I've managed to cut the costs in my bathroom by over $1000 a year (true story!). By switching out your cleaning products, personal products and cosmetics for DIY natural alternatives, you save money and expose your family to fewer chemicals. Add to that your energy-efficient and water-saving savvy and you get a greener, healthier home.
Energy Efficiency
Switching out old light bulbs for LEDs is so much more efficient. LEDs last about 23 years and cost $38 to run over that period of time while an incandescent will cost you $201.
Window coverings help to keep warm air in at night. You can save 13-14 per cent when installing blinds and 15-17 per cent with curtains.
Appliances on standby mode account for up to 10 per cent of your energy bill. I use a power bar with a switch which means I can turn all the appliances off with a flick of a switch. It did take me some time to get accustomed to turning the power bar off, but it's just part of my routine now.
Water Saving
I switched my faucet out for a low-flow one and replaced my toilet with one that was more efficient. If you don't have an efficient toilet, pop a full water bottle in the tank to reduce the amount you use for every flush.
I put a plastic bin in the shower when I am waiting for the water to warm. I then utilize the waste water for my indoor plants.
Cleaning Products
As a lazy cleaner, I've been partial to products that offer to do the cleaning for me. The trouble is, these cleaners are toxic to you and your family. Here are natural alternatives to all your bathroom cleaners that work surprisingly well.
Surface Cleaner: Dust surfaces with baking soda and wipe down with a sponge. For stubborn stains and dirt, add a couple of drops of lemon juice or white vinegar. White vinegar and baking soda are excellent disinfectants.
Clogged drains: Pour down a 1/4 cup of baking soda followed by hot water and voila! It's clear. Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda down your drains periodically to ensure that they stay clean.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour 1/4 cup borax or baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into the bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes , scrub with a toilet brush, and flush.
Windows and Mirrors: In a spray bottle, mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Spray on and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
Mold and Mildew: Mix equal parts borax and vinegar to make a paste. Use a small brush to scrub affected area with the paste. Leave to sit for an hour and rinse.
Air Fresheners: Most air fresheners don't freshen air. They just add a toxic chemical soup to your already dodgy indoor air. Here are some natural fresheners which will have your home smelling great without the chemicals.
Personal Care
Did you know that all you need to make the best shampoo and conditioner are baking soda and apple cider vinegar? Get the full tutorial here.
One of my biggest expenses every month was moisturizer. I would spend upwards of $50 in the pursuit of eternal youth, only to discover that we are far better off using natural ingredients. That's why I make my own moisturizer now. Get a recipe that suits your skin here.
Deodorant is perhaps one of the personal care products that utilizes the most harmful chemicals. That's why I make my own deodorant and it works! Just try it, I swear you will never go back. Get the recipe here.
You can replace just about everything in your makeup bag with a natural alternative. Here are recipes for lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow!
And that is the story of how I saved a bunch of money in my bathroom. Don't feel like you have to adopt all of these measures, just add one each month. Your home will be healthier with fewer chemicals while you save wads of cash.
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