Use this to clean counters, appliances, kids toys, bathrooms etc.
Homemade All Purpose Cleaner (18 oz)
1 tbsp of Borax powder (find it in the laundry aisle of your supermarket)
3 tbsps of white vinegar
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of dish soap
2 drops Tea Tree Oil (optional - this helps kill bacteria)
4 drop of essential oil such as orange or lemon for fragrance (optional)
Mix together and put in a spray bottle.
Cost Breakdown:
- Borax (76 oz) = $2.98 = $.04/oz
.5 oz = 1 Tbs
.5 oz x $.04 = $.02
- White Vinegar 1 gallon/128oz = $1.79 (generic brand)
$1.79/128 oz = $.01/oz
.5o z = 1 Tbs
3 Tbs = $.03
- Dish Soap (Seventh Generation) 25 oz = $3.00
$3.00/25 oz = $.12
.5 oz = 1 Tbs
.5 oz x $.12 = $.06
One 18oz batch = $.006/oz
Total Cost = $.11
If I were to make a 32 oz bottle to compare to Lysol my solution would cost $.19!
Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Spray 32 oz - $7.37
- $.23/oz
Total Savings:
Lysol 32 oz: $7.37 - My solution 32 oz $.23 = $7.14 Savings!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Homemade Yogurt
So many people have been asking me about my new homemade yogurt discovery. I have been making it about twice a week because my family has been scarfing it down along with my homemade granola (I guess I have to post that recipe now too).
Homemade Cream Top Yogurt (36oz)
2 Cups Whole Milk (I know... but trust me)
1/2 Cup Powdered Milk - this thickens the yogurt
1/2 Cup Plain, Cream Top Natural Yogurt (One small container)
- Start by warming your yogurt incubator... don't have one? Use jelly jars as containers and make your yogurt in the oven on the lowest heat it will allow. Preferably if you have a gas oven, just put the pilot light on. This will effect the amount of time you let your yogurt set.
- Set out your yogurt starter. Allow it to get to room temperature.
- Heat milk and powdered milk on the stove until it reaches 180 degrees. This pasteurizes the milk.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to 115 degrees.
- Add the yogurt to the milk and gently stir.
- Pour mixture into glass jars. I use 7 1/2 cup jars.
- Let the mixture sit at 115 degrees for 8-12 hours... depending on how tart you like your yogurt. The longer it sits, the more tart it gets.
- Eat 6 of them, and save the 7th for your starter in your next batch.
* Remember this is Plain, Cream Top yogurt. You will have to stir the cream on the top into the rest of the yogurt. Add fresh fruit after the yogurt is made.
* Don't add the yogurt to the milk before it reaches 115 degrees or you will kill all the probiotics in the yogurt that are so good for your immune system.
Cost Breakdown:
- Whole Milk
1 Gallon (128 oz) - $2.99 = $.023/oz
7 1/2 cups = 3.5 cups (28 oz)
28oz x $.023 = $.64
- Powdered Milk
25.6 oz - $7.78 = $.30/oz
1/2 cup = 4 oz
4 oz x $.30 = $1.20
- Starter (free when used from prevoius batch)
One batch costs $.05/oz
Total Cost = $1.84 for 36 oz of Homemade Yogurt
If I made a 6 oz cup like they sell in the store it would cost = $.30
If I made 32 oz large tub like the Stonyfield my yogurt would cost = $1.60
Stonyfield (best comparison)
6oz - $.99 = $.17/oz (Individually sold cup)
32 oz - $4.49 = $.14/oz
Total Savings:
6 oz: Stonyfield $.99 - Homemade $.30 = $.69 savings
32 oz: Stonyfield $4.49 - Homemade $1.60 = $2.89 savings
We make two batches a week... 2.89 x 2 = $5.78. 4 weeks in a month... we save $23.12 a month on homemade yogurt! We really do eat it too.
* Hot tip: If you don't plan on eating your yogurt before it goes bad, make homemade frozen yogurt!
Enjoy!
