Simply Clean!

For some time now I have wanted to try my hand at making homemade cleaners, and a couple weekends ago, I finally did it!  I started with a disinfectant recipe that I found on this website http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm , the recipe is as follows:

*Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)*   

Here I made a double batch and I was able to reuse old spray bottles!

In my recipe, I did not use castile soap only because I did not have any on hand, but did add some tea tree & sweet orange essential oils.  Tea Tree Oil is used as an anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti septic, anti viral, balsamic, cicatrisant, expectorant and fungicide…just to name a few.  For more information check out this link http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-tea-tree-essential-oil.html which lists them in more details.  I chose sweet orange because it is a natural grease cutter and because it smells great…perfect for cleaning the kitchen!  There are plenty of different homemade disinfectants out there, so try and few and decide for yourself which is your favorite!

It has been three weeks since I have started using my new disinfectant and I’m really enjoying the benefits of not having harmful chemicals in my home as well as creating products for a fraction of the cost.  I have also cut up old t-shirts into easy to use pieces and placed them right next to the cleaner; this way, when I’m ready to clean or wipe something up, I’m not reaching for paper towels.  By having these t-shirt pieces easily accessible, I learning to do without paper towels, which is better for my wallet and better for the environment!  We know that we are living in a tough economy, but I fear this is not then end, so it’s time to start doing more at home and saving money! 

Till next time……