Since I posted about the homemade laundry detergent I have been looking up recipes to make the homemade dishwasher detergent and am proud to post how to make it. . I have done a lot of research and have tried a few but this is what seems to work the best. This is the one that was pretty consistently listed as one that worked really well. One common Disclaimer that I found was if you have hard water you might have to make some adjustments and the most common adjustment was adding more salt or using 2 tablespoons rather than just 1.
Ingredients you will need for homemade dishwasher detergent:
• 2 cups Borax
• 2 cups Washing Soda
• 1 Cup Kosher salt
• 10 packages unsweetened lemonade (citric acid)
• A container or glass jar to store it in – if you use a glass jar you will want to add a silica gel packet that comes in bottles of medicine or shoe boxes as this will keep the detergent from clumping. The glass jars are pretty cute to keep it in!
• OPTIONAL: If you like a scented experience, then dd several drops of your favorite essential oil–lemon is my favorite and it does make it smell super duper good!
You will want to add all the ingredients in the container you are going to store it in. You will want to make sure you break up any clumps and then shake very, very good. ..
It is nice to label it or if you are using a glass jar like I have chosen to just get a tablespoon and have it attached right to it.
Now just add it to your dishwasher and you are ready to go – HOLLA LUJAH!!
You will also want to add a splash of white vinegar as a rinse agent to prevent spots or the cloudy look. (Some people put it directly in the rinse aid dispenser and some splash it straight into the bottom of the dishwasher – I have bee splashing directly in the bottom of the dishwasher and it is working perfectly!!). This will make a huge difference so you will want to make sure to use the vinegar!
NOTE: One site mentioned that it can clog system so use a store bought detergent once a month to keep it clear. Also there were some comments that Borax was not healthy, but from my research I have found that it is not healthy if ingested just like regular dishwasher detergent would not be. Just wanted to give you a few heads up of concerns out there.
To see other frugal living recipes CLICK HERE!! I would love to hear your reviews after you try it.
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