Experimenting with Homemade Household Cleaners

All Purpose Cleaner

2T vinegar

1 t Borax (I used a Tablespoon)

Hot water

a few drops of dish detergent

10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

I used a funnel to add the ingredients into a 16 oz spray bottle using orange for my essential oil.

I also added a splash of hydrogen peroxide because I have heard it is a good substitute for bleach and I am a bit of a bleach fanatic but I am trying to cut back.

Glass Cleaner

1/4 cup vinegar or 1 Tbsp lemon juice (I used both)
2+ cups water

I used a 16oz spray bottle for this too and added several drops of lavender essential oil.

I cleaned a few items with both of the above recipes and they seemed to do the trick for a fraction of the cost.
Now I am off to make some more liquid laundry detergent.
That last batch lasted a month and I do a fair share of laundry here. I think this formula works as good as any store bought detergent and I have been asked by a couple people if you can use these in the front loaders and I just read that people do use this recipe and do not have any issues so I'd say yes. I have also read that some people double the amounts of washing soda and borax, I have not because I felt it cleaned my clothes good as is.
I have always preferred liquid laundry detergent over powder but I do use the dry formula I made up on whites (when I use warm water). I added eucalyptus essential oil to the last batch and it made it smell really good but I think I will hold off this time because you have to use about 1/2 - 1 oz which can be pricey as essential oils aren't cheap.
My next experiment will be on bar soaps. I am waiting for one of my friends to e-mail me with her goat soap recipe. Do any of you have any soap recipes to share?


A final note click here to see why we are better off eating home grown or local foods. What is this world coming to?