Housewifery Tales & Cleaning Tips

This is one of those posts, where I really wish we could sit down over homemade latte's to chat. I love talking to other people to bounce ideas off of, and to learn more. This is probably the reason I started blogging. I knew that it would provide a wonderful opportunity to "meet" people, plus learn all kinds of wonderful ideas as I learned to play the role as a housewife.

Now that I am able to enjoy being home more, I've set my focus on creating a simple, organized, and comfy atmosphere. I spend time each day cleaning, organizing, and trying to make our house beautiful. Since we live on a budget, I've learned to be creative in order to save money, without sacrificing our needs. Outlet stores, garage sales, and thrift stores are the BEAST when it comes to decorating on budget!

Which brings me to my point. For the past few weeks, I had been struggling with headaches whenever I would clean, and disinfect our house. For years, I'd heard of people making their own cleaning items, but never really thought much about it...which is kind of silly...I've been using homemade laundry detergents for YEARS...like before it was cool to do that. I have major allergic reactions to most detergents, and often break out in hives if my clothes don't get washed properly. So I finally decided to try using all natural ingredients, and tricks to clean my house. Well, this was my second day of cleaning with homemade products...and NO HEADACHES!! Another bonus? It's more frugal. I just recently compared prices to a small box of TIDE and store bought cleaners, and it was 1/3 of the cost (for where I live anyway).

So, if any of you have struggled with these same issues, I wanted to pass this along, so the recipes are posted below. AND I want to hear some of your own "Going Green" tricks to housecleaning, and other areas in life.



Homemade Laundry Detergent

• 5 lbs of Borax
• 4 lbs Baking Soda Washing Agent
• 1 lbs of Baking Soda

In a large container alternate the borax, washing agent and baking soda until well mixed. Use 1/4-1/2 a cup depending on your load size, and soil. For added cleansing, add a small dose of vinegar (the smell goes away after it is rinsed!)

Homemade Basic Cleaner (I use this in place of 409)

• 1 Cup of Water
• 1 Cup of White Vinegar
• Baking Soda (if needed)

In a spray bottle, mix water & vinegar. For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda over the area before spraying. The smell is very faint, and goes away in just minutes.


Allright, that's my "June Cleaver" post of the week. What advice, homemade recipes can you share with me? Do you have favorite blogs or web sites that you frequent?

Linking Up:All Things Related
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Don't Waste Your Homemaking
Giggles, Glitz, & Glam