8) Rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol (also known as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl) is a relatively cheap product that has been a staple in bathroom cabinets for hundreds of years. Rubbing alcohol is traditionally used as a disinfectant, but it has a number of benefits that you may never have considered. Use it to eliminate ticks and kill bed bugs and fruit flies. It is a powerful deodorant, so you can use it to kill foot odor (regular vodka works for this too, but save that for your cocktails…) and get food smells like garlic off your hands. It can treat sore muscles and heal cold sores, and is even a great way to clean your eyeglasses.
9) Castile soap. Soap has been used for thousands of years, but Castile soap is different in that it is made using vegetable oils instead of animal fat. It was first created in Castile (modern-day Spain) where there is an abundance of olive oil. It has excellent grease-grabbing properties, is biodegradable and non-toxic. Castile soap has a number of great uses around the house. Save the planet by making your own reusable kitchen wipes, and use Castile soap as a floor cleaner, laundry detergent, and toilet scrub. Protect your houseplants from bugs by spraying the leaves with a light Castile soap mixture, and use the same spray to deter ants.
10) Borax. Borax is a natural mineral also known as sodium borate, and it is found in a number of laundry products, hand soaps, and toothpastes. It is very cheap to buy from the grocery store (usually in the laundry section) or your local hardware store. Borax is commonly used to deter ants, cockroaches and other critters from your house. Try making this DIY ant trap. Borax is also great at soaking up unwanted smells in your house, and when combined with other natural scents like essential oils, can make a natural air freshener that smells great. Try this DIY cinnamon carpet freshener. Dissolve borax into your bath for a soak that will soften your skin and even cure some skin conditions.
These products are inexpensive and easily accessible from your local grocery store, so why not stock up? You’ll be amazed at how versatile they are, and how much time and money you’ll save. Most of them are chemical-free, too. What products do you swear by?