The Many Uses of Borax

Not only is Borax a great laundry booster, but it is excellent for many other uses in the household.  Here are a few ideas.

1. Toilet Cleaning
Pour some borax into the toilet bowl before going to bed and then clean with a brush in the morning. You will find it an easy task as the Borax loosens the grime overnight.

2.  Economical Scouring Powder 
Mix together
1 Tbsp. Borax
1 Tbsp. Baking soda
1 Tbsp. Salt
This makes an excellent and economical scouring powder for sinks, tubs, tile, and grout. Remember that Borax is non-abrasive, so it is a wonderful cleaning agent.

3. Diapers
Rinse diapers out immediately and begin soaking in a solution of 6 Tbsp. of borax for each bucket of warm water. When you are ready to wash them, use a warm cycle and add a little amount of white vinegar in place of your usual fabric softener – this will help make the diapers soft and absorbent again.

*Don't forget about our laundry soap recipes in LIQUID and POWDER.

*And our make-it-yourself all-purpose cleaner, which uses essential oils and Borax.

Cautions:  Borax is harmful if ingested and so one should avoid using it around food. It can also irritate the skin and lungs, so use with care. Wear gloves when using and do not inhale the dust.  As with all cleaning supplies, keep out of reach of children and pets. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Borax is best used for heavy duty cleaning and is toxic in high doses so please use caution.

All-Natural & Inexpensive Drain Cleaner

This is an all-natural and inexpensive drain cleaner that really works and is good for the environment.

Ingredients:

¾ cup baking soda

½ cup white vinegar

Several cups boiling water

 Use in the following order to clean your pipes without causing damage:

1. Pour the baking soda down the drain.

2. Immediately follow by pouring the vinegar down the drain. The drain will foam as the reaction occurs.

3. Wait 30 minutes to an hour.

4. Pour the hot or boiling water down the drain, and your drain should be clear, clean and fresh.

If the drain is still slow, repeat the procedure once more.

I do this monthly to keep the drains clean, clear, and sweet smelling.

Here is another recipe that works well and is easy to store in larger, pre-mixed quantities. Use the basic recipe and make as much as you like to store for future use.

1 part baking soda
1 part salt
1/4 part cream of tartar 

Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of recipe into the drain and flush with a kettle full of boiling water. Run hot water from the tap for a couple minutes, then turn to cool water and run for another couple minutes. Do this monthly.

Warning: NEVER EVER mix this drain cleaner with commercial drain cleaners like Drain-o. A very nasty chemical reaction will take place which is dangerous. Make sure your drains are clear of commercial product prior to using the homemade cleaner. Once you start using the home made version, you can leave the chemicals on the shelf in the store. If you have a septic tank, you should check before using these cleaners.

Written & submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise

The Nit-Picky Checklist

I don't know about you, but I catch a cleaning bug every once in a while. It's not just any cleaning bug; it's more like a rampant virus. I'll start dusting the living room and, before I know it, I'm washing windows, vacuuming curtains, and scrubbing tile grout with a toothbrush. And I had this bad habit of overwhelming my entire family with cleaning checklists, honey-do chores, and slave-driving behavior.

Well, I decided several months ago that I was tired of being overwhelmed {and tired of dragging my husband and kids along for the ride} with all the nit-picky cleaning and organizing tasks around my house. You know the ones I'm talking about: the dust bunnies under the couch, the accumulation of dust on the bathroom light fixtures, or the funny smell coming from the fridge. The every-day chores like vacuuming, sweeping, and laundry are easy. No one has to remind me to do those. It's those nit-picky ones that cause me to become the Wicked Witch of the West, when they all catch up to me.

I created this monthly checklist for myself. It has 30 tasks, one for each day of the month. If a month happens to have 31 days, then I get that 31st day "off" in a sense. February is the only tricky month. I simply try to double-up on tasks for two or three days to make sure everything gets done. My list is printed off and hangs on my fridge, right next to our dry-erase calendar, so I'm sure to see it everyday.

I wanted to share my checklist with you. And please, feel free to adapt it to your own home and family, if you find it useful. It's numbered and each number corresponds with that day of the month.

1. Clean microwave (sometimes I have to do this more than once a month).

2. Clean inside windows and windowsills.

3. Organize pantry.

4. Organize/inventory cleaning supplies.

5. Sweep front porch.

6. Vacuum/dust mop under my bed.

7. Straighten my closet.

8. Dust picture frames throughout the house.

9. Clean oven.

10. Check the linen cabinet.

11. Clean off washer and dryer.

12. Clean out fridge.

13. Go through the junk basket.

14. Straighten a child's closet.

15. Move and dust mop under couches.

16. Iron.

17. Organize/inventory craft closet.

18. Deep clean kitchen sink (I like to make a paste out of Borax and let it sit in the sink for a while, then scrub.)

19. Vacuum curtain tops (we don't have blinds.)

20. Change A/C filter.

21. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.

