Homemade Wet Mops...

by Pam
(Texas, United States)

If you really like the convenience of the Swiffer wet mops, but hate the expense of the refills -- cleaning liquid and pads -- or the chemicals in the cleaning liquid, you can have the best of both.

Here's what I do...

1. save 2 rubber bands off of broccoli or use 2 heavy duty rubber bands



2. fold six select-a-size paper towels over each other and attach the folded paper towels to the flat side of the mop with the rubber bands



3. you can then mix your own cleaning liquid into a spray bottle or if you really want to pinch pennies, just take a small cup of left over dish soap after you're finished hand washing dishes and spatter it on the floor



4. mop and throw the paper towels away Strong paper towels hold up well.

Making your own house cleaning products...

by Susan
(Tucson, AZ, United States)

I have stopped buying commercial cleaning products, except for laundry detergent, dish-washing/dishwasher and hand soap.

I use vinegar and water, baking soda, lemons, dish-washing liquid, borax, essential oils, for cleaning everything.

Vinegar is the key - it makes mirrors and windows gleam, you can dilute it with water and a little essential oil if desired and dampen a cloth with it for dusting, and it is perfect for cleaning all kinds of uncarpeted floors.

I use baking soda when I need an abrasive cleaner and to keep my drains running freely, I put baking soda in the drain, add vinegar and watch it bubble, and then pour boiling water down the drain.

I save a fortune on cleaning products by making my own, and I know that I am not using products that contain chlorine bleach (which I also do not use - I use hydrogen peroxide if something needs bleaching) and a lot of chemicals.

And, I save the environment by not having to recycle or dispose of all those cleaning product bottles, as I use my own spray bottles.