Friday, September 17, 2010

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

A year ago, we purchased our first dishwasher.
I L.O.V.E. it.
I do not, however, like shelling out for dishwasher detergent. With sales and a coupon, liquid soap to hand wash dishes is easy to find for free....but not so with the dishwasher stuff! After many sleepless hours swagbucks-ing the internet....I finally found a homemade recipe that works. The ingredients cost just under $12 total. This should make enough to last us for several months.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent:
~1Cup Borax
~1 Cup Baking Soda (or washing soda....find in the laundry detergent isle. Some ladies find the Washing soda works better....Baking soda has worked great for us!)
~1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
~1/2 Cup Citric Acid
(I use "Fresh Fruit" produce protector...which is basically citric acid. You can find it in the canning isle...or use 15 packets of unsweetened Lemon flavored Kool Aid...which has lots of citric acid! Guess that is why most detergents are lemon scented, the citric acid keeps the dishes from building up a cloudy residue)
*Put all ingredients into a container with a tight fitting lid, and shake up!
*Use about 1 TB per load
*****DON'T SKIP THIS STEP- Pour some white vinegar into the "rinse aid" compartment of your dishwasher. This will help to keep your dishes...especially plastic...from having a "cloudy" look!
Wa-Lah! Your own Detergent!
We have been using this for some time now, and love it!
****************************************
If you do a bit of research on homemade detergent, you will find lots of "controversy" as to how well it works. Apparently, much of this has to do with what type of water you have. Also, it is debated as to whether or not borax is "good" for the dishwasher, as it can build up in your plumbing. Dig a little deeper, and you will find that all commercial dishwashing detergents have a borax-like ingredient....they just also have a chemical to keep the plumbing clear. It is a good idea to every month or so use a regular detergent for just one cycle to clean out the buildup.
Enjoy!

92 comments:

  1. OK - you rock!!! LOVE making our own products as they are cheaper...which allows us to support others in adoption, as well as our own adoptions, and it is kind of fun doing it too! THANKS!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing!! I made laundry detergent myself and it was so-so, but I will give this a try!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks so much for posting this! I've used my own dishwasher detergent in the past but never liked it. I'll have to try yours out!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Julie - enjoyed meeting you tonight - wish we could have visited longer but my kids were a little crazy! Hope to see you soon.
    davis

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for sharing this! I may have to give it a try. However, my silverware came with the following instructions:

    "avoid harsh detergents containing lemon as they can harm flatware surfaces." (It's Oneida; we got as a wedding gift)

    If I leave out the citric acid, is the detergent still as effective?? (I'm not necessarily asking YOU specifically, but perhaps seeing if other readers may have an answer. However, Julie, if you know, then by all means.....)

    Also, do you pour the white vinegar in with each load, or just periodically to refill?

    THANKS!! :O)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Baking soda and Washing soda are two different things. Baking soda is Soda Bicarbonate, and washing so is Soda Carbonate. Where did you get this recipe from, and did the original source say baking or washing?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi,
    I just wanted to mention that if you put vinegar in the dishwasher ( I did this for a year), your stainless steel will eventually start to get little brown oxidation spots on it. I just started buying jet dry again. I can't wait to try the dishwashing soap. I am so excited to find an inexpensive solution to this!

    ReplyDelete
  8. We just got a new dishwasher last February, and the motor already went out this summer. Thankfully it was covered under the warranty, but the guy that came to fix it had this great tip. If your city/town has really hard water put 1/2 cup to 1 cup of vinegar upright on the top rack and run it with your dishes every time you wash them. Your dishes will look sparkly clear when using the vinegar every time you wash. Then once a month after starting your dishwasher listen for the "grinding" (draining) and the "shower" (filling) and after it's done filling dump 1/4 gallon jug of vinegar into the dishwasher (use this in place of those expensive dishwasher cleaners).
    I'm excited to try the home-made dishwasher detergent though!

    ReplyDelete
  9. My dishwasher was clogged once and had nasty water in the bottom. I ran the dishwasher with baking soda in the bottom where all the wate was and it unclogged it. Since then i have always used baking soda as the prewash with regular detergent. I will so have to try this.

