Frugal Friday

Have you ever really looked at how much you spend on household cleaning products? How safe are they? for your kids? pets? the environment? and yourself?

With the season now being spring many of you have spring cleaning on your minds. I thought I would share a few recipes for cleaning products with you today. I started using these a few months ago and so far I love them. They only cost pennies to make as well. That's the real bonus for my family. By making your own you can also control the scents and intensity of the scents.

1. Tub and sink cleanser

Fill a clean Parmesan cheese container or a powdered sugar shaker with baking soda. If you would like to add scent then put about 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in. You're now ready to clean your sinks, tubs and showers.

Store brand price: Comet 21 oz=1.19

Homemade version: baking soda 16oz=.69

Savings=.50

2. Window Cleaner

Fill an empty trigger spray bottle (these can be found at your local stores or use an old Windex bottle) with one part white vinegar and three parts water. Shake to mix and you're ready to clean your windows.

Store brand price: Windex=$3.49 a bottle

Homemade version: vinegar and water=.89

Savings=$2.60 each time you refill

3. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Make a thin paste of Borax and Lemon Juice. Flush your toilet then rub the paste onto the toilet bowl. Let sit for about one hour and then flush again. Your bowl is sparkling clean.

Store brand=Lysol toilet bowl cleaner=$2.99

Homemade version=Borax and lemon juice=.05

Savings=about .35 each time you use it.

4. Spot Free Dishes in your dishwasher

Add vinegar to your rinse compartment in the dishwasher, careful not to overfill. Then wash your dishes as you normally do.

Store brand=Sunlight rinse aid=$3.19

Homemade version=1 gallon of vinegar=$1.39

Savings=$79.51

One gallon of vinegar will give you the same amount as 25.6 bottles of rinse aid.

5. Floor cleaner

One cup vinegar to one gallon of water. Add essential oil for scent if you desire.

Store brand=Mop and Glo=$3.79

Homemade version=About .08 a bucket

Savings=about $3.71 per use

6. Furniture Polish

Mix 1/4 cup olive oil or mineral oil with 4 TBLS of white vinegar and 2 tsp of lemon juice. Pour it into a spray or squirt bottle and shake well. This will need to be kept in the refrigerator after each use as the lemon juice will sour. Or you can use lemon essential oil instead with no refrigeration. add about 0-30 drops of the lemon essential oil.

Store brand=Pledge Spray=$3.99?

Homemade version=.50

Savings=You save $2.00 each time you make your own.

7. Disinfectant Spray

Fill a trigger spray bottle with distilled or purified water to the top. Add 3 TBLS of castile soap, and 20-30 drops of tea tree oil. This can be found in health stores. shake to mix well.

Store brand=Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner=$2.99

Homemade version=tea tree oil and castile soap=.95 cents

Savings=$2.04 each time you refill your bottle.

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Time to announce the winner of last weeks giveaway sponsored by Galacia Aprons at Etsy. This weeks winner of the apron of her choice is.........................

MINISHOES

Minishoes you have 48 hours in which to contact me with your favorite apron of choice and your mailing address. If no response in 48 hours I will have to choose an alternate winner.

Again, Congratulations

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I hope everyone enjoys these frugal cleaning product savings as much as I do. Now get to that spring cleaning by more economical savings.

I'm sorry to say this week I do not have a giveaway. I've been to busy around here to take time to seek a sponsor. Hopefully I will slow down enough to find one for next weeks Frugal Friday.

Happy Cleaning with savings my friends,