I’ve always been interested in making my own personal care and household products. This way, I know what goes into them…..no harsh chemicals to affect my health, that of my family, or the planet. So I was chuffed when I found a recipe in an old Organic NZ magazine from 2012, featuring a dishwashing powder and laundry powder. I already had most of the ingredients on hand! All I needed was to purchase some washing soda!
Dishwashing Powder Recipe:
* 1 cup Washing Soda
*1 cup Baking Soda
*1/4 cup Table Salt
*1/4 cup Citric Acid
* Optional: 6-8 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Mix all of the above in a large bowl. Try to crush the washing soda crystals if possible. When fully mixed, store in a dry container. To use, simply add 1 tspn to each load of dishwashing.
(Note: the washing soda crystals are wet, so I added a couple of drying gel sachets to the container. I keep mine which come from organic grain pouches).
Okay, so now you’re probably wondering if it works. Like a charm! I have been testing it over the last week or two, and I honestly cannot tell any difference between store bought dishwasher powder and eco-friendly DIY powder! And the extra great advantage? No more plastic containers needing to be recycled or sent to landfill! The total time to make it? Just enough time to boil the hot water jug and make yourself a cup of tea!
My next mission: to make laundry powder. I have the recipe…..now all I need to do is find some time to do it. I’m up to my eyeballs in harvesting and preserving all sorts of veggies and fruit from the summer garden! Watch this space………
