My sister asked me a couple months ago why I make things myself rather than buying them. (Such as our body wash, laundry detergent, etc.) It got me thinking about why I take the time to make all these items.
1. It's cheaper. More often than nought, I take the time to do it because I believe that the amount of money we save by "DIYing" is worth the time it takes to make it. Once I find a recipe that I like, it really doesn't take all that long and I can usually work on more than one thing at a time.
2. I have to buy less often. When I make something myself, it's generally "bulk-sized", so we have to restock fewer times. Since it's also cheaper to make it at home, we are, again, saving money.
3. It's healthier. Most of my DIY items aren't made of all natural, organic ingredients, but there are some that are truly healthier than commercial products. It may seem a little counterproductive for me to make chemical-free lotion bars, then turn around and slather my face with chemical-laden make-up, but I believe that even a small difference is still a difference. I know we don't live as healthy as we should, but we do live healthier than we could. :)
4. They work better. Yes, I know this doesn't apply for all things homemade, but you would be surprised at how many things DO work better. If I decide that a product works about the same whether it's homemade or commercial, I try to look at the other reasons before deciding to continue making it. Is it cheaper? Is it healthier? Is it worth it? For example... my homemade laundry detergent. We have been using this detergent religiously for over 3 years now. I still love it! And the cost difference is amazing! So, yes, it's definitely worth it to take 10 minutes out of my day to mix up a batch of detergent once a year!
5. I love it. My last reason is my best answer to the question "Why do you do it?"
I love being able to make a product that actually works. There is something about the "homey" feeling you get when you can create (or recreate) a product for your family to use. Whether it's making some homemade makeup remover wipes or a denim pie iron bag to take camping, it makes you feel a little more domestic in this busy life. I just simply enjoy it.
I have been in search of a stain remover for awhile. When I came across a post about homemade "Shout" on the blog, One Good Thing By Jillee, I knew I had to try it. We've used it on a couple of articles of clothing already and I was amazed at how well this worked! I wet the fabric down a smidge, sprayed some of this on and rubbed it in. Then, I let it rest for a couple of hours before tossing it in the wash. Simply unbelievable. Next time I will be making the full batch instead of a half. :)
What you need:
empty spray bottle
funnel
3 Tbsp. baking soda
1 c. warm water
1/3 c. ammonia
1/3 c. Dawn original dish soap (the blue kind)
Using the clean, dry funnel, pour the baking soda into the bottle.
Add the warm water and swirl until mixed well.
Add the ammonia and dish soap.
Shake to mix.
To use:
Shake well before each use.
Wet fabric slightly with water.
Spray Stain Buster directly on stain.
Rub into fabric.
Let rest at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Wash as normal.
(On really tough stains, I will sometimes spray and rub once more after it rests, just before I toss it in the washing machine.)
*Do not use with bleach!
(*You may want to test on an inconspicuous spot on the fabric.)
This stain buster has worked wonders for our clothing! However, my husband has a pair of coral colored shorts where it removed the dye. Other than that, it has been awesome with our whites and colors alike! So if you are worried about ruining a piece of clothing, I would suggest doing a test run. :)
I labeled mine using the label maker we got from my parents for Christmas last year. Seriously one of my favorite gifts ever!
Since there is ammonia in this, be sure not to mix with chlorine bleach! I would suggest somehow noting this directly on the bottle. If you don't have any labels of any sort, just write it directly on the bottle with a Sharpie. :)
**Note: the baking soda does tend to settle after it rests, so be sure to shake it up well before each use.
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