How to clean your oven with ammonia.

A Couple of Warnings:

UPDATE: This should not be done on gas ovens unless the pilot light is out and the gas has been turned off.

Never mix ammonia with other strong cleaning agents, such as bleach or commercial oven cleaners.

Choose a fine day so you can open all the windows in your home to provide proper ventilation during and after the cleaning. Ammonia is a caustic cleaning agent, and its fumes can be overwhelming in a closed-up room.

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees F. While the oven is heating, put on a pot of water to boil. Once the oven has reached 150 F, turn it off. Pour a half-cup to a cup of ammonia in a heat-safe bowl and place it on the top rack in the oven. Place the pot of boiling water on the bottom rack. Close the oven door, allowing both the bowl of ammonia and the pot of water to remain in the oven overnight.

The Next Day

The next morning, open the oven and remove both the bowl of ammonia and the pot of water. Don't dispose of the ammonia; you'll want to use it later. Remove the racks and leave the oven door open to air out for 15 minutes. Add a few drops of liquid dish detergent to the ammonia, along with a quart of warm water. Wear some kitchen gloves, since ammonia can be caustic to skin.

Spread some newspapers on the floor. Using a nylon scrubbing pad dipped in the ammonia mixture, begin to wipe away the softened grease and grime along the sides and bottom of the oven. It should be a fairly easy job at this point.

For stubborn patches of grime that haven't softened completely, try applying full-strength ammonia to them and waiting about 30 minutes, then wiping away with the rinsed nylon scrubber.

Rinse the oven walls frequently to reduce the odor of ammonia.

An oven door gasket should not be cleaned with an ammonia or other detergent solution; wipe the gasket with a soft, dry cloth to avoid leaving a chemical residue behind that could degrade the gasket material.Read more: Cleaning an Oven with Ammonia |How.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5315374_cleaning-oven-ammonia.html#ixzz28jBk6Imy

Homemade Substitutions

Homemade Substitutions

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.

Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.

White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.

Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.

Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)

Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

Formulas

Combinations of the above basic products can provide less harmful substitutions for many commercial home products. In most cases, they're also less expensive. Here are some formulas for safe, alternative home care products: Note: These formulas and substitutions are offered to help minimize the use of toxic substances in your home, and reduce the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxins. Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe and effective. Before applying any cleaning formulations, test in small hidden areas if possible. Always use caution with any new product in your home. Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc. Or use a citrus-based natural all-purpose cleaner. Another alternative are microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.

• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.

• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.

• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.

• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.

• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.

• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.

• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.

For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15 - 30 minutes before vacuuming.

For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

Deodorize:

• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda

• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit

• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming

• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hours

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

If you want to use a commercial dish washing soap, try CitraDish or Nellie's All-Natural dishwasher powder, which contain no bleach or phosphates.

Dish washing Soap:A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs. Or use a citrus-based natural dish soap.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid Castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)

To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.

Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

A commercial alternative is to use CitraDrain Build-Up Remover which uses natural enzymes to safely eliminate grease, oil, soap residue and more to keep pipes flowing properly.

Fabric softener: To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative.

Floor Cleaner and Polish:

Vinyl and linoleum: mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borax. Use sparingly on linoleum.

wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well.

painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water.

brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water.

Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix.

Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth. Or use CitraWood, a natural wood polish.

For unvarnished wood, mix two tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Laundry Detergent: Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm.

To remove lime scale on bathroom fixtures, squeeze lemon juice onto affected areas and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a wet cloth.

Marks on walls and painted surfaces: Many ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse. A Hair dryer can remove crayon from walls.

Metal Cleaners and Polishes:

Aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water.

B

Brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution. Another method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.

Chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.

Copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub., A simpler method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.

Gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.

silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.

Stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean cloth.

Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.

Mothballs: The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.

Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals. Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - simply toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet. Bay leaves can help repel pantry moths.

Oil and Grease Spots: For small spills on the garage floor, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush. Or use cat litter.

Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots.

Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.

Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.

Shoe Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.

Stickers on walls: To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)

Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Peel of the lifting paper and reapply the mixture to stubborn patches. Open the room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.

Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Be careful not to run too vigorously so as not to mar the finish. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows.

http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

A Simple Recipe for Homemade Drain Cleaner

You Will Need:

2 cups baking soda

4 cups boiling water (only if you have metal pipes)

1 cup vinegar

Directions for Homemade Drain Cleaner

Remove all water from the sink or tub and pour about 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Make sure that baking soda makes it down the drain.

Next, pour about 2 Cups of boiling water down the drain. The baking soda mixed with boiling water dissolves the sludge and gunk in the pipe, even if you don’t see it happening. Wait a few minutes.

Now, pour another cup baking soda down the drain then add 1 cup of white vinegar and plug the drain immediately. If you’re unclogging a double sink, plug both drains. You’ll hear sizzling coming up from the drain and see bubbles foaming up.

When the bubbles have died down, add the remaining boiling water down the drain.

Repeat this process if necessary.

If the Drain Remains Clogged

If the the drain remains clogged after using the homemade cleaner, you will need to use a small plunger for sinks. The baking soda and vinegar loosens the clogging material freeing the gunk with the plunger’s pressure.

Fill the sink with enough water to seal the plunger around the bottom against the sink.

Push down fully and pull up quickly. Repeat if necessary.

