Slashing the budget with DIY cleaning products

We are trying to save money like crazy. Who isn’t, right? After going through the budget and tightening everything we could, we found we could further cut costs by making some of our own cleaning products at home.

Before you roll your eyes (as I would have totally been prone to do), take a look at our switches, and let the savings do the talking.

DIY All-Purpose & Bleach Cleaners vs. Clorox Wipes

I used Clorox Wipes like crazy – in the kitchen, the bathroom, on the dining room table (until of course it started eating away at the finish) – and it’s expensive. I ran through roughly four canisters of wipes in a month’s time, which cost $11-12 on sale at Costco.

I came across a natural all-purpose cleaner from Sally Clarkson for everyday cleanup, and a “Fake” Clorox Cleanup at FakeItFrugal for ugly messes like raw chicken juice on the counter and tinkle spray in the bathroom. For each solution I purchased a Rubbermaid 32 oz. Heavy-Duty Spray Bottle (about $5 at Target) and sharpie-d the recipe right on the bottle. Because I like precise, I’ll include my measurements below . . .

All-Purpose Cleaner | Approx. $0.59 per bottle

15 ounces water
Juice from one lemon | $0.50 (Walmart)
1/2 cup white vinegar | $0.08 ($3.25 for 5 liters at Costco)
1 tsp dish soap | $0.01 ($7.69 for 90 ounces Palmolive at Costco)

Bleach Cleaner | Approx. $0.02 per bottle

25 ounces water
3 tbsp + 2 tsp bleach | $0.02 ($1/gallon)
1 tsp laundry detergent | (negligent)

Both solutions take less than five minutes to make. I’m spending a whopping $2.40 a month to refill the all-purpose cleaner once a week, and the bleach once every other. I’m using a few more paper towels in the course of a month, but the savings from switching out the Clorox wipes is worth the difference.

Homemade Laundry Detergent vs. Store Bought Detergent

I’ve mentioned the homemade laundry detergent from Samantha at Mixed Prints before, but I’ve been using it for over a year now – and friends, it’s incredible. The ingredients are inexpensive and I’ve only had to make it twice. In one year. I was easily spending that much (and more) a month purchasing the cheap stuff at Target.

Laundry Detergent | Approx. $12 per batch

4 lb box Baking Soda

4 lb box Super Washing Soda

4 lb box Borax

3 bars Fel Naptha Soap (grated)

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I will admit the Fel Naptha Soap is a little annoying to grate with a cheese grater, and the Borax should only be handled with rubber gloves (especially if you have eczema – lesson learned), but I can get over it for the price.

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Oh, and it smells w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l.

DIY Baby Wipes vs. Huggies

I know this is where I lose some of you, and I completely understand. I never would have guessed I’d make my own baby wipes and then tell someone about it. On the internet. But it’s too good to keep this momma secret to myself. Promise.

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Admittedly I cannot find the Facebook share that posted the exact recipe I’ve been using (listed below), but we’ve been using these for a month, and while Noah has super sensitive skin, he’s adjusted beautifully.

Baby Wipes | Approx. $0.97 per 1/2 roll, or <$0.01 per wipe

1/2 roll of 2-ply paper towels | $0.58 ($13.97 for 12 rolls Bounty at Walmart)
1-1/2 cups hot tap water

2 tbsp baby shampoo | $0.20 ($3.98 for 20 ounces Johnson’s Baby Shampoo at Walmart)
2 tbsp baby oil | $0.19 ($3.84 for 20 ounces at Target)

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My dad sawed all the paper towel rolls in half for me after I nearly put a utility knife through my leg. I might have been tempted to skip this DIY if I didn’t have that first bit of help, but once the paper towel rolls are cut in half, a batch of wipes are SUPER easy to make.

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This DIY effectively cut our wipes bill in half. Huggies and Kirkland brand wipes at Costco are both $0.02 per wipe (thank you Costco for listing unit prices). With one still in diapers, we are exceedingly grateful.