For real savings, you might want to concoct some of your own natural cleaning supplies, using common household ingredients.
- White vinegar can be used as softener in your washer’s rinse cycle or combined with equal parts water for an all-purpose/glass cleaner.
- Cornstarch can be sprinkled on carpet to freshen before vacuuming or made into a paste with water for cleaning silver.
- Washing soda makes a great spray cleanser when combined with hot water (1 teaspoon soda per 2 cups of water) or a solution for soaking grimy items like barbecue grills (1 cup soda per sink-full).
- Baking soda works wonders as a sink/tub scrubber or as a diaper pail freshener.
- Plain liquid soap and a few essential oils combine for a scented cleaner with disinfecting properties.
For ease on cleaning day, stock all your cleaning supplies in a large galvanized bucket, along with some colorful washable cloths (instead of paper towels) for cleaning (add a bow—and maybe a book of natural cleaning tips—and you’ve got a great gift for a college freshman or newlywed, too!).
