HOMEMADE CLEANERS AND DETERGENTS

With just a few items, you can make all of your own cleaners and detergents!

Laundry Detergent:

1 bar of Kirk’s Castile or Fels Naptha (I haven’t been able to find this anywhere, but I’m told it is wonderful), grated
2 cups borax

2 cups washing soda

Mix well in a bucket and use 1-2 tablespoons in each load.

Use vinegar with a few drops of essential oil for fabric softener.
All ingredients are located in the laundry section of most major grocery stores.

Update:  Because of the recent information on the Dangers of Borax, I have found a recipe that does not call for it:

2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda–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.

All Purpose Spray Cleaner:

2 tsp Washing Soda

2 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp liquid castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild)

1/4 cup vinegar

2 cups hot water

Put all ingredients in spray bottle and shake (I mix it up in a measuring cup first)

Soft Scrubber:

3/4 cup baking soda

1/8 cup liquid castile soap

5 drops lavendar essential oil

1/4 cup vinegar

Add enough water to make a smooth paste

Floor Cleaner:

I just fill the sink with hot water, add a few splashes of vinegar, and several drops of lavendar essential oil. It works really well.

Thyme Cleaner- disinfectant:

2 1/2 cups water

1 handful thyme (fresh or dried)

Vinegar

Liquid castile soap (squirt)
Boil water, add thyme. Simmer for several hours over medium-low heat, covered. Cool, then strain. Pour the water into a spray bottle, top with white vinegar and squirt of soap. Thyme is a natural disinfectant.

Tub and Tile Cleaner:

1 2/3 cup water

1/4 cup liquid castile soap

1/4 cup baking soda

1/4-1/2 cup vinegar

A few drops of essential oil
Add soap to water and let dissolve. Stir in baking soda, then add vinegar (make sure to add it in slowly!). Store in a squirt bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly!

Toilet Cleaner:

Sprinkle baking soda and borax in toilet, then pour vinegar. Allow it to sit for a few minutes (as long as you want, depending on how dirty it is!). Then, scrub with brush.