Graham Family Ministries

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I am always looking for ways to cut costs and be better stewards of what God has given us. Well...when I first heard about making your own laundry detergent a few years ago I gave it a try. I first tried the liquid recipes that are out there, and I have to say that I never had much luck with that. I didn't like having to store such a large quantity of liquid and it was messy to use. I then tried the powdered recipe and I really like it! It is getting my clothes clean and nice smelling and it is so cheap to make!

Here is the recipe:

Homemade Laundry Detergent

1 bar Ivory soap, grated (you can use Fels Naptha but it is more expensive)
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax

Mix everything in a plastic container with a lid. I use a heaping tablespoon for a normal load, and 2 heaping tablespoons for a heavily soiled load (like my husband's work clothes).

I would suggest doubling or tripling this recipe when you make it so you have a bunch on hand. Right now I am using an ice cream bucket with a handle to store my detergent in. It is big enough I can just keep my tablespoon measuring spoon in the bucket, and it is easy to get down off the shelf in the laundry room using the handle!

• Comments (2) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent!

Posted in Homemade Cleaners

After doing some research on the internet, I decided to try making my own dishwasher detergent. It is very easy to make and very inexpensive! I have found this recipe to work great so far. I know a lot depends on the water you have...whether it is hard water, etc...but this works great for me. Here it is:

Mix the following in a small tupperware container with a lid:

1 cup Borax
1 cup Baking Soda

To use: Put 1 Tablespoon of detergent into your dishwasher's detergent compartment..but DON'T CLOSE IT (or just use the pre-wash compartment)! Run your dishwasher as normal. If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent..up to 3 Tablespoons. I used 3 Tablespoons at first and it was way to much. It left white film on the dishes. You'll just have to experiment and see what works best for you.

I also fill the rinse aid compartment with white vinegar once a week or so. It leaves the dishes sparkling clean!

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Cheap Rinse Aid for Your Dishwasher

Posted in Homemade Cleaners

Instead of buying the expensive rinse aids to put in your dishwasher....use distilled white vinegar instead! This works great and is so much cheaper. Give it a try!

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Homemade Wet Swiffer Cloths

Posted in Homemade Cleaners

I found a cheap alternative to buying the Swiffer Wet cloths to use with my Swiffer! Here is what you do: purchase some cheap washclothes (the kind you can buy at Walmart in a 10-pack). Buy a white or ivory color of washcloth. Simply use these washcloths instead of the Swiffer Wet cloths. Run some hot water in a bowl in the sink and add some cleaner (whatever you use to clean your floors). Soak several washcloths at a time so you can rotate. Take one out, wring out most (but not all) the water, and attach to your Swiffer mop. Now mop your floor! When it gets too dry, take it off, throw it in the hot water solution, and get another washcloth out. When you are done mopping all your floors, throw these washcloths in with your towels to wash. This works great and is SO much cheaper that buying the store-bought cloths. Give it a try!

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

About Me

I would like to encourage parents as they follow the path the Lord has set before them - which includes discipling their children, keeping a home, building relationships, and much more. I would also like to let others know about ebooks we are offering, as well as other resources that will encourage and equip parents to fulfill the challenge by the Lord set forth in Deut. 6:7.