Homemade Cream Top Yogurt (36oz)
2 Cups Whole Milk (I know... but trust me)
1/2 Cup Powdered Milk - this thickens the yogurt
1/2 Cup Plain, Cream Top Natural Yogurt (One small container)
- Start by warming your yogurt incubator... don't have one? Use jelly jars as containers and make your yogurt in the oven on the lowest heat it will allow. Preferably if you have a gas oven, just put the pilot light on. This will effect the amount of time you let your yogurt set.
- Set out your yogurt starter. Allow it to get to room temperature.
- Heat milk and powdered milk on the stove until it reaches 180 degrees. This pasteurizes the milk.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to 115 degrees.
- Add the yogurt to the milk and gently stir.
- Pour mixture into glass jars. I use 7 1/2 cup jars.
- Let the mixture sit at 115 degrees for 8-12 hours... depending on how tart you like your yogurt. The longer it sits, the more tart it gets.
- Eat 6 of them, and save the 7th for your starter in your next batch.
* Remember this is Plain, Cream Top yogurt. You will have to stir the cream on the top into the rest of the yogurt. Add fresh fruit after the yogurt is made.
* Don't add the yogurt to the milk before it reaches 115 degrees or you will kill all the probiotics in the yogurt that are so good for your immune system.
Cost Breakdown:
- Whole Milk
1 Gallon (128 oz) - $2.99 = $.023/oz
7 1/2 cups = 3.5 cups (28 oz)
28oz x $.023 = $.64
- Powdered Milk
25.6 oz - $7.78 = $.30/oz
1/2 cup = 4 oz
4 oz x $.30 = $1.20
- Starter (free when used from prevoius batch)
One batch costs $.05/oz
Total Cost = $1.84 for 36 oz of Homemade Yogurt
If I made a 6 oz cup like they sell in the store it would cost = $.30
If I made 32 oz large tub like the Stonyfield my yogurt would cost = $1.60
Stonyfield (best comparison)
6oz - $.99 = $.17/oz (Individually sold cup)
32 oz - $4.49 = $.14/oz
Total Savings:
6 oz: Stonyfield $.99 - Homemade $.30 = $.69 savings
32 oz: Stonyfield $4.49 - Homemade $1.60 = $2.89 savings
We make two batches a week... 2.89 x 2 = $5.78. 4 weeks in a month... we save $23.12 a month on homemade yogurt! We really do eat it too.
* Hot tip: If you don't plan on eating your yogurt before it goes bad, make homemade frozen yogurt!
Enjoy!
Homemade Veggie Wash
Instead of buying "Veggie Wash", make your own with basic household ingredients!
1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
Mix together and store in a spray bottle. Spray the produce right before using. Rub to wash, then rinse with water. You will be AMAZED how well this works if you have never done it before. For an impressive show, wash some grapes. You won't believe how much stuff is on them. Don't forget to spray and wash melons before cutting. If you don't the knife spread the bacteria from the outside of the melon into the fruit.
Cost Breakdown:
Homemade Wash (12 oz):
- Vinegar
1 Gallon White Vinegar = $1.79 (generic brand)
$1.79/128oz = $.01/oz
1/2 Cup = 4 oz
$.01 x 4 oz = $.04
- Baking Soda
8oz - $.44 = $.055/oz.
2 Tbs = 1oz.
1oz x $.055 = $.06
Homemade Wash (12oz) = $.008/oz
Total Cost = $.10
If I were to make 16 oz it would cost $.13
"Veggie Wash"
16oz - $5.00 = $.31/oz
Total Savings: $4.81 per bottle!!!!
1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
Mix together and store in a spray bottle. Spray the produce right before using. Rub to wash, then rinse with water. You will be AMAZED how well this works if you have never done it before. For an impressive show, wash some grapes. You won't believe how much stuff is on them. Don't forget to spray and wash melons before cutting. If you don't the knife spread the bacteria from the outside of the melon into the fruit.
