Well- I have done my first batch of cleaning supplies.  The first thing was to make the shower shiner stuff.  I found a recipe that uses the dishwasher sparkle solution, vinegar, and water.  You take 2 tablespoons dishwashing sparkle solution, 1 cup white vinegar and fill a 32 ounce container with water.  The dishwashing sparkle solution ran $2.46 for a container of store brand stuff- that will last probably 9-12 months worth of this solution.  Vinegar was 2.69 a gallon container and then water.  So probably the breakdown is .30 dishwasher sparkle, .10 vinegar. Reused the spray bottle that had the shower cleaner in it before. 

The next solution I made was a cleaning solution that used 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergeant, and fill with 24 ounce spray container with water.  I get the dish detergeant 1.00 a container of 24 ounces.  So that ran me probably about .10 for dish soap, and .96 for the spray container that I can reuse.  That can be used in place of any spray cleaner that you would normally use. 

The next solution I made was glass solution.  This was equal parts water and white vinegar.  For this I figure .10 vinegar and .96 for the spray bottle that I can reuse.  I used this to clean a few windows already and boy do the windows look good.  I highly recommend this as it helps cut dirt, grime, grease, soap scum etc- the whole 9 yards.  I used newspaper to help clean the windows as well.  Worked well. 

I also tried my hand at the laundry soap.  I went with a couple differant things here from the recipe that I had.  I had a 2.50 off coupon for Biz which ran 3.15 after the coupon which actually made it cheaper than the borax.  The washing soap ran 2.46 a container which will cover 3 batches,  I bought a fels naptha bar of soap which ran .98 a bar and then the Zote which ran .65 a bar.  I also added about 1/4 cup of baking soda to help eliminate odors .15.  I made a batch and 1/2 so I still have 1/2 a bar of zote left as well as washing soda and biz for another batch.  The total cost for the supplies ran 7.59.  Since I have enough for 1/2 a batch more that means the price is 5.06 a batch.  At 3 tablespoons a load I figure that means I have enough for .  I have the first load of wash running right now so not sure how well it works.  I went with 3 tablespoons for a super sized load.  Will be interesting to see if it does as good of a job as the other loads.  Made about 3/4 a 5 gallon ice cream bucket of powdered laundry soap.  The instructions call for 2 tablespoons. Probably enough for 200 loads and possibly as many as 300.  I just looked inside the washing machine and it seems to get the dirt off well. 

What brought all this on you may ask- my husbands job ends April 17.  I have to figure out how to save money and this is one way that I can start and have things ready for the family to clean the house while I work my fanny off bringing home the paycheck. 

Sounds like you have been a busy bee! Let us know how they work....

There are some threads on here with some great tips about homemade laundry soap... if you haven't already, you may want to check them out. I've considered making some myself... but hubby VERY picky about detergent (no allergies... just because he sweats so much at work he doesn't like anythign perfume so I get that free and clear stuff for him).

I used to always use a spray bottle of half bleach and half water to clean in the kitchen. I stopped that a coupel years ago because I get cheap or sometimes free cleaning supplies by couponing and shopping sales.

Also, congrads at finding an area where you can save your family money. Girl, every little bit counts!

Have a blessed day,

Julie

Not really an option Julie.  I am trying to figure out ways to cut corners wherever I can financially.  My husband has become a statistic in this wonderful thing they call a recession.   So I'm trying to figure out any way possible to save a little extra money and still survive.  If anyone else has any ideas of where I can cut- groceries already cutting, and am planning on starting to just pay the essentials.  I would appreciate it.  I have 2 coupons for digital TV converters $40 off.  That way I have them if we need to cut cable. 

Good for you!

This is one step I haven't taken yet... I'm paranoid about germs and very attached to my bleach-spray cleaners. When I run out though, I'm going to force myself to try some homemade ones! 

 I get a LOT clean with vinegar and baking soda. Shell out the $ for large sizes now, and repurpose something moisture-proof for the BS.

I also have Dr Bronner's Sal Suds for the floors and serious degreasing.

truepeacenik:

I get a LOT clean with vinegar and baking soda

And without the toxic fumes and risks of carcinogens. I am a nut about needing to smell and look clean. I solved my issues by adding essential oil to my cleaners and now a few years later, I actually equate the smell of vinegar with cleanliness so I feel it's clean!

Hi Lorilwayne,

I make my own laundry soap too. I think it works well for every-day cleaning. I still use a store-bought detergent as spot-cleaner though.

When I make my spray cleaner, I use equal parts vinegar and water, with a tablespoon of borax and a few drops of dish detergent. I fill an old Windex bottle.

lorilwayne:

I have 2 coupons for digital TV converters $40 off.  That way I have them if we need to cut cable. 

Don't wait too long to use the coupons. If I'm not mistaken, they expire after 30 days. Anyone else know for certain?

 My "recipe" for bathroom cleaner (I normally use this on the vanity and mirror) is about half a bottle of rubbing alcohol, a few drops of dishwashing detergent and water.  I hope your re-purposed spray bottles keep working.  I've had problems re-using spray bottles.  However, I've bought plastic spray bottles which have worked for years.  Price of the bottles does vary depending on where you buy them.  For windows that are truly grimmy, add corn starch to the window cleaner and it will take the grime off.  Good luck with your financial situation.  I hope your husband will find work soon.

 We received coupons for digital TV converter boxes but didn't use them.  The coupons do expire, but I believe they have a expiration date on them. The government changed the date to sometime in June, so it would probably be better to buy them early.  If you think you may cut cable TV out, I'd go ahead and buy the converter box(es) now. Good luck with your situation. 

 My favorite spot cleaning spray is 2/3rds water to 1/3rd vinegar in a spray bottle, with a glug or two of cheap shampoo.  It takes anything off anything.