Save Money by Making Your Own Household Products

I do admit that some of these may take a bit of effort, but in the long run these everyday household item could save you pounds in the long term. With some items, by buying in bulk, you will be able to make additional savings overall.

Make Your Own WD40

WD-40 is a proprietary product, and it may be challenging to replicate its exact formula at home. However, you can make a similar lubricant spray with a few ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY lubricant spray:

You will need:

• 1 part vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
• 1 part rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)

Instructions

1. Mix the vegetable oil and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle in equal parts.
2. Shake the bottle well to ensure the two ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. You can use the DIY lubricant spray to lubricate hinges, bike chains, and other metal parts that need lubrication.

While this DIY lubricant spray may not be exactly like WD-40, it can still be effective for many household uses. Remember to label the spray bottle appropriately and store it in a safe place away from children and pets.

Home-made Window Cleaner

You can make a simple window cleaner at home with just a few ingredients. Here is a recipe for a DIY window cleaner:

You will need:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• 1-2 drops of dish soap (optional)

instructions:

1. Mix the water, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
2. If desired, add 1-2 drops of dish soap to the mixture. This can help cut through any stubborn grime or dirt on the windows.
3. Shake the bottle well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed.
4. Spray the solution onto the window and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or newspaper.

This DIY window cleaner is an effective and affordable alternative to commercial window cleaning products. It can help remove streaks and smudges from your windows without leaving behind any residue or harmful chemicals. Remember to label the spray bottle appropriately and store it in a safe place away from children and pets.

Make Your Own Car Screen Wash

I often see people buying screen wash, but always wonder if that is a waste of money. I personally just fill the washer bottle with water and then add a few drops of washing-up liquid. However, for those that want a recipe: Yes, you can make your own screen wash solution for your car with a few simple ingredients. Here’s a recipe for a DIY screen wash solution:

You will need:

• 1 gallon of distilled water
• 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• 1 tablespoon of dish soap
• Optional: a few drops of blue food colouring for visibility (this is not necessary but can help you see the fluid level in the reservoir more easily)

Instructions:

1. Pour the distilled water into a clean container.
2. Add 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1 tablespoon of dish soap to the water.
3. Stir or shake the solution until the ingredients are well mixed.
4. Optional: Add a few drops of blue food colouring to the solution and stir well.

To use the DIY screen wash solution, simply pour it into the wind-shield washer reservoir in your car. You can adjust the recipe proportions as needed to make more or less solution. This DIY solution can help keep your wind-shield clean and clear while driving, especially during inclement weather.

Make Your Own Soap

Making soap at home can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here is a basic recipe for making soap:

You will need:

• 1 pound of soap base (such as glycerin or goat milk soap base)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils (optional)
• Soap colorant (optional)
• Soap molds
• Rubbing alcohol
• Double boiler or microwave-safe container
• Mixing spoon

Instructions

1. Cut the soap base into small pieces and place it in a double boiler or microwave-safe container.
2. Heat the soap base in the double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally, until it is completely melted.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil to the melted soap base if desired, and stir well.
4. If desired, add a few drops of soap colourant to the melted soap base and stir well until the colour is even.
5. Pour the melted soap into soap moulds and spritz with rubbing alcohol to remove any bubbles.
6. Allow the soap to cool and harden in the moulds for several hours or overnight.
7. Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the moulds and allow it to air dry for a few days.

You can customize this basic soap recipe with different scents, colours, and moulds to make it unique. Remember to label the soap appropriately and store it in a dry, cool place until ready to use. Additionally, it is important to take proper safety precautions when making soap, such as wearing gloves and eye protection, and following good hygiene practices to avoid contamination.

DIY Furniture Cleaner

You can make a DIY furniture cleaner at home using natural ingredients. Here’s a recipe for a basic DIY furniture cleaner:

You will need:

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 2-3 drops of olive oil or vegetable oil
• 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions

1. Combine the warm water, white vinegar, and essential oil (if using) in a spray bottle.
2. Add the 2-3 drops of olive oil or vegetable oil to the mixture. This will help add shine and condition the wood.
3. Shake the spray bottle well to mix the ingredients.
4. Spray the cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and then use the cloth to gently clean and polish the furniture.

This DIY furniture cleaner is a safe and affordable option for cleaning and maintaining your furniture. It can help remove dirt, grime, and residue from the surface without damaging the wood or leaving behind any harmful chemicals. Remember to label the spray bottle appropriately and store it in a safe place away from children and pets.

