Clean Cleaning

Lately, I've become very interested in learning as much as I can about ways to do things naturally in our home. Honestly, most of the changes that I have made have been to save money. But in my research, I've found that the changes we are making aren't only frugal, they're also a LOT better for us! It's a win-win!

 

A while back, I blogged about my homemade laundry detergent and household cleaning supplies. So I won't bore you with more on that. I will say that we are still loving our homemade stuff, and we will most certainly not be going back to store-bought detergent or cleaners.

I've also done a post about washing my hair no-poo style. Check out this blog post that got me started.

Recently, I started making my own deodorant! *gasp* I love watching the reaction on people's faces when I tell them that I use homemade deodorant. It's like they're trying to think of a nice way to look at me like I'm some crazy hippie. I've only been using it for a few weeks, but so far, it's working! {I've made Jeremy swear to tell me if it ever stops working...} 

I know this summer will be the real test, so I'm interested to see how it works out. I researched this decision more than I have any other decision. Body odor's not really something I'm too willing to risk! But when you learn about how dangerous aluminum can be, it's hard to argue against the homemade stuff! I will say this--I do sweat more when I use my deodorant. I added some Tea Tree Oil to act as a bit of an antiperspirant, but it doesn't keep everything in. But, I did learn in my research, that when you don't allow your body to sweat, you store up toxins that are harmful to your health. And so far, I don't smell bad! And it's not left any embarrassing stains on my clothes! So, for now, I'm sticking with my stuff.

If you're even slightly interested, it's worth a try. Here's the recipe I used:

1/4 C Baking Soda

1/4 C Cornstarch

6-8 Tbsp Coconut Oil *make sure you get the 100% natural stuff. There should be no smell and no flavor*  
15-20 drops of your favorite Essential Oil *optional

Combine ingredients until it makes a paste, the same consistency as regular deodorant. If you have an empty deodorant container, you can put it in there and use it that way. I didn't have one, so I just have mine stored in a covered container. I just use my fingers to apply mine every day. 

*At first, I didn't feel like it was working as well as it should. And it was burning my skin a lot {especially after shaving}. Eventually I realized mine wasn't combined well. So I heated it for just a few seconds so that the ingredients stirred together more easily. After sitting for about an hour, it was a solid again. This has helped TREMENDOUSLY!* 

I finally broke down and made homemade baby wipes last month. Let me just say...HALLELUJAH! These things are incredibly easy, ridiculously inexpensive, and they really are just as good as the store-bought stuff! I'm tellin ya, every time I use one, I feel all giddy about how much money I'm saving! {Imagine the savings if I had used cloth diapers!} These are TOO EASY not to try.

1/2 roll of Viva paper towels {don't skimp here...you need the strong stuff}
2 1/4 C water *If it takes you a while to get through a batch of wipes, boil your water. This will keep the wipes fresh and prevent mold*
1 Tbsp Baby Oil
1 Tbsp Baby Soap *I use Aveeno, because my babies have sensitive skin. But you can use whatever you'd like!*
Combine the liquids in a bowl, and pour over your paper towel roll {cut in half}. Remove the cardboard center from the roll after it has been soaked. I store mine in a cheap lidded container. Seriously...make these.  
    

I also made my first batch of homemade dish-washing detergent recently. This one is still in the works. Hopefully I will figure out the perfect balance soon! Be looking for a post on this...successful or not!

I'm excited about the changes that we are making in our home. They really are saving us quite a bit of money. And every penny counts when we're only living on one income! I'm so thankful for my husband. He is very patient with all of my experimenting and testing around here. Jeremy is constantly encouraging me in my efforts. I am so very blessed! 

So tell me...have you made any of these changes in your home? What should we try next? I'm up for *almost* anything!