How Does It Work?

Baking soda is a base and when combined with vinegar, an acid, reacts to form carbon dioxide and sodium acetate. This presents as the bubbles scrubbing the drain’s insides. Remember the volcano you built in science class back in school? Instead of rising up and out, as with the volcano, it is sent down into the drain dissolving the gunk. These natural, non-toxic ingredients get flushed further down ensuring a clog-free drain. Baking soda and vinegar are common, non-toxic ingredients posing no health dangers when used as discussed.

A monthly treatment helps prevent future clogs. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drains followed by boiling water.

http://greenlivingideas.com/2008/07/17/homemade-drain-cleaner/

Ant Killer

To make your own, you need borax, sugar, and water. That’s it.

Combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of Borax, and ½ cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for three minutes. Let it cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.

Before you put this mixture down, you need to clean the ant area with something. I used white vinegar because I use it to clean my entire house. It’s safe – it’s effective.

You need to clean it because ant’s leave a trail.

Take this cooled mixture and put it into jar lids – short so that the ants can crawl over the side. It also needs to be in a lid so it’s portable. Place the lid where you know the ants are. They will eat the stuff, take it back to the queen and they’ll die. It won’t be instantly, it might take a day or two. This isn’t a microwaved ant killing method.

Borax is NOT child or pet friendly. The FDA says Borax is safe., unless ingested in LARGE amounts. So, please wash your pan with hot water and soap – and don’t serve Borax for dinner. .http://www.stacymakescents.com/homemade-ant-bait

Homemade liquid Soap

Time Required: 10 minutes of hands-on time

A bar of soap

A knife or grater

Water

A sauce pan or pot

Essential oil (optional)

Soap coloring (optional)

Empty soap dispensers

Here's How:

Grate or finely chop a bar of soap (about four ounces of soap).

Bring four cups of water to a boil.

Turn off the heat, and add the soap. Stir to melt the soap. Continue stirring until the mixture is fully combined. At this point the mixture will be very liquidy.

Allow the mixture to cool for at least 15 minutes. Then, stir again. At this point, the soap should be slightly thicker.

Allow to cool for another several hours or overnight.

Stir to check the consistency. If it seems too liquidy, reheat and add more soap. If it seems too thick; reheat and add more water.

Once you're satisfied with your soap, add a few drops of essential oil and coloring, if desired.

Then, pour your soap into dispensers, and enjoy.

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/homemadebathroomcleaners/ht/Liquid_Hand_Soap_Recipe.htm

Homemade Liquid Dish Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

-1 ½ cup of hot water

-½ cup liquid castile soap (I usually use Dr. Bronner’s baby mild liquid soap, but feel free to use any scent just be sure to adjust/omit essential oils accordingly. You may want to use a variety that is already scented for a more frugal option.)

-1 tablespoon of white vinegar

-1 tablespoon of Arm&Hammer’s Super Washing Soda (used to thicken the soap)

-1/8 teaspoon of tea tree oil (optional)

Update: To really thicken the soap to be more like store-bought dish soap, add only 1 tablespoon of shredded bar soap.

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and then pour in 1 1/2 cup of very hot water. Be sure to whisk/stir this mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly blended (and the bar soap is melted).

2. Allow mixture to cool completely on the counter. Stirring occasionally.

3. Store in any dish soap dispensing bottle and use as you would the commercial brands.

Note: You may choose to naturally increase the anti-bacterial qualities of the soap by adding 1/4 tsp. of lavender or eucalyptus essential oils.

Here is the website:

http://frugallysustainable.com/2011/09/homemade-liquid-dish-soap-that-really/

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Ingredients:

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Ingredients:

Recycled Glass containers

Orange peels (Or any other citrus fruit peels. This makes it smell great plus it adds cleaning power.)

1-2 TBS Salt (any kind)

Vinegar

Water

Essential oil (optional)

Step One: Cut orange peels and fill any empty glass containers you have on hand. If you don't have glass containers you can fill any containers that you have.

Step Two: Add some salt to the orange peels and let them sit for 20-30 minutes (or longer). This will pull the oils from the peels and ultimately make your cleaning solution stronger. You only need enough salt to lightly cover the peels.

Step Three: Fill the containers with vinegar and water. Next time I am going to do 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water because my solution smelled a tad bit too much like vinegar.

Step Four: Let the solution sit and be pretty for 2-3 weeks. The longer it sits the better. They make a great conversation starter too!

Step Five: Strain the solution and fill a squirt bottle with your natural

Orange cleaner

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/04/recipe-for-a-toxin-free-kitchen-10-homemade-kitchen-cleaners.html
Written by Erin Odom, Contributing Writer

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
2 C Borax (found on the laundry aisle)
2 C Washing Soda (NOT baking soda) found on the laundry aisle right next to the Borax
1 C Coarse Salt (kosher, epsom, or regular old table salt if you don't have the others)
1 C Citric Acid Lemi Shine

Mix all but the citric acid in a container. The citric acid HAS be added to the dishwasher when you put in your detergent.

*Add 1-2 Tablespoons detergent. (depending on how many detergent cups your machine     has.)

*Add the Lemi Shine about 1/2 t, sprinkled over your detergent, and wash.

*The citric acid ingredient amount will vary depending on how hard your water is.

