Keeping Clean - Alternatives

No matter what the conditions of the world - we tend to be a CLEAN society.  We want to keep clean, feel clean and look clean.
There are many alternatives using what you have on hand at home - and they can save you money.  We all like to save $!
CLEAN can cost almost nothing.

The other day in a post I told about how I make foaming hand soap.  It is frugal and uses up all the liquid odds and ends of body wash and hand soap that you have around.  So many times we are gifted (free) body washes that we may not use - this is a great way of toning them down and saving at the time.

You can make your own LIQUID SOAP from bar soap.  It is very easy!!
I have kept dozens of bars of soap around for years.  The only bar soaps I tend to use are the antibacterial/medicated for my face and coal tar soap - which I keep for rashes and poison on the skin (it nips it in the bud!).
So why do I have so much bar soap?  IN CASE!  Once I run out of liquid I can make my own for pennies.  I am NOT adding to the plastic rubbish overload of the world and  I am saving and using what I have.

RECIPE
1 - 4 oz. bar of soap
1/2 gallon water
a big pan
wooden spoon
EXTRAS - OPTIONAL
Vit. E oil (for skin care)
Essential oil (fragrance)
Glycerin (for moisturizing)

Grate or chop your soap.  The smaller the pieces the better.
Boil the water and then add the grated soap.  Stir until melted.  Let it cool and congeal - it can take 12 - 24 hours to congeal.  Stir well and add any extras you want and stir again.  Then use a funnel to fill your own pump bottles.  Leave about an 1" of space and add a bit of water to top off (for consistency).
Store extra in a glass jar in a cool dark place.  That is IT!!!!!!

Here's a bit that I keep on hand, as well as the body washes I receive as gifts.  No excuses to not stay clean here!!!!!  I have gotten all of these on clearance or with coupons for little money or FREE.

BAR soap can be added to a small mesh bag (like a produce bag) and tied to the outside faucet for easy outdoor hand/nail clean-up!
You can do the same thing in the shower for a soap on a rope.  The mesh is good for cleaning and exfoliating as well.
You can use BAR soap for washing dishes in a pinch (as well as the homemade liquid).  This liquid could be used in the laundry as well - just don't add too much.  Years ago I even added a bit of grated soap to my laundry - when out of laundry detergent.
Use as shampoo in a pinch.

MOUTHWASH
Self explanatory!  Not always.  Mouthwash is great for the purpose it was made - BUT it is antiseptic.  It can be used over small skin abrasions, bites and cuts.  Fantastic to have in your medical cabinet!!!!
I sometimes add to my shampoo mixture - it stops any scalp itching and helps heal dry scalp.

I also keep a bottle of salt water in the bathroom.  It is a great gargle for a sore throat or a sore in the mouth - very healing (I like to use Himalayan pink salt, but any is fine). I just use as a mouth rinse.

Salt water is healing in so many matters, as Rose recently reminded me.  In a PINCH you can brush your teeth with salt water as well - if out of toothpaste.

I had a patch of  itchy bumpy skin on my elbow for years (nothing helped) - and after Rose's reminder, I tried the salt water as a rinse.  2X is all it took and that patch is gone and hasn't come back!!!!!

I use it as a rinse on blemishes - basically heals over night.

PEROXIDE

Peroxide is so cleansing.  If you get a cut or scrape use a bit and it truly helps clean and heal.  Mix with water and use as a gargle for a sore throat or strep throat.  My doctor prescribed that for years when I used to get strep.  DON'T swallow (and yes, it tastes nasty) - but it sure works.

BAKING SODA

Can be used as toothpaste.  I do this at least once a week as a whitening agent.  You can make a paste of it and peroxide and get real whitening action.

Baking soda can be used to clean your hair once in a while as well.  

Make a paste of baking soda and water and put on a bee/wasp sting - it relieves the itching and swelling.

Throw some in a cool bath to help relieve sunburn pain.

I truly do not remember where I bought these - but it for body cleansing without water.  Nice alternative (especially if sick in bed)

I buy baby wipes whenever I get a deal.  Not only do I have them if family need them for babies or I can give with a shower gift - but I can use them as well.  We never know when there may a no water situation in our lives - it is nice to have choices!

Just a few more choices and ideas to bounce around.  There are so many alternatives to things we use daily - we just all need to be reminded once in a while.
Lack of money - stock is low - no worries!  Use something else.

I just think back to Grandma and Mom and all the "swaps" they made in everyday life and it all makes sense now.
Nice to know we have options!