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Dear Cath - Tuesday 1st September 2015
Q. I made the washing powder and love it but recently bought a Fisher Paykel washing machine, second-hand and the book says not to use soap flakes as like Lux flakes. What do you think of using the soap grated? I have thought of dissolving the washing powder from your site in hot water first. Maree
A. Hi Maree, I have a Fisher and Paykel washing machine too.
I use the zester side of the grater to grate the soap for my washing powder, so it is powdered. Then I mix in the washing soda and borax. I put 3 teaspoons into the detergent dispenser and I've never had a problem. I'm also using up a box of Lux flakes at the moment without a problem. Does it say why you can't use soap flakes? I use a cold wash/cold rinse cycle.
I did have a problem using the powder that came with the machine and when I rang to find out what I could do was told not to use that powder! It came with the machine as a bonus so that was a nuisance.
Some people dissolve the washing powder before adding it to their machine, I've never done that but if you want to there's no reason you can't.
A. Hi Maree, I have a Fisher and Paykel washing machine too.
I use the zester side of the grater to grate the soap for my washing powder, so it is powdered. Then I mix in the washing soda and borax. I put 3 teaspoons into the detergent dispenser and I've never had a problem. I'm also using up a box of Lux flakes at the moment without a problem. Does it say why you can't use soap flakes? I use a cold wash/cold rinse cycle.
I did have a problem using the powder that came with the machine and when I rang to find out what I could do was told not to use that powder! It came with the machine as a bonus so that was a nuisance.
Some people dissolve the washing powder before adding it to their machine, I've never done that but if you want to there's no reason you can't.
Q. I am wanting some more information about keeping vegetables in the fridge or freezer. My husband and I sold our house and belongings last year and bought a 4wd and caravan to travel and work around the country. In smaller towns/remote areas where fresh fruit and veg are quite pricey and sometimes hard to come by I am interested when reading your comments about frozen veggies in meal portions. I know basic peas and beans and stuff but have not done much else. I am keen to freeze vegetables for those times when we are remote camping for extended periods. Looking forward to hearing back from you with your tips. Louise Ritchie.
A.Wow Louise, Wayne and I are green with envy, you are living our semi-retired dream. You can freeze most fruits and vegetables, the exception being the "water" ones i.e. lettuce, melons, zucchini and so on. When I freeze in meal portions it is fresh produce I've either grown or bought. I pack the produce into bags and vacuum seal them. This will extend their fridge life and their freezer life. I would think the biggest constraint for you would be actual freezer space. Do you have the freezer space to be able to keep frozen veggies? You might be better to look at either dehydrating or bottling them and keeping the freezer space for meat, chicken and fish - the foods that are more expensive per serve than veggies, so you can stock up on those foods when you have the opportunity.
I will say though that after five weeks of travelling through outback New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia the price of fruit and vegetables was comparable to what I'm seeing in the supermarkets here at home. In the smaller resorts they were very expensive but the towns, even the smaller ones, were the same price, if not cheaper. Meat however was surprisingly expensive wherever we went.
Download the Handy Freezer Guide tip sheet for detailed information on what and how to freeze.
I'd also look into getting a vacuum sealer. There are smaller models available designed especially for the caravan/camping lifestyle. I've used one of these on one of our trips and it's just as good as my Sunbeam Foodsaver. The advantage is that it is much smaller, about half the size, but still does the same job. It also has a 12 volt adapter making it even more flexible
A.Wow Louise, Wayne and I are green with envy, you are living our semi-retired dream. You can freeze most fruits and vegetables, the exception being the "water" ones i.e. lettuce, melons, zucchini and so on. When I freeze in meal portions it is fresh produce I've either grown or bought. I pack the produce into bags and vacuum seal them. This will extend their fridge life and their freezer life. I would think the biggest constraint for you would be actual freezer space. Do you have the freezer space to be able to keep frozen veggies? You might be better to look at either dehydrating or bottling them and keeping the freezer space for meat, chicken and fish - the foods that are more expensive per serve than veggies, so you can stock up on those foods when you have the opportunity.
I will say though that after five weeks of travelling through outback New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia the price of fruit and vegetables was comparable to what I'm seeing in the supermarkets here at home. In the smaller resorts they were very expensive but the towns, even the smaller ones, were the same price, if not cheaper. Meat however was surprisingly expensive wherever we went.
Download the Handy Freezer Guide tip sheet for detailed information on what and how to freeze.
I'd also look into getting a vacuum sealer. There are smaller models available designed especially for the caravan/camping lifestyle. I've used one of these on one of our trips and it's just as good as my Sunbeam Foodsaver. The advantage is that it is much smaller, about half the size, but still does the same job. It also has a 12 volt adapter making it even more flexible
Q. I can't find your dish washing liquid for washing dishes by hand, I don't have room for a dish washer. I can see your dish washer powder? any suggestions please? Karen
A. MOO Dishwashing Liquid
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups finely grated soap
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 litres warm water
1 tbsp glycerine
4 drops pure essential oil (orange or lemon are nice)
Method:
Add the soap and the water to a large saucepan. Stir over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the soap is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the glycerine and the essential oil. Let the mixture cool completely then add the lemon juice. Beat until well combined and the mixture is very smooth. Decant into a pump bottle. To use add the solution to your sink under running water and scrub away.
A. MOO Dishwashing Liquid
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups finely grated soap
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 litres warm water
1 tbsp glycerine
4 drops pure essential oil (orange or lemon are nice)
Method:
Add the soap and the water to a large saucepan. Stir over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the soap is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the glycerine and the essential oil. Let the mixture cool completely then add the lemon juice. Beat until well combined and the mixture is very smooth. Decant into a pump bottle. To use add the solution to your sink under running water and scrub away.