Here is the Blog address I got this info from: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3707815652714422399#editor/target=post;postID=7564124048581481791

My Laundry Soap

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Small Recipe:

1/3 bar Fels Naptha Laundry soap, grated

6 cups hot water

½ cup Washing Soda

½ cup Borax

Heat the 6 cups of water and grated soap in a large pan until soap is dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Mix and heat until dissolved. Boil 15 minutes. Remove from heat. (it will have the consistency of honey*) In a 3-5 gallon bucket and 1 quart of hot water. Then add the soap mixture. Mix. Add enough cold water to make a 2 gallon Mix until well blended. Let sit 24 hours. The soap will gel*.

**Use ½ cup for each load.

Makes 2 gallons.

(Approximately $.40 per gallon)

*If the detergent doesn't gel or reach honey consistency it will still work.

Notes:

*Stir before each use, this soap does separate. Detergent can be stored in a liquid detergent bottle, just shake well before each use.

*This detergent will not suds up in your washer, but it is still getting your wash clean.

*If you have extra hard water the soap may not clean as well. Add ½ cup Borax or Washing Soda to the load that may help.

*If you don't like this laundry soap you can still use the Fels Naptha for spot cleaning and to rub on stains.

*The Borax and washing soda can also boost cleaning with your regular detergent.

*For the bar soaps required you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote.

Large Recipe:
Hot water

1 cup Washing Soda

1 cup Borax

1 Soap bar (grated)
Grate the bar and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until it dissolves and is melted.
Fill a 5 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted mixture, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
**Use 1 /2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Broccoli Salad

> 2 heads of broccoli ( I like it chopped quite small)

> 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled ( I buy mine by the bacon bits already

> cooked and crumbled)

> 2 cups cheese (grated)

> 1 red onion chopped

>

> sauce

> 1 cup mayo

> 1/2 cup sugar

> 2 Tbsp vinegar

>

> mix the first four ingredients

>

> mix the three sauce ingredients

>

> add sauce just before serving

>

> Let me know if you have any questions.

Raspberry Dessert

Raspberry Dessert

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup marg. or butter, melted
6 TBS. powdered sugar

Combine crackers, butter and sugar and press into a
9 X 13 pan. Set aside.

2 1/2 cups boiling water
1 6 oz. pkg. raspberry jello
1/2 cup sugar
2 TBS. lemon juice
2 10 oz. pkgs. frozen raspberries

Dissolve jello and sugar in boiling water. Add lemon
juice and raspberries. Chill until partially set.

3 cups whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Whip cream, add sugar. Beat cream cheese till smooth.
Fold in whipped cream. Spread 1/2 of cream and cheese
mixture on top of crust, then pour in partially set jello.
Top with remaining cream and cheese mixture.
Top with nuts and fresh raspberries.
Refrigerate 4 hours before serving.
Serves 12 - 15

Most Incredible No Fail Pie Crust

 Prep Time: 10 mins Total Time: 10 mins Serves: 8-16, Yield: 2.0 9-inch pie crusts About This Recipe
"This is absolutely the best pie crust I have ever used. It never fails me and always comes out flaky and perfect. This recipe is enough for 2 - 9" crusts."

Ingredients
3 cups flour 1 cup shortening 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large eggs, beaten 5 tablespoons cold water 1 teaspoon vinegar Directions
Cut together flour, shortening and salt until it resembles small peas.
Combine the egg, water and vinegar and gradually add to flour mixture.
Stir just until moistened and a soft dough forms.
Divide into 2 disks.
Wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Roll out and use with your favorite pie recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 (44 g)

Servings Per Recipe: 8
http://www.food.com/recipe/most-incredible-no-fail-pie-crust-28943

Homemade Toothpaste

2 Tbsp. coconut oil
2 Tbps. baking soda
2 Tbsp. calcium magnesium powder
2 Tbps. xylitol or green stevia powder
2 tsp. real sea salt
20 drops essential oil (I use peppermint.)
10 drops trace minerals
My style recipe would simply read: equal parts coconut oil, baking soda, calcium/magnesium powder, xylitol with a dash of salt, a few drops trace minerals, and essential oils to taste.

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/04/rethinking-oral-health-care-a-homemade-toothpaste-recipe-for-tooth-remineralization.html

Recipe for a Toxin-Free Kitchen: 10 Homemade Kitchen Cleaners

 

Recipe for a Toxin-Free Kitchen: 10 Homemade Kitchen Cleaners

Awesome website:
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/04/recipe-for-a-toxin-free-kitchen-10-homemade-kitchen-cleaners.html
Written by Erin Odom, Contributing Writer

1. Homemade Liquid Dish Soap
Conventional dish soaps can contain phthalates, which can lead to reduced sperm count in men and possibly even liver cancer (source).
Ingredients
1/2 cup liquid castile soap (unscented or whatever your favorite scent is…I like using tea tree for the added antibacterial properties.)
1/8 cup water
4 drops essential oil scent of choice (I use orange, as I make this into a citrus soap.)
1 tsp. homemade all-purpose citrus cleaner (1tsp. of vinegar can be an alternate here–but I simply LOVE my homemade citrus cleaner, and I always have it on hand. It also makes for a nice addition to this citrus soap.)
Directions:
Simply mix everything together and store it in an old liquid dish soap bottle! Use as you would store-bought liquid dish soap.