Cost Breakdown:
Homemade Wash (12 oz):
- Vinegar
1 Gallon White Vinegar = $1.79 (generic brand)
$1.79/128oz = $.01/oz
1/2 Cup = 4 oz
$.01 x 4 oz = $.04
- Baking Soda
8oz - $.44 = $.055/oz.
2 Tbs = 1oz.
1oz x $.055 = $.06
Homemade Wash (12oz) = $.008/oz
Total Cost = $.10
If I were to make 16 oz it would cost $.13
"Veggie Wash"
16oz - $5.00 = $.31/oz
Total Savings: $4.81 per bottle!!!!
Homemade Febreze
So excited about this one! With cloth diapers and living with 3 boys... we go through Febreze!
2 Cups Warm Water
1/4 Cup Fabric Softner
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
Stir together and put in spray bottle.
Cost Breakdown:
- Downy Fabric Softner (67 oz) - $6.97 = $.10/oz
1/4 c = 2 oz. 2 oz * $.10/oz = $.20
- Baking Soda (8 oz) - $.44 = $.05/oz
1 Tbs = .5oz. So, .5oz * $.05/oz = $.03
One batch costs $.014/oz
Total cost = $.23 for 2.25 cups or 16.25 oz
* If I made 27 oz like the febreze bottle it wold cost = $.38
Febreze Fabric Freshner:
$6.25 for 27 oz = $.23/ounce
Total Savings: $5.87/27 oz Bottle
2 Cups Warm Water
1/4 Cup Fabric Softner
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
Stir together and put in spray bottle.
Cost Breakdown:
- Downy Fabric Softner (67 oz) - $6.97 = $.10/oz
1/4 c = 2 oz. 2 oz * $.10/oz = $.20
- Baking Soda (8 oz) - $.44 = $.05/oz
1 Tbs = .5oz. So, .5oz * $.05/oz = $.03
One batch costs $.014/oz
Total cost = $.23 for 2.25 cups or 16.25 oz
* If I made 27 oz like the febreze bottle it wold cost = $.38
Febreze Fabric Freshner:
$6.25 for 27 oz = $.23/ounce
Total Savings: $5.87/27 oz Bottle
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Since I had plenty of Borax and Washing Soda left over from my Laundry Detergent, I figured why not try Dishwasher soap. Check out this recipe...
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Packet Lemonade Crystal Light (for the citric acid, and the smell)
I tried a batch without the crystal light, and used straight citric acid instead. I got cloudy dishes still. I was pretty bummed, because the citric acid was not cheap, which somewhat defeated the purpose in doing this. I just made a batch of this with the crystal light, so I will let you know how it works. My glass dishes were fine, it was the plastics that were cloudy. I wish I could say I just wont use plastic anymore... but that isn't realistic with 2 boys... 3 including my husband.
Again, you only need to use 1 Tablespoon, so this should yield 32 loads. So, assuming you run your dishwasher once a day, this will last you 1 month.
Cost Breakdown:
Washing Soda (55 oz) = $3.24. 1 cup/8 oz = $.47
Borax (76 oz) = $2.98. 1 cup/8oz = $.31
Crystal Light (6 packets/box) = $2.48. 1 packet = $.41
Cost/Load: $.04
Total Cost: $1.19
1 load per day = .04*31= $1.24/month
Compare to Cascade All in One Detergent:
48 packs for $12.97 = $.27/load
1 load per day = .27*31= $8.37/month
Savings: $8.37 (cascade) - $1.24 (homemade) = $7.13 Savings/month
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Packet Lemonade Crystal Light (for the citric acid, and the smell)
I tried a batch without the crystal light, and used straight citric acid instead. I got cloudy dishes still. I was pretty bummed, because the citric acid was not cheap, which somewhat defeated the purpose in doing this. I just made a batch of this with the crystal light, so I will let you know how it works. My glass dishes were fine, it was the plastics that were cloudy. I wish I could say I just wont use plastic anymore... but that isn't realistic with 2 boys... 3 including my husband.
