Be Clean, Green and Cheap!

Hey Smarty Pants...are you spending too much on household cleansers? For several years now I've been making my own and haven't looked back since.  It all started when I was pregnant with our second child and I knew I didn't want to use any harsh chemicals.  My poor first child, I didn't know any better when I was pregnant with her and didn't really think much about breathing in those toxic fumes.  With the "green" movement that hit mainstream media several years ago, I'm a lot more conscious about the chemicals my family is exposed to.  

Anyway, I purchased an empty spray bottle from Walmart for about .97 cents and fill it with equal parts white vinegar and water.  I have one for upstairs and downstairs. It's also nice to know that when I have my oldest clean something, she won't be coming in contact with any hazardous chemicals.  It doesn't smell that great but neither do regular cleansers.  If the smell of vinegar bothers you, like it does my husband, you can always mix in some essential oils.  But I'm a real woman, I like my cleaners straight up with no chaser.  :) Just kidding.  I don't drink, I heard that on t.v. once.  :)  

Baking Soda is also a great household cleanser that is natural and non-toxic.  It's a natural abrasive that's effective yet gentle.  I sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of our textured bath tub, spray some of the vinegar/water solution on top and wait for it to sizzle and foam up.  I let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then scrub it with a cleaning brush.  It works way better than Scrubbing Bubbles and is much cheaper to make.  

The two cleaning products that I do purchase are Clorox Wipes and Clorox or Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner.  Of course, I use coupons and get them for ridiculously low prices but I feel that the toilet HAS to be disinfected more than vinegar can do.  The same goes for the Clorox Wipes.  I like to use them on doorknobs, phones, remote controls and any surfaces that might have a high-germ potential but I'm not having to spray anything into the air.     

I hope these tips help you re-think how you clean your home.  When you make your own cleansers you not only save money but you're doing something great for your family and that's a win-win!  

As always, Shop Like a Smarty Pants!