2.Homemade Dishwasher Detergent


Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe 1
1 cup salt
2 cups borax
2 cups baking soda
1 cup Lemi-Shine (found in the detergent aisle)
Mix well and store in airtight container. Use two tablespoons per load (1 in each compartment) with white vinegar in the rinse compartment.


Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe 2
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
1 cup Lemi-Shine (found in the detergent aisle)
Mix well and store in airtight container. Use two tablespoons per load (1 in each compartment) with white vinegar in the rinse compartment.


3. Homemade Foaming Liquid Hand Soap
Ingredients
■1/2 cup liquid castile soap (unscented or whatever your favorite scent is…I like using tea tree for the added antibacterial properties.)
■1/8 cup water
■4 drops essential oil scent of choice (I use orange, as I make this into a citrus soap.)
■1 tsp. homemade all-purpose citrus cleaner (1tsp. of vinegar can be an alternate here–but I simply LOVE my homemade citrus cleaner, and I always have it on hand. It also makes for a nice addition to this citrus soap.)
Directions:
Simply mix everything together and store it in an old liquid dish soap bottle! Use as you would store-bought liquid dish soap.

4. Homemade All-Purpose CleanerIngredients:
Recycled Glass containers
Orange peels (Or any other citrus fruit peels. This makes it smell great plus it adds cleaning power.)
1-2 TBS Salt (any kind)
Vinegar
Water
Essential oil (optional-I didn't use it with this batch)
Step One: Cut orange peels (I had these frozen from when I made orange juice) and fill any empty glass containers you have on hand (I'm crazy about saving ALL glass containers). If you don't have glass containers you can fill any containers that you have.


Step Two: Add some salt to the orange peels and let them sit for 20-30 minutes (or longer). This will pull the oils from the peels and ultimately make your cleaning solution stronger. You only need enough salt to lightly cover the peels.


Step Three: Fill the containers with vinegar and water. Next time I am going to do 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water because my solution smelled a tad bit too much like vinegar.


Step Four: Let the solution sit and be pretty for 2-3 weeks. The longer it sits the better. They make a great conversation starter too!


Step Five: Strain the solution and fill a squirt bottle with your natural
Orange cleaner

5. Homemade Disinfectant Wipes
Squares of cloth – I cut up one old white t-shirts
Water
Castile Soap
Tea Tree Oil
White Vinegar
some kind of container
· First,Take old white t-shirts and cut it up into squares. I got 24 wipes, some small and some bigger, out of one t-shirt. I’ll probably cut up another t-shirt just to make sure I have enough wipes on hand at all times.
· Then, I put them in a disposable baby wipe container that I kept to use for something like this. I didn’t fold them or make them look organized, I just threw them in the container.
· I mixed about a cup or so of water with a good squirt of castile soap, a few drops of tea tree oil, and some white vinegar. I didn’t measure, I just used a little of each, mixed it up, and poured the solution over the wipes.
Both tea tree oil and vinegar have disinfecting qualities and the castile soap is just for a little extra cleaning power. The tea tree oil and castile soap cover up any smell of vinegar.

6. Homemade Oven Cleaner
For really big jobs, you might consider a cleaning stone (also called a pumice stick or scouring stick). These are 100% natural scouring stones (shaped in a block or stick) that safely scour away even the worst build-up. They are safe for most ovens, although you may want to check your ovens’ owners manual to be sure. Just a little water and one of these blocks and you will see a sparkly new side to your oven that you forgot existed!
Another popular option is to generously sprinkle baking soda (that amazing household wonder) all over the surfaces of the oven interior, then spray it with water or vinegar. Allow it to sit overnight, then wipe clean in the morning. You may have to scrub a little, or repeat the process, until the job is done. My sister actually combines water and baking soda in a spray bottle, sprays it all over her oven surfaces, and then proceeds to use her oven. She says the heat makes all the dirt flake off with the baking soda, so when her oven cools down after baking, she just wipes it down.
If your mess is not a serious one, my favorite method is the citrus method. All you have to do is place some citrus peels (limes and lemons work particularly well) in a shallow pan and cover them with water. Place them in the oven at 350F for about 20-25 minutes (No longer or your peels will burn. Don’t ask me how I know.), then turn the oven off and allow it to cool. As soon as you can scrub at it without burning yourself, wipe away the grease with a rag or sponge.
Once your oven is clean, you will want to keep it that way! Place a large piece of aluminum foil under the coils on the bottom to catch any drips, and replace it regularly. The aforementioned citrus method is also great for oven maintenance – periodically do a citrus cleanse on your oven after you’ve baked (while the oven is still hot).
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/03/better-cheaper-safer-4-way-soft-scrubber.html




7. Homemade Natural Ant Killer
Best Homemade Natural Ant Killer
To make your own, you need borax, sugar, and water. That’s it.
Combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of Borax, and ½ cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for three minutes. Let it cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.
http://www.stacymakescents.com/homemade-ant-bait


8. Homemade Green Drain Cleaner
What you’ll need:
3 Tablespoons baking soda (bread soda)
1/4 cup white vinegar
Sprinkle the baking soda down the drain, and pour the vinegar on top so it bubbles. Let it sit for an hour, then rinse with boiling water. I use one kettle full of boling water, but you can use more/less if needed. You may find that the drain seems smellier after rinsing, especially if this is the first time you’ve cleaned it like this. Flush it with more boiling water, and if that doesn’t do the trick, just repeat the whole process.


