DIY Cleaning Products - I'm not buying regular bleach again!!!!

Ok, so the title seems a little angry. That's because my family has tightened the purse strings in the pursuit of our goal to be totally debt free (including the house). I'm angry because I've been spending money on cleaning items that are outrageously overpriced. I already make my own laundry detergent (read my recipe here).

Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I'm a clean freak. I like things to be neat and tidy AND as germ free as possible. After researching several blogs and recipes, I decided to switch bleach products. I'm sure you're asking, "What the heck can you substitute for bleach?". My answer, "Pool shock powder." Yup. I bought a case of powdered pool shock a year ago and we even haven't put a dent into our supply.

My recipe is to mix a tablespoon of pool shock with a gallon of water as I need it. Beware that the chlorine gas dissipates relatively quickly, taking the effectiveness with it so only mix what you'll use within a month or so. Wal-Mart sales a six pack of pool shock cleaner for $18.97. It sounds like a hefty investment but using a tablespoon at a time in a tightly closed container, it'll last forever. Try buying a smaller pack, around $4 and let me know what you think.

Please note, I don't use this bleach mix for laundering my white clothes. I was in really hot water and hang dry in the sun.

Going Green! All Purpose Cleaner

About three months ago, I decided to switch my household chemical cleaners to homemade all-natural cleaners. Not only are they super cheap to make, they are non-toxic AND effective. One of my trustee work horse cleaners is the all-purpose spray. I use it throughout the house from kitchen to bathroom. If you decide to try it, please leave a comment below.

1/2 cup venegar
3 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 drops of castille soap 

Combine in a spray bottle (not reused from chemical cleaners...chemical residue may remain) and spray on countertops, bathrooms, sinks...you name it. If you're unsure how the cleaner will react to a perticular surface (think bronze, etc.) test a small hidden area.

Going Green! Homemade Laundry Detergent

We, as a society, are becoming increasingly aware of the household toxins that plague our homes. Toxins can pose a wide range of negative affects to our bodies some of which are suppressed immune systems, nausea or cancer. We firmly believe that it is imperative for the believer to take authority over all sicknesses and attacks but we have to do our due diligence. TotalLifeProsperity.org has made a shift, as of February of this year, to become more Green. This is no fad for us, it is a way of life. 

The first article in a new series called Going Green is making your own laundry detergent. Commercially produced laundry detergent can obtain many toxins, preservatives, and skin irritants. Not to mention...they are EXPENSIVE! Follow this super easy recipe to make your own laundry detergent. 

Note - I bought all items for less than $15 at Walmart and I project that it'll last me all year. Your costs may vary slightly depending on your location and size of family/usage. 

Items needed:

2/3 bar of soap (Fels Naptha or Ivory-for those with sensitive skin)

1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda (not baking soda)

1 cup Borax powder
5 gallon bucket with lid
NOTE: All ingredients can be found in the laundry aisle of any supermarket.

Directions:
Place twelve cups of water in a large sauce pan. Turn the heat on the sauce pan to medium heat. Grate the bar soap, add to the warm water, stir until the bar soap is completely dissolved. Pour in the Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and the Borax powder and mix until the mixture is fully dissolved.  Remove the 'sauce' pan from the heat source. Add 3 gallons of water to the bucket and stir. After the soap settles for 24 hours, the laundry detergent may be used. Use 1/2 cup per load. The detergent may have a gelatinous consistency. Be sure to mix thoroughly after it has set. The consistency has no effect on its effectiveness.

Have any Green ideas? Email them to mytotallife@gmail.com and it may be featured in one of our articles!