Most people are conditioned these days to look to the marketplace for all the products they need. It isn’t surprising, since mass-manufactured products are cranked out in abundance and are widely available – and advertised. Consumers rarely question the price of items, their quality or ingredients. If marketing makes us want it, generally speaking, we will buy it without a second thought.
The consumerist mindset goes on to assume that mass-produced products are intrinsically “better” than what could be made by an individual. If you get in the habit of being curious about what’s in your favorite products, however, you may be surprised that their ingredients are common, inexpensive, and their formulations easy to recreate at home for pennies. Consider making some of the products you ordinarily buy – it’s a fun way to save on these common products while customizing them to suit your personal preferences.
Here’s a collection of some homemade concoctions that you can create from inexpensive ingredients you may well already have on hand – or can easily locate.
Around the House
General Cleaning
Household Cleaning Products
Garbage Disposal Cleaner
DIY Disposal Cleaner
Laundry Detergent
Recipe for Homemade Laundry Detergent
Laundry/Household Stain Remover
Homemade Miracle Cleaner
Bathroom Cleaning
Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaning and Homemade Soft Scrub Recipe
Hard Water Stain Remover
How to Remove Hard Water
Pest Control
Natural Spider Killer
How to Make Natural Outdoor Fly Repellent with Essential Oils
How To Get Rid Of Ants: Homemade, Natural Ways To Stop An Infestation
Home Improvement/Decor
Make Chalkboard Paint – Chalkboard Rocks
Auto
Easy Car Upholstery Stain Remover
Weed Killer
Weed Killing!
TV/Computer Monitor Cleaner Solution
Instructions: Mix equal parts Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Pour into a clean spray bottle. Wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
Make-It-Yourself Fabric Refresher
Recipe
- 1/8 cup fabric softener
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Hot tap water
- Empty large spray bottle
Instructions: Pour fabric softener and baking soda into spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with hot water and shake well.
Personal Care
Beauty Products
How to Make 10 Natural Beauty Products
Dry Shampoo
A Quick Fix for Oily Hair…”Dry Clean” It!
Pore Strips
How To Make Your Own Pore Strips
Detoxification Bath
How to Take a Detox Bath
Deodorant
Homemade Deodorant
Body Lotion
Luxurious Homemade Lotion Recipe
Bronzer
Natural Makeup Hacks: Homemade Bronzer/Contour Powder
Mosquito Repellent
Homemade Mosquito Repellent
Healthy Snacks
Protein Bars
DIY Protein Bars: Healthy Bars In 5 Easy Steps
Energy Drink
Make Your Own Energy Drink!
For Pets
Dog Treats
Cookies for Canines – 9 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Dog Shampoo
Dog Shampoo Recipe with Dawn and Vinegar
Cat Treats
Chewy Cat Treats for Cats
It takes a little time and effort to make these homemade concoctions but they yield a multitude of benefits, including:
- Most are made with common, mild ingredients that are not harmful to humans, pets or the environment.
- The ingredients are most likely already around your house or easily procured.
- You can control the ingredients, taking sensitivities, restrictions or allergies into account.
- You can customize their strength, fragrance, flavor and/or quantity to your own preferences.
- They can be as effective as their mass-produced counterparts.
- You are being environmentally responsible by eliminating the need for new package manufacturing by refilling existing containers every time you mix up a new batch of your homemade product.
- Best of all, they are far cheaper than similar commercially-produced products, freeing up more of your budget because, let’s face it, you’ve got better things to spend your hard-earned dollars on!
What products have you created at home instead of buying?
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