Save on laundry, dishes with homemade detergent

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 3 packets unsweetened lemonade drink mix
• 1 cup kosher salt (The salt is used to soften the water. Depending on how hard your water is, adjust accordingly)
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients together
2. If you are using this as a dry powder, omit the water.
3. Pour all dry ingredients into an airtight container. An optional step would be to add a bag of uncooked rice in a clean cloth to help keep the dry mixture from clumping.
4. Add one tablespoon of dry powder mix to your dishwasher dispenser. You can also use vinegar in your rinse dispenser.
5. If you are making tabs, add water and wait for fizzing to stop (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Add your mixture to ice cube trays, making sure to press the mixture with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
7. Let dry in a warm and sunny spot for 24 hours or until completely dry.
8. Remove tablets and add to an airtight container to store.
9. When washing dishes, add one tablet to the dishwasher. You can also use vinegar in your rinse dispenser.

Price (based on amount used from the box):

• 3 Lemonade Powder Packets (unsweetened) - $.60
• Baking Soda - $.40
• Kosher Salt - $.43
• Washing Soda - $.50

Total $1.93 / 38 washes =$.05 vs. Cascade tablets 14.99 / 48 loads = $.31

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

• 1 box (3 lbs. 7 oz.) of super washing soda
• 1 box (4 lbs. 12 oz.) of Borax
• 1 box (4 lbs.) of pure baking soda
• 3 bars of ivory soap
• 1 container (1.3 lbs.) of Oxy Clean or generic store brand
• Purex crystals (28 oz.) for scent (or you could use Downy Unstoppables)

Instructions:

1. Finely grate the ivory soap.
2. Mix all ingredients together and store in the container of your choice.
3. When you're ready to do laundry, use 1-2 tablespoons per load.

Price:

• 4 lbs baking soda - $3.18
• Washing Soda $5.98
• Borax - $4.79
• Purex - $3.99
• Store Brand Oxy Clean - $3.79

Total $21.73 / 504 washes = $.04 vs. Tide Tablets $12.99 / 38 loads = $.34

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