Inflation Busters Part II: 3 Easy products to create to help beat the high cost of living!

 

In these uncertain times, there are some ideas that are tried and true and have been proven to work for years to help ease the pain of inflation. Some of them are ideas that will help you as you buy household supplies to clean and to use in the course of your everyday routines.

They include an easy-to-use spray cleaner for counters and as an all-purpose cleaning fluid. And in stocking up on a small supply of easy to find essential oils and other products, you will wonder why you didn’t try these tips before!

 Number One: Cleaning Products

 Number one is the all-purpose cleaner. All you need to begin to stock up is a simple spray bottle that holds at least 8 ounces, but preferably a 16 oz size. From there, the first thing is to add water.  The formula can vary as you work to keep a small stock of essential oils and natural products.

 

Ingredients for your All-Purpose Cleaner

 

•      Castile Soap-You can buy in larger size if needed to save money
•      Essential Oils: Watch for sales on Peppermint/Tea Tree Oil/Lemon or  Lime/
•      White Vinegar: Sprouts has a special home cleaning bottle that works well 

 The basic formula will begin with pure water that is filtered or bottled. Pour in at least 2 cups and ¼ of Castile Soap liquid to about ¼ to ½ cup of the vinegar. The oils are added with Peppermint and Tea Tree using at least 8 or 10 drops/ and the other by just 4 to 5 drops. Shake the entire mixture well before using and spray and test on an area such as kitchen counter. This is all-purpose and should be used as mild cleaner for all surfaces and parts of home you would use any all-purpose cleaner from store in your house.

 Number Two: Carpet & Room Powder

The cheapest way to make the room smell fresh is the baking powder x essential oils. This is an easy formulation once you find a container such as a Mason Jar; a glass jar with a screw top that can hold the formula. The correct formula begins with a basic 1 to 1 ½ cups of baking powder and then the essential oils. You may use the mixture of Peppermint and Tea Tree as the base. From there, add your preference of Lavendar or Lemon & Lime mixtures for different seasons or months. Use at least 8-10 drops of Peppermint and Tea tree, with a variation of 5-10 drops for the other oils.

 Always test a small area of the rug first! I have oriental rugs that are quite old. But the natural mix has never harmed them. If there is a specific notation about oils, or a personal preference or allergic reaction, you can always switch the types of oil used.

I prefer to put the powder down and then vacuum it out the next morning. But you may find a different cleaning pattern suits as well. 

Number Three: All Purpose Water Spritz

This is for use in washing the car, or in spritzing the face. I keep a bottle in the small outdoor fridge.  I keep it filled with filtered water for a variety of uses in the garden or yard and even to spritz off the car. In summer, it is a handy way to just get a quick pick-up when you are experiencing unusually hot weather! (We live in Florida.)

 Those are the essential items that will begin to make up the staples of your pantry and save money as well as time in your weekly routine. In addition to using simple, basic ingredients for your household cleaning, you will find that these items are the best ones to use for your own personal beauty routine.

 Our next installment looks at the different products to use to keep your face and skin looking younger, and to save money when you shop!

 Don’t forget to visit us online at Brown Bag Organics and to read more about “The Brown Bag Story” at 6 Degrees Writer!