Easy-Homemade-Recipes
Everything From Household Products to Kitchen Staples

Given the sheer volume of dirty dishes generated by the average household, this is probably the most ecologically important recipe on this site. Powdered dish detergent eliminates the need for buying plastic bottles and then recycling or disposing of them. The weight of the water included in dishwashing liquid need not be shipped from coast to coast, saving fuel and air pollution. Washing dishes in the sink save electricity and water too.

This powder is just as effective as liquid. If you find that you really prefer a liquid, add some boiling water to the formula, stir until the powder is dissolved, and bottle in your favorite squirt dispenser. The following formula will last the average family of four approximately six months.

Key Lime Dish Detergent Powder

1/2 cup clay powder
2 tablespoons lime essential oil
24 cups sodium lauryl sulfate
6 cups baking soda

Wear a dust mask to mix this formula. Mix clay powder and essential oil, then, in a two-gallon pail or container, combine with the baking soda and sodium lauryl sulfate. Mix well.

To convert to liquid soap, add 18 cups of boiling water and stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Store in gallon jugs and refill squirt bottles as needed.

To use, add about a tablespoon of power or a good squirt of liquid per sink load while filling the sink. For tough jobs, makes a paste of the powder by adding water and rub directly on the spot, or apply the liquid directly to it.

Note: If you are looking for high-quality therapeutic grade essential oils, I highly recommend Young Living. I am simply in love with their products, they are a part of nearly every facet of my life.

Automatic Dishwasher Soap
Dishwasher soap is easy to make, and cost effective. I mix up a batch in an empty canister, and pour it in the dishwasher as needed.

1 Tablespoon Borax
1 Tablespoon Baking soda

Mix the washing soda and the borax and store in a plastic covered container. To use, add 2 tablespoons to the dishwasher soap compartment. If you have hard water, you may want to use the Spotless Dishwasher Rinse, below.

 

Spotless Dishwasher Rinse
1 to 1 1/2 cups white vinegar added to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher will do! Don't overfill. Add before washing. Also helps with odors from your dishwasher

 

Is your dishwasher dirty and grimy? Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty. Add "Tang" drink crystals where you would normally place dishwasher detergent. Run with "light" cycle. Your dishwasher will be spotless! Do this about twice a year.