9. Homemade Produce Wash
How To Make Fruit & Vegetable Wash
Posted By Tipnut http://tipnut.com/produce-wash/print/
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
2 TBS baking soda
2 TBS lemon juice
Directions:
Mix ingredients then pour in clean spray bottle. Spray fresh produce generously. Sit for 5 minutes then rinse off well.
Note: Make sure to first mix ingredients in deep container since there will be some fizzing from the baking soda & vinegar.
There are also these tips and recipes to try:
*Make sure the sink is thoroughly cleaned or use a plastic dishpan just for this purpose
Sprinkle items with baking soda then gently scrub and rinse. This cleaning method safely removes dirt and residue. Mentioned previously on this page: 50 Quick Tips For The Kitchen [1].
A mix of 50/50 vinegar and water sprayed on fresh produce also works as a good cleaner. Let sit for a few minutes before washing off.
Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar for every sinkful of water (standard size). Soak items for a minimum of 15 minutes before rinsing off and preparing.
Parasite buster: Add 1/2 teaspoon of chlorine bleach per sinkful of water and soak items for 30 minutes. Rinse then soak in clear water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Add 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide (3%) per gallon of water and soak items for 20 minutes. Rinse then soak in clear water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Residue cleaner: Add a few drops of your favorite liquid dish detergent (for handwashing dishes) to water, soak items for a few minutes then scrub and rinse well under clear running water.
Arrange fresh fruit and veggies in the sink then fill with water. For every gallon (16 cups) of water used, add 4 drops of grapefruit seed extract and an 1/8 cup of salt. Soak for a minimum of 10 minutes then rinse in clear water.
Fresh Produce Soak:
1/2 cup vinegar
3 TBS salt
Mix ingredients to dissolve salt then add to sinkful of water (stir to mix). Soak items for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove, pat dry.
Did You Know: You should wash the outsides of melons before cutting through them? If you don’t, the knife will drag the pesticides/dirt/bacteria from the outside rind into the fruit as you cut. The outside of melons can carry some seriously nasty cooties. See Melons: Safe Handling Practices for Consumers [2] (pdf).


10. Homemade Soft Scrub


Better, Cheaper, Safer 4-Way Soft-Scrubber
2 to 3-cup food storage container
1 1/2 cups baking soda (more or less as needed)
1/2 cup environmentally safe liquid laundry detergent or soap (i.e., Trader Joe’s Next to Godliness or Costco's Ecos are several; or use your own homemade liquid laundry soap)
Optional: Add 10 drops of GSE (Grapefruit seed extract) for additional disinfecting power (or use 10 drops of tea tree or lavender or rosemary essential oil for the same effect)
To Make: Place 1/2 cup laundry detergent in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup baking soda and stir to combine (or use a rotary beater to quickly combine). Keep adding baking soda until mixture is the consistency of cake frosting. If needed, add a little water to achieve the right consistency. Transfer mixture to container. Keep container tightly closed. If mixture begins to dry, add in a little water and stir.
To use: Scoop out a little soft scrub onto a clean, damp rag. Scrub sink and faucets. Rinse. Use a clean dry cloth to dry and shine the sink and chrome faucets to a sparkling gleam.

Homemade Peppermint Foaming Hand Soap

Another great recipe from the Humbled Homaker!
http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2011/11/natural-holiday-homemade-peppermint.html

Ingredients:
1/4 parts peppermint scented castille soap (or plain)
3/4 parts distilled water
a few (2-3) drops peppermint essential oil (or tea tree for disinfecting)
a foaming soap dispenser
Method:Mix soap and water. Drop in and mix in oils. Pour into a foaming soap dispenser. That’s IT!I found this great tutorial for making a cute foaming hand soap dispenser out of a canning jar. With my hubby’s help (I’m not crafty, remember?), we’ve made one for our bathrooms and kitchen, and we will be making several as Christmas gifts. We simply purchased the canning jars and plastic canning lids at Wal-Mart, and we also purchased some colorful (red or green for Christmas!) smooth stones to go in the bottom of the jars. We purchased the foaming dispenser tops, here. (But if you’re super frugal and patient like my friend Stacy at Stacy Makes Cents, just ask your friends and family to save their old Bath and Body Works dispensers for you!).

10 Laundry Detergent Recipes

This is the most complete digest I have ever found.

10 Laundry detergent recipes are available at this website:

http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

Here is a nice stack of different recipes for making homemade laundry detergent that I’ve collected over the years. Do they work? Yes, I’ve had good luck with them. At the time I was using them, we had a relative who was in trade school living with us. Every day he was mechanic grease from head to toe–the clothes still cleaned up nice!
Making your own is a discipline and it’s not for everyone, but it definitely saves money–sometimes just costing pennies a load! Before you get started, here are a few tips:
For the bar soaps required in the recipes, you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote. Avoid using heavily perfumed soaps.
Washing Soda and Borax can normally be found in the laundry and cleaning aisles.
Some people with really hard water or well water may have to adjust the ingredients if the clothes look dingy.
Although several of the recipes have the same ingredients, the measurements are different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio. Test and see which works best for your needs.
You can make huge pails of this at once, or smaller quantities. Also if you can get your hands on a few empty liquid detergent bottles, they work great for storing large batches. Just make a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then use as needed–shake before use.

