How about a spray bottle of water with a drop or two of essential oil for some subtle scent? You can probably grab a small bottle of rose oil, eucalyptus oil or even lavender oil at a whole foods store and just add a drop or two to an the entire spray bottle full of water (so it’ll practically last a lifetime). You might want to test it first on an old pillowcase or towel to be sure that it’s not too strong and that it doesn’t stain but we would assume if it’s that watered down and you’re spraying it on (as opposed to dousing it with a gallon of the stuff) it wouldn’t. Hope it helps!

xo.
s

We agree that it stands to reason that you can add any of those for fragrance but we’re not 100% sure since these formulas aren’t ours (and we’re admittedly new at the homemade cleaning formula thing). We always stick to the descriptions and don’t deviate out of fear of messing something up. Maybe you can google around for that answer (or check back to see if any readers know more on the subject than we do). Hope it helps!

xo,
s

Can you add tea tree, peppermint, lemon, etc. essential oils to any of these mixtures to create a more pleasing odor (“eau de elementary school science project,” anyone)? I would assume so, but I’m not sure if they would leave a residue or cause some sort of strange reaction.

Thanks, and keep up the great work!

It’s kind of like baking soda. If you scroll back through the comments you’ll see that you can find it pretty easily and that it’s super affordable. As for how to apply the baking soda on the bathrub/bathroom tile, how about a sponge with one of those textured sides for scrubbing? Hope it helps!

xo,
s

Also, how do you apply the baking soda on the bathtub/bathroom tile to scour? I can’t find an effective way to do this. Thanks

So glad to hear that you’re putting these “recipes” to good use! It sounds like you’re saving tons of money and we bet your house shines like nobody’s business!

xo,
s

The powered dishwasher and laundry detergents work fabulously for, like, $5 a month (maybe less). SERIOUSLY! I make batches of detergents once a month, doubling or tripling the recipes above. I go to Costco and stock up once every month and a half -ish (5 lb bag of baking soda = $6; 2 gal of vinegar = $3). Washing soda and borax are about $3 each and Fels-Naptha bar is $1, all at most grocery stores.

I use vinegar and baking soda for everything (except hardwoods), from the tiles in the tub, to the garbage disposal (sometimes lemon juice instead of vinegar), countertop, windows, drains (clogs), EVERYTHING!

Castilles is so awesome, too.

Also, I get recycled and recyclable/compostable paper and plastic goods here: http://letsgogreen.biz/. They even give a portion of proceeds to charity if you designate one on the website.

Thanks so much for these awesomely responsible and cash-saving tips! I’ve given them to everyone!

Yes, you can keep an all purpose cleaner mixed and on hand in a spray bottle for easy use. Hope it helps!

xo,
s