Update on My Dish Soap Journey
After numerous trials and errors, I’ve decided to stop experimenting with homemade dish soap recipes. The process proved to be overly finicky and inconsistent, consuming more time and effort than it was worth. Instead, I now prefer reliable, effective brands like Nature Clean (a trusted Canadian company), as well as Seventh Generation and Sal Suds. These options consistently deliver excellent results, leaving my dishes spotless without the hassle.
The Never-Ending Dishes Dilemma
Why do the dishes seem to multiply endlessly? It’s as if a mysterious law of physics dictates that they simply won’t cease! You’ve diligently scrubbed, rinsed, and dried every utensil and plate, making your sink look almost presentable. You’ve even cleaned the faucet and wiped down the counters, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. But then, it happens.
The Frustration That Breaks You
Suddenly, you’re caught off guard—overwhelmed by an accumulation of dirty pots and pans sitting stubbornly on the stove, coated with grease and stubborn food splatters. It’s that classic moment of despair, where frustration peaks, and you might even consider crawling into a corner to rock yourself, whispering that everything will be okay. This is the moment you toss your dish gloves into the air, muttering, “Argh, forget this!” and reach for that secret stash of ice cream hidden in the freezer, because, honestly, you’ve earned it. The dishes never truly end.
Endless Cycle of Dishwashing
After indulging in the ice cream (shhh, I won’t tell), you realize that the cycle is about to begin anew. You dive back into washing every single dish until victory is yours. But just when you think you’ve conquered the chaos, it all starts over. The relentless cycle continues, and the dishes seem to multiply overnight. It’s a perpetual war—one that many of us are all too familiar with.
My Attempts at Homemade Dish Soap: A Tale of Frustration
I’ve tried my hand at numerous homemade recipes, hoping to find the perfect solution. Unfortunately, each one fell short. Some lacked sufficient suds (I know, suds aren’t everything, but it’s a sign of cleaning power), while others left a sticky, filmy residue on my dishes. These failures weren’t due to lack of effort or intention but often stemmed from variables like soap type or water hardness. While some recipes worked for others, they just didn’t suit my needs.
Discovering a Promising Recipe by Jerica
When I first encountered Jerica’s post from Sustain, Create, and Flow, I was hesitant. However, after reading the comprehensive instructions and engaging comments, I felt a renewed sense of hope. I had previously diluted Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, but it barely met my expectations. Jerica’s approach, backed by insights from Dr. Bronner’s daughter Lisa, was a game-changer.
The Science Behind the Recipe: Why Vinegar Doesn’t Mix Well with Castile Soap
Lisa explains that vinegar, being an acid, reacts with castile soap, which is a base. This reaction causes them to cancel each other out, leading to a less effective cleaning solution. Instead of gaining the benefits of the soap’s grease-cutting and dirt-removing properties, you end up with a curdled, oily mess that can spread onto your dishes. Therefore, combining vinegar and castile soap in the same mixture isn’t advisable if you want a reliable, foamy dish soap.
How to Make Your Own Effective Homemade Dish Soap
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients: grated bar soap, liquid castile soap, washing soda (not baking soda), and optional essential oils for scent. I used Dr. Bronner’s baby mild bar soap and liquid castile soap. Washing soda, which you can find in the laundry aisle—usually in a bright yellow box—serves as the cleaning booster. If unavailable locally, you can purchase it online or make your own from baking soda.
For scent, I chose orange and tea tree oils, but feel free to experiment with your favorite essential oils. The preparation is straightforward: grate the soap, dissolve it in boiling water, then add washing soda and liquid castile soap. Once cooled, incorporate your chosen essential oils and transfer the mixture into a repurposed bottle, such as an old dish soap container. Jerica even shows a clever tutorial on transforming a mason jar into a soap dispenser, making the process both fun and functional.
Performance and Results
This homemade dish soap truly works! It produces abundant, lasting bubbles, cleans effectively, and rinses away completely without leaving any film or residue. Initially, it’s quite liquid but thickens after sitting for a day—turning into a gel-like consistency. If it becomes too thick to shake, I simply add a splash of warm water and give it a vigorous shake. Since water hardness varies, you might need to adjust the amount of washing soda to suit your water system.
Using the Homemade Soap Effectively
My method involves using a wet sponge to apply the soap directly, rather than filling the sink with water and soaking dishes. This helps maintain the foam and cleaning power. Over-saturating the sponge with water after adding soap can diminish its suds, reducing effectiveness. So, for best results, use sparingly and enjoy the foamy, clean dishes that follow.
Homemade Natural Dish Soap Recipe
This natural dish soap combines simple, non-toxic ingredients to cut through grease and grime while being gentle on your skin. Using Sal Suds as the primary cleaning agent, along with vinegar and citric acid, it’s perfect for handwashing dishes without harsh chemicals. It’s quick to prepare, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.
Equipment Needed
- 1 squeeze bottle or soap pump
- 1 small bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup distilled water, hot
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ cup Sal Suds
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon citric acid
Preparation Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the hot water and kosher salt. Stir until fully dissolved and set aside.
- In the squeeze bottle, add Sal Suds, vinegar, and citric acid. Gently swirl to mix thoroughly.
- Pour the salt-water mixture into the bottle and gently shake until the solution thickens slightly.
Notes and Tips
Do not add this mixture to a sink filled with water, as it will quickly dissipate without cleaning. Instead, spray or squirt directly onto a sponge or cloth for effective handwashing. This method ensures maximum suds and cleaning power, making your dishwashing routine more efficient and eco-friendly.
Question for Reflection
What is one homemade product you’ve struggled to perfect multiple times before finally discovering the best version?
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