A  white powder crystal like powder which is naturally harvested from ancient mineral deposits found only in certain parts of the world.  Used for centuries & still today because in a whole range of uses in particular cleaning. 

It raises the pH of water which assists in breaking up grease & grime.  Strong degreaser, disinfectant & general cleaner.

The strongest of the sodium cousins  & most commonly used in commercial products. 

Borax like Washing Soda is a natural mineral that is harvested from certain deposits in the world. It has an array of commercial uses but when it comes to cleaning, it's a builder which enhances the action of surfactants (eg soap)  by softening water.  Also has moderate whitening/disinfecting power.

A controversial ingredient that is often promoted as great for health if ingested, this is where majority of the ‘safety concerns’ lay.  But in terms of cleaning with it, centuries have proven its benefits.

This is a great team playing ingredient that blends well with soaps & other alkali's to create a powerful cleaning mixture.

This is a very well-known natural cleaning ingredient with many practical uses around the home. It just like the others (washing soda, borax) is naturally harvested from ancient mineral deposits. 

The chemical structure of Bicarb converts some water molecules to hydrogen peroxide providing a mild whitening/disinfecting power. It also is softening water which enables surfactants to work more effectively. 

By nature absorbs moisture, making this great to use in damp areas or as an  odour eater.

Percarbonate is the key ingredient found in Napisan without added fillers or bleach activators. It's a natural bleach & a much safer alternative than liquid chlorine options (with no pungent smell) 

It whitens, brightens & removes stains, is safe for coloured fabrics & septics! Made with simply Washing Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide (a natural safe hospital grade disinfectant) its a super strong all-round cleaner & degreaser . 

Brilliant in the laundry but also as a heavy duty general cleaner around the home.

This is simply a 100% pure liquid soap. Historically to be a true Castile Soap it must contain 100% Olive Oil as the base fat otherwise it is technically called a Bastile Soap. However, these days at least 80% olive oil can still qualify as Castile Soap to avoid confusion. 

It can be a liquid or hard soap depending on the lye (caustic soda) used to make it.  For liquid soap Potassium Hydroxide is used, which can also been known as Potash or Koh.

Our Castile Soap is a liquid soap, handmade in Melbourne from only pure organic virgin olive & coconut oil, water & lye.  It's versatile, safe & the gentlest purest form of soap. 

This is a 100% pure hard soap which has been grated into flakes for easy dilution in your DIY recipes. We have opted to used Coconut Soap as it is high in cleansing qualities with low suds (which is perfect for the Dishwasher & Laundry).

Our soap is s handmade in Sri Lanka from only pure organic virgin coconut oil, water & lye. As it is a hard soap the lye used is sodium hydroxide This means it's very high in cleansing properties & provided a lot more lather than Castile Soap.

It only has its own natural fragrance, none added! 

As the name suggests, Citric Acid is found in the rinds of citrus fruits. Historically these rinds were used to make Citric Acid however production via this method stopped in the 1900's & it is manufactured. None the less the chemical properties are the same & this is still a green eco- friendly cleaner.

Citric acid removes hard water deposits & neutralises soap scum making this ideal in the bathroom, as a fabric softener, disinfectant & rinse aid. Your perfect Vinegar alternative.

A clear white sticky liquid which is actually a bi-product of the soap making process or made by itself using similar principals. It can also be known as Glycerin, Glycerine & Vegetable Glycerine just means there are no animal fats used the process.

Glycerine does not react with most other ingredients, it helds blend/emulsify things like Essential Oil & in particular Xanthan Gum into liquid solutions. 

It is also a wonderful moisturiser!

Silicone Emulsion is made from Sand & Bicarb to form a white powder like product. This is diluted to create emulsions like this which is used in a range of commercial/ industrial processes. It looks like glue & in an sense acts like glue.

For the DIY Dishwasher Tablet maker this ingredient is for you, simply mix approx 1/2 -1 teaspoon (yes that small amount) with the water you use to make your tablets. It will help bind everything together & prevent crumbling (even though crumbly is still fine, those bits can still be used)

When making homemade beauty or cleaning products that require water, it is best to use Distilled or Demineralised Water.  This water should have a neautral pH, free from minerals (ie not hard water)  as well as be free from bacteria or contaminants.  

Distilled water means it has been boiled & the steam converted back to the pure water. Demineralised is a process in which electronic currents remove the extra minerals in the water. 

Some commercial products will include alcohol as an ingredient because in some cases it is a solvent & disinfectant.  A common alcohol used is Isoprophyl (or rubbing alcohol) which is a petroleum based product.  For the purposes of our air fresheners & mild disinfectants we replace rubbing alcahol with good old Vodka.

Natural fragrance & a whole massive range on qualities to help clean - you can't go wrong having a stash of essential oils.

Smell is a personal preference, so this you can experiment with unit you find your favourites.