I read