Our Top 3 DIY Cleaners

 Let’s start with the best homemade powder laundry detergent.

The recipe:

1 box Borax (76 oz.)

1 box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (4 lb.)

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (55 oz.)

3 bars Fels Naptha

1 tub Sun oxygen cleaner (6 lb.)

*optional* 1 bottle Purex crystals (for smell)

Use:  2 Tbs. per load. 

All of these items are in the same aisle at Walmart.  Cost for all ingredients is under $20 and this will last 6-12 months depending on family size.  : )  That’s some big savings!

 This is so easy to put together!

First, GRATE the Fels Naptha bars.  I tried to chop it up in my little Ninja food processor - didn’t work.  Then I tried to shred it up in my Vita Mix - didn’t work.  

The soap just stuck to the sides and made a mess out of my appliances.  So through my trial and error I can definitely say you must hand grate the Fels Naptha! : )  It grates easily though, and that’s the hardest part of this recipe.

Then just pour all the ingredients into a big container and mix well.  That’s it!

I had a helper mixing;  there may have been a happy meal toy “detergent diving” to help with mixing too. : )

I have been making my own liquid laundry detergent for about 3 years and have loved it. Powder detergent is easier to make though. I have been hesitant to try it because I was concerned it wouldn’t dissolve well in our old, base model washing machine.  I am happy to say it dissolves just fine!  Steffany has been using this recipe for over a year,  I’ve been using it for a couple months and we both love it!

Next money saver: Glass and window cleaner!

The recipe:

1/4 C rubbing alcohol

1/4 C white vinegar

1 Tbs. Cornstarch

2 C warm water

Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake.  

This stuff is amazing!  I know the cornstarch sounds weird, but it’s like the secret ingredient.  No kidding, there is not one streak!  Just shake before each use and use a lint free cloth. 

And for the last of our favorite DIY cleaners:  Pots and pans (and cookie sheets)

The recipe:

Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking Soda

Just mix in a bowl to make a thick paste.  I found the thicker the paste is, the better it works.

Rub onto the pot, pan or cookie sheet and let sit for at least 15 minutes.  The longer it sits the less scrubbing you’ll have to do.  (Learned that by some trial and error too. : )

And Ta-Da!

We’re pretty excited about our homemade discoveries! 

 Have you tried any homemade cleaners you love?  

Linking up here:

Craft-o-maniac,

  Skip to my Lou,

Keeping it Simple,

Creatively Living,

Someday Crafts,

Gingersnap Crafts,

Lil’ Luna,