Some of the recipes call for large amounts of water. Check with a local restaurant to see if they have any empty large pails from deep fryer oil–that’s how many restaurants buy the oil. See if you can have one or two of the pails after they’ve emptied it–just wash them out really well before using. They’re big, heavy plastic and very sturdy when stirring the soap and hot water.
Here are ten different recipes you can try, I’ve also added a very useful Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of the page. Lots of info here to get you started, good luck!

#1
1 quart Water (boiling)2 cups Bar soap (grated)2 cups Borax2 cups Washing Soda
Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until melted.
Pour the soapy water mixture into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

#2
Hot water1 cup Washing Soda1/2 cup Borax1 Soap bar
Grate the bar and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until it dissolves and is melted.
Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted mixture, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

#3
Hot water1/2 cup Washing Soda1/2 cup Borax1/3 bar Soap (grated)
In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring before each use (will gel).

Recipe #4 - (Powdered)
2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top)1 cup Washing Soda1 cup Borax
Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

#5
Hot water1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap – grated1 cup Washing Soda
In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until melted.
Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot mixture. Stir until well mixed.
Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.
Set aside to cool.
Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)

#6
2.5 gallons Water (hot)1 Bar soap (grated)3/4 cup Washing Soda3/4 cup Borax2 TBS Glycerin
Melt grated soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until melted.
In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted mixture, washing soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well.
Use 1/2 cup per full load.

#7
2 cups Bar soap (grated)2 cups Washing Soda2 – 2.5 gallons hot water
Melt grated bar in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until dissolved.
Pour hot water in large pail, add hot mixture and washing soda. Stir very well.
Use 1 cup per full load.

#8
2 gallons Water (hot)1 bar Soap (grated)2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)
Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until melted.
In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted mixture, stir well.
Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Recipe #9 - (Powdered)
12 cups Borax8 cups Baking Soda8 cups Washing Soda8 cups Bar soap (grated)
Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

#10 – (Powdered)
1 cup Vinegar (white)1 cup Baking Soda1 cup Washing Soda1/4 cup liquid castile soap
Mix well and store in sealed container.
I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing soda, then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first adding). I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.


*Note For Liquid Versions: This will be lumpy, goopy and gel-like. This is normal. Just give it a good stir before using. Make sure to keep covered with a lid when not in use. You could also pour the mixture in old (and cleaned) detergent bottles and shake well before each use.

*If you can’t find Fels-Naptha locally, you can buy it online (check Amazon).
Optional: You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover. Essential oil ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil

*Admin Update: clarified instructions for Recipe #10 and liquid detergent notes.


Frequently Asked Questions
Update: I published the above recipes in 2007 and this post has been one of the most popular articles posted here on Tipnut. I’m proud to say it’s one of the most informative resources available on the net for making homemade detergent (but maybe I’m biased ), and it’s about to get even better with this compiled FAQ sheet.

