Dollars & Sense: Homemade Glass Cleaner

I don't do windows... with expensive cleaning products. Ever notice how expensive cleaning products are? Of course you have! I'm sure you're gasping for air like me... either from the sticker shock, the fumes - or both! They are way overpriced and excessive. I mean do we really need a special cleaner for every housekeeping task? Keeping the house clean is overwhelming enough for me without dozens of different cleaners that clutter my cabinets and empty my wallet! So, over the last couple of years our family has transitioned to making homemade cleaning products to aid us in our chores. I wanted to share several recipes for homemade glass cleaner. These will work great for windows and mirrors. In my opinion, they streak less than the commercial cleaners and are definitely cheaper.

Recipe #1
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Recipe # 2
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Recipe # 3
1 part vinegar
1 part water
1 part rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol

I purchase the large jugs of vinegar and ammonia. I also buy large bottles of the rubbing alcohol sold at the dollar stores. You can purchase all of these very inexpensively. I then place the "ingredients" into a plastic spray bottle (you can also purchase these at a dollar store or in the gardening section of a store like Wal-Mart). I always write the name of the cleaner and the "recipe" directly on the bottle using a permanent marker. Never use these spray bottles for any other purpose. These cleaners are easy, effective and inexpensive. Being a good steward with our resources just became a little easier. Happy housekeeping!

Recipe Swap: Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal Pancakes

3 cups of quick-cooking oatmeal (uncooked)
2 cups of vanilla yogurt
1 cup of fat free milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon imitation vanilla
2 tablespoon honey or honey granules
1/2 cup mini-chocolate chips
(Yields 20 - 22 pancakes)

In a mixing bowl, place oatmeal, vanilla yogurt, milk, eggs, baking soda, salt, vanilla and honey (also the chocolate chips if you would like). Stir these ingredients until they are blended well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spray pan or skillet with non-stick spray. Cook over low-medium heat. They will take a little longer to brown than traditional pancake mixture made from flour.

These pancakes are great topped with real maple syrup, yogurt or applesauce! Also, consider serving with a mixed berry medley such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. These pancakes freeze and reheat well in the microwave. So I suggest making a large batch so you can freeze some for future breakfast and brunch meals. Finally, I use the generic brand oats and yogurt - no compromise in taste and it save moo-lah! :)

Dollars & Sense: Homemade Cleaner

You know the saying... "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Well, I would suggest you make a homecleaner instead! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a cold glass of lemonade. And I never really understood the whole negative connotation associated with lemons. Our Creator made them and I think they are delightful. But I digress! I use lemon juice as part of a really simple, all natural, save-me-a-lot-of-money, homemade cleaning solution. Now, I am going to come completely clean, I am not a shining example of Proverbs 31-ness. My hubby will attest to that! But as I aspire to grow in my role as keeper-of -the home, I am learning some really cool things. While I do not delight in cleaning (I am still a work in progress), I am thrilled with this "recipe" and would like to share it with you. Drum roll, please...

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 cup of water

1 cup of vinegar


That's it. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! No poison. No fumes. So economical. How great is that? I put it in a spray bottle that I purchased at a dollar store. I used a permanent black marker to write "General Purpose Cleaner" and then I printed the "recipe" on the bottle as well. This way the kids can't conveniently forget how to make it when the bottle is low. ;0) Now, I will admit that I have yet to squeeze my own lemons to provide the juice. I use the bottled lemon juice and the kitchen counters don't seem to mind.

Be sure to come back and visit for more homeade cleaning product ideas!

P.S. Thanks to my husband for encouragement in my quest to become a Proverbs 31 women and for finding this recipe. (((Hugs)))