KateHOMEMADE MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER
When you are cutting costs, no matter the reason, it’s easy to think that only saving money on big items will make a difference. But reducing spending on your cell phone bill or tv provider isn’t the only way to save serious cash!
Take a look at those small items that you purchase over and over again. Those purchases can really add up. Can you try a new, cheaper brand? Can you go without? Can you make it yourself?
When it came to DIYing to save money, my very first attempt was to replace my usual, “earth friendly” brand of counter cleaner. When I bought this stuff at the grocery store (I talk a bit about my unknowingly overspending at an expensive store in this post), I was buying at least one bottle a week at $5 each. That’s $20 a month or $270 a year, minimum. JUST for my kitchen counters! I bought a LOT of other cleaners for the rest of the house…I’m pretty sure I was hoping there was a magic cleaning fairy in those bottles that would magically make my house sparkle. Nope, still haven’t found her.
I decided I could do better than spending almost $300 a year on just one cleaner.
After researching a bit, I realized there are a ton of diy cleaners online. I tried a few out that had a bunch of different ingredients, but I decided simple was best. As a mom with two little kids, I didn’t want the hassle of a complicated recipe. You really don’t need a lot to make an effective cleaner!
I prefer to use Dawn because I feel it works the best but I’ve used several kinds before with good results. We got this giant bottle of Dawn at our local bulk store for a crazy good deal and I’ve been using this very same bottle to make this recipe for over a year!
I also discovered it could be used on so much more than just the kitchen counter! I couldn’t say the same for that old expensive cleaner I was using.
With just a few cheap items that I keep on hand, I am able to whip up a cleaner that works on our granite, stainless steel, marble bathroom counters, glass, bathroom mirrors, and even toilets! Clean, no streaks, no residue. It. Is. Amazing.
Having this one versatile recipe has simplified my cleaning cabinet for good and has given me some wiggle room in our shopping budget. I don’t think I could do without it!
Do you have any cleaning must-haves for your house?
Kitchen Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz Spray Bottle
- 3 1/4 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Rubbing Alcohol
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dawn Dish Soap
- 15 drops Essential Oil of choice
Instructions
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Add water, rubbing alcohol, and essential oil to bottle
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Add Dawn Dish Soap last to prevent excessive foaming. Shake well to combine.
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Spray area to be cleaned. Wait a moment to allow cleaner to begin working. Wipe clean.