Non-food items you make instead of buy (e.g., laundry soap) -- I need ideas!

[milovany]

Dh and I are tossing around an idea that includes packaging things like homemade laundry soap into say gallon-sized bags for user purchase. I'm trying to steer clear of food items because of the regulations on that (i.e., to sell fresh-ground flour made from wheat berries requires the use of a commercial kitchen) -- so what types of things do you make at home that tend to save you money (and are effective)? I would value any ideas you'd have! Thanks.

[milovany]

:bump:

[cdrumm4448]

We make our own cleaning liquid and sometimes shampoo from soapnuts. You take a handful of soapnuts and boil them in 6 cups of water. Cool. Bottle. Refrigerate. Lasts about a week. You can clean your car, your kids, your house, your laundry, just about anything with it. Natural (soapnuts grow on trees) and if you get a big enough bag they'll last for years. They smell a little vinegary but the things you use them on don't smell at all.

[stormy weather]

I make window cleaner and others from this book. She has "how to" on everything to do with keeping a home.

 

The window cleaner is 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon amonia(sp?). I put a drop or two of food coloring in it, so dc can tell it's not water. It works just as good as store bought.

[secular_mom]

I can't recall ever hearing about soapnuts before, thanks for posting this!

[ProudGrandma]

I have never heard of soupnuts either...where does one buy those???

[Truscifi]

 

Deodorant.

[secular_mom]

I have never heard of soupnuts either...where does one buy those???

I just ordered a small bag (with 5 of them for 2.99) from Amazon so I can try them out.

[KJsMom]

Deodorant.

I use the same 'recipe'. I also make my own laundry soap because my family has very sensitive skin. Window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, anything I can find. It's cheaper and better for you.

[TCoppock]

Deodorant.

Very neat I have never thought about making my own deodorant, but this seems pretty easy. Thanks!

[amydavis]

Wow, I never considered making my own deodorant! I think I may try this one out!

[amy g.]

I made that deodorant when it was posted before, and it really works.

[One Busy Mom of 5]

The Duggers have a recipe for laundry soap on their website. http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html

 

We have used it for about a year now. It lasts forever and is less than $5 to make.

[LauraGB]

Deodorant.

 

This is interesting. Since coconut oil melts at under 80 degrees, it must liquify on contact with your body - how do you avoid oil stains on your clothes?

[KJsMom]

This is interesting. Since coconut oil melts at under 80 degrees, it must liquify on contact with your body - how do you avoid oil stains on your clothes?

 

I put it on right after I shower and wait a couple of minutes before I put my shirt on, which is fine because I have to moisturize anyway. As long as I don't put too much on it absorbs pretty quickly and I don't have any problem with staining. When it is warmer it goes on a little heavier, that is the only time I've stained a shirt. It actually melts at a little lower temp, I think like 76 degrees, so I keep it in the refrigerator which helps apply the correct amount. I live in East Texas, so keeping it in the refrigerator is neccessary!

[cdrumm4448]

I have never heard of soupnuts either...where does one buy those???

 

I buy the on the internet from Naturoli.com. They are de-seeded and bagged. I would order a sample size from them to start out to see if you're going to like them. You can also just throw a few in a little cotton bag they give you and toss it in your washing machine. I don't do that because I bought the soapnuts pieces (because they were cheaper) and there's a better chance all those little pieces will escape while swirling around in my washing machine.