Top 10 Multipurpose Must-Haves

If you’re a lover of living a more natural, clean life, particularly on a tight budget, you’re probably someone who knows the value in keeping items around the house that serve multiple uses.

If you haven’t quite caught on to the awesomeness of multi-purpose items, or you’re still in the learning process in converting to a natural lifestyle, check out the list below of my top 10 must haves, all of which I own in bulk!

In no particular order:

Vinegar – while apple cider vinegar is great, I prefer the cheaper white vinegar for its many uses that don’t require the extra flavor of ACV.

Uses: hair washing, spray cleaner, laundry, dish rinse, bodily yeast killer, cooking, weed killer

Baking Soda – there is also something called Washing Soda that is slightly different, I just stick with the big boxes of baking soda for everything.

Uses: hair washing, bodily deodorizing, home deodorizing, grease removal, stain removal, fire extinguisher, heartburn relief, toothpaste

Clay – there are many different types of clay that have varying uses and you would find it worthwhile to read up on the different types because clay in general is wonderful to have around.

Uses:  bug bites from mosquitoes to brown recluse spiders, skin cleanser/detox, ingested detox, great source of trace minerals

Arnica – a homeopathic remedy safe for all ages, it’s a great item to have in your first aid kit, car, office, diaper bag or purse

Uses:  primarily pain and swelling caused by trauma, but like all homeopathic remedies, it fits with many different symptoms and requires all users to read up on it first

Raw Honey – remember the keyword here is “raw” and honey sourced locally to your home is always best
Uses: antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, allergy treatment, skin and hair conditioning, amazing unprocessed natural sweetener

Tea Tree Oil – make sure you look up the correct dilutions for each specific use, this stuff is strong!
Uses: antibacterial, antifungal, pesticide, skin cleanser, deodorizer, spray cleaner

Borax – very similar to baking soda, but still worthwhile to have
Uses: abrasive cleaner, laundry, dishes, pest control

Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castille Soap – high quality, eco-friendly, great scents!
Uses: hand/hair/face/body wash, dishes, laundry, spray cleaner

Coconut oil –  Throw out every lotion/chapstick/conditioner you have, you only need coconut oil!
Uses: eat it straight up for healthy fats and appetite control, baking, frying, body/face/hair/diaper area moisturizer, antifungal, antibacterial, toothpaste, carrier oil for homemade products

Canning jars – I keep well stocked with pints, quarts, half gallons, plus the metal lids have their own extra uses!
Uses: canning (duh?), drinking glasses, food storage, fermenting, baking, organizing, gift containers

What natural multi-purpose items do you love to have on hand?

Looking for more natural cleaning recipes check out:

–Mama and Baby Love blog post recipe roundup {free online}

–Homemade Cleaners: Quick-and-Easy, Toxin-Free Recipes {Print Book}

-DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies {eBook}