Homemade Automatic Dishwasher Detergent.

After years, and years of washing dishes by hand and pining for a dishwasher. I finally got one. I am loving it!  But true to form, I looked at the dishwasher detergents at the stores and could not bring myself to buying them.  My thoughts went from cost involved, to chemicals added, to how badly they would clog up my new dishwasher, they ended with “just what will I be putting in the ground I plant and harvest food from?”  The idea of buying detergent was soon nixed and I went into finding a homemade version I knew would be safe and cost saving.   Having given these recipes several tries, I am more then pleased with the results.

Homemade Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

2 cups borax

2 cups baking soda

Combine and use 2 tbsp of mix in dishwasher.

Spotless Dishwasher Rinse

Fill rinse department with straight white vinegar.  Works great and removes odors.

 

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Homemade Dishwashing Detergent

To make your own detergent for washing dishes, which is good for you, the environment and your wallets, you need three simple ingredients.

Homemade Dishwashing Detergent. (20 oz batch)

1 cup borax

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup kosher salt

Pour borax, baking soda and salt into plastic container, secure lid and shake to mix.

**If you want fragrant detergent, add two-three drops of your favorite essential oil.  Lemon grass, rosemary, mint, citrus, lavender, rose, sandlewood…your options are limitless.**

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The Three Essentials to Home Cleaning

Why waste money on expensive cleaning products that barely do the jobs asked of them, and do more harm to your body then not?  There are three essential natural ingredients that clean just as well if not better and cost far less.

Baking Soda – $1.00

Deodorize carpets: Sprinkle carpets with baking soda, leave overnight and vacuum in morning.

Remove grime: Put on sponge and wipe down bathroom tub, sink, shower.

Freshen Laundry: Add 1/4 cup to your rinse cycle.

White Vinegar – $1.00

Prevent Mildew:  Wipe inside of fridge, shower with a solution of 50/50 vinegar to water.

Brighten Whites: Add 1/2 cup to your rinse cycle.

Clean Windows, Mirrors, Glass: Use a 50/59 solution of vinegar to water.

Disinfect:  Spray fixtures, floors, toilets, counter tops, and other surfaces with a mixture of 50/50 vinegar to water and wiping them clean.

Clean wood surfaces:  Mix with linseed oil and wipe down wooden surfaces.

Lemons – $1.00

Purify microwave: Warm heat resistant bowl with water and slices of lemon for 30 minutes.

Remove Stains: Apply lemon juice to white and colorfast garments, let dry in sun to remove stains.

**I will post far more uses for vinegar in the near future, it truly is an amazing product and definitely something to have plenty of around the house.**

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Homemade Laundry Soap Recipes

As I am running low on laundry soap I decided today to mix up a new batch.  These are the recipes I personally use.  I often use Ivory or Fels Naptha soup, but any non perfume bar soap will work. I have even used a box of “hotel soaps” my aunt gave me and they worked just fine.  I find Ivory can be purchased with coupons for near to nothing, and is far less harsh on clothing fibers so it has become my soap of choice.  In addition to the ingredients below I also will add my own fragrances using essential oils.  Lavender, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood and Lemongrass my fragrances of choice.  I order mine from mountainroseherbs.com, but there are plenty of places that carry essential oils.   What I have found when I stopped buying store bought laundry soaps and making my own is  the clothing lasts longer, less fade to fabric, and the washer itself lasts longer with less “clog” issues the synthetic soaps can create.

Liquid Style

1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

• Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
• Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
• Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
• Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel)

Powdered Style

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

• Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
• Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

*I will triple or quadruple this recipe to have a large pail on hand*

*You don’t need do this, but for me I like a finer powder, so the night before or even days before I grate the soap, then spread on a wire screen or cookie sheets and let the gratings dry out further.  I then take them and place them in either a coffee grinder or blender and powder.  Simple and works wonderful.*

If I have something with a really bad stain or odor.  The following recipe works wonderful.

Stain/Odor Remover

2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)

• Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
• In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
• Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
• Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

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