I am all about saving money - here are some things I do in my home that you may or may not want to try:

Vinegar - Vinegar naturally cleans like all those store-bought household cleaners I used to pay so much money for. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new store bought spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. (don't stress about the smell - it disappears once it is dry)I use vinegar for cleaning our bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub that bowl and watch the rings disappear. Mop your bathroom floor with a vinegar/water solution. It will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile.

You can also use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. My son has sensitive skin and many detergents and softeners make him itchy. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.)

Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.

One of my favorite uses for the fruit is to put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.


Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action. If you have pets, before you vacuum, you can sprinkle it on the carpet to absorb pet odors.

Head on over to Shannon's for more Works for Me Wednesday tips!

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