    ReplyDelete
  10. THanks for the tip about using Fresh Fruit in place of citric acid. I had been ordering my citric acid online, but w/o a free shipping deal it can get expensive. I'll see if I can pick up some FF at Walmart. I had been making my own (same recipe) and found it worked great. It's the best homemade recipe out there! (Don't ever try the liquid recipe--suds came out of my dishwasher!)

    ReplyDelete
  11. How many washes with this jug of detergent? About how many washes will all the ingredients last, all the boxes of ingredients? I would love to try this. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I used this homemade concoction for a while. Please be careful when using Borax in the dishwasher. It can actually be quite harmful when particles are ingested over a long period of time. Please refer to this site for more information:

    http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a01156ed8ff2d970c011570b5a27e970b

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think you mean "Voila!" Not Wa-Lah...those French words - they can be tricksy ;)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I bought the ingredients for this awhile ago but have been held back for lack of container. Any suggestions on what types of containers to re-use?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Livy ~ I've been using vinegar as the rinse agent for almost 3 years now & have no problems w/brown silverwear.

    Kim ~ It looks like she used a gallon jar.

    I can't wait to try baking soda in the prewash to help offset our hard water. That's why I use vinegar in the rinse.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am excited to try this! I already have all the stuff too. Oh, and I have to tell you that I LOVE the picture of your babies with the sign about their birthmother. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm going to try running mine on baking soda with a drop (literally one drop) of dish soap, but no citrus. I read online not to mix any citrus/acid with any alkaline as they will neutralize each other. Once my rinse aid runs out, I will try vinegar in the rinse though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do not put any dish soap, I tried a drop before and suds were everywhere and I mean everywhere. It took 3 rinse cycles to get rid of them.

      Delete
    2. I've been using this recipe for months that a friend gave me, but we add 2 drops of Dawn to each load. We've never had any problems. I was very nervous at first, because of the horror stories I'd heard, but no suds. Dishes are clean, shiny, and sparkly. Just had to make my second batch up.

      Delete
  18. I just made this last night. My husband doesn't like me using all the homemade stuff for cleaning, so I only make it when I am a few days out from shopping. I just make a container and use it as an emergency soap.

    However, I only put one packet of lemonade mix. I also forgot the salt, so I will add that in today.

    Maybe I can find some fruit fresh in our canning supplies....

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey Julie - I have a question for you if you don't mind. I followed this recipe and put vinegar in my rinse aid chamber, but I am still getting a pretty substantial residue left on the dishes after they dry. Did you ever experience this? I'm starting to think my rinse agent chamber is broken and not dispensing the vinegar.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Why kosher salt? What is the difference between that and table salt? I honestly don't know.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I used:
    1 cup Borax
    1 cup Super Washing Soda
    1 cup Lemishine (found in most grocery stores)
    1/2 cup salt (regular salt)

    My dishes have NEVER been this clean, nospots or film. However, as a powder this does clump daily. so I addes some water and it solved the clumping but it did separate every few days. Still working on a liquid version....stay tuned. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I could be mistaken, but from what I'm reading elsewhere, the cause for the cloudiness is the lack of whatever it is that that would replace te phosphates in commercial detergent. Now that the govt ban has caused removal of phosphates from commercial dishwasher detergent, the dishes are AWFUL! The phosphates somehow "magically" kept the film from adhering to the glasses/dishes. My husband scrubbed our glasses twice with a Brillo pad and they are still yucky. After FOUR washes. (So much for eco friendly!). Anyway, apparently TSP (used as paint cleaner, found at hardware stores) can sub in the detergent - I've read from 1/2 tsp to 1 Tbsp per load. Haven't tried it--just passing along the info.

    ReplyDelete
  23. TSP Trisodium Phosphate is something best left alone, it is used as a cleaner for surfaces that need to be absolutely clean for painting and comes with safety warnings:

    http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/inftsp.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. If you have a water softener you probably don't need to add salt. just a money saving tip ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Making it today. Super excited to try it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wa-Lah? Try voilà.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you for the tutorial...making this has been on my list "To Do" list for awhile. I have been looking all over for where to find citric acid! Can't find it anywhere but now I have an alternative!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Don't need citric acid. It gums up the detergent anyway. But if you lived in a place with lots of minerals or something in your water, I guess you'd need it?

