Make Your Own Washing Powder & Dish Liquid

Went through my cupboard the other day and found a bunch of toxic products I never use.  This is a picture them before I cleared them out (some are brand new never used).  Not meaning to throw my husband under a bus (sorry hubby), I am NOT the one who purchases this stuff.  I know what nasties are in these bottles.  Hubby however likes to come home with shining new toys that burn your nose hairs off when you use them, he thinks they work better when they stink to high heaven.

Around the home I use a number of different green all natural cleaning products from Nature Direct, and I'm in the process of showing hubby they do work.  No need for those other toxic potions.

There are two products I am yet to find all natural green alternatives for: 1. clothes washing powder 2. dish washing liquid.  So I had a play around and made my own.

Clothes washing powder recipe:

1/2 cup of water
1 cup grated castile soap (or other natural soap)
1 cup washing soda
1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil [optional] - can be substituted with another scent



1. Boil 1/2 cup water, add grated soap flakes and stir on low heat until dissolved.






2. Remove from heat and add the washing soda.  Mix thoroughly.

 3. Add eucalyptus oil and mix well.  Pour the mixture into a flat plastic or glass tray and spread it out so that it is about 3mm thick only.  Leave to sit for a few hours or over night.



At first the solution comes out wet and runny, however it does dry out, in fact sets rock hard.  This is why it is important to place it on a tray in a thin layer.



Break up the the dry powder to makes clumps then either grind it up in a food processor or mortar and pestle.  Store in a well labeled container and keep by the washing machine.  Use about a tablespoon at a time to wash clothes.


Alternatively: pour washing powder into a wide mouth jar and leave to set.  When set, you can use this as a natural marble paste to clean tough surfaces such as shower grout.





Dish washing liquid:
4-6 soap nuts
2 cups water
1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil [optional] - substitute with another scent if you prefer

Place the water and soap nuts in a small saucepan.  Bring to the boil then simmer for 30mins.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.  Add eucalyptus oil if using it.  Alternatively use lemon essential oil or another scent of choice.  Pour liquid into a pump bottle and leave by the sink and use to wash dishes.

NOTE: can also be used as a liquid hand soap.
NOTE: this liquid soap will last around 2 weeks, it contains no preservatives. If you wish to keep it for longer store in the fridge.

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Authors notes: the above dish liquid recipe doesn't bubble up so if you like LOADS of bubbles this might feel like a let down.  It cleans wonderfully regardless of having no bubbles and the eucalyptus oil helps to further break down grease and grime.