Tip Me

Tip #2

Cleaning Products

I don't know about you, but buying products that will end up down the drain or toilet seems almost bizarre! Don't get me wrong, I love a bleachy clean house and I spray my ensuite profusely with an oil of cloves based spray because I like the smell when I walk in my room. But really, this stuff is expensive.

My tip is in two parts.

Part One. Make your own. Plenty of recipes exist on the web and in books and magazines in DIY cleaning products. I have made a variety and yes they are cheap, but they work in a different way to strong chemicals. Having said that, they are worth a try. I personally use the oil of cloves spray, not only does it smell good, but it kills mold spores. A few drops in 2 L of water, poured into an atomizer and your done!

You can find recipes for laundry products here

Part Two

If you aren't into making your own, fair enough. Buy in bulk. I have 4 children. I have no dishwasher. I was up several times a day. I buy my dishwashing liquid in bulk 5L containers and decant into a smaller 400ml container which I keep by the kitchen sink.

5L normally retails for $24.98, but I usually keep an eye out and buy it on special for about $21. This size lasts for 12 months. So even going on the full price, it cost about 48c per week for dishwashing liquid.

Similarly, I buy liquid (clothes) washing detergent in bulk 6L containers and decant into a 1L container for easy pouring. I do a lot of washing (I have two bedwetters still), probably 2-3 loads per day, depending on the season. 6L cost $24.94 and lasts for 3 months. That is $2 per week, or based on 2 loads a day, 15c a load. I would like to note here that I use less than what's recommended.