Cleaning Supplies.

I don't spend a fortune on cleaning supplies. For one, I can't. For another, I don't need to! At some point we allowed corporate America convince us that we need a different cleanser for every job in the house.

The truth is, for just about every situation, a cheaper, home-made alternative works with equal effectiveness, and is better for the environment, to boot.

For some simple "recipes", check out: ORGANIZED HOME.

Also, a personal fave of mine (as we're a family with cats and dogs):

HOMEMADE CARPET DEODORIZER
(from Cheaper and Better, by Nancy Birnes)

2 cups baking powder
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 - 5 bay leaves, crumbled
1 tablespoon ground cloves

Mix together and store in a container with a tight-fitting lid. To use, sprinkle on carpet. Let sit for at least 20 minutes, then vacuum.

I keep mine in an old juice carafe that has a lid. In order to be able to "sprinkle" it, I covered the top with plastic wrap and used a rubber band around the neck of the bottle to hold it firmly in place. I poked holes in the plastic with a fork. The lid still fits easily on top for storage.