22. Straighten a child's closet.

23. Wipe down couches (we have leather, so I use special leather wipes).

24. Go through the deep freeze.

25. Organize/inventory spice cabinet.

26. Organize school shelves and baskets.

27. Clear and dust computer desk.

28. Straighten my husband's closet.

29. Clean out inside freezer.

30. Clear and dust nightstands.

We are family of four, so everyone's closet gets a good organizing once a month. We also have wood floors throughout our entire house, so there's lots of dust-mopping in our house. And, I should point out that my children are fairly young (5 1/2 and 7). As they get older, many of these tasks, such as straightening their closets, wiping down the couches, and dusting nightstands, will be passed along to them. In fact, my son swept the front porch by himself today, and did a fabulous job!

I share all that, not to make you feel overwhelmed, but hopefully to show how easy it can be to keep all those jobs done that can sometimes go neglected. Most of these tasks, with the exception of cleaning the windows, oven, and light fixtures, take 10 minutes or less. The only one I dread monthly is ironing, but alas, I can no longer ignore it. At least it's not piling up like it used to!

Again, please feel free to adapt this list to your specific needs, if you have found it helpful. 

Written and submitted by Lindsey @ Penny-wise

Mouse Repellent

Here's an interesting one for you: make your own mouse repellent.

I know. I kind of raised one eyebrow too. Who makes their own mouse repellent??

Well, you do. If you're looking for even the weirdest ways to save money, here's one of the most unique we've ever offered. Or, if the thought of your two-year-old accidentally ingesting mouse poison freaks you out like it does me, then this is for you. OR, if the thought of a dead mouse in your house (or elsewhere on your property) gives you the willies, then wouldn't you rather REPEL the mice than trap them, poison them, or worse, find one dead? (Cue horror music from the movie, Psycho.)


{Funny side story: I actually called my husband home from work one day and insisted he, .....er..... dispose of a dead mouse I found in our laundry room. True story.}

So, it's pretty simple:

All you need is peppermint oil. Not peppermint fragrance or extract...peppermint essential oil. The good stuff.

Put 5-10 drops in a spray bottle and fill with water. Thoroughly spray the rodent's access and travel points (ie. that mysterious hole in the sheet rock in your garage counts).

That's it.


Phew. That was easy. And I bet it smells pretty good too.

Submitted by Gaeleen. Written by Lindsey @ Penny-wise.

Spider Control

Does the ingredient list on your can of spider spray remind you of a horror movie? Ingredients you can't spell or pronounce, chemicals that could possibly wreak havoc on your mind or body--all included in that can of Raid you've got in your garage. And, if you have a chemical-sensitive or autistic child, forget about pest control of any sort. Those chemicals can cause numerous reactions in their little bodies.


Our friend Gaeleen has come to the rescue again with yet another all-natural pest control option:

Soak 1 package chewing or pipe tobacco in 1 gallon boiling water untilcool or overnight.  Strain into container.  Combine 1 cup tobaccojuice with 1/2 cup lemon dish soap.  Pour in spray bottle.  Spray downcorners and dark places.

No scary ingredients. No harmful chemical smells. Just inexpensive, all-natural spider control.


Submitted by Gaeleen

Sanitizing Cloth Diaper Pails

If you use a diaper pail to soak dirty diapers, you might want to try this gentler and greener sanitizing solution. The two best pure essential oils to use for this are Tea Tree and Lavender. Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and has anti-fungal properties.

If using tea tree oil, add five drops to your diaper pail full of water. If using lavender, add five drops to 2/3 bucket of water.

If you do not wash diapers daily, be sure to change the water daily. The essential oils will deodorize your diaper pail.

Some infants and children are sensitive to these oils, so use with caution at first and make sure to wash and rinse diapers thoroughly after soaking in either of these solutions.

NEVER apply these oils directly to a baby or child's skin.

Also be sure your diaper pail has a secure lid and is stored away from where your child plays, as infants and toddlers can drown in even a small amount of water.

For Cloth Sanitary Pads

For those of you using cloth sanitary protection for yourselves, this solution is excellent for soaking cloth pads. Be sure to rinse pads thoroughly before soaking them. Follow the same directions as above.

Written and submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise

Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent

Well, you asked for it, so here it is! A recipe for homemade POWDERED laundry detergent!

Ingredients:

1 cup grated Fels Naptha soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

This recipe can be used in newer high-efficiency washers because it will not make suds. It can also be used in traditional washers.

Use:
1 Tbsp. for small loads
2 Tbsp. for normal loads
3 Tbsp. for large or heavily soiled loads

Submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise

Dishwashing Soap

Ingredients:

1 ounce liquid castile soap unscented

2 cups water

1 tsp. vegetable glycerin

5-10 drops of lavender oil if desired though not necessary

Combine soap and water in a jar. Add glycerin and lavender if using. Stir well. Add a few teaspoons to a sink full of warm water or add to your dish cloth.

