PART 3. THE REMEDIES
10
AROUND THE HOUSE
DISH DETERGENT
You don’t need to pay a small fortune for expensive detergents full of chemicals. These natural solutions have what it takes to get dishes squeaky clean without the toxins. Made with simple ingredients that cut grease and remove stuck-on gunk, they smell fabulous and take just a few minutes to make.
Rosemary–Lavender Dishwashing Liquid
YIELD: ABOUT 20 OUNCES
STORAGE: PLASTIC SQUEEZE BOTTLE
TIME: 5 MINUTES
Rosemary and lavender essential oils give this natural dish soap a delightful fragrance, making a necessary chore more pleasant.
2 cups castile soap
½ cup warm water
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
1.In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. With a whisk, stir to blend.
2.Using a funnel, transfer the dish soap to a plastic squeeze bottle.
3.Shake well before each use.
4.Squeeze about a tablespoon of soap into a sink full of hot water.
This dishwashing liquid is less sudsy than commercial brands. Do not use in dishwashers.
Clove Dishwasher Detergent
YIELD: 4 CUPS
STORAGE: SEALED JAR OR PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINER
TIME: 5 MINUTES
Made with natural disinfectants and mild, natural abrasives, this fragrant dishwasher soap gets dishes clean without toxic chemicals. Use lavender, rosemary, or peppermint essential oil if you have no clove available.
2 cups baking soda
2 cups borax
20 drops clove essential oil
1.In a large bowl, place ¼ cup of the baking soda.
2.Add the clove essential oil and mix well.
3.Add the rest of the baking soda and the borax, stirring to blend completely.
4.Using a funnel, transfer the powder to a storage container with a tight-fitting lid.
5.Fill your dishwasher’s soap compartment and operate dishwasher normally.
6.Store in a cool, dark place.
For best results, rinse heavily soiled dishes with water before putting them in the dishwasher. To eliminate spots on dishes, prevent odors, and reduce mineral buildup inside your dishwasher, fill the rinse compartment with white vinegar.