Introducing the Frugal Kiwi Mum

This week we launch a new blog written by Rotorua's Caraline Abbott.

Caraline is the Frugal Kiwi Mum, she lives in Rotorua with her husband and two young boys. Each week the Frugal Kiwi Mum will write about things which could save you money.

She kicks off her blog this week talking about frugal cleaning.

Frugal cleaning

Homemade cleaning products are easily made, and can save you a ton of money in the long run. Despite the financial savings, many people shy away from this idea, thinking that it is too time consuming or difficult, but such is not the case.

Most homemade cleaning products are easy to make, healthier for the persons living in the home, and more environmentally friendly.

Here are a few ideas on how you can keep you home clean and smelling fresh in a frugal way!

Antibacterial cleaner

Whilst  store brand antibacterial spray is relatively inexpensive, a simple cleaner can be made from common household consumables.

2 teaspoons of baking soda,

2-3 drops of dish washing liquid,

3-4 drops of tea tree oil,

Mix it altogether in a 500ml spray bottle and away you go!

Vinegar limescale remover

If your kettle has limescale, not only does it look terrible but it will take longer to boil. Importantly, it will also waste electricity because the lime-scale prevents the element from conducting heat well. Eventually, the element can burn out so you'd have to throw it out and buy a new one.

Fortunately, you can remove the limescale from your kettle cheaply and easily using reliable white vinegar. Quarter fill your kettle with neat vinegar and boil. Leave the hot solution in the kettle for up to an hour. Minimal agitation will be needed to remove limescale. Rinse thoroughly to remove the taste and smell of the vinegar.

Homemade fabric softener

Fabric softener works wonders towards keeping natural fabrics soft, synthetic fabrics free of static and keeps everything smelling great. However, even though I only use my washing machine 2-3 times a week, a 2 litre bottle of Comfort only lasts me a matter of weeks.

Fill a 2 litre bottle (about 8 cups) with 3 cups of water, 1 1/2 cups of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of cheap hair conditioner. Shake well and use the same amount as your usual fabric softener.

Alternatively, Add 1/2 cup washing soda ($4.15/kg at Countdown), 1/2 cup water,1 cup white vinegar, and 10 drops essential oil of your choice. Use as you would regular fabric softener.