We must apologize for our absence these past few weeks!! Tami is once again back to work and as many of you know, going back to school means adjusting to a whole new schedule (and way of life!!). I think we are finally back on track after a few weeks of being a little hazy and very tired. Much caffeine was required!! We couldn't go any longer without sharing this great recipe with you!
Recently I was talking to my sister-in-law, and I was sharing with her a little about our blogging adventures. I was telling her about the homemade detergent & glass cleaner; well, she said that she makes her own antibacterial cleaning wipes! So, of course, we had to make some and share the results with you. I did try it (both anti-bacterial & the bleached wipes), and I really do like them; plus they are so much cheaper! You can buy generic wipes at most super stores. However, I didn't make it to our local super store. I bought my wipes at a local store called Marc's (generic - 80 wipes for $1.79/each). Most small generic tubs of antibacterial wipes are only 45 wipes and with no coupon cost over $2.00! Here is the exact recipe from Pamela, my sister-in-law. Try it and let us know what you think!
ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES
The best value and the thickest cloth that I have found is the Value brand from Walmart. You can experiment with what you like best. This is a money saver, because there are many more wipes in the baby container.
1. Fill the container with water and let the wipes soak for 10 minutes.
2. Drain the water, take the wipes out, and squeeze them dry. Then repeat this process.
3. When the "baby wipe smell" is gone, remove the wipes from the container and set to the side.
4. Fill the container 1/3 of the way with water.
5. Add 1/4 cup of all purpose anti-bacterial cleaner. I used Mr. Clean but generic would work as well.
6. Mix the water and cleaner, and then put the wipes back in.
7. Let these soak overnight, and then drain the extra fluid.
8. The wipes are ready to use.
*I also make bleach wipes using 2 tbsps of bleach instead of cleaner. You can also make windex wipes using Windex with the same process!
Posted by Kim on Aug 31 10 | Comments (0)
Categories: Products,
Everyone these days is trying to find ways to trim money in the budget. A little here and a little there can really add up to a lot of savings! Who doesn't like that idea? When it comes to cleaning supplies, the cost can add up very quickly. This got me to thinking about ways to cut costs when it came to using cleaning products in my home. I had heard rumors that making your own homemade cleaning products could save lots of money. Therefore, I started experimenting with homemade cleaning products and so far its a success! I most recently tried this homemade recipe for glass cleaner from instructables and was pleasantly surprised! It didn't streak as I thought it would and it took the fingerprints out of my patio doors instantly. I was also quite surprised at how well it worked on my glass shower doors. I showed it off to my husband and he seemed pleasantly surprised!
The recipe is listed below. I'm not going to lie, I made the recipe much stronger than suggested. I only used one 32 oz. spray bottle with the same recipe, which means I used a lot less water. I will admit this was COMPLETELY by mistake (perhaps I need to follow directions more carefully), but I liked the results A LOT so I think I'm going to stick with it.
What You Will Need
2 32oz Spray Bottles (or 1 if you are crazy like me)
1/2 C. Rubbing Alcohol
1/2 C. Vinegar
1/2 Liter Water
1 T. Lemon Juice
3-4 T. Dish Detergent
Mix
Mix together alcohol and vinegar in a container.
Divide
Divide the water into the 2 water bottles.
Divide and Add
Divide the alcohol and vinegar mixture and pour into each bottle.
Add
Add the lemon juice and detergent. Shake the bottles.
Here is the break down as far as cost is concerned (when I say store brand I am referring to generic):
1. Store Brand White Vinegar - $1.08
2. Store Brand Rubbing Alcohol - $0.99
3. Store Brand Dish Detergent - $0.99
4. Store Brand Lemon Juice - $1.69
Total - $4.89 with tax
The white vinegar and rubbing alcohol will make at LEAST 3 batches of glass cleaner and the dish detergent and lemon juice will last a very long time. Therefore, you can make 1 container of glass cleaner for approximately $1.00! The cheapest glass cleaner I found in the nearest Kroger was $1.99 for 1 32 oz. container and the name brand Windex was $3.79 for 1 26 oz. container. I also love the fact that the recipe took less than 10 minutes to make!
If there is one thing I do not like about the homemade glass cleaner its the smell. As I continue to make batches (yes I like it that much) I will work on getting a more pleasant smell from the product. The good news is that the vinegar smell goes away fairly quickly and does not linger.
If you give it a try let us know what you think! I hope you have as good of results as I did.
Posted by Tami on Jul 19 10 | Comments (0)
Categories: Products,
I've been interested in making my own laundry detergent for awhile, so I finally did some investigating & found a few recipes here. I really wanted to use Fels Naptha soap as an ingredient--as I've used it for years for stains & thought it would be great to have it in the recipe.
The recipe I used:
1/3 bar of Fels Naptha soap
6 cups water
1/2 cup WASHING SODA
1/2 cup Borax
2 gallon bucket
Boil 6 cups water on top of the stove. Shave off 1/3 of the bar of Fels Naptha & put in the boiling water. Turn to low & keep stirring until dissolved. Stir in 1/2 c. washing soda & 1/2 c. Borax. Stir till thickened & remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2 gallon bucket. Add soap mixture & mix well. Fill bucket completely with additional hot water & mix well or until thickens. Cover & let sit for 24 hours. Use 1/4 - 1/2 cup per load. The consistency is a little more gel like.
There is quite a cost savings by making your own detergent.
My cost :
This 2 gallons of detergent cost 71 cents. If you use 1/2 cup per load the cost is 1.5 cents per load. I only used 1/4 cup per load so I'm getting a great deal.
I've been using this homemade detergent for over a week now & it's cleans the clothes the same as the store bought I was using!!
Posted by Kim on May 24 10 | Comments (7)
Categories: Laundry,
Mom and I are in the process of "concocting" homemade cleaning products. We are hoping they will be cheaper and just as effective as the brand name product! As soon as we perfect our recipes we'll be sure to share them with all of you!
Posted by Tami on May 12 10 | Comments (0)
Categories: Laundry,
