Who doesn’t love saving money while having complete control over what goes into their home products? Not only will you build financial stability for your family, but you’ll also gain useful skills and keep your family healthy by making certain household products yourself. Here are a few ideas you can use to get started—you might even already have the ingredients in your pantry!
All-Purpose Cleaners
Say goodbye to those expensive, chemical-filled sprays. You can create an effective all-purpose cleaner with just a few ingredients. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and the juice of a lemon into a spray bottle. For a scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This cleaner works wonders on countertops, glass, and even stubborn stains. Plus, it leaves behind a fresh scent that beats store-bought products.
Hand Soap
Homemade hand soap doubles as a craft that you can enjoy with your kiddos. Start by melting 16 ounces of a soap base, such as shea butter or goat’s milk, in a double boiler. Once melted, stir in a tablespoon of olive or almond oil for added moisture. Add 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent. If you want, you can even get vibrant colors when making soap by adding mica powder (which is bright yet nontoxic). Once everything is combined, pour the mixture into silicone molds and let it cool for several hours until solid. Once set, pop the bars out of the molds, and you’ve got your own homemade soap bars!
Laundry Detergent
Store-bought laundry detergent can get expensive fast, but you can easily create your own. All you have to do is grate a bar of soap (any mild, dye-free one works) and mix it with one cup each of washing soda and borax. Store the powder in an airtight container and use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load. It’s gentle on clothes, free of unnecessary additives, and costs a fraction of commercial detergents.
Soft Scrub
For bathroom tiles, sinks, and grimy surfaces, this DIY soft scrub works like a charm. Combine a half cup of baking soda with enough dish soap to form a thick paste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra cleaning power and a shiny finish. That’s it! Apply it with a sponge or brush and scrub away grime with ease. It’s highly effective and doesn’t have the overpowering smell of most store-bought cleaners.
Disinfectant Wipes
Disinfectant wipes are a must if you have kids, and you can make your own easily. Cut up old T-shirts or rags into squares and place them in a sealable container. Next, mix 1 cup of water, a half cup of rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of tea tree oil. Pour over the cloths until damp. These wipes are perfect for quick cleanups and offer an eco-friendly, affordable option compared with disposable ones from the store.
These household products you can make yourself help you feel accomplished and offer real savings over time. Best of all, you know exactly what goes into every product. Give these recipes a try and discover just how fun and practical they are!