    ReplyDelete
  29. My Grandma always said to use vinegar in the dishwasher to clean it out which I have gotten in the habit of doing anyway. The dishwasher is the one that was here when we moved in and it was nasty. My Mom also said its good for washers

    ReplyDelete
  30. For your clothes too. As far as clumping, someone suggested to me measuring out the detergent in mini cupcake liners & then use one/load.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have also seen a DIY dishwasher recipe on Pinterest with lemon Koolaid

      Delete
    2. Sorry...dishwasher cleaner that is.

      Delete
  31. You can put a few of those dissecant packets that you find sometimes in shoe boxes or beef jerky bags in the jar with the detergent to keep it from clumping. They absorb the moisture, works like a charm in mine!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Ahaa, its fastіdiоus cοnveгsation about this piece of wrіting herе аt this
    webpage, І hаѵe read all that, so at this tіme me alѕo commenting here.


    Look at my page tens therapy units

    ReplyDelete
  33. It's the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I could I desire to recommend you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I desire to learn more issues about it!

    Here is my site; tens

    ReplyDelete
  34. Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You have performed an incredible job.
    I will definitely digg it and individually suggest
    to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web
    site.

    Have a look at my homepage: diets that work fast for women

    ReplyDelete
  35. I thought this pаrticular ѕcript ωas the coolеѕt аspect eνer.



    Look intο my sіte ... www.frenadesonoticias.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. It makes me laugh and is just nice to be an expert with women and for
    you to know how they will be covered. Inter-island shipping services are usually pretty specific in their tastes, and
    rather than do battle with them over their likes
    and dislikes, fantasies and are a healthy outlet.
    Telefonsex can be a big turn on for them.

    my blog - Telefon Sex

    ReplyDelete
  37. I really likе what you guуs аrе uр toο.
    Such clever ωoгk and гeporting! Keep up the
    very good ωorks guуs I've added you guys to my blogroll.

    Stop by my blog ... V2 Cigs Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi thеre to all, hοw is the wholе thing,
    I think eѵery one is gеttіng
    morе from this wеb site, and your νiews are nicе in favor of nеω peoplе.


    Revіew my blοg; http://www.sfgate.com/business/prweb/article/V2-Cigs-Review-Authentic-Smoking-Experience-or-4075176.php

    ReplyDelete
  39. I favοr Lucі E сigs

    Here is my ρage :: http://www.plastbook.com/users/naomimcgr

    ReplyDelete
  40. Aw, this was an іncгedibly goοd ρost.
    Finding the time and actual effoгt tо makе а ѕuρerb aгticle…
    but whаt can I say… I hеѕіtаte a whole lot аnd never ѕeеm to get anything
    done.

    Also visit my homеpage http://Www.Prweb.com/releases/silkn/sensepilreview/prweb10193901.htm

    ReplyDelete
  41. Eveгy ωeekend і used to go to sеe thіs web page, for the
    reаsοn that i want enjoyment, as this this site cоnations genuinely nice
    funny materіal too.

    Also visit my blog :: carpet cleaning Glendale

    ReplyDelete
  42. This article рrovidеs clear idea in favoг
    οf the new uѕers οf blogging,
    that genuinely how to ԁo blogging.

    Alѕo visit my sіte: apartmentsinmesaaz.net

    ReplyDelete
  43. A smaller portable muscle mass stimulation machine or
    stimulator for short provides the recent. Along with that muscle
    mass mass goes the strength.

    my blog post - The Flex mini reviews

    ReplyDelete
  44. If some onе dеsiгes to be updateԁ
    with moѕt up-to-datе technοlogies afterwаrԁ he must
    bе visit thiѕ site and be up to date all the time.


    Feel free to surf to my blog - garage door parts phoenix

    ReplyDelete
  45. Exercise means more than stops and starts chasing a ball in the backyard.

    I personally used a few of the above mentioned methods for my own pets which worked for me and may
    not be correct for everyone else to use for house training their pets.

    There are no medications to use on your lovely little puppy to help with the pain.
    Since dogs have incredible smell,, it can help him feel less lonely having some familiar smells in his sleeping quarters.

