How to make homemade cleaning products to save money

The cost of store-bought house cleaners doesn’t just affect your budget, but also the condition of your home and the people residing in it. For instance, the yearly cost of cleaning supplies for the average family in 2017 was $600. But, did you know that store-bought cleaning products can exacerbate symptoms of asthma in people who have it or have had it, and can trigger illness and rashes due to harsh chemicals and oppressive fumes? Not only do you have to foot the cost of medical bills, but your health takes a toll. That’s why, within the last few years, there’s been a rise in homemade house cleaners, like Honest, and DIY homemade house cleaners using the products you already have.

What are the benefits?

• Cleaner home with purer products. You get that freshly cleaned feeling without the possibility of inhaling toxic chemicals or exposing your skin to harsh chemical burns.
• Spend less to save more. By switching out harsh chemicals with baking soda or vinegar you could save hundreds of dollars a year.
• Save your time and save the earth. The best thing about using homemade house cleaners is that you don’t have to make additional trips to the store and you spend less on products that ultimately get thrown out – think bathroom cleaners in aluminum cans.

What are the main ingredients for most homemade house cleaners?

• Water
• Vinegar – White or Apple Cider
• Baking Soda
• Alcohol
• Oxygen Bleach – not regular bleach
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Vegetable or Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice

What can you make with these ingredients?

• Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
  Combine ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda into a ½ gallon of water, and shake well. If you’d like to add a scent you can add lemon juice for a fresh scent and deeper clean, or choose an essential oil of your choice and add a few drops as you go until you’ve found the scent you like.
• Natural Stain Remover
  In addition to using club soda or white wine to get out stains or red wine from clothing, you can also use straight vinegar or combine equal part water and hydrogen peroxide to get out difficult stains. Or use Oxygen Bleach diluted with distilled water for a tougher stain remover.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  Combine ¼ cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and 3 tbsp. of lemon juice. Let it sit for a couple minutes and scrub with a brush.
• Dishwashing Soap
  Mix equal parts kosher salt, baking soda, washing soda and scrub with a brush.

The take away:

Store bought house cleaners play hazard on your budget and your health. Save yourself the potential medical bills and the yearly costs of cleaning supplies by using homemade house cleaners, and put that money aside. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, planning for a wedding or just want an emergency account, a Special Savings Account from DuPage Credit Union was built with you in mind.