Again, you only need to use 1 Tablespoon, so this should yield 32 loads. So, assuming you run your dishwasher once a day, this will last you 1 month.
Cost Breakdown:
Washing Soda (55 oz) = $3.24. 1 cup/8 oz = $.47
Borax (76 oz) = $2.98. 1 cup/8oz = $.31
Crystal Light (6 packets/box) = $2.48. 1 packet = $.41
Cost/Load: $.04
Total Cost: $1.19
1 load per day = .04*31= $1.24/month
Compare to Cascade All in One Detergent:
48 packs for $12.97 = $.27/load
1 load per day = .27*31= $8.37/month
Savings: $8.37 (cascade) - $1.24 (homemade) = $7.13 Savings/month
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Homemade Laundry Detergent
I currently purchase 3 different laundry detergents due to my high maintenance family. I have one baby who uses Seventh Generation. My other child, my husband and I use Tide, while we use Arm and Hammer liquid detergent with Oxy Clean for our cloth diapers. I will be able to replace all of these with this soap because it fits all our needs. There are no dyes, chemicals, softeners, and they get tough stains out!
After searching the internet for homemade laundry detergent recipies, this is the one I decided to try first.
- 1 Bar Shaved Bar Soap (4 oz). I used "Zote", a natural Laundry Bar Soap. I found it at Home Depot
- 1 Cup Borax. I used 20 Mule Team Borax, found at Target, Meijer and Wal-Mart
- 1 Cup Washing Soda (made by Arm and Hammer). I only found this at Wal-Mart
My bar of Zote was a 14.1 oz bar. After a few minutes finely shaving my large bar of soap I figured this out, which lead me to quadruple my recipe. I did four cups of the borax and the washing soda. mixed them all together and added a few essential oils to make it smell lovely.
A few disclaimers after reading blogs and talking to friends who have used this
* You only need 1 Tablespoon!!!
* It wont sud... but that doesn't mean it isn't cleaning. Bubbles are made by ingredients not listed. You might ask why I chose not to include them. The reason is, bubbles don't clean. So I figured if my purpose in doing this is to save money, why not leave the expensive non cleaning bubbles out.
Cost Breakdown -
Zote Soap (14.1 oz) = $1.67. I used the whole bar (about 5 cups shaved) = $1.67
Washing Soda (55 oz) = $3.24. I used 4 cups/32 oz = $1.89
Borax (76 oz) = $2.98. I used 4 cups/32 oz = $1.25
Cost/oz = $.06
Total Cost = 4.81
This recipe (times 4) yields 208 loads
Assuming you use 1 Tablespoon per load... each load only costs = $.02
Tide:
$15.95 for 100 oz yields 64 loads - $.16/oz
Each load costs = $.25
Seventh Generation:
$22.00 for 150 oz yields 99 loads - $.15/oz
Each load costs = $.22
Arm and Hammer Liquid Detergent:
$8.35 for 62.5 oz yields 35 loads - $.13/oz
Each load costs = $.24
OxyClean vs. Borax to soak diapers
$10.99 for 56 oz. I used 1/2 cup in my bucket of water to soak diapers. Cost = $.20/oz
Use Borax instead. Still use 1/2 cup in bucket of water to soak diapers. Cost = $.04/oz
If I buy one of each of these a month, I spend $57.27/month. (Ah! I didn't know that!). You may be thinking yeah but that's for all three. All three combined yield 198 loads!
If I use my detergent, I will spend $4.81/month!!!! And that is for 208 loads! This is a no brainer for me and my family.
I have bought Borax and Washing Soda in bulk... keep checking my blog to see what else I have been doing with them!
After searching the internet for homemade laundry detergent recipies, this is the one I decided to try first.
