Update--Frugal Cleaning Challenge

I am happy to report that my cleaning challenge has been a success. Maybe not so much on the cleaning part but the recipes have worked wonderfully.

Another recipe to try (once again I don't know where I got this):
OVEN CLEANER-->3/4 c. baking soda--1/4 c. salt--1/4 c. water

Homemade Laundry Soap

I'm going to try my hand at homemade laundry soap. I have read many blogs stating the financial benefits of using homemade versus commercial, so there is no need to convince me on that aspect. I'm also convinced about the relative ease of making homemade laundry soap--I just whipped up a batch in less than ten minutes, more on that later. My concern, many recipes call for borax, which I have found with no trouble at my "local" W****** store, and WASHING SODA which I have not found yet.

In light of this fact I have had to look for recipes that do not use washing soda. That is what I have an issue with. Is the recipe I found going to give me the results I need?

I found this laundry recipe at TipNut.com:

Recipe #8:
2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)
Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted. In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well. Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

I just finished the first load with this recipe. It did not suds up much but our water is very hard. Clothes appear to be clean but the smell I'm not sure about. I will have to see how they smell after the dryer as these clothes are my gross work clothes from the manufacturing plant. So far so good

I will be doing a normal load later but I think this recipe will work as I do some more research and continue looking for washing soda. Clothes appear to be "cleaner" looking. This recipe may work yet!

I would love to hear your opinions and the recipes you personally use so please feel free to leave a comment :))

Frugal Cleanning Challenge--PT 2

Found a few more cleaning tips using white distilled vinegar. Visit 1001 Uses for white distilled vinegar for even more.

Following taken directly from preceding site:

• Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.
• Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.
• Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.

Frugal Cleaning Challenge

Whilst surfing the other night I came across a few web sites that "endorse" the use of homemade cleaning supplies. Altho I have considered this in the past, I never attempted this bit of frugality. So in the spirit of the Olympics I thought a 30 day challenge was in order.

The biggest decision was deciding which cleaning recipes to use. Some of the recipes included ammonia, and some included bleach (ingredients I do not like to use and do not keep in the house). The winner--white distilled vinegar, baking soda and Dawn!! How frugal is that, three ingredients that we all most likely have in our homes.

Listed below are the recipes I will be using. Regretfully I do not remember what site I got these recipes from and I apologize for that. I have been searching the past 2 days to no avail, as soon as I do find the site again I will include the link so proper credit can be given.

UPDATED 9/26/08: WooHoo!! I found the link to the original article. Read the full article Tightwad Tuesday: Homemade Cleaning Products.

WINDOWS-->2c. water--1/4c. white distilled vinegar--1/2tsp. Dawn

FLOORS-->1c. white distilled vinegar--1gal. hot water

***BATH-->1/2c. Dawn--1/2c. white distilled vinegar

TOILETS-->1/4c. baking soda--1/4c. Dawn--1/4c. water

CARPETS-->sprinkle baking soda on rugs, let sit 15 mins, vacuum as normal

***CARPETS (STEAM CLEANING)--Use white distilled as you would your normal cleaner

DRAINS-->1/4c. baking soda--1/2c. distilled white vinegar--flush with boiling water

I am very curious as to how this challenge turns out. We have 2 dogs and 3 cats so a clean house is a constant battle, especially where odor is concerned. From what I have read use of the vinegar and the baking soda should help. Only time will tell.

***Please note: Updated 8/24/08