After taking steps to live a more conscious existence, I have found that shopping is overrated. The satisfaction that I find from making my own household products far outweighs buying the “brand of the month.”

My reason to make my own products stem mainly from the ever increasing prices as well as the harmful chemicals present in store bought brands. After using store bought chemicals for years, I noticed my eyes would burn and lungs would hurt after cleaning with them. I knew the chemical cleaners were doing more harm than good, and would much rather preserve my health and not pollute our water supply any further.

I have found many of these homemade cleaners and products use similar ingredients, therefore, purchasing them would be a lucrative investment.

1. Laundry Detergent

• 1 bar (or 4.5 ounces) of shaved bar soap (a homemade laundry bar, Dr. Bronner’s, Ivory, ZOTE, or Fels-Naptha)
• 1 cup of Borax
• 1 cup of washing soda

1. [amazon asin=B001ET77O8&template=*lrc ad (left)]In a large container, thoroughly stir all ingredients together for 5 minutes and enjoy the results!
2. Use 1 Tbsp per load (or 2-3 Tbsp for large or heavily soiled loads).

2. Fabric Softener

• 1 gallon distilled white vinegar
• 30-40 drops of essential oil (popular scents include: lavender, a combination of lemon and citrus for an energizing pick me up or invigorating peppermint)

1.  Combine all ingredients and shake well. When ready to use shake mixture and add to rinse cycle.
2. For small or average loads add 1/4 cup to the rinse cycle, or a little more for large loads.[amazon asin=B001AOZ78A&template=*lrc ad (right)]

3. Dishwashing Detergent Tablets

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 3 packages unsweetened lemonade drink mix
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 1 cup water

[amazon asin=B00AZ6IH68&template=*lrc ad (left)]Mix all dry ingredients together.

1. In a large bowl, add water to dry ingredients, wait for fizzing to stop (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add your mixture to ice cube trays, pressing with your fingers or back of a spoon.
3. Allow mixture to dry in a warm and sunny spot for 24 hours or until completely dry. Remove and add to an airtight container.
4. Add one tab to the dishwasher dispenser. Also use vinegar or jet-dry in your rinse dispenser too.

4.  All-Purpose Cleaner

• 1 cup white vinegar[amazon asin=B000HMBJ74&template=*lrc ad (right)]
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• Juice of lemon
• 1/2 gallon water

1. Shake well and apply for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc. Or use a citrus-based natural all-purpose cleaner.

[amazon asin=B0011CX2M4&template=*lrc ad (left)]5.  Drain Cleaner

• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 4 liters hot water

1. Add ingredients and pour into drain. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in hot water to clear residue.

Caution: do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener–the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

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