Save hundreds with these DIY household product recipes

Cleaning products and toiletries can cost a fortune, especially if you use a lot of them. They’re also bad for your health if you’re regularly cleaning with ammonia and bleach, but what alternative do you have?

Actually you have many. Here’s some super savvy ways to create these products you love, for a fraction of the price.

Which will you try?

1. Dishwashing detergent

Ingredients

• 2 parts borax
• 2 parts washing soda
• 1 part citric acid
• 1 part salt
• essential oils for scent (optional)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container.
2. Use 1 tablespoon per load as needed.
3. For an extra boost, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the powder before closing the soap container in the dishwasher.

2. Natural mouthwash

This mouthwash has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help keep bad breath at bay, and costs a fraction of the store bought products.

What you need:

• A small jar
• ½ cup filtered water
• 2 tsp bicarb soda
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

1. Mix together and pour into jar. The bicarb soda will settle to the bottom of the jar when not in use, so be sure to shake mouthwash before each use.
2. Swish about 2-3 teaspoons of this homemade formula in your mouth for a minute or two, then spit out.

3. Shaving cream

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup shea butter
• 2 tablespoons olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil
• 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap

Method

1. In a small saucepan, melt shea butter and coconut oil over the lowest setting on the stove. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
2. Add olive oil and stir until fully blended. Remove from heat.
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl and place in the fridge until solid.
4. When solid, remove from fridge whip using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Whip until fluffy ~ about 3-4 minutes
5. Then add castile soap and whip until fully combined.
6. Spoon shaving cream into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

Note: This recipe should last in the jar for a few months but it will spoil if it comes into contact with water.

4. Insect repellent

Mosquito repellent can be costly and smell very strong indeed. Here’s a cheap and cheerful alternative!

Ingredients

• Lemon eucalyptus oil
• Sunflower oil
• Witch hazel

Method

1. Simply mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil for every 10 parts of sunflower oil/witch hazel.
2. Transfer to spray bottle and apply to skin.

5. Fabric softener

Ingredients

• 5 cups of hot water
• 3 cups of vinegar
• 1 cup of hair conditioner (hint: you can vary the smell of the fabric softener by using different hair conditioners)
• 1 container (to store the mix)

Method

1. Mix the hair conditioner and the hot water together in a bowl (the hot water will help to smooth the lumps of the conditioner)
2. Add the vinegar into the mixture
3. Pour the mix into a container of your choice.
4. Add the normal volume of fabric softer to your wash load.

6. Glass cleaner

Ingredients

• 60ml vinegar
• 1L warm water

Method

1. Put into a spray bottle and apply with cloth.
2. Voila – sparkling glass!

7. Bathtub and tile cleaner

Ingredients

• 125ml vegetable oil based liquid soap
• 300ml baking soda
• 125ml water
• 20ml vinegar

Method

1. Combine and scrub away!

8. Coconut oil makeup remover

This method is totally natural and only involves one ingredient, coconut oil! Not only does it remove stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara but it also is nourishing and hydrating for your skin.

Ingredients

• Coconut oil (same coconut oil that you use to cook with)
• Facial cloth

Method

1. Sanitise your hands
2. Dip your fingers into the oil (you may need to heat a small portion of the oil if it has hardened) and scoop out a small portion
3. Rub the gently oil into your face and problem makeup areas
4. Wipe the oil away from your face with the cloth

If there is still remaining oil on your face, you can use normal face wash to remove the excess. Another handy beauty tip is to use the coconut oil as a hydrating mask.

9. Cracked heel salve