I've recently got on a kick of making my own laundry soap, dishwasher detergent, cleaning sprays, etc. Besides being "greener" and the fact I choose what essential oil to add and feeling a sense of control over my routine (can't explain why I feel that way just because I'm making this stuff, but I really like doing it), it's way cheaper.

Here is one helpful website, although there are dozens of variations (for example, cornstarch and water being all one needs for window cleaner versus this more complex recipe here):

http://www.savingaddiction.com/?p=23566

So--question--would you make this stuff yourself, or would you rather pay for stuff that you know works fine?

I make my own window/glass/surface cleaner, and laundry soap...I tried the dishwasher soap for a while, but my dishes weren't as clean as they were with commercial detergent.

If it's cheaper yes it's worth it. I mostly clean with lemon juice, vinegar, water, and baking soda.

Quoting Clk:" If it's cheaper yes it's worth it. I mostly clean with lemon juice, vinegar, water, and baking soda."

This is all I clean with as well.
I make all of my cleaners- with the exceptions of dishwashing detergent and laundry detergent. I've just found the commercial ones work better as well.

I was shocked when I first used cornstarch and water and a newspaper to clean mirrors. IT WORKS.

Sure Windex isn't *that* expensive, but if this works just as well, why not only spend pennies to do the same thing, and also--it's not toxic.

I have been using more vinegar for cleaning. Maybe when I have more time I will, or more storage space. Our washer dryer inlet is in our hallway, so I really don't have any extra space. A lot of the laundry detergent things require 5 gallon buckets.

Quoting AllHeCanEat{EBFT}:" I've recently got on a kick of making my own laundry soap, dishwasher detergent, cleaning sprays, etc. ... [snip!] ... So--question--would you make this stuff yourself, or would you rather pay for stuff that you know works fine? "

Absoluetly!! The cleaners that are the most popular are the most harmful.
I clean a lot with baking soda/vinegar, I have a steam mop and also mop with hot vinegar water. I always use left over lemons to clean with as well.
I do still use some chemicals for cleaning windows and quick santizing...I love Lysol wipes even though they are graded F.

The Seventh generation dish packs are graded well, so I'll continue to use those.
Laundry detergent is tough b/c there is very little on the market that is actually safe. All of my favorites are graded F; Tide, Gain, Cheer. Even the Seventh gen detergent is graded a D. I haven't ventured into making my own, yet.

Quoting Destinite:" Absoluetly!! The cleaners that are the most popular are the most harmful. I clean a lot with baking ... [snip!] ... graded F; Tide, Gain, Cheer. Even the Seventh gen detergent is graded a D. I haven't ventured into making my own, yet. "

My in-laws made their own laundry detergent and packed it into glass jars. They have enough for years, at about a penny a jar (and about 12 uses per jar). It's kind of amazing what is possible.

No one buys borax, castille soap, etc., anymore. Actually, I take that back. Dr. Bronner's continues to be pretty popular in many circles. But anyway--I have been so impressed with the results I had to share.

Oh and lemongrass oil in with the all-purpose counter cleaner will get rid of roaches and spiders. It's amazing what natural cleaners can do.

Quoting [JadeLee]:" I have been using more vinegar for cleaning. Maybe when I have more time I will, or more storage space. ... [snip!] ... is in our hallway, so I really don't have any extra space. A lot of the laundry detergent things require 5 gallon buckets."

I make powdered laundry detergent. one cup of Borax, one cup of washing soda, two cups of grated bar soap.
the recipe is a little down the page: http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/12/santa-i-know-him.html

Quoting AllHeCanEat{EBFT}:" I was shocked when I first used cornstarch and water and a newspaper to clean mirrors. IT WORKS. Sure ... [snip!] ... *that* expensive, but if this works just as well, why not only spend pennies to do the same thing, and also--it's not toxic."

While price is also a large factor, this is the main reason why I clean surfaces with natural cleaners. With my son crawling around licking everything in sight, I would much rather him be licking something cleaned with natural ingredients, than something cleaned with chemicals.

Quoting AllHeCanEat{EBFT}:" My in-laws made their own laundry detergent and packed it into glass jars. They have enough for years, ... [snip!] ... oil in with the all-purpose counter cleaner will get rid of roaches and spiders. It's amazing what natural cleaners can do."

It is. I forgot to mention essential oils. I like adding lavender and mint to my water for the smell good.
I think after the holiday, I may have to try to make a batch with the Dr. Bonners. I was reluctant about using Borax as I haven't had time to research it.
Household chemicals are one of the leading causes of childhood cancer, so anything I can do to reduce that, I'll do.

Quoting MommyToWesley:" This is all I clean with as well. I make all of my cleaners- with the exceptions of dishwashing detergent and laundry detergent. I've just found the commercial ones work better as well."

I use soap nuts for laundry since we cloth diaper, but yeah do use commercial name brand for dishwasher.

Quoting Destinite:" It is. I forgot to mention essential oils. I like adding lavender and mint to my water for the smell ... [snip!] ... Household chemicals are one of the leading causes of childhood cancer, so anything I can do to reduce that, I'll do. "

Borax is pretty toxic by mouth but it's also a highly effective cleanser. I don't have a tiny baby around so I use it. Maybe if/when I have another orally fixated crawler I'll figure out something else.

I use vinegar and baking soda for pretty muh everything, including my hair. I also use dr. Bronnors castille soap. My left over lemons are used to clean my cutting boards after cutting meat on it. I also use a lemon to rub on my arm pits as deodrant (works great!!) I need to make lotion and clothing detergent.

Quoting eKnuckles:" I use vinegar and baking soda for pretty muh everything, including my hair. I also use dr. Bronnors castille ... [snip!] ... meat on it. I also use a lemon to rub on my arm pits as deodrant (works great!!) I need to make lotion and clothing detergent."

Lemon deoderant?!?! Nice.

It is also true that, barring meat eating and smoking and alcohol use, most people actually will not have an offensive odor. By chance (or not by chance) are you a vegetarian who does not smoke or drink?