It's time for another recipe from your's truly!
A couple weeks ago, I shared my recipe for laundry detergent concentrate- let me know how it went and how you like it! Today I will share with you another very cost-effective hack for your home that is also a healthier option for you and your family.
1 Cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (you should already have this in your cup board from making the laundry detergent, but if not, you can buy it here)
1 Cup Sea Salt (don't just use kosher salt, it won't work right...)
1/2 Cup Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Citric Acid ( I buy this kind)
Now, please DON'T STOP HERE!!! Keep reading!
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and then use an empty egg carton or an ice cube tray and spoon 1 TBS of the blend into each compartment. If you skip this step, you will end up with a huge clump of detergent in your container. There is a dry reaction that occurs between the ingredients that turns the powder into a solid clump. Just make sure the size of the tabs you're making will fit into the compartment in your dishwasher.
I also use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar in the rinse aid compartment of my machine. Alternatively, you can place a cup with vinegar in the top rack. As the washing cycle happens, the vinegar will slowly flow out and distribute.
A note: This is a Borax-free recipe. I have found that adding Borax makes my dishes more clean than without. Borax gets a bad rep for being "toxic." Here is a nice reference that explains it nicely:
"Is Borax Toxic?
After thorough research, I have concluded borax is only as toxic as baking soda or table salt; if you ingest it in high quantities, it may make you sick. If you use it as described in our recipes, it poses no toxic threat.
Just make sure you don’t confuse borax with boric acid, the two are NOT the same. Use borax (I recommend 20 Mule Team brand), and steer clear of boric acid" (source provided).
So here is a second recipe that includes Borax:
1 Cup Borax, 1 Cup Washing Soda, 1/2 Cup Citric Acid, 1/2 Cup Kosher Salt.
Either way, your cost-savings will be immense. Let me know what you think!
Until the next recipe...
~Yvonne