With several hundred comments, many of them packed with helpful info, I’m finding that many of the questions posted in the comments area or sent to me through the contact form have been asked and answered several times, and that’s understandable since who can possibly keep track of all the information shared!
I’ve decided to gather together all the frequently asked questions into one handy information sheet so people can refer to it and find answers more easily.
Where Do You Buy Washing Soda?
The brand of washing soda I’m most familiar with is Arm & Hammer.
Look in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or Walmart, that’s where I find it.
You can order it online, do a search for “Arm & Hammer Washing Soda”.
It’s apparently also known as Soda Ash and can be found at art supply stores, JoAnn Fabrics, and other places that sell textile products.
Try asking your local grocer to order it for you if they don’t carry it. The UPC code is 33200-03020 or 033200-030201.
You can try calling Church & Dwight the suppliers/makers for Arm & Hammer Washing Soda…1-800-524-1328…give them a UPC # 33200-03020 and they can direct you on where to find it locally or purchase it through them over the phone. You can also contact them via their website here: Church & Dwight – Arm & Hammer.
Where Can I Buy Fels Naptha?
Check the laundry aisle in your local grocery store or Walmart.
Fels Naptha is made by The Dial Corp. You can check this website to locate the nearest store that carries this soap: Henkel North America – Store Location.
You can order it online at Amazon.
Help! It’s Too Thick, Too Watery, Too Chunky, It Separated, It’s A Solid Mass, It Doesn’t Look Like I Think It Should!
Making homemade laundry detergent is not an exact science. If it turns out differently than expected, still give it a try since the ingredients are all there. I can’t tell you what you did wrong or why a batch turned out differently than expected. If you followed directions to a “T” (stirred really well, used hot water, measured correctly, etc.), then the likely culprit is the brand of soap used. If the mixture gelled into a solid mass, try mixing in more hot water. If it’s too thin, try adding more soap or Borax or Washing Soda.
It Doesn’t Look Like Commercial Brands, It Looks Like Goopy Glop!
Congrats! That’s how it’s supposed to look.
I Want To Use My Favorite Brand Of Soap In The Detergent, Can I?
You’ll have to experiment by making a batch first to know for sure. I would cut batches in half (or even less) when first experimenting with a soap. This way there won’t be as much waste if it turns out poorly.
You don’t want to use anything heavy with perfumes or oils since this may transfer to your clothing (stains). They may also cause a chemical reaction with the other ingredients.
From the comments area: You can use any soap that lists sodium palmate, sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, etc. Just be sure you are using real soap and not detergent beauty bars with added free oils. (i.e. dove, etc).
I wouldn’t use beauty bars or shower gels or body wash.
Are There Alternatives For People Who Have Allergies Or Sensitive Skin?
Try soaps that you know you’re not allergic to, but watch the ingredients in the bar to make sure it won’t react with the rest of ingredients of the detergent. The only way to know for sure is to try it.
How Do You Grate The Bars?
I use a handheld cheese grater but you can also use a food processor (just make sure you clean it well after use). Grate the soap first before adding to a food processor and chop until fine.
Can I Use Liquid Instead Of Grating A Bar?
Again, making homemade detergent is not an exact science–there’s lots of room for experimentation. For liquid varieties, I myself have not tried using liquid soap instead of bar soap. I think Liquid Castile would be ok, you might want to dilute it with water first (no, I don’t have a dilution ratio to suggest). If you do try it, let us know how you made out in the comments area below.
What Is The Difference Between Washing Soda And Baking Soda?
Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate. Baking Soda is Sodium Bicarbonate. No they are not interchangeable and results will vary if substituting one for the other.
How Long Can It Be Stored For?
The powdered version seems to last forever, but I have no exact expiry date to advise. The liquid detergent also lasts quite awhile, but will thicken up over time. It was also suggested in the comments area that bacteria may grow in the detergent if it’s stored too long–what too long actually is, I can’t answer.
Can You Safely Use It With A High Efficiency Washer (HE Machine)?
I have no experience with this but there are lots of comments that say it’s fine to use. Be aware that using anything other than what your machine manufacturer recommends may void your warranty.
Go through the comments in the original post and you will also find several recipes offered and recommended for HE machines.
Homemade detergent is low sudsing which is important for HE machines.
Can You Use It In a Front Loading Machine?
I have no experience with this but there are lots of comments that say it’s fine to use. Be aware that using anything other than what your machine manufacturer recommends may void your warranty.
I Have Hard Water & My Clothes Don’t Come Out That Clean, Suggestions?
Try adding baking soda or oxyclean or vinegar as laundry boosters, suggestions for baking soda are to start with 1/2 cup per load.
Aren’t Washing Soda & Borax Caustic? Poisonous? Are They Safe To Handle?
As with all cleaners, common sense is needed when handling soaps and detergents. Going against dire, dire warnings about how dangerous Borax and Washing Soda are to the skin, I handled all ingredients with bare hands and experienced no burns and all flesh is still intact. If I had small cuts or scrapes on my skin, my experience may have been different. To be safe you may wish to use rubber gloves. Avoid breathing in any of the powders and ingredients. I imagine breathing in a mouthful of commercial laundry detergent, or getting it in my eyes or up my nose, would be very uncomfortable and unwise, the same goes for homemade detergent ingredients. It goes without saying: Don’t eat it to find out if it’s poisonous or not. And of course: Keep this out of reach of kiddos just like you would for any other cleaner, detergent or soap.
Can It Be Used In Cold Water Instead Of Hot?
Sure it can. If you notice clothes don’t come out as clean as you’d like, try a laundry booster such as vinegar or oxyclean.
Can It Be Used For Washing Baby Clothes & Diapers?
This question is asked for two reasons: Will it irritate baby’s skin and will it be strong enough to clean nasty diapers. Although I’ve never used homemade detergents for this purpose myself, I don’t see why it couldn’t be used. Martha Stewart recommends both Washing Soda and Borax as laundry boosters when washing diapers. The instructions on the box for Arm & Hammer suggest it be used as a diaper soak. Many have affirmed that baby items wash up nicely with no ill effects.
How Fine Do You Have To Grate The Bar?
Grating the bar soap first is done so that it melts faster when heated or dissolves better in the wash. The finer it is, the quicker it melts.
Will It Fade Dark Colored Clothing?
I have noticed no fading or damage to clothing. I’ve laundered work clothes, everyday clothes and office attire in homemade detergents.
Freshly Washed Clothes Smell Like Nothing! Can You Add Essential Oils For Fragrance? If So, How Much Do I Add?
You bet! Essential oils are a nice touch to homemade detergents (freshly laundered clothes really don’t have any nice fragrance added with homemade detergent). How much you add depends on how strong the fragrance is that you’ve chosen and what recipe you are using. Experiment for yourself to see what you like best. For starters you can try these two suggestions as guidelines: Recipe #4 (Powdered) I’d start with 5 drops, mixed in very well. Recipe #9 (Powdered) I’d start with 20 to 25 drops, mixed in very well. Also noted in the original post: You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade laundry detergent.
Can I Still Use Bleach?
Bleach has been used by myself successfully with no harmful effects. You will want to watch the ingredients in your soap items though (make sure the bar you use can be mixed with bleach safely), bleach will react negatively with vinegar for example.
Is There A Residue On Clothes After Washing?
I haven’t noticed it but if you do, here are a couple things you can try: Increase the water amount, decrease the load size or decrease the detergent used per wash. You can also try a vinegar rinse by using a Downy ball or add vinegar during the rinse cycle.
Can I Safely Use the Gray Water In My Garden?
I have no idea, sorry.
Are These Safe For Septic Tanks?
I have no idea, sorry.
Why Aren’t There Any Suds In The Water?
Homemade detergents are low sudsing, you won’t see many suds in the wash. No worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean.
After Mixing Ingredients Together, The Mixture Smells Really Strong & Foul–What’s Wrong?
The brand of soap you used is likely causing a chemical reaction with the other ingredients. Throw out the batch (don’t get it on your skin or breathe it in) and use a different brand.
It Isn’t Completely Dissolving In The Water, Why?
If you’re having problems with chunks of detergent not dissolving, try mixing it in some hot water before adding to the load.
If you are using the powdered version, try grating your soap into finer pieces.
Any Ideas Of What I Can Use For Storing The Liquid Version In?
Use pails made from heavy plastic, make sure there’s a lid or cap to keep it sealed. I found some big heavy pails through a restaurant, if you know someone working in a restaurant, see if they can help you out.
Comments have suggested using empty plastic vinegar jugs.
Comments have suggested using the large plastic kitty litter containers.
Is Borax or Washing Soda Safe For The Environment? I’m Trying To Find An Eco-Friendly Solution!
According to this website, washing soda is environmentally friendly: Root-cn.com.
Borax is an ingredient included in many “Green” recipes.
I would guess that it’s not the most environmentally friendly option out there, but it would be better than most regular commercial detergents.
How Much Should I Use Per Load Of Wash?
Read the instructions for the particular recipe you’re using, each of them have suggested amounts to use. Feel free to adjust as needed.
Ugh! This Stuff Didn’t Clean My Clothes At All!
It could be one of two things: not enough detergent used in the load or the brand of bar soap used in the recipe. Experiment with the amount of detergent you use in the wash, you should discover the needed amount. The suggested amounts to use per load may not be right in your case since the brand of bar soap you used might not be as good a cleaner as others.
Is It Really Worthwhile Making Your Own?
The powdered laundry detergents are the easiest to manage in my opinion (for both mixing and storing). It doesn’t cost that much to give it a shot and see how you like it. If you do find it works well for you–imagine the money you’ll save over time!
Adding Some Antiseptic Quality
This is a great tip sent in by Susan and I think it should be added to this main section so it doesn’t get missed (thank you Susan!)…
For readers who were worried about bacteria surviving in the wash using cold water they could try using Dr. Bronner’s teatree soap or adding teatree oil to their detergent for it’s antiseptic properties. I’ve had some success with this. I used this soap on my son when his winter eczyma became irritated and resulted in a bad skin infection. It cleared up in about half the amount of time his pediatrician predicted. Also, adding vinegar to the fabric softener cup on the washer will help to keep things more sanitary by breaking up leftover wash residues.
I’ll add to this list as questions arise. If you have any advice to offer, feel free to do so in the comments area below, and thanks again to everyone who shared their knowledge!

