Dishwashing Soap - Other Uses

• Skunked dog cleaner
  1 quart (1 liter) hydrogen peroxide
  1/4 cup (55g) baking soda
  1 teaspoon (5ml) dish soap
  
  There is simply no way to describe the smell of a freshly skunked dog. Fortunately, you can turn that smell into a distant memory with the amazing combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix the peroxide with the baking soda and dish soap in a large plastic bucket (do not store the mixture in a sealed container- it will produce a lot of bubbles and explode). Wear latex gloves and bathe your dog outside, if possible. Take care to work the mixture into the fur, concentrating on the areas sprayed, while keeping it away from your dog's face and eyes. Let stand for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. See your vet if your dog shows any sign of injury (some skunks are rabid). 

• old wallpaper peeler
  1 cup (250ml) vinegar
  1 quart (1 liter) warm water
  2 to 3 drops dishwashing liquid
  
  Need to take down some wallpaper? Before you rush out to rent a cumbersome steam machine or buy an expensive paper-removing product, whip up a batch of this vinegar formula for a mere fraction of the cost: in a large bucket or bowl, combine the vinegar and warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the mix (feel free to make a larger batch if necessary). Use a sponge to apply the solution liberally to the old paper. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes and then scrape off the paper with a putty knife. To remove all traces of glue, use a nylon sponge to give the walls a final wash with the same solution.

• basic wood cleaning solution
  3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  3 tablespoons water
  1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
  A few drops olive oil
  
  This is a good mix for well-used furniture. The vinegar does a wonderful job of pulling dirt out of wood. Combine the ingredients in a bowl, saturate a sponge with the mixture, and squeeze out the excess to wash surfaces. The smell of vinegar will disappear in a few hours. Always store carefully in a labeled jar or bottle.   

• all-purpose floor cleaner
  1 cup (250ml) vinegar
  1 cup (250ml) isopropyl alcohol
  1 cup (250ml) water
  6 drops dishwashing liquid
  
  For fast floor cleanups, keep a bottle of this all-purpose cleaner handy: Fill a medium spray bottle with the vinegar, alcohol, water, and dish washing liquid. Shake gently to combine. To use, spray sparingly and mop until dry.    

• all-purpose baking soda cleaner
  1 cup (250ml) warm water
  1/4 cup (60ml) dishwashing liquid
  1 16-ounce box (454g) baking soda
  
  A simple squirt of this all-purpose cleansing scrub and a damp sponge are all you need to clean most non-porous surfaces around the house, like counter tops, sinks, tubs, and toilets. Start by putting the warm water in a large mixing bowl and stirring in the dishwashing liquid (stir slowly to avoid creating a lot of bubbles). Next, add the box of baking soda and stir until the mixture forms a smooth, uniform consistency. Transfer the mixture to a jar and use as needed around the house (wait 30 minutes before putting a lid on the fresh batch to let the carbon dioxide bubbles escape). Tip: Be forewarned that the solution will separate between uses, but if you set the jar upside down for a few minutes, the layers will loosen; you can then follow up by giving the contents a gentle stir. 

• black spot fungus protection
  2 quarts (2 liters) warm water
  1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) baking soda
  1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dish soap
  
  Black spot fungus causes very distinct ugly black spots on the leaves of rosebushes-just as the name implies. Left unchecked, the fungus can leave a bush stripped of leaves and may even affect the flowers; and a bush that's severely affected can have a much harder time over the winter months. To keep the fungus at bay, mix together the water, baking soda, and dish soap and spray on leaves once a week in the early morning hours. 

• floor cleaner with fragrant herbs
  2 tablespoons liquid soap or detergent
  4-8 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  6 tablespoons fragrant herb tea (peppermint adds antibacterial qualities)
  
  Combine ingredients in a bucket of water. Swirl the water around until it lathers a little. Proceed as normal. Discard the remainder after use.   

• all purpose window wash
  3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
  2 1/2 cups (575ml) water
  
  Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake to blend. Spray it on, and then remove with a squeegee or paper towel. Polish with dry newspaper when dry. The shelf life of this mix is indefinite, but make sure you keep it in a labeled bottle.