Master the Art of Homemade Essentials: Laundry Detergent, ACV & More

DIY Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent can be quite pricey, but I've discovered an inexpensive and effective alternative. For the past four months, I’ve been using just borax and peppermint oil for washing clothes, even with our farm animals and active little boy. The clothes come out clean, and this simple mixture works wonders.

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

A bottle of distilled white vinegar is your best friend when it comes to making your own cleaning supplies.

1. Method: Fill a jar with citrus peels and cover with vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of weeks, then dilute with water.
2. Usage: Use this infused vinegar as you would your regular cleaner.

Sustainable Alternatives to Paper Towels and Napkins

Switching to reusable cloths can significantly cut down on your grocery expenses.

Here’s how I’ve done it:

1. Paperless Towels: Purchase or make your own from old towels. Store them in a napkin holder for easy access.
2. Cloth Napkins: Find durable napkins at estate sales or yard sales. These can be washed and reused for years, saving money and reducing waste.

DIY Floor Cleaner

Making your own floor cleaner is simple and cost-effective.

Here’s my recipe:

1. Ingredients: Water, white vinegar, essential oil, a few drops of dish soap.
2. Method: Fill a mop bucket with water, add two cups of vinegar, 10-15 drops of essential oil, and a couple of drops of dish soap.
3. Usage: Use this mixture with a mop for clean, fresh-smelling floors.

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

Making apple cider vinegar at home is surprisingly easy and uses scraps you might otherwise throw away.

1. Ingredients: Apple scraps (cores and peels), sugar, water.
2. Method: Fill a container halfway with apple scraps. Mix one tablespoon of sugar per cup of water and pour over the apples. Cover with a coffee filter or cloth and let it sit in a dark place, stirring daily for two weeks.
3. Usage: After two weeks, cover with a lid and let it sit for another two months. Strain and store your homemade apple cider vinegar.

Repurposing Butter Wrappers

Instead of buying cooking spray, save your butter wrappers to grease baking dishes.

This not only saves money but also reduces waste.

Making Bone Broth

Bone broth is nutritious and easy to make from leftovers.

1. Ingredients: Chicken bones and skin, water.
2. Method: Simmer the bones and skin in water for at least six hours. Strain and store in jars.
3. Usage: Use in soups, stews, and other recipes.

Homemade Sour Cream

Homemade sour cream is delicious and simple to make.

1. Ingredients: Heavy cream, store-bought sour cream.
2. Method: For every cup of heavy cream, add two tablespoons of sour cream. Stir well and leave on the counter for 24 hours.
3. Usage: Use in place of store-bought sour cream in any recipe.