Home-made Leather Cleaner

Here’s a recipe for a DIY leather furniture cleaner that you can make at home:

You will need:

• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
• A clean spray bottle
• A soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth

Instructions:

1. Combine the olive oil and white vinegar in a clean spray bottle.
2. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil (if using) to the mixture and shake well to combine.
3. Spray the cleaner onto a soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth.
4. Gently scrub the leather furniture with the brush or cloth, paying extra attention to any dirty or stained areas.
5. Wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean, dry cloth.

This DIY leather furniture cleaner can help remove dirt and stains from leather furniture, while also conditioning and protecting the leather. The olive oil helps to moisturize and soften the leather, while the white vinegar helps to clean and remove any odour. The essential oil adds a pleasant fragrance, but this is optional. Remember to label the spray bottle appropriately and store it in a safe place away from children and pets.

Home-made Toothpaste

You will need:

• 4 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract or essential oil
• Optional: a few drops of stevia extract for sweetness

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and coconut oil in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Add the peppermint extract or essential oil (and stevia extract if using) and mix well to create a paste.
3. Transfer the toothpaste to a clean container with a lid.
4. To use, dip your toothbrush into the toothpaste and brush your teeth as you normally would.

This DIY toothpaste is a natural and effective option that can help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to help remove surface stains from the teeth, while coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help fight plaque and bacteria. Peppermint extract or essential oil provides a refreshing taste and scent, and stevia extract can add sweetness without sugar. Remember to store the toothpaste in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks.

If you want your toothpaste to have some whitening ingredients, you may want to include on of these options:

1. Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a natural teeth whitener that can help remove surface stains from the teeth. You can add a small amount (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) of activated charcoal to your DIY toothpaste to help whiten your teeth.
2. Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a common teeth whitening ingredient that can help remove stains from the teeth. You can add a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of food-grade hydrogen peroxide to your DIY toothpaste to help whiten your teeth.
3. Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains from the teeth. Since baking soda is already an ingredient in the DIY toothpaste recipe, you can increase the amount of baking soda to help whiten your teeth.

Keep in mind that while these natural ingredients can help whiten your teeth, it’s important to use them in moderation and not overdo it, as excessive use can damage your tooth enamel. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check with your dentist before using any DIY teeth whitening products, especially if you have any dental issues or concerns.

DIY Weed Killer

Here is a recipe for a DIY weed killer that you can make at home using natural ingredients:

• 1 gallon of white vinegar
• 1 cup of table salt
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
• A clean spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix the white vinegar, table salt, and liquid dish soap in a clean spray bottle.
2. Shake the mixture well to ensure that the salt is dissolved.
3. Spray the mixture directly onto the weeds, making sure to completely cover the leaves and stems.
4. Wait for a few days for the weeds to die off completely.
5. Repeat the process as needed.

This DIY weed killer is an effective and natural option that can help control weeds in your yard or garden. White vinegar is a natural herbicide that can help kill weeds, while table salt helps to dry out and dehydrate the plant. Liquid dish soap helps the mixture to stick to the plant and penetrate the leaves more effectively. Remember to use caution when using this weed killer as it can also harm desirable plants, and avoid using it on windy days to prevent the mixture from spreading to unintended areas.

Make your Own Laundry Detergent

Here’s a recipe for a simple and natural DIY laundry detergent that you can make at home using just a few ingredients:

You will need:

• 1 cup of washing soda
• 1 cup of borax
• 1 bar of natural soap, such as castile soap
• Optional: 10-20 drops of essential oil for fragrance (lavender, lemon, or peppermint work well)

Instructions:

1. Grate the bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix the grated soap, washing soda, and borax in a large bowl until well combined.
3. If desired, add 10-20 drops of essential oil and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container with a lid, such as a large glass jar or plastic container.
5. To use, add 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent to your washing machine, depending on the size of your load.

This DIY laundry detergent is a natural and effective option that can help keep your clothes clean and fresh. Washing soda and borax are natural cleaning agents that can help remove dirt and stains from your clothes, while the natural soap provides a gentle and effective cleaning power. Essential oils can be added for a pleasant fragrance and to help freshen up your laundry. Since this detergent does not contain any artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals, it is gentle on both your clothes and skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Useful DIY Household Items to Save You Money

By using the above-mentioned recipes to create your own household cleaning products, you can save a considerable amount of money on your monthly expenses. The home-made products utilise natural ingredients that are often less expensive than commercial counterparts and are free from harmful chemicals, making them a safer and more eco-friendly choice. By making your own window cleaner, screen wash solution, furniture cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner, you can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing individual cleaning products for each task. Additionally, by using a natural weed killer, you can avoid purchasing expensive and often toxic weed-killing products, further cutting down on your household expenses. Incorporating these DIY solutions into your cleaning routine is an easy and practical way to save money while also promoting a cleaner and healthier living space.