Powdered Dishwasher Soap:
1 packet unsweetened Lemonade
1 tbs Borax*
1 tbs Washing Soda
1 tbs cream of tartar
1 tbs salt
The best way to use this recipe is to mix equal parts of the Borax, Washing Soda, Cream of Tartar and salt, and store. Then, spoon one tablespoon of these mixed powders into your detergent dispenser, and then add one packet of the unsweetened lemonade.
Tip: Some inexpensive glasses tend to attract a white, dingy film over time, regardless of what soaps you're using - it's these inexpensive glasses that cause many people to need to purchase caustic, harsh detergents and rinse agents. Believe it or not, simple food jars are much easier to clean and don't attract this film - switch to glass jars if your dishwasher can't get your glasses sparkling clean.
* Borax, although a natural mineral, can be toxic to children and pets. Please keep out of their reach.
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Green Dishwasher Tips
Use vinegar in your rinse aid dispenser instead of the more expensive, less ecological rinse agents sold in stores!
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Pot & Pan Soak
Baking soda
Vinegar to dampen
Sprinkle baking soda in your pots and pans with stuck-on food. Pour in enough vinegar to dampen the baking soda and let it bubble. Even after the bubbling stops, let it do its work for an hour or two - overnight for stubborn, burnt-on food. The next day you should be able to simply wipe the dirt off - no hard scrubbing needed!
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Scouring Cleanser
1/4 cup baking soda
water to dampen
Works well for a light scrub over faucets and light soil. You must rinse thoroughly, though! Baking soda can cling to surfaces.
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More Abrasive Scouring Cleanser
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
This is a great scouring cleanser for wood-block cutting boards, sinks, even stove tops. Try to keep lemons on hand and just squeeze a halved lemon onto the surface to be cleaner (you'll get about 1-2 tablespoons of juice per lemon half). You can also use prepackaged lemon juice, but be aware that there are preservatives such as sodium benzoate, which is not healthy to eat, so isn't really healthy to clean with, either!
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Kitchen Sink Drain Deodorizer
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
Mix these dry ingredients together and sprinkle into drain. Pour a kettle-full of boiling water down the drain to activate the cleansing, removal of debris, and odor. (This works well in shower and bath drains, too!)
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