothes. Since I began using Dawn to pretreat the clothes, I haven't used commercial laundry stain remover for a long time. Like I mentioned earlier, hydrogen peroxide works too.
Wow -- that was a long list! Anyway, this is what works for me. Not only is this a great way to save money on household cleaning products, but I feel good about using these things to clean my home. You should still use caution with any type of cleaners, and you may want to research these products on your own to understand how they work.
Do you have any cleaning tips to share? What products do you use to clean your home?
Thanks a bunch for visiting me -- Enjoy your day!
Dee M says
I agree! DIY products not only cost less, but they also take up less shelf space! 🙂
Life Breath Present says
My main cleaning products are a vinegar/water/alcohol mix I use on the floors and windows, mirrors, and shower door. I also have a hydrogen peroxide/water mix I use for the bathrooms and kitchen counters if they seem to need it. We hand wash our dishes and use a natural product that I typically use on the kitchen/stove/table tops as well.
It's so neat the things we can do with just a few simple ingredients, eh? 🙂
Dee M says
Thanks so much for stopping by, Let me know how it works for you. 🙂
Dee M says
Thanks for letting me know about the party, Sharon! 🙂
tara says
Thanks for sharing these great ways of cleaning! I can't wait to try the lemon and baking soda recipe! Pinning! Thanks..... http://www.littlemissdexterous.com
Sharon Erickson says
This is great! I love how you broke down what they do. I have always used vinegar and blue dawn but salt?! No idea! Pinning and sharing. I would love if you linked this up to Totally Terrific Tuesday that will go live tomorrow at 9pm cst. I am so excited to see what else you have to share.
Dee M says
It's nice to know others feel the same way -- so much cheaper too! 🙂
Gail Akeman Frugal and Coupon Crazy says
I believe in making homemade cleaning solutions too.
Dee M says
That sounds like something I need to try -- Thanks for sharing that! 🙂
Carol says
I always enjoy seeing more uses for these simple products. Do you know about the tile floor cleaner -- http://www.365ishpins.com/day-319-heavy-duty-floor-cleaner-diy/ -- I'm not sure this is going to show up as a direct link, but you can copy and paste. I'm going to try this very soon.
Dee M says
Thanks, Fabby! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner at your beautiful table! 🙂
Dee M says
Thanks, Lori! Yes, I just pour it directly in and clean the bowl with a brush. Isn't lemon water wonderful? 🙂
FABBY'S LIVING says
Hello dear Dee!
Great tips indeed, I'm gonna put some to practice, I can see I need to! I like the peroxide idea, I bet it'll leave toilets very clean and shiny too!
Happy Valentine's weekend ahead.
FABBY
LL Farm says
Great tips Dee! I use some that you mentioned, and LOVE lemon water to drink also! I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my farm sink. Do you pour peroxide directly in toilet to clean with a brush?
Lori