Thrifty GREEN ways to clean... - Our Simple Homestead

In my goal to save us money and find alternative green ways to keep my house and laundry clean I came across a great laundry soap recipe that only cost us $15 for 2 months’ worth of soap. I had been spending a good $10 or more a week on cleaning supplies and now that is down to almost nothing.

Baking soda and white vinegar have become my go to cleaning supplies. I had tried a few different recipes for dish soap but could not find one that I felt was really working so I am still buying a green friendly dish soap but other than that one product I am buying no weekly cleaning supplies.

Craig runs a Geo-tech drilling rig and gets really dirty each day but this laundry soap has stood up to his test to my laundry duties each week. I have been using white vinegar as a softener and it keeps my laundry static free and helps soften them.

Here is the recipes I have been using…try it you will never go back to paying $6.99 for a bottle of laundry soap again:

12 cups Borax
8 cups Baking Soda
8 cups Washing Soda
8 cups Bar soap (fine grated Fels Naptha)

Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

These are the cleaning tips I have been using to keep my house sparkling and clean.

Soap scum removal: Apply baking soda (it is nonabrasive). Scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. You can use Borax or vinegar too; but Borax can scratch. Vinegar can be applied directly, left to sit, and scrubbed down.
Everyday toilet cleaning: Sprinkle some baking soda and lemon juice into your toilet and walk away. Eventually you’ll want to return and scrub it with a toilet brush.
Basic furniture polish: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 3/4 cup olive oil OR mix 1/4 cup lemon juice with 1/2 cup olive oil. Wipe down furniture with a soft cloth and the solution.
Window / glass cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with one gallon water – spray and wipe.
Sink cleaner: Scrub with baking soda and water.
This one comes from my mother-in-law…
Drain Cleaner:
3/4 cup baking soda, 3/4 cup white vinegar; put those in drain and cover. Let set at least 10 minutes and then pour 1 qt. boiling water down drain.