As you may have noticed, I helped my titles a little. These posts are in no special order. If this bothers you, I apologize, although I am not really all that sorry. I just meander through my day -actually, make that trot briskly- and think of stuff that I do that might save money. My ideas are all very home spun, as in not-sophisticated… humble, like the pennies they represent. But I am prone to think my ideas have helped us through 3 years of income so far below the poverty level that it seems almost miraculous that we survived. Maybe these posts will encourage someone out there who feels like saving in bits and pieces here and there doesn’t make enough difference to matter.
My lovely sister-in-law, Hilda, taught me how to make this eco-friendly, all purpose cleaner. I know, I just said if you use the Magic Cloth, you don’t need cleaning solutions. I find that there are occasions where I want something pleasantly scented, as well as antiseptic. I use this cleaner on spills that stain the carpet. (Disclaimer: Do not do this if you haven’t tested it in an obscure place first. Our carpet is old and I really don’t care if the cleaner fades it a bit. But I would feel really sad if you blamed me for ruining yours.) It is oddly therapeutic to spray, spray, spray, and rub a spot away. 🙂 I also use it to wipe down walls and to clean surfaces in the bathroom.
So, here is what I do. I buy a large bottle of peroxide for 88 cents at —mart, pour it into an empty spray bottle, and add about 15 drops of lavender oil which is a natural disinfectant. Then I just shake it up and use it whenever I need it. Which is pretty often. Sometimes I also add a few drops of grape fruit seed extract, which supposedly fights off parasites, fungus, bacteria and viruses.
I am not sure of the start up cost in buying the oils. We got a bottle of lavender oil in each of our birth kits for the last three babies, so I have a nice stash. The links I provided are not necessarily the best prices. You will have to do your own homework on that. If you think it is too expensive, remember that one little bottle has hundreds of drops of oil in it. You can use the oils for lots of other things besides this cleaner. It will make you feel really Granola Woman and frugal, I promise!
wocket in my pocket 
Like your tips! Ever try making your own laundry soap?? That has been an amazing savings for me. Here’s a link that give the recipe and a breakdown in price. Pretty amazing! i still like to use a more expensive commercial soap for my whites, but it’s great for every thing else and very easy and fun to make! http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm
Yes, Rhonda, I was considering a post about that. Thanks for the link.