Dishwasher Detergent Tabs

Today my focus is on making my own chemical free dishwasher detergent tabs (soap). The reasoning for a chemical free alternative is after I read an article on how the chemicals used in many products is the cause of many illnesses, I decided I wanted to increase my chances on living a healthier life.  So, little by little I have been coming up with alternatives to buying the chemically made products for organic products.  I've looked at a lot of recipes and honestly, they are all about the same with a few variations.  This is the recipe I have decided to  try. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Washing soda or Baking soda (cuts grease, great all purpose cleaner)
• 2 cups Borax (natural cleaner and disinfectant)
• 1/2 cup Kosher salt or Epson salt (reduces the effects of hard water)
• 1/2 cup vinegar (added cleaning power, liquid to help bind the ingredients)
• 15-20 drops of essential oil (added cleaning power, antibacterial properties, and smells great)

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together with a spoon or fork.  When you add the vinegar it will cause some fizzing.

Once all the ingredients are mixed together fill up your ice tray(s) with the mixture and press firmly the mixture down into the openings of the ice cube tray(s).  

Let the mixture dry for 24 hours, I put my on the window ledge to dry.

Once they mixture has sat for the 24 hours, pop the tabs out and they are ready to be used.

BOBBLE SHEEP PILLOW

BOBBLE SHEEP PILLOW

I just love this knitted pattern of Bobble the sheep pillow I found on http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/3/3/lauras-loop-bobble-sheep-pillow.html.  For my sheep pillow I used Comfort worsted weight yarn which is 50% nylon/50% acrylic.  I do have to admit making all those bobbles did drive me a little crazy, but the ending product was so cute it was worth it.  I worked on the pattern a couple of hours each day for about 3 days, I think it's safe to say the project wasn't to time consuming.  I did change the pattern a little bit by stuffing the head and the legs (pattern indicated to leave the head and legs as flat, do not stuff them)  and I also shortened the length of the legs, I made mine 1 1/2" in length.  Since I am most likely going to put this sheep into a gift basket on my web site www.slurpsnburps.com/ for purchase for a baby/toddler, I think a matching bobble hat for the baby/toddler would make a nice addition to the gift basket. 

DIY Dr. Bronner’s Castile Powder Laundry Detergent

The first grandchild has arrived!

In preparation of her arrival I dusted off the old sewing machine and began to sew bibs 

and burp cloths,hats, buntings, dresses and the list goes on. It also got me thinking about 

how to wash all these cute little things, so the research began to find a laundry soap that was 

chemical free.  I discovered Castile Powder Laundry detergent recipe which I have been 

using for several months now.  This detergent leaves the clothes smelling really good and soft 

(not stiff) when coming out of the washer.  I have only been able to find the bars of soap in 

peppermint or lavender scent, I have not been able to find them as  non scented bars, but the 

smell of peppermint and lavender (I've tried both and prefer the lavender) is just fine with me. 

This is how I make my laundry detergent.

DIY Dr. Bronner’s Castile Powder Laundry Detergent

DIY Bronner’s laundry detergent

DIY Dr. Bronner’s Laundry Detergent
1 Cup of 20 Mule Team Borax, Natural Laundry Booster

1 Cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

1 Bar of your favorite Dr. Bronner’s Castile Magic soap, finely shredded 

Mix all 3 ingredients together and store in a plastic container (that's what I use)

For every load of laundry I use around 2 -3 teaspoons of laundry detergent.  Enjoy!