Adding Trisodium Phospate to Your Dishwasher Detergent

In the past few years, dishwasher detergent manufacturers have taken out that magic ingredient called phosphates.  For a period of time we handwashed all of our dishes because

the new phosphate free detergent wasn't getting our dishes clean and was actually leaving a nasty film on the entire load of dishes.

  

I happened upon a homemade recipe for dishwasher detergent which worked well for some time.  See my recipe here Truly Amazing Homemade Dishwasher Detergent.  The film was less noticable but dishes weren't completely squeaky clean after a few months of using the homemade detergent. Still, it was acceptable.

We recently moved to home on the outskirts of town.  We love being out of the main part of the city but our water supply is hard.  Once again, we were dealing with a yucky film on our dishes.  I tried a commercial detergent again, thinking perhaps the formula had improved since last time.  But the results were not good.   

This was the inside of our dishwasher door.  There were smudges and stains that weren't coming off after multiple washes. These smudges were there from the previous occupants.  Yuck!



I'm a dirty rotten cheater!  But to the best of my knowledge, I'm not a lawbreaker! I did a little bit of research and found that I could mix a little phosphate into each wash load.  I found a box of trisodium phosphate on the internet.  You can purchase it here - Savogran 10621 Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) for about $7.  Most sources I found suggested to add approximately a 1/4 to a 1/2 teaspoon to each load.  I purchased the box approximately six weeks ago and we still have a TON left so I'd say that adding TSP is very economical.  Once I run out of the commercial dishwashing detergent, I'll probably go back to my homemade recipe and add the trisodium phosphate to it.



I just sprinkled about 1/4 tsp of the Trisodium Phosphate into both detergent cups on top of the detergent.

As you can see, the inside of the door is no longer disgusting!

Dishes are clean!!! I've noticed a few hard water spots but I'll bet a little vinegar in the "rinse aid" dispenser would take care of that issue. 

 No more gunk, no more powdery film!

See? Nice and shiny!

I can see through my glass again! It worked!  If you would like to read more about trisodium phosphate you can read this article wikipedia - Trisodium phosphate or Natural Handyman - TSP Cleaning For Big Dogs!
  

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Updates on ALL My Homemade Cleaning Supplies

A little over two months ago, I began a quest to find homemade cleaning supplies.  I wanted to give an update on how these concoctions are working for me.  
Some recipes I am still thrilled with, some....not so much....

~ The first recipe that I made was homemade laundry detergent.  I have now made my third batch (just yesterday).  I am absolutely thrilled with this recipe!  It cleans every bit as well as any commercial detergent I've purchased and the money savings is HUGE. 

One recipe makes 2 gallons which is just the right amount of detergent to wash all of our laundry for a month.  We are a family of eight PLUS we have a daycare.  One recipe costs $1.40 (or $0.69 per gallon).  For an average sized family I would think this recipe would make enough to last at least 2 months. 

~ The next recipe that I tried was homemade fabric softener. Although the softener softened and reduced static cling, it didn't have a strong enough scent for me and was very watery.  I felt that it took up a lot of space in my laundry room cabinet.  So I discontinued using it and came up with a slightly different version of my own.

~ The slightly different version was a little more concentrated and definitely had a stronger scent.  I really liked it as it works and is very economical.  I would probably continue to use it however........our two year baby doll started to break out in hives.  We aren't sure that it is the softener but to err on the side of caution, I wanted to stop using softener all together.  

~ Now, to soften and ELIMINATE static cling, I am using 2 tightly rolled up balls (approximately the size of a golf ball) in the dryer.  I simply throw the balls into the dryer with the wet clean clothing and press start!  For a family with sensitive skin, I would promote this as a PERFECT softening and static cling reducer!  I found this information on Fake It Frugal. 

~ Next, I made homemade orange peel scouring powder.  I liked the concept and the cost savings.  It smells lovely but works only moderately well with a LOT of elbow grease.  It did take stains such as coffee and tea out of my sink but didn't take the pan scratches out.  I would use this scouring powder as a back up or on pans, but I am back to using my Comet. 

~ The Truly Amazing Dishwasher Detergent was what I thought would be my biggest discovery.  I was intensely happy with the clean state of my dishes after using this recipe.  No spots, no film, just clean dishes.  For about a month, I thought I'd found the magic bullet of dishwasher detergent.  Then for some unknown reason, my dishes began to have a slight film on them, and much to my dismay....my glasses had SPOTS!!!! 

