Why this horrible housewife makes DIY cleaning products

I’m not particularly crunchy.  I’m just a horrible homemaker trying to do a better job.  I’m actually the type of person that is very loyal to the brands I like and use.

I try to be frugal, but there are times that convenience is worth the extra money to me.

I don’t buy all organic or gluten free.  I’m not gluten free because I don’t have a wheat allergy.  In this, as with most things, I live by the saying “moderation is key.”  I even buy veggies pre-cut at times. (Scandalous–huh?)

I find myself considering the value of saving money over saving time quite a bit as I get older.  Yes, saving money is great but I won’t be able to get that lost time back.

There are several reasons I started making cleaning products–and reasons why I continued with some and stopped with others.

Cleaning products are expensive consumables.  I used to use Clorox bathroom cleaner exclusively on my shower walls and floor.  It is a great product that works well on soap scum.  My glass shower walls would effortlessly wipe clean after spraying the Clorox and letting it sit for a bit.  It isn’t all that expensive for a bottle but I would use at least a bottle a month for the two bathrooms.  Then I tried the Blue Magic spray.  It works just as well and is much cheaper to make.  It is also safe enough for my kids to use to help clean the tile!

DIY cleaning products are far, far less expensive.  When I can make something that is so much cheaper and works just as well (if not better) than store bought products, then the two minutes it takes to mix the batch are well worth it.

I have tried DIY recipes that didn’t work as well (like fabric softener from vinegar and conditioner or homemade febreze with fabric softener) so I don’t use them.

Most store bought cleaning products are toxic… and I have a sensitive skinned child.  I like it when my daughter helps clean.  She likes to help clean.  But I don’t like her sensitive skin getting toxic chemicals on it.  Since having children, I am much more aware of the chemicals that I use.  I can’t say that I am a “green” person but I do think twice about the toxic chemicals that I use, or feed my family.  I make laundry detergent because of her eczema.

A friend suggested I use cheap vodka as a greener disinfectant and degreaser.  It’s high alcohol content is why it is a great cleaning ingredient.  I’ve read several bloggers touting vodka as “non-toxic.”  It may not be filled with chemicals, dyes, scents, and preservatives but drinking a spray bottle with 1/3 cup full of vodka in it has got to be toxic to a child so always supervise your children around any cleaning sprays.

I hate cleaning but like making stuff.  As I say in my unconventional tricks to motivate myself to clean, I like to use things made by me.  I feel a sense of accomplishment when something works well for what it is intended to do.  Each time I clean the tub or use my super spray, I am proud that my DIY solution works!  That little charge of competence goes a long way when I am overwhelmed by housework.

So there you have it.  I make my own cleaning supplies because I am moderately cheap, moderately green, and think it’s fun!  Whatever your reasons, I highly recommend trying your hand at DIY Cleaning.