Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (includes cooling time)
Creating your own dishwashing soap at home is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to keep your dishes sparkling clean. This homemade Sunlight dishwashing soap is gentle on your hands and tough on grease, utilizing natural ingredients to provide effective cleaning power without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1/4 cup of grated Sunlight soap bar (or any natural, unscented soap bar)
- 1 tablespoon of washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance, such as lemon or tea tree oil)
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of glycerin (optional for added moisturizing properties)
Instructions:
- Grate the Soap Bar: Start by grating 1/4 cup of the Sunlight soap bar using a fine grater. This will help the soap dissolve more easily in water.
- Boil the Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully pour it into a heat-safe bowl or container.
- Dissolve the Soap: Add the grated soap to the boiling water. Stir until the soap is completely dissolved. This may take a few minutes.
- Add Washing Soda and Baking Soda: Once the soap is dissolved, stir in 1 tablespoon of washing soda and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. These ingredients help to boost the cleaning power of your dishwashing soap.
- Add Vinegar and Essential Oils: Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil (if using). The vinegar helps to cut through grease, and the essential oil provides a pleasant fragrance and additional antibacterial properties.
- Cool and Store: Allow the mixture to cool for about 20 minutes. Once cooled, pour it into a squeeze bottle or any other container you prefer for dispensing dish soap.
- Shake Before Use: Shake the bottle well before each use, as natural ingredients may separate over time.
Usage:
Use this homemade Sunlight dishwashing soap as you would any commercial dish soap. Squeeze a small amount onto a sponge or directly onto your dishes, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
Benefits:
- Natural Ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals, making it safer for you and the environment.
- Cost-Effective: Made with inexpensive, readily available ingredients.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite essential oils for a personalized scent.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces plastic waste by reusing containers and avoiding commercial packaging.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy clean dishes while knowing you’re using a natural and safe product. Happy dishwashing!