    Just by sitting and watching your puppy, you can learn quickly and decipher the differences
    between a puppy's behaviors when he is just checking out his new surroundings or if he is hunting that perfect spot to use the bathroom.

    my web blog ... miniature english

    ReplyDelete
  46. This post offers clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that genuinely how to do running
    a blog.

    Review my weblog; whitehat seo training company

    ReplyDelete
  47. The quality of your blogs and articles and worth appreciating.
    Carpet Cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  48. Aseado commercial foodservice dishwashers, Aseado pass through, undercounter, potwashers, rack conveyors and glasswashers are manufactured in Europe to the highest specifications. Designed specifically to suit the Australian market. Models are Watermark approved.
    http://aseado.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  49. Dishwashers are generally portable and they require less amount of space to move. Hence they have become an inevitable option for people.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Dishwashers contribute to be an inevitable option for washing the utensils. Buy the dishwasher to lessen your work.

    ReplyDelete
  51. The tile designs are very nice and this is a very unique content than any other designing blogs in my point of view. Keep updating more in future. We are doing interior designing works. So please support us.
    Home Interior Designers in Chennai
    Interior Designers in Chennai
    Interior Design Companies in Bangalore
    Home Interior Designers in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for sharing this useful blog. There are a number of interior design companies available around the universe. Everyone wants to project themselves as the best one when comparing to others. So, each and every business people are approaching differently with attractive interior design templates. Once you have decided to get service from Interior design companies in Chennai then you are advised to validate their reputation and quality of service.
    Interior designers in chennai | kitchen manufacturers in chennai | Interior decorators in chennai | Interior design companies in chennai | Modular kitchen chennai | Home interior designers in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  54. Very nice blog and articles. I am realy very happy to visit your blog. Now I am found which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and waiting for your new post. BLUESTAR APPLIANCE REPAIR & SERVICE IN SANTA BARBARA

    ReplyDelete
  55. Dear Novelist Great Blog! This post gives a better idea. Thanks for sharing useful information. I hope you will share some more content. Please keep sharing! Currently, I’m looking for the best Residential Interior Designers in Chennai, With your insights, I think I would be able to choose the best one wisely
    Home Interior Designers in Chennai
    Interior Decorators in Chennai
    Interior Designers in Chennai
    Best Interior Designers in Chennai
    Top Interior Designers in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  56. Amazing post, Thank you for presenting a wide variety of information.
    automatic gates
    vacuum elevators

    ReplyDelete
  57. MS Prints one of the pioneers in the field of Best Printing press in Coimbatore, Kavundampalayam. Now we cater Custom online printing services to create professional visiting cards & promotional material. Use our expertise to print unique.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Nice Blog !
    Our experts at Quickbooks Phone Number tailor our service to meet your needs in the present moment of the crisis.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for sharing such a great content here, I'm a Architect and interior designer from Lucknow, Love to connect with professional designers & architects online. You can visit the best interior designing company in Lucknow and connect with us.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Dishwasher service in dubai
    https://www.hometech.ae/service/dishwasher-service/
    UAEs Authorized Major brand Dishwasher Service in Dubai, On-Demand experienced professionals for dishwasher service in Dubai.
    1634622330050-15

    ReplyDelete
  61. kemenangan bersama kami hanya disini untuk bermain silahkan klik link di bawah ini

    adu sakong
    adu sakong
    adu sakong

    ReplyDelete
  62. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  63. 남양주초콜릿
    포천초콜릿
    수원초콜릿
    성남초콜릿
    안산초콜릿
    용인초콜릿
    가평초콜릿
    이천초콜릿Its always good to have tips on good blog posting. As I just started posting comments for blog and faced a lot of rejections. I think your suggestion would be helpful for me. I will let you know if this works for me.

    ReplyDelete
  64. This is really a very good article. Thanks for taking the time to discuss with us, I feel happy about learning this topic. keep sharing your information regularly for my future reference.보령출장마사지
    서산출장마사지
    아산출장마사지
    천안출장마사지
    예산출장마사지
    당진출장마사지
    궁합출장마사지
    출장마사지

    ReplyDelete
  65. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for leaving a comment...I love hearing from you!