Master the Art of Homemade Essentials: Laundry Detergent, ACV & More
Hey y'all, welcome back to Homemade Simple! If we haven’t met before, I’m Lori, and I’m thrilled you’re here today.
Last week, I discussed my 2024 goals, which revolve around organizing my life and maximizing savings, particularly by slashing our grocery budget.
Today, we'll delve deeper into some homemade alternatives to common household and food items. These DIY solutions not only save money but also allow you to control the ingredients used in your home.
Let’s explore how we can replace several household cleaners, laundry detergents, and food items with homemade versions.
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Table of contents
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.
You can also add Super Washing Soda for an extra boost. Essential oils like peppermint or lemon not only add a pleasant scent but also have cleaning properties.
Here's a quick guide:
- Ingredients: Borax, Super Washing Soda (optional), essential oil (peppermint, lemon, etc.).
- Method: Mix borax with a few drops of essential oil. For extra cleaning power, add Super Washing Soda.
- Usage: Use two scoops per load.
This detergent costs just pennies per load and ensures your clothes are fresh and clean without the harsh chemicals found in commercial detergents.
Homemade Cleaning Supplies
A bottle of distilled white vinegar is your best friend when it comes to making your own cleaning supplies.
Here’s how to make a basic all-purpose cleaner:
- Ingredients: White vinegar, water, essential oil (lavender, orange, etc.), a few drops of liquid dish soap.
- Method: Fill a spray bottle halfway with vinegar and the rest with water. Add essential oil and a couple of drops of dish soap.
- Usage: Use this mixture for all your cleaning needs.
For a more powerful cleaner, you can infuse vinegar with citrus peels. This adds extra antimicrobial properties and a pleasant scent.
- Method: Fill a jar with citrus peels and cover with vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of weeks, then dilute with water.
- 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:
- Paperless Towels: Purchase or make your own from old towels. Store them in a napkin holder for easy access.
- 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:
- Ingredients: Water, white vinegar, essential oil, a few drops of dish soap.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ingredients: Apple scraps (cores and peels), sugar, water.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ingredients: Chicken bones and skin, water.
- Method: Simmer the bones and skin in water for at least six hours. Strain and store in jars.
- Usage: Use in soups, stews, and other recipes.
Homemade Sour Cream
Homemade sour cream is delicious and simple to make.
- Ingredients: Heavy cream, store-bought sour cream.
- Method: For every cup of heavy cream, add two tablespoons of sour cream. Stir well and leave on the counter for 24 hours.
- Usage: Use in place of store-bought sour cream in any recipe.
Conclusion
Making these items at home not only saves money but also provides a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.
By learning new skills and becoming more self-sufficient, you can reduce your reliance on store-bought products and gain control over what goes into your home and body.
For details of some of the products and equipment I've mentioned above, see the video description box here.
Share your homemade recipes and tips in the comments, and let’s continue to support each other on this frugal living journey. Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to seeing you next time!
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