I found a reasonable solution by filling only one of the detergent dispensers, the pre-wash dispenser.  As long as I do this AND remember to use vinegar as a rinse aid, my dishes are coming out acceptably clean.  I am speculating that by filling both compartments, I was just using too much.  My little "cheapie" dishwasher didn't have adequate time to rinse the last detergent application off. 

I did purchase some citric acid (Lemi-shine, I believe) and will add a little to the mix next time (as indicated in the recipe that I found on DIY Natural). 

All in all, I'm still happy with the effectiveness and cost savings and will continue to use the dishwasher detergent.  I just might not call it "Truly Amazing".  Perhaps, "Effective and Inexpensive" would be a more fitting name.

~ Lastly, I made a Vinegar Orange Peel Household Cleaner.  It was simple to make, inexpensive and really seemed to work equally well on all surfaces, including glass. 

After using it for several weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it is a keeper!  It still cleans glass (including windows), surfaces and has a nice (orange and vinegar) smell!  I like that it is safe enough to drink, especially since I have small children.  I will probably still use bleach to clean toilets but this all purpose cleaner is great for many other things.  I think it would be effective as a vegetable wash and even as a rinse aid in the dishwasher. 

I hope this update is helpful.  There are links to the original articles within my reviews and I'll be sure to place a link in the original postings to this update.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Vinegar Orange Peel Homemade Cleaning Solution ~ Effective and All Natural

 

I found an idea on Pinterest for an all natural homemade cleaning solution using just white vinegar and orange peels.   I did change the method of preparation slightly.  This cleaner is non-toxic and powerful.  It's safe enough to drink

 (my 12 year old daughter tasted it and said it tastes like slightly sweet pickled oranges).

It works equally well on windows and surfaces.  I like the scent of it and the cost savings.  Of course, it always feels good to know that I've found a product that is non-toxic for both my children and our environment.

Big Things Start Small tee shirt by Poppyjuice
Browse other Dreams T-Shirts

For additional reading on homemade cleaning products, check out the following -

Homemade: How-to Make Hundreds of Everyday Products Fast, Fresh, and More Naturally

The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning


(Click HERE for updates/reviews on all my homemade cleaners)
The process is very simple ~

1) Boil 2-3 cups of white vinegar and
pour over orange peels packed into a
quart sized canning jar.

2) Let sit for several weeks OR
to speed up the extraction process,
water bath can the jar for 20 mins,
just as you would pickles.



3) Strain the infused vinegar well using a mesh strainer
Pour approximately 1 1/2 cups of the vinegar into an
empty, clean spray bottle.




4) Add water to fill the bottle.




5) Use cleaner just as you would use any
all purpose surface cleaner.  Safe, effective and CHEAP!
















If you liked this article, don't forget to subscribe! It's easy and free!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Handmade Dish Scrubby! Great Way to Use Old Plastic Produce Bags



I have been saving my old potato and orange bags for quite some time.  They are the sturdy plastic or nylon style and I figured they would be good for something. 
 I just hadn't figured out what that would be until I read a posting on Mooberry Farm Homesteading Journal blog.

mooberry-farm.com

Mooberry Farmwife has a great tutorial on how to use recycled onion bags to make dish scrubbies! 

I decided to give it a try, but since I don't crochet, I used dental floss and a cross stitch needle to stitch around the edges.  This is how I put my dish scrubby together -


 


You will need at least 2 large bags per scrubby



Insert bag(s) inside other bag(s)
Roll firmly as pictured above



Fold the scrubby in half length wise (not folded yet in photo above)
Using a cross stitch needle threaded with dental floss beginning stitching around the edges.




Stitch as desired around the edges
I used what is called a "blanket stitch".  I think.....
If that isn't the correct term, feel free to let me know.

 

My 10 year old daughter, happily trying out the new scrubby!
The verdict is in and it works well!

We are happy with the results and think we could also use these materials to make awesome bath scrubbies!   Perhaps we'll give that a try soon.

Thank you so much Mooberry Farm Wife for the great idea!



reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Truly Amazing Homemade Dishwasher Detergent



Okay, here is the skinny of it - I've completely stopped using my dishwasher since the manufacturers took out that amazing chemical(s) called phosphates.  I know, it's bad for streams or something like that but my dishes were horrible when I used the phosphate-free stuff! 


So, much to my children's dismay, we've been hand washing our dishes for nearly a year now.  It wouldn't be so bad but we have a big family PLUS we operate a daycare in our home.  This translates into a LOT of dishes!  I've been telling my kids that it's not so bad but secretly, I've been not liking the hand washing method so much either.

