Over the last year, I have been experimenting with making my own cleaning products. It may sound strange, but I really enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from making something for myself. Maybe that's why we can all summer long -- because it feels good to know that you did something with your own two hands. I started off by making homemade laundry soap. I used the recipe from the Duggar Family and I am still using it today. Matter of fact, I made 5 gallon of laundry soap this afternoon. I have under $3.00 in that 5 gallon of soap. Right next to the sense of accomplishment I feel is the fact that I am saving a TON of money making my own cleaning products. A few months ago I used the recipe from Carrie at http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/ and made my own fabric softener and my own spray & wash. I must say I love them. If I didn't I wouldn't use them. As much as I love saving money, I want to know that my clothes are clean and smell fresh. My homemade cleaning products work just as well as what I was buying.
Well, today, I added one more homemade cleaning product to my pantry -- homemade hand soap. Once again, I used a recipe from Carrie at FarmingOnFaith (THANKS CARRIE!).
I grated 1/2 bar of ivory soap into 4 cups of hot water. I used a whisk and stirred it on low heat until it was completely melted. Do NOT boil the water. When the soap is completely melted, add 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup washing soda and a few drops of essential oil. Stir well to combine and pour into a clean gallon jug (I used a milk jug). Then fill the jug to the top with water and shake well. I am going to let the soap sit overnight to thicken, and then try it tomorrow. I am nearly out of liquid soap, so I am anxious to fill my Bath & Body dispensers (think $3.00 a piece on sale for 8 ounces) with my homemade soap. I know I have less than $0.50 in this gallon of soap. I'll let you know what I think but since every other recipe from my blogging friend Carrie has been GREAT, I am certain I will love this too!
It's been cold and rainy here at Down On The Farm, but I've had a great day saving money and working with my hands. What a GREAT DAY!
I am so inspired by your posts about making your own products. Just in the last week I spent $12.00 for a bottle of Era (that will last approx. a month) and $9.00 for a bottle of Downy and that will only last a couple of weeks. I am going to try it soon...very soon! Where do you get your essential oil?
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post.
Jackie
Jackie - I get my oil at naturesgardencandles.com. This is the same place that Carrie, at FarmingOnFaith, buys her oil. I bought NG Clean Breeze which smells just like Downy! I checked and it was cheaper to buy the oil online and pay shipping than to buy it locally. I use just a few drops and I know it will last a LONG TIME! If you just give the homemade products a try you will LOVE THEM! If you lived close enough, I'd give you a gallon of the soap. I gave a gallon to a friend of my last Friday night, and on Monday she called me and wanted the recipe. Since then, I have had two other friends as for the recipe. I am hooked!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat way to save money! Anything like that helps in this hard times. Just want to thank you for the "follow" so I traced your footsteps and came here to follow you too! God bless.
ReplyDeleteThis is so fantastic! I love how much money you are saving!
ReplyDeleteHi New Friend,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog and becoming a follower. I so appreciate your prayers for our family. I came by to formally introduce myself and have become a follower of yours today as well. I look forward in getting to know you more here.
Blessings,
Alleluiabelle
You are way to sweet~ I am glad you like it. I really do not care for any of the dishwasher recipes very well. Do you have any you like? I do have one but I am not so crazy about it!
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for ways to save on cleaning products too. As soon as I'm out of laundry and hand soap, I'll give your recipe a whirl. Thank you so much for being the first person to leave a comment on my website. I cried with joy that someone saw my blog! Thank you for for adding me to your list.
ReplyDeleteI too love my homemade laundry soap, but I make the powder as I don't want to store a 5 gallon bucket. This time I added essential oil to it and it smells great! I'm looking forward to trying more cleaners as I use up what I have. I don't know if I can give up my Bath and Body works handsoap, but I should!! Thanks for sharing!!
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