Spring Cleaning

To celebrate spring, I did what any good neat freak would do -- made some cleaning supplies!  I had run out of glass cleaner and all purpose, because I use those most.  I did my internet research, and mixed together some different recipe ideas, and this is what I came up with.  

For both of the spray bottles I recycled the containers I had just run out of.  The salmon top is 32 oz., and the white top is 18 oz.  To cover the labels, I cut out scrapbook paper, glued it down, and then painted some clear varnish over the label.  I did this after I filled the spray bottles with their new cleaning agents.  

Glass Spray:

Fill halfway with warm water, add two tablespoons of lemon juice, and fill with distilled white vinegar.  I tried it on my bathroom mirror, and it worked well.  No streaks, it didn't reek of vinegar, and it removed the damage I've left behind from flossing.  I always have these ingredients in the house, so I'm thrilled this works!  I've also read recipes where they use just vinegar, or distilled water instead of tap water.  

All Purpose Cleaner:

Fill the spray bottle halfway with hot water (approximately 2 cups), add 1/2 teaspoon of washing soda, then two tablespoons of borax, and one teaspoon of orange extract, and now fill the rest of the way with water (another two cups about).  Shake, and you are ready to clean!  After cooking tonight's dinner I tested it out on the counter, and it was fantastic!  Perfect amount of orange smell too!  

Again, these are all things I have in the house.  You can replace the washing soda with baking soda for a slightly less abrasive cleaning solution.  I know not everyone has washing soda in the house, but it is a great addition to your cleaning supplies, so is borax.  They are both super fantastic as powders with a little water mixed in.  They make a paste that can tackle the hardest grease, mold, or stain.  

Hope ya'll enjoyed, happy spring, and happy DIYing, chris.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

I always hate seeing the price of a large container of liquid laundry detergent, so I decided to find out if I can make some for cheap at home.  It's easier to find recipes for dry detergent, but I found this great recipe over at The Simple Dollar.  I used a smaller container though, so I cut the recipe in half.  

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- 1/2 Cup Washing Soda

- 1/4 Cup Borax

- 1/2 Bar of Soap

- Approximately 1.5 Gallons of Water

Directions:

Begin by bring about 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan on the stove.  While you are waiting on the water grate half a bar of soap.  I used Yardley's Oatmeal and Almond, and it smelled great during this whole process!  I used a standard kitchen grater for the soap, and it was easier than grating cheese.  

Once the water is boiling turn it down to a simmer, and add the soap curls by small handfuls.  Let the handful dissolve before adding the next.  

While the soap is dissolving into the simmering water, measure out 1.5 gallons of water.   Combine with the washing soda, and borax in the bucket you will use to store your detergent.  Stir well.  

Once the soap has completely dissolved in the saucepan, combine the soapy water to the borax/washing soda water mixture you just made.  Stir well, and then let sit for 24 hours.

The mixture will thicken up a lot over the next 24 hours.  When it is ready it will be a similar consistency as hair conditioner. 

My mixture smelled better than any liquid detergent I've ever bought!  Plus the texture is kinda fun!

An added bonus, Borax can be used for lots of household chores.  You can make a household cleaner, a bathroom cleaner, a mildew remover, a deodorizer for kitty litter or your garbage disposal, stain remover, unclog drains, and tons of other great uses!   

Hope you all enjoy!  Happy DIYing!