Lately, I've been on a search for less expensive, more natural homemade cleaning product recipes.  I've found a laundry soap recipe I really like.  I tweaked a homemade softener recipe until I felt satisfied with it.  I found a scouring powder recipe that I changed ever so slightly and think it's nice.  But nothing compares to my excitement over the homemade dishwasher detergent recipe I found on DIYNatural.com

Simple Effective Jabs Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

As usual, I didn't have all the ingredients so I had to change it just a bit.  The original recipe in the above referenced recipe called for Kosher salt and citric acid.  Also the amounts were different.

(Click HERE for updates/reviews on all my homemade cleaners)
I made my dishwasher detergent like this -



Mix equal parts salt, Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, and Borax
(I used 1/3 cup each just to make a small amount)

 

Mix well and store in airtight container  Use as you would any powdered commercially available dishwasher detergent.  I also put vinegar in the "jet dry" compartment to help as a rinsing agent.

 


Two of my girls holding a still damp bowl from the dishwasher.  The youngest is just happy but the older of the two is smiling  because the bowl is clean and NOT greasy! 
To her, this means Mom will stop making them hand wash all of the dishes! 
This is great news to a 10 year old!!! This is  great news to Mom too!

I must say, I've been pretty excited about my new discoveries lately but this tops all!  I wanted to post this tonight so I didn't take the time to figure the cost but I suspect it will be much cheaper than store bought dishwasher detergent.  I'll figure it out soon and post a follow up.  

I do hope you'll let me know if you try this recipe and how it works for you!

P.S. I've had some folks say that they couldn't find Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.   I did find mine at Walmart but you can order it online as well.

You can also order supplies online ~

Church & Dwight Co 03020 Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

Dial Corp. 00368 20 Mule-Team Borax Laundry Booster

To read more great tips from Matt and Betsy Jabs check out their book ~

DIY Natural Household Cleaners: How To Make Your Own Cleaners Naturally.

* Update -

Since I originally published this article,  I've had several friends suggest adding trisodium phosphate to the detergent.  Apparently a teaspoon or so added to each wash eliminates the buildup and greasy gunk left behind from the phosphate free detergent.  This would make sense as trisodium phosphate is PHOSPHATE!!!  It is my understanding that while it is illegal for phosphate detergent to be sold, it isn't illegal to use them.  I know that you can purchase it here -  Savogran 10622 Trisodium Phosphate (TSP).  I would think that a box this size would go a long way if you are only using less than a teaspoon per wash. 

Yet another update ~ We moved to a new house with very hard water.  My detergent just wasn't cutting it so I caved in and tried the trisodium phosphate.  See the results here.

Another product that I've heard great things about is Lemi-shine. I think that it is citric acid and you just add it to your dishwasher each load.  It is phosphate free so you could use it with good conscience.  You can find it here - Lemi Shine Original (12 oz)

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Homemade Orange Peel Scouring Powder

 
My mom sent me a link to a homemade grapefruit peel scouring powder.  I didn't have grapefruit but I do have a ton of oranges right now.  So, I thought I'd put my own spin on it. 


The link to the original is on Crunchy Betty's site which you can check out here - http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-grapefruit-scouring-scrub

(Click HERE for updates/reviews on all my homemade cleaners)

For some good information on homemade cleaning supplies check out the following -

The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning

Homemade: How-to Make Hundreds of Everyday Products Fast, Fresh, and More Naturally

Here is my stab at a scouring powder -



1) Cut up the peel of two oranges - let dry until brittle

 



2) It will take a day or two to let the peel dry. 
When done it will look something like this....

 



3) Grind peel in your coffee grinder
or food processor until soft and powdery.

 




4) Mix 1/3 cup each of 1) orange peel,
 2) borax, 3) baking soda and 4) washing soda

  



5) Poke holes in a canning jar lid to make a shaker top

 



6) I soaked my sink in coffee to get it really stained up

 



7) I scrubbed for a minute or two and rinsed clean

My opinion of this scrub - 
I liked the way it cleaned the stains up,
even though it took a little more
elbow grease than Comet or Ajax would have. 
I did notice that the grayish scratches
from pans didn't completely come off. 

I would definitely encourage you
 to try this recipe if you would like
 to save a little money and
use simple household ingredients that you have handy.

I'm going to give Crunchy Betty's recipe a try as well.
  It differs in proportions and doesn't include washing soda.
  I'd love to hear from you if you've made her recipe!  

 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad