Of house and homies: Lean, mean, GREEN cleaning machine

Lately I've participating in a game with myself to see if I can use things we already have in the house to concoct wonderful goodies. It all started when I made Ethan some homemade playdough (a how-to post is coming soon!) and was A-M-A-Z-E-D for 2 reasons. 1, because it came out SUPER SQUISHY and moist and 2, because I already had everything I needed in the house! How great is that?

So that got me thinking (a dangerous activity sometimes)....what if I can start making homemade cleaning products with what we already have at home (plus maybe adding a few more inexpensive items from the old grocery store). I found a fantastic blog, Maillardville Manor, that had some easy and cheap-o homemade recipes for green cleaning.

Photo Source: Maillardville Manor

First of all, you'll want to jot down a quick list of supplies that you'll need. Most of us have a good portion of this list just collecting dust in our pantries and closets. Others you'll want to purchase, but the majority of this list is super inexpensive!!!

Homemade Cleaning Supplies:

Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide
Rubbing Alcohol
Baking Soda
Borax
Washing Soda
Castile Soap (Dr.Brommers)
Dish Soap
WATER
Citrus
Olive Oil
Tea Tree Oil

And now, for the recipes!!!

LAUNDRY SOAP:

1 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

1 bar Fels Naptha bar

Photo Source: Yellow Brick Home

Grind one Fels Naptha bar, then mix remaining ingredients together into a jar (a pretty one like this one so you'll be excited to do laundry). Use 1 tablespoon per each regular load of laundry

Source: Yellow Brick Home

BATHTUB CLEANER:

1 tsp liquid soap

Svrl drops Tea Tree Oil (or other antibacterial essential oil)

1 cup baking soda

Source: MarthaStewart.com

PAN SCRUBBER / DEGREASER:

1/4 cup baking soda

Hydrogen peroxide

Add until there is enough hydrogen peroxide to make a past

Source: One Good Thing by Jilliee

JEWERLY CLEANER:

1 tbsp dishwashing liquid

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tbsp ammonia

3 cups warm water

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER:

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup vinegar

2 tbsp. lemon juice

15 drops tea tree oil

STRONGER ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER:

1 tsp. borax

2 tbsp. vinegar

1/2 tsp castile soap

15 drops tea tree oil

2 cups hot water

DE-GREASER:

2 cups warm water

1/4 cup castile soap

10 drops lemon essential oil

MICROWAVE CLEANER:

Bowl of warm water with lemon slices. Cook for 1 minute and then allow to sit for another 3 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp sponge!

TOILET BOWL CLEANER:

1 cup borax

1/4 cup vinegar

Mix together, pour into toilet and allow to sit for 15 minutes and then scrub away!

CARPET RE-FRESHER

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto carpet or area rug and leave on for 30 minutes. Vacuum up! Removes odors and leaves carpets and rugs fresh, fresh, fresh!

So, my friends, make that list, head to the store and start mixin'! It's time to clean our house, green style. And really, nothing makes me happier than a clean home. (Well, maybe there are a few things that make me happier than that...)