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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

I've been slowly converting all of my "chemical"  cleaners over to more "natural" cleaners.  For the past month, I've been experimenting with several recipes and combinations of recipes to find the best cleaning solution for my dishwasher.


I finally came up with a combination that works well for me.  We have well water which is hard even though we have a softener attached to our water pump. 

Here's my recipe:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 cup water

Stir together for a few minutes and allow to sit for several minutes before using.  It is very watery until it has time to sit.  Use 2 Tbl. per use. 

I have my recipe written on a card that I keep in my recipe box.  It's handy when I need to make a new batch of cleaner.  I had to make a new category - Natural Cleaners -  to keep the cards in.  I'm getting quite a collection of cleaning recipes. 



Along with this cleaner, I found that I must use vinegar as a rinse agent - you know, in that little dispenser in your dishwasher that you're supposed to fill with an expensive rinse aide.  I fill up my dispenser whenever it runs low (to check mine I press on the *bubble* on top of the dispenser - when I can't see any more liquid, I refill it)


My son found a set of these canisters at the thrift store and brought them home for me.  I've been using them to store my new natural cleaners in.  I like the spoon holder on the side.  They came with wooden spoons, but I replaced them with old plastic measuring spoons so that I can control the amount of cleaner I use. 



I like using items that I have on hand to make my own cleaners.  I like not adding harsh chemicals and bleach to my septic system.  I like saving money.  What natural cleaners are you using? 
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Comments

  1. MelissaOctober 21, 2010 at 9:04 AM

    I make my own laundry detergent. It's so easy.

    2 bars Ivory soap, shredded (or Fels Naptha...but I like the Ivory)

    1 cup Borax
    1 cup WASHING soda (NOT BAKING SODA)

    I process mine in the food processor so it's very fine and powdery. I have a front loading machine, and I use 2 TBSP per large load. It doesn't produce a lot of suds, but the clothes are really clean.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AlexiaOctober 21, 2010 at 11:17 AM

    That's a super simple recipe! I'll have to pass it on to my Mom (since I don't have a dishwasher LOL) What happens if you don't use the vinegar?? We have hard water too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tidy Brown WrenOctober 21, 2010 at 6:13 PM

    Hey Melissa,

    I use your same recipe for my laundry. I love it. I think I posted about it a while ago.

    Hey Alexia,

    I found that if I didn't used the vinegar that I had a lot of spots and some debris left after the rinse cycle. It's working great!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownOctober 26, 2010 at 9:03 PM

    I've been making my own laundry soap for the last year. If only I had known dishwasher detergent was just as easy! I'll be giving your recipe a try. Thanks!

    ~Andrea~

    ReplyDelete

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