March is the time of year that the weather starts turning warmer.  I enjoy opening all the windows in my house during this time.  It is also the time many people start thinking about spring cleaning.  One trip to the store to buy all the cleaning supplies you need and you will come to the conclusion that buying household cleaners is expensive.  Many store bought cleaners are also bad for the environment.  One way to save money as well as help the environment is to make these cleaners at home.  These homemade cleaners work just as well as the store bought ones for a fraction of the cost.  So if you are planning to do some spring cleaning and want to save money on your cleaners, here are a few recipes to get you started.

All Purpose Cleaner

You can use this cleaner almost anywhere but I find it works great in the kitchen on the countertops, on my dining room table, on bathroom surfaces, and when my kids were in highchairs it worked great on those as well.

2 tablespoons mild dishwashing liquid soap

2 cups water

1 spray bottle

Place the two tablespoons of mild dishwashing soap into the spray bottle add 2 cups of water. Put the top back on the spray bottle and shake until mixed.  You are then ready to use it.

 Fabric Refresher

I enjoy using a Fabric Refresher called Febreze in my home.  I spray it on my rugs and furniture and it makes my house smell a lot fresher.  I used it even more when I had a pet.  Febreze at the store can cost over $6 a bottle.  I have found that I really like this recipe and it cost so much less than the store bought.

1/8 cup of your favorite fabric softener

2 Tablespoons baking soda

Hot tap water

Old Febreze bottle or spray bottle similar in size

Add fabric softener and baking soda to an old cleaned out Febreze bottle.  Add HOT tap water to the top of the bottle and place the spray securely on.  Then give the bottle a shake.  You can use it immediately.

 Glass Cleaner

If you have any glass around your house, then you will need some glass cleaner.  Here is a simple to make and inexpensive recipe.

One part Vinegar (I used 1 cup)

One part Water (I used 1 cup)

Mix vinegar and water in spray bottle.  Secure the sprayer in place and shake it.  You can wipe dry this solution after spraying on windows and mirrors with newspaper or lint free cloth or even a coffee filter.  Shake the bottle before each use.