Spring Cleaning - Occasional Series, the dishwasher and sink

I love the spring cleaning ritual.  Air out the house, get ready for the wakening of a new growing season, remove all the residue from last season and last year and start fresh.

I rearrange the furniture, clean behind all the books in our massive library and thoroughly clean things in ways I have neglected through the hustle bustle and lack of light of winter.

What I do not like about spring cleaning is then introducing chemicals into my fresh wonderful house hold, so I now make my own cleaning materials.

I recommend if you have never seen it, the book "The Naturally Clean Home" by Karyn Siegel-Maier.  She gives lots of recipes for crafting chemical free cleaning solutions.  

I found her book after I had crafted my own handouts for programs on Green Cleaning had found her to support all of my research. 

Now to get us started on an occasional series where I will post more cleaning recipes for different parts of the house, I am going to work in the kitchen.

My husband does almost all the cooking, it is his hobby currently.  He is meticulous about cleaning the counters and stove top and washing his dishes.  I noticed, however that he is not at all worried about the sink.  So I take responsibility for that and clean it with this scrub once a week, usually right before he spends a part of the weekend cooking for us.

Basic Sink 

Cleanser

This formula is safe for porcelain or stainless steel sinks. Not only will it

clean the sink basin and faucets, but it will also keep drains and garbage disposals fresh-smelling and free of clogs. I add a vinegar rinse before the final hot water rinse to prevent residue from the baking soda.

1/4 cup baking soda

1/2 cup vinegar

3 drops each lavender, rosemary, and lemon essential oil

Combine all ingredients. Rinse sink well with hot water. Pour the cleanser in the sink and wipe with a sponge or cloth. Rinse

again with hot water.

My husband does absolutely nothing involving the dishwasher except unloading it.  I load, clean and manage the supplies for the dishwasher.  Currently we are making our own Dishwasher Soap Powder.  We love it and I will never go back to store bought, mostly because of the cost savings.  What I did not have and found in the book by Karyn Siegel-Maier was a  rinse solution.  I have used vinegar to clean the dishwasher and remove residue, but I never thought of using it int he rinse container.  Here are two items to use so you can avoid buying rinse agent (like Finish) with something you probably already have in your kitchen!

Rescue Rinse for Hard Water

Our water in Elmhurst is still plaqued with mineral deposiuts that stain the toilets, sinks and dishwasher so this reince will clean them out of the dishwaser so your dishes have less spots.

Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher

.  I recommend a lemon herbal vinegar to give it a great scent too!

Tea for Dishes

Tea contains tannic acid, which will help to breakdown and remove soap residue from your dishes during the rinse cycle.

1 cup green or white tea

Brew fresh green or white tea.  I suggest one with lavender or lemon balm added because these are anti bacterial.  Add one cup to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher.

Come back regularly this Spring to see more recipes for cleaning your home with herbs instead of chemicals.