Tea and Sweatpants...

This is one that I have been using for about as long as the laundry soap. The results aren't outstanding but it does the job. Instead of the costly powder soap for the dishwasher I use a mix of 1 cup borax and 1 cup baking soda. If I completely fill the dishwasher compartment it comes out cloudy so better to use just a few tablespoons. Also, I keep vinegar or jet dry stuff in the rinse dispenser to help keep it shiny.

This entails a bit more effort but saves SO much money. I have been doing this for almost a year now and have been pleased with the results.

Here is the recipe I use:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109349/do-it-yourself-laundry-detergent

This has been my favorite switch of all! I love passing out and using the cloth napkins I made and am so excited to make more. I use them with pride knowing I'm saving our garbage bill, trees and our budget. All I did was take an old sheet, cut it into squares, fold the edge and sew. I recommend this one to EVERYONE. If you aren't a seamstress at all I bet you could do some great deal hunting for end of season discounts, garage sales, Goodwill, and antique stores.

As you know I have lately been exploring non-toxic ways to keep my home clean and fresh. I decided I would allow the toxic ones I currently own to run themselves out and as each ran out I would look for a non-toxic and cheap alternative. Yesterday I ran out of Clorox wipes. I am a huge fan of the convenience and ease at which I could grab one of these wipes for a mid week surface cleaning. I was sure there wasn't an alternative to this and I would have to get out the sponge and spray every time. Today I found and made the alternative and it works great!

I used the same container that the wipes were in and I filled it with the following disinfectant solution:
3.5 cups water
1/4 c. of Vinegar
1 t. of borax

I cut a paper towel roll in half (this was the hardest part of the whole thing) and unrolled (into another roll) until it would fit in the container. I put them in the container and allowed it to soak.

The true test will be to see how the roll holds up after hours and days of soaking. I am not convinced it will work but I guess I'm putting paper towels to the test! I'm sure there is a way to take this a step further and use cloth instead of paper towels. We shall see!