» Vinegar and soap Early Retirement Extreme: —doing in 5 years what usually takes 30 years or more

Published on May 29th, 2008

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I have started using vinegar and baking soda for basic cleaning. Generally I spread baking soda of the grime and then soak a rag in vinegar. When the acid of the vinegar comes in contact with the baking soda a chemical reaction ensues which works very well for cleaning (for extra effect heat the vinegar).

I am not sure it is cheaper than using commercial cleaning agents, but it seems more natural. I’m continuously puzzled by the “weird” things Americans use to clean their homes. It seems to be less about cleaning than about achieving the “appearance of [easy] disinfection”, but maybe that’s just me?

Does anyone know where I can buy soap flakes or (liquid) brown soap?

Here are some links:

7 users responded in " Vinegar and soap "

StackingPennies said, in May 29th, 2008 at 07:21

I started doing that too, but I made a mixture (from the internet) and put in in a spray bottle. It is much much cheaper according to my estimation.

Meredith Smith said, in May 29th, 2008 at 07:32

Jacob – I actually run an all-natural soap website at deeprootsbodyandbath.com. Each batch of soap must be cut into bars, and there are left-over flakes each time. I currently don’t do anything with these flakes, so if you wanted a bag-full I’d be glad to send you some. Just shoot me an email.

mjukr said, in May 29th, 2008 at 09:23

I’ve been using that laundry detergent recipe from TheSimpleDollar blog for a few months now, and it is fantastic. Cleans just as well (if not better) than commerical detergent, with a significant cost savings (not to mention not repeatedly buying plastic containers).

For day-to-day kitchen cleaning I just use 1/4 white vinegar, 3/4 water in a spray bottle.

For tub/tile cleaning in the bathroom, I use 1/4 cup Dawn in a spray bottle and fill the rest with white vinegar. Works *very* well.

Window cleaner: 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2tsp Dawn, 2 cups water in spray bottle.

It’s amazing how much people spend on heavily advertised cleaning products…

passivefamilyincome said, in May 29th, 2008 at 14:09

My wife has been using straight vinegar to clean things and we absolutely love it. We use it more for the “natural” aspect of it because our 4 year old son has severe asthma and allergies. But we also see an economic benefit from it as well.

Karen said, in May 29th, 2008 at 14:11

Downy Flakes often used for baby laundry is soft flakes. My kids are teens now but Downy used to come in a navy blue box with an illustration of a mom and baby. Look in the laundry aisle.

Jason said, in May 30th, 2008 at 03:21

OK, guys, my favorite thing to clean with is WATER. YA. The universal solevent. Initally I clean things and wipe counters with pure water. If that doesn’t work I then use a cleaner. Spray the mess and let it sit for a few minutes…then wipe.

If you spray the mess and immediately wipe your cleaner is not having time to work anyway. Its just acting like water!

Jacob said, in June 3rd, 2008 at 18:41

@Meredith – thanks for the offer. I fear that shipping costs will kill the idea though. After all, soap is cheap and heavy. I guess I’m just going to resort to bar soap and a cheese grater.

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