- 1 Bar Shaved Bar Soap (4 oz). I used "Zote", a natural Laundry Bar Soap. I found it at Home Depot
- 1 Cup Borax. I used 20 Mule Team Borax, found at Target, Meijer and Wal-Mart
- 1 Cup Washing Soda (made by Arm and Hammer). I only found this at Wal-Mart
My bar of Zote was a 14.1 oz bar. After a few minutes finely shaving my large bar of soap I figured this out, which lead me to quadruple my recipe. I did four cups of the borax and the washing soda. mixed them all together and added a few essential oils to make it smell lovely.
A few disclaimers after reading blogs and talking to friends who have used this
* You only need 1 Tablespoon!!!
* It wont sud... but that doesn't mean it isn't cleaning. Bubbles are made by ingredients not listed. You might ask why I chose not to include them. The reason is, bubbles don't clean. So I figured if my purpose in doing this is to save money, why not leave the expensive non cleaning bubbles out.
Cost Breakdown -
Zote Soap (14.1 oz) = $1.67. I used the whole bar (about 5 cups shaved) = $1.67
Washing Soda (55 oz) = $3.24. I used 4 cups/32 oz = $1.89
Borax (76 oz) = $2.98. I used 4 cups/32 oz = $1.25
Cost/oz = $.06
Total Cost = 4.81
This recipe (times 4) yields 208 loads
Assuming you use 1 Tablespoon per load... each load only costs = $.02
Tide:
$15.95 for 100 oz yields 64 loads - $.16/oz
Each load costs = $.25
Seventh Generation:
$22.00 for 150 oz yields 99 loads - $.15/oz
Each load costs = $.22
Arm and Hammer Liquid Detergent:
$8.35 for 62.5 oz yields 35 loads - $.13/oz
Each load costs = $.24
OxyClean vs. Borax to soak diapers
$10.99 for 56 oz. I used 1/2 cup in my bucket of water to soak diapers. Cost = $.20/oz
Use Borax instead. Still use 1/2 cup in bucket of water to soak diapers. Cost = $.04/oz
If I buy one of each of these a month, I spend $57.27/month. (Ah! I didn't know that!). You may be thinking yeah but that's for all three. All three combined yield 198 loads!
If I use my detergent, I will spend $4.81/month!!!! And that is for 208 loads! This is a no brainer for me and my family.
I have bought Borax and Washing Soda in bulk... keep checking my blog to see what else I have been doing with them!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Homemade Window Wash/Disenfectant Spray
24 oz Spray Bottle (Re-use your bottle!)
1 1/2 Cup Water
1 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
100 drops essential oil: Lemon, grapefruit, orange etc (optional)
- You may add a couple drops of Tea Tree Oil... however vinegar alone is a natural cleaner killing most molds, bacteria and germs. I personally don't like the smell of Tea Tree Oil, so I prefer to leave it out.
- This may be used on countertops, glass surfaces, windows, highchairs, toys, appliances, and bathrooms.
Cost Comparison...
*1 Gallon White Vinegar = $1.79 (generic brand)
- $1.79/128oz = $.01/oz
- 1 1/2 Cup = 12 oz
- $.01 x 12 oz = $.12
*Water = Free
Total Cost = $.12!!!!
* Lysol Professional Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner, Citrus Scent, 22 fl oz = $1.97
- $1.97/22oz = $.09/oz.
- This is a 900% savings!!!
1 1/2 Cup Water
1 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
100 drops essential oil: Lemon, grapefruit, orange etc (optional)
- You may add a couple drops of Tea Tree Oil... however vinegar alone is a natural cleaner killing most molds, bacteria and germs. I personally don't like the smell of Tea Tree Oil, so I prefer to leave it out.
- This may be used on countertops, glass surfaces, windows, highchairs, toys, appliances, and bathrooms.
Cost Comparison...
*1 Gallon White Vinegar = $1.79 (generic brand)
- $1.79/128oz = $.01/oz
- 1 1/2 Cup = 12 oz
- $.01 x 12 oz = $.12
*Water = Free
Total Cost = $.12!!!!
* Lysol Professional Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner, Citrus Scent, 22 fl oz = $1.97
- $1.97/22oz = $.09/oz.
- This is a 900% savings!!!
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