Homemade Supplies

With the economy being so bad around here, I've been trying to cut back on things that aren't needed, or trying to find alternatives for things like cleaning supplies that don't contain harsh chemicals.  

My sister in law Amy and I have already made our own laundry detergent.  It's been an amazing discovery and super easy to make.  We've been using it for about 3 months now, and other then the perfume smell being missed...it's cleans fantastically.

Here's the recipe:

4 cups of water

1/3 bar of cheap soap (we use Ivory) grated

1/2 cup Washing Soda (found in the detergent aisle)

1/2 cup Borax (20 mule team also found in the detergent aisle)

3 gallons of water

5 gallon bucket for mixing

Mix the grated soap in a saucepan with 4 cups of water, with the heat on low until the soap is completely dissolved.  Add hot water/soap mixture to 3 gallons of water in the bucket.  Stir in the washing soda and borax and continue mixing until thickened. (you only need to stir for about 5 minutes or so...It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look).  Let the mix sit for 24 hours.

I put the detergent into an old container I kept from my old detergent and use it's cap for correct measuring.  

After using this, I'm moving on to other things to try.  Next up is homemade "Swiffer" wet cloths to clean my bathroom floor with.  I'll let you know how it goes in the next couple of days.

Do you have anything you make at home rather then buy??  I'd love for you to share.