Key Lime Dish Detergent Powder

Source: Herbal Homekeeping - Sandy Maine

Given the sheer volume of dirty dishes generated by the average household, this is probably the most ecologically important recipe in this book. Powdered dish detergent eliminates the need for buying plastic bottles and then recycling or disposing of them. The weight of the water included in dishwashing liquid need not be shipped from coast to coast, saving fuel and air pollution. Washing dishes in the sink saves electricity and water, too.

This powder is just as effective as liquid. If you find that you really prefer a liquid, add some boiling water to the formula, stir until the powder is dissolved, and bottle in your favorite squirt dispenser. The following formula will last the average family of four approximately six months.

1/2 cup clay powder
2 tablespoons lime essential oil
24 cups sodium lauryl sulfate
6 cups baking soda

Wear a dust mask to mix this formula. Mix clay powder and essential oil, then, in a two-gallon pail or container, combine with the baking soda and sodium lauryl sulfate. Mix well.

To convert to liquid soap, add 18 cups of boiling water and stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Store in gallon jugs and refill squirt bottles as needed.

To use, add about a tablespoon of powder or a good squirt of liquid per sink load while filling the sink. For tough jobs, make a paste of the powder by adding water and rub directly on the spot, or apply the liquid directly to it.