Washing up liquid alternative

[Helsbells]

I am nearly out of washing up liquid and not planning to go to the supermarket for a week. I have a bag of soap nuts, any ideas if I can make some kind of washing up liquid from these or any other things one might find around the house?

[southeast-isher]

*bookmarks thread*

[wildbee]

Yes you can make a washing liquid by heating the soapnuts in water and then straining them out. It's not got much of a lather though and doesn't tackle grease all that well in my experience.

[The Riff-Raff Element]

Got any washing soda? Works a treat, but some people's skin can be sensitive after long exposure.

[Potter's Farm]

Hot water, white vinegar and lemon juice!! Works brilliantly, not much vinegar needed, lemon juice for scent as well as de-greasing.

[clanpowell]

Baking powder/lemon juice?

[wildbee]

Hot water, white vinegar and lemon juice!! Works brilliantly, not much vinegar needed, lemon juice for scent as well as de-greasing.

How effective is lemon juice, could you use it to clean fatty oven trays?

[contadina]

1 litre boiling water
2-3 drops of an essential oil if you feel you need a lemon-fresh or similar scent
2 heaped tsp of soap flakes (I just grate some castile soap)
2 heaped tsp soda crystals
1 tsp vinegar

Shake well before use.

[Potter's Farm]

I use it along with white vinegar (I don't use any household cleaners or detergents, only vinegar, bicarb and soda crystals) and use bicarb of soda or salt as an abrasive if needed. I find it cut through grease really well.

[gregorach]

Tallow, fat, or oil and wood ash seems to work well enough when camping...

[Helsbells]

Thanks for the responses, I think I can definitely give some of these a try, yesterday i tried using normal bathroom soap (simple), I scrubbed it onto a sponge and washed a greesy oven tray with it, it kind of worked but left a film on the tray. I would like to try more of the techniques suggested by I don't have the things I need, i.e. soda crystals, and feel a trip to the supermarket to get some would defy the point a bit! I will try lemon juice and vinegar and perhaps salt as an abrasive.

[southeast-isher]

You could use something like fairy but only for greasy trays so you don't use much of it - for other washing up you can use some of the options mentioned in this thread.

[greenorelse]

Don't forget, some trays and pans don't need washing often if at all. We have a baking pan for roast veggies and all I do is wipe it, when cool, with kitchen roll, which of course is composted. Same with cast iron stuff - it never touches water.

All washing of dishes works far better in very hot water; only a small amount of detergent is then needed. You do need rubber gloves though. 8))

[Helsbells]

I gave in and bought some more washing up liquid! Why is the eco stuff so much expensive than normal stuff?

[The Riff-Raff Element]

I gave in and bought some more washing up liquid! Why is the eco stuff so much expensive than normal stuff?

Either because some swine is jumping on the bandwagon and exploiting people with a conscience or because the raw ingredients are more pricey. Or both. If you are inclined to drop a crystal or two of washing soda to the water, you could half your usage of detergent. Not that I'm a fan of the stuff or anything.