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May
11
Use It Up, Wear It Out
Make It Do or Do Without!
I love this little saying, which I found in a book about the people who stayed at home during World War II. Americans today are buckling down maybe almost as much as then, for different reasons, of course. Or maybe not. In any case, over the next few posts, we will be looking at ways to save money by using what you have already in the house, maybe in a way you’re not familiar with now.
Sometimes, it’s simple — for instance, I always use up all my little perfume samples before splurging on a full bottle (which I last did in Paris in 1994, I think). What takes a little more effort (but not much) is mixing up your own concoctions. For example, housecleaning supplies. I believe that the window cleaners and such are as good from the dollar store as the branded products that cost much more. Now, compliments of another of my money-saving gurus, www.TipHero.com, and also from www.mrscleannw.com, how you can clean your home for less money, and often more healthfully and earth-friendly than before!
First, while it is a little work, especially at the beginning, it’s really not complicated. Make your magic potions on a gradual basis as you run out of your various cleaning products. It won’t take too much time, and you can use up what you have as it runs out, and re-use the bottles too, so no waste. And best of all, many of the solutions are less toxic than many of the cleaning products you find in stores.
For example, vinegar – and particularly white vinegar – is a terrific natural cleaner for a number of different cleaning jobs. White vinegar is an acid. Its unique properties make it an effective grease cutter, and it will stop mold and mildew in its tracks. Vinegar is non-toxic and does not leave any residue.
Use vinegar and water to wash hardwood, vinyl or linoleum floors. Be careful to use only plain white vinegar, and not any flavored or apple cider variety. Since it is an acid, do not use it on any stone or marble surface as it will actually etch the surface.
Need to clean windows and mirrors? Just combine white vinegar and water ( about half and half) and put it into a spray bottle. Use newspaper instead of sponges or paper towels to wash the windows and mirrors. It’s cheaper, reuses the paper, and lint-free. White vinegar and water combinations can also be used as a floor cleaner, on stainless steel, and on tiles. In fact, a vinegar-water solution serves as a great all-purpose cleaning product. According to www.EarthEasy.com, white vinegar “cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up”.
Baking soda is another common household item that can be combined with water or other ingredients to make different types of cleaning solutions. Because it is a natural abrasive, it works well for scrubbing. For example, combining baking soda with a little dish soap makes for a good stove-top cleaner. Baking soda also works as a deodorizer – actually eliminating odors rather than just covering them up. Put an open box in the refrigerator and one in the freezer, and remember to change them every few months. You’ll know when it’s due. And you can use it to brush your teeth!
Add lemon to the cleaners for a nice, fresh scent. It also can help cut grease and counter a lot of bacteria.
Here are some links and recipes:
- How To Make Your Own Cleaning Products
- Cleaning products: Green buying guide
- CBS News: Save Green As You Go Green
Soft Scrub Cleanser
For homemade soft scrub cleanser, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough liquid detergent to make a cleansing liquid. Apply the cleanser and scrub with a sponge to clean. This works very well in sinks and bathtubs. Just rinse it off when you are done cleaning. It washes off easily and will not leave any grit behind.
Window & Glass Cleaner
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups water
Mix all ingredients in to a spray bottle. Use this product just as you would with a commercial glass cleaner.
Copper & Brass Cleaner
You can easily clean and scour both copper and brass by mixing 1/2 cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of salt. Apply with a sponge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Any grime will come right off.
Carpet Freshener
Use baking soda as a carpet freshener. Just sprinkle some baking soda on your dry carpet and let it sit about 15 minutes before vacuuming to freshen it nicely.
All Purpose Cleaner
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- a dab of liquid soap
- 2 cups hot tap water
Combine these ingredients in to a spray bottle and mix thoroughly..
Furniture Polish
- 1/2 teaspoon mineral oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
Mix these ingredients into a spray bottle. Spray and use a soft cotton rag to shine and clean your wood surfaces. Use a dry portion of the cloth to shine, polish and dry.
Enjoy your day in the lab. Next, we will look at beauty potions you can mix up at home.
For another very cool way to make some $$$ from what you have laying around the house, click here!
