Green Guide For Washing Dishes By Hand

 

Here we provide a simple, effective solution to washing dishes without a dishwasher and without toxins or plastic!

 

DIY DISH LIQUID

Notice how I don't call it Dishwashing Detergent? That's because detergents are full of synthetic surfactants which are not good for you, me, or the environment! 

Instead, we need to use simple soap solutions & in this case Castile Soap is a clear winner. You can use it directly or you can use it to make your own dishwashing liquid. Grab the 2-in-1 Dish Liquid and Hand Wash recipe here.

 

DIY DISH POWDER

You don't have to stick with a liquid solution only - you can use a powder instead.  Simply add 1-2 tablespoons to the sink as the water is running, then give it a good shake up with your hand to lather up the soap & dissolve the other ingredients.  

This is stronger than the Dish Liquid, however because of the alkaline ingredients you may wish to use gloves as it it can be it a bit harsher on hands. Grab the recipe here.

 

USE SOAP

There are many ways you can use soap & there are no rules as to what soap you can use. It truly is a personal preference, however we suggest you check the ingredients & use 100% real soap & not detergent bars (Whats the difference?)

You may like our  Coconut Soap Flakes which you sprinkle into the sink or upon the pots & pans. You could try a soap cage which holds a soap bar so you can easily shake it in a sink of water to create lather & suds. You could also use your hand or lather a sponge directly. 

 

USE PLASTIC FREE TOOLS

Adding to landfill, little micro plastic particle going into our waterways & our food - yuk! There is a huge range of plastic free, eco-friendly, sustainable & biodegradable dish clothes & sponges on the market that you can use to wash your dishes.

Cellulose, coconut fibres, sisal fibres - just to name a few - are alternatives to plastic & they also have great anti-bacterial qualities which is an added bonus in the kitchen.

 

 

TIPS

These DIY solutions are lower in suds than commercial options as there are no artificial foaming agents. This does not mean it is not cleaning but understandably it can take time to get used to.

Using hot water with the soap generates more lather - try using the hottest water setting first to get your soap sudsy & then add the cold to bring it to a temperature you can handle.

• Using hot water with the soap generates more lather - try using the hottest water setting first to get your soap sudsy & then add the cold to bring it a temperature you can handle
• If you are in an area with hard water, soap is not as effective & the Dish Powder is a perfect solution as it contains other ingredients that soften water as well as cleans.