Household Recipes

Green Lawn Formula

I found this recipe back in 2004, and you can go HERE to find the original and read more details, but if your lawn is struggling in the summer heat, this concoction can help.

1 Can Regular Soda (any kind - no diet)
1 Can Beer (not light beer)
1/2 C. Liquid Dishwashing Soap (do NOT use anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid)
1/2 C. Household Ammonia
1/2 C. Mouthwash (any brand)

Pour all of the ingredients into a 10-gallon hose-end sprayer (other sizes will work too).
In high heat, apply every three weeks.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Weed Killer

1 T. Dishwashing liquid
1/4 c. Salt
1 qt. Vinegar

I usually mix this up a day before I plan on using it. The salt seems to dissolve better if I mix it up early. I also find that it works best if I spray the weeds early in the morning so the sun has all day to shine on them.


-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Dishwasher Detergent

Here's a recipe for dishwasher detergent:

1 c. borax

1 c. baking soda

1/4 c. table salt

2 packets unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid

Mix all ingredients, add one tablespoon to each load.  I generally add a tablespoon to the pre-wash compartment of each load.  This cuts down on the amount of dishwashing detergent I buy.  For our needs, this works great as a pre-wash.  I tried it for the pre-wash and main wash, but I had a problem with stuck-on food. 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Washing Machine Cleaning

Despite my best efforts to keep the washer door open for it to dry between loads and avoid getting that musty smell, my washer was developing an odor. I considered buying one of those expensive options from the store. Then I found the following:

1. Pour 2 cups vinegar into the machine
2. Run it for 3 minutes on hot
3. Stop the machine (pause the load)
4. Let it sit overnight
5. The next morning, resume the cycle
6. Run a rinse cycle on cold

I do this process on the first of the month.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Washing Machine Cleaning - Another Option

To clean and freshen the interior of the front-leading washer:

1. Make a solution of one cup bleach and two cups warm water. Be careful not to spill or spash the bleach solution.
2. Wipe the door seal with bleach solution and soft cloth.
3. Fill bleach dispenser with chlorine bleach.
4. Run the washer through a complete cycle using hot water.
5. Repeat the wash cycle if necessary.

My washing machine manufacturer recommends doing this process every 60 to 120 days.