Homemade PH paper

We always check the reading of the acidity or alkalinity of the water through the test kits those are available in the market. They are expensive and last for a certain number tests. I have been looking for a solution, a solution that will will be home-made and inexpensive and with materials readily available in our homes. I bumped into some home-made PH paper recipes that worked great for me. You can also have a try ....

Cabbage Paper Strips

Take a head of red cabbage and slice it into one-inch chunks. You could also peel the leaves from the head and tear them up. Place the leaves in a pot with water; the exact amount isn't important, but use at least a one quart pot filled about half way. Cook over medium heat for a half hour. Let the mixture cool and then strain into a bowl. The solution should be a deep blue color and it itself can be used test for pH. To make strips, soak white coffee filters in the solution for half an hour. Allow the filters to dry off, at least overnight. Cut them into strips and they are now ready to be used to test pH. Bases will make the strips turn green; acids will cause them to turn red.

Turmeric Paper Strips

Mix two tablespoons of turmeric with 200 milliliters of rubbing alcohol. Dip coffee filters into the mixture and again allow them to dry. Once dry, they can be cut into strips and used to test pH. The paper will turn red for bases and yellow for acids. Be careful because turmeric can easily stain clothing.