For Crystal Clean Glassware:

From time to time, soak your drinking glasses in a solution of vinegar and water, this will make them sparkle.

Clean Ceramic Tiles:

Clean ceramic tiles with ½ cup vinegar to 1 gallon warm water. Keep your tiles clean longer by wiping with a mixture of tea tree oil and water.

Easy, natural, and inexpensive!

Submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise 

All-Natural Hand Sanitizer

What a wonderful concept! A hand sanitizer without all that alcohol. Seen in Mary Jane's Farm, this hand sanitizer is sure to find a place in your home (or car or church nursery or your hubby's office).

Ingredients:

1/4 cup witch hazel

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

1 tsp. vegetable glycerin

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

10 drops tea tree oil

1 glass jar with lid

Method:

 

Put all ingredients in the jar and shake well. Dab a bit on your hands and rub in.

Cleaning With Essential Oils

Essential oils are very useful in household cleaning. They're all-natural, chemical- and additive-free, and inexpensive. Some essential oils you might consider for use in your home include:

• Lavender: This essential oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. One of the safest oils, it has calming and relaxing qualities.
• Lemon: Lemon has similar qualities to lavender and has excellent cleansing properties. Often used in furniture products, lemon oil is a grease cutter. It is invigorating to the senses, rather than calming. When considering which lemon essential oil to purchase, be sure to avoid those containing petroleum distillates.
• Eucalyptus: Also a grease cutter, eucalyptus oil is also great for soap scum and countertops. Like lavender, it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Tea tree oil and orange oil are also useful for cutting grease.
• Tea Tree: An excellent antiseptic, this oil can be used for soaking cloth diapers. Use six drops of tea tree oil along with six drops of lavender oil in water. The oil and water should be changed daily.

These essential oils and more can also be used as air purifiers. Simply mix a few drops of the oil of your choice in a spray bottle of water and spritz in the air as necessary. Four to six drops is usually enough; however you should use as much as your personal taste dictates.

Oils to consider for air purifiers are: lemon, thyme, eucalyptus, and/or tea tree oil for germs. Lavender and geranium oils are good for calm and relaxation.

Remember to keep all your mixes away from children, and ALWAYS label your bottles.

Finally, here are two recipes for cleaners we all use everyday:

Disinfecting Spray

2 cups water

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 tsp. tea tree oil

1/4 tsp. lavender oil

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and use wherever you would normally use a disinfecting spray: countertops, sinks, toilet handles and seats, high chairs, trashcans, door knobs and light switches. Shake before use. Test in an inconspicuous area first.

All-Purpose Cleaner

2 Tbsp. Borax

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 cups hot water

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and use for all-purpose cleaning.

IMPORTANT: Pregnant women or anyone with a medical condition should check with a doctor before using essential oils. Used correctly, they are a wonderful addition to the natural home. Essential oils should ALWAYS be diluted in carrier oil or water and SHOULD NOT be applied directly to the skin unless recommended by a qualified practitioner. Always use with caution.

Submitted by Linda @ Penny-wise

Stain Removers

As promised, here are a couple of homemade stain removers. Try them for yourself, and let us know what you think!

Protein Stain Remover (for blood, vomit, sweat stains, milk products, etc.)

28 oz. water
1 1/2 Tbsp. liquid Tide
1 1/2 Tbsp. ammonia (swells fibers)
Shake well

Tannin Stain Remover (grass or dirt, tea, coffee, mustard, tomatos, etc.)

16 oz. water
2 tsp. liquid Tide
16 oz. vinegar
Shake well

Submitted by Gaeleen

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Here's a real money-saver: Homemade Laundry Detergent!

Ingredients:

1 bar of soap (We've heard great things about Ivory, Zote, and Dove, but any soap of your choice will do.)
1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (Baking soda works if you can't find washing soda.)
1 cup Borax
4 cups plus 1 gallon and 6 cups of water

1. Grate soap using a cheese grater. Lindsey, at Penny-wise Women uses her Salad Shooter!
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan.
3. Add handfuls of grated soap, stirring until dissolved.
4. Add washing soda and Borax.
5. Stir until dissolved.
6. Pour 1 gallon and 6 cups of HOT water into the storage container of your choice. You can use a bucket, Rubbermaid storage container, anything you like.
7. Add soap mixture and stir well.
8. Cover and let sit 24 hours before using.
9. Use 1/2 cup per load. Yields 64 loads.

This recipe is so easy and inexpensive, why not double or triple it to last you months and months?

You can also add a few drops of essential oil, if you like. Lavender essential oil would make a very fragrant detergent.

The detergent will be gloppy.

Robin, who submitted her recipe, said this detergent works even better than store-bought detergent in her High Efficiency, front-loading washer.

Try it, and let us know how you like it!


Submitted by Robin and Lindsey