In the last month, we’ve probably all run out of something. Under typical circumstances, we’d make a quick run to the store and grab the needed item. But as shoppers try to limit their exposure to germs and the number of trips they take, they may want to consider making household or baking substitutions instead of a run to the store. These quick swaps can help you get by in a pinch.
Baking
There’s nothing worse than being mid cookie dough and realizing you don’t have a key ingredient, right? These quick swaps might help you fill the void:
- Powdered Sugar: You can actually make your own from regular granulated sugar. Simply place in a food processor or blender and pulse it into a powder form.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon of baking soda can be replaced by 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- Butter: Typically, you can replace butter in a 1 to 1 ratio with cooking oil or shortening.
- Vegetable Oil: Applesauce works as a healthy swap for oil in a 1 to 1 ratio, too. You could try another fruit puree as well but would want to go with something that has a neutral taste.
- Buttermilk: You can still make downhome favorites without buttermilk. Simply add 1 T of white vinegar or lemon juice to a little less than a cup of regular milk and allow it to sit for 5 minutes and you’ll have an alternative for 1 cup of buttermilk.
Cleaning
I’ve actually discovered a plethora of household cleaners in my cabinets and closets. However, I’m starting to run low on disinfectant wipes. So, I’ve been investigating ways to clean if you don’t have your regular products.
- Window Cleaner/All Purpose Cleaner/Disinfectant: White vinegar can be used for all of the above and more. However, there are no current studies on whether or not it kills Covid-19 at this time. It will kill a number of bacteria and viruses though.
- Furniture Polish: Vegetable oil with a bit of lemon oil or juice works in a pinch for keep your furniture polished.
- Oven Cleaner/Scouring Powder/Deodorizer: Baking soda will do each of these tasks with ease. Clean your bathroom sinks and tubs or take care of messy ovens and stovetops. You can also boil a bit of it in pans with sticky messes to help loosen residue.
- Laundry Detergent: We make our own detergent using a ratio of 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of Borax, and ½ cup Oxiclean. You only need 1 T per load when you wash!
- Laundry Softener: White vinegar works amazingly well and will brighten clothes at the same time.
- Dishwasher Rinse Agent: Again, white vinegar saves the day! You can add it straight to the dishwasher like you would Jet Dry or your rinse agent.
As for those disinfectant wipes, you can combine 1 cup of water with ½ Tablespoon of bleach. Then cut a roll of paper towels in half. Place the towels in an airtight container. Pour the solution over the towels, soaking them completely. Pull the roll portion out of the center. You should be able to grab a towel from the center and they will dispense like the typical wipes.
Bleach should be combined in a ratio of ⅓ Cup per 1 gallon of water or 2 T per 1 quart of water. It doesn’t take much.
Personal Care
Your beauty routine may have changed a little bit. But you can still take care of yourself without all of the products you once used.
- Toothpaste: Ok, this doesn’t taste the best, but baking soda works in a pinch in case you’ve run out. You can dip your toothbrush into a small amount and brush as usual. Your teeth will feel great and eventually you get used to the taste.
- Shampoo: In a pinch, dish soap can be used to wash your hair. However, it can dry it out, so daily use wouldn’t be recommended.
- Dry Shampoo: Combine ½ Cup of Cornstarch with ½ Cup Baking Soda to make your own dry shampoo. You might choose to add some essential oils, too.
- Face Wash: Did you know you can make a mask with finely blended oats, whole milk yogurt, and honey? Apple Cider vinegar also makes a great astringent when combined in 1 to 2 ratio with water. And coconut oil can be a great cleanser and moisturizer. I loved these face wash alternatives.
Don’t panic if you can’t find what you need at home. Odds are good you can create your own substitutions without much fuss!
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