Unfortunately, we have been brainwashed by clever marketing to believe that we can’t clean properly without big, fluffy, sudsy bubbles. You need to know that this is not the case at all.
Bubbles are almost always created by the addition of surfactants (substances which reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulphate).
According to davidsuzuki.org, depending on manufacturing processes, sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide (known human carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (human carcinogen).
So, rid your mind of all preconceived notions that bubbles are the only way to achieve clean dishes.
This dishwashing liquid is good if you’re a squirt-it-on-a-sponge kind of dish-washer; it cuts through grime and doesn’t leave behind any residue – just be sure to rinse in hot water.
If you’re after a sink full, yes you can use this recipe, but you could also try Soapberry Master Stock.
Sometimes I just use my Foaming Hand Wash recipe, on a sponge, or I drop a Dishwasher Tablet into a sink full on water. Both quite simply get the job done and are great in a pinch when you have nothing else on hand.
Initially, it does feel odd I must admit, not having a sink full of the foaming white stuff. But trust me, you’ll get over it. We did!!
Basic Dishwashing Liquid
Makes: 250 ml Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 1 cup | 250 ml liquid castile soap
- 20 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are lemon, lime and grapefruit, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
Add all ingredients into a bottle (with pump dispenser or flip top) and swirl to combine.
To Use
Add a good squirt of liquid onto a sponge/dishcloth and wash dishes as usual.
5 Comments
So glad I found your page. I’m keen to go back to more natural cleaning products and ditch the chemicals. Hope to buy your book soon so I can get on track soon
This looks so simple to do – from ingredients to the recipe itself! And I’m just about to use it as running out of commercially brought dishwashing liquid!
love how i have been able to get back to simple cleaning in my home using your recipe book to make my own cleaning products, this one is simple but good
As you said once you get used to not having the suds and bubbles there’s no turning back?