Wheat Bread

Grind 10 c of white wheat into flour (makes 15-16 c of flour)
With dough hook in place add:
6 cups warm water8-9 cups fresh wheat flourJog until paste consistency.
Then add:2-3 T instant Saf yeast
2/3 c oil (1/2-1c)
2/3 c honey (1/2-1 c)
2 T salt2 T vital gluten (increases protein content)
Turn Bosch to speed 1 and slowly add additional wheat flour until thedough cleans the sides of the bowl (about 7-8 c more). Be careful notto add too much flour. Let knead for 7-8 minutes.

Add:2 T dough enhancer (improves the texture, not so crumbly and it lastslonger. store in fridge: 2 yr shelf life)
Knead 2 more minutes.

Put shortening on your hands and immediatelytake dough from bowl and pinch off enough dough to fill greased loafpans ½ full. Press dough evenly into pan. Let rise until 1 inch abovetop of pan (30-45min).

I preheat my oven to 200degrees and put thepans in and then turn it off.
Put in preheated 350 oven (for me, I find 325 works best so the edgesdon’t get done too quickly).
Bake 20-30 minutes.

Yield: 6 loaves(depends on the size of your bread pans---mine work out to only make 5loaves).I usually end up freezing a few of the loaves, since we can’t getthrough them all in time, and the freeze just fine.

Whole Wheat Snicker doodles

1 c shortening, butter or margarine 1 1/2 c sugar 2 eggs 2 3/4 c whole wheat flour 2 tsp cream of tartar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 2 T sugar 1 T cinnamon Cream together sugar and shortening.  Add eggs and beat well.  Combine flour, cream tarter, salt, and soda.  Add to sugar mixture and mix well.  Roll into 1 inch balls.  Combine 2 T sugar and cinnamon.  roll balls in cinnamon/sugar.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Tuna Bean Dip

1 6 1/2 oz can of tuna in water 2 c great northern beans or other white bean 2 T onions, grated 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 c celery finely chopped 2 tsp chicken bouillon granules 1/2 c mayonnaise pepper to taste Drain beans well, mash.  Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Spread on bread, crackers, etc

Breakfast Casserole

1 can (8oz) Refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 1 pkg. (8oz) smoked ham, chopped 6 eggs 1/2 cup cold milk 1/2 tsp. pepper & salt 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese Make it. Heat oven to 350*F unroll dough in 13" x 9"-baking dish; press to cover bottom of dish, firmly pressing holes and seams together to seal. Sprinkle ham over crust, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper with whisk until blended; pour over ham. Top with cheeses. Bake 25 min. or until center is set.