The Green Machine

A few people have asked about various "recipes" we use around the house for cleaning and such, I thought it might be a good idea to put them all in one spot! If you have any tips to add, go ahead and leave a comment for the benefit of all :) I'll come back and add your tips to the end of the post, so it's easy to see.

I've only included recipes that I actually use on a daily/weekly basis- what do YOU use?

Laundry Detergent (low-sudsing, great for HE machines)

1 bar Fels-Naptha soap, grated fine
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax

I use 1/2 Tbsp in my front loader, plus a Tbsp of Oxy-Clean. I also fill the "fabric softener" cup with white vinegar. Works like a charm, and so inexpensive!

Dishwasher Detergent

1 packet Lemonade Kool-Aid
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup baking soda

I use 1 Tbsp per load, plus fill the rinse aid cup with white vinegar. (I've actually stopped using the Kool-Aid part, and I don't even need to rinse my dishes. And no, I don't have a new, fancy dishwasher!)

Aphid Spray
Courtesy of Mama Papaya

1 teaspoon Dr. Bronnor's Peppermint Castile Soap
1 cup water

Put in a spray bottle, and spray if you see aphids. Kills them, and they don't come back! This past summer was the first summer aphids didn't destroy my fuchsias. Thanks, Mama Papaya!


Chrome Cleaner

Make your bathroom faucets shine like the morning- clean them with a spray of white vinegar.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Clean and deodorize your toilet bowl- pour in a cup of white vinegar, let sit, and scrub away. You can also throw a cup of vinegar into a toilet you won't use for awhile, and avoid the "ring."