Money Saving Tips

Some of you have asked how I make my laundry soap. So, I thought I'd share it with you. Not only that, but I thought I'd also share some other money saving ideas/recipes. I have even included how much each item costs, but keep in mind, you will only be using a fraction of the item you buy... and you'll be able to use it multiple times. :) It really saves TONS of money.

LAUNDRY SOAP: 1/2 bar soap grated (about 50 cents a bar)
1/4 c. borax (about $2 a box)
1/2 c. washing soda (about $2 a box)
large stock pot filled with water

Boil water. When water begins to boil, add other ingredients. Stir and wait for bar soap pieces to melt. Once it appears all melted, pour (I use a funnel) into empty laundry soap jugs... it usually perfectly fills 3 jugs for me. Be careful! It's hot! I leave the lids off until it cools. When you go to use it, shake first or stir it... it will gel after cooling. Then pour about a cup of solution into your load. You can presoak laundry in washing soda to save TONS of money on powdered bleach or Oxyclean. It really does a great job. :) It ends up costing roughly $15 and it lasted me about 6 months!



ALL PURPOSE CLEANER:
3 Tbsp. vinegar (about $1 a bottle)
1/2 tsp. washing soda (about $2 a box)
1/2 tsp. liquid soap/dish soap (about $2 a bottle)
2 c. hot water

Pour all ingredients (one at a time) into an empty spray bottle. I just reused on that an all purpose cleaner had come in. I kind of lightly shake mine up to mix it well. Then it's ready to use! And who doesn't have vinegar, dish soap, and now washing soda just sitting around at home anyway?!?


FLOOR CLEANER:
1 part vinegar (about $1 a bottle)
1 part water a few drops of dish soap (about $2 a bottle)

Use an empty bottle to store this in. I used an empty Pine Sol bottle. These, too, are things you already have at home!


FURNITURE POLISH:
2 parts vegetable oil (about $2 a bottle)
1 part lemon juice (about $1 a bottle)

Again, use an empty spray bottle to store this in. Again... you might already have these items at home!


KITTY LITTER:
Shredded paper (free!)
Baking soda (about 50 cents a box)

Fill kitty pan with shredded paper (you know, all those documents you shred... use that!). Pour baking soda in and it's all set to go! We change our cat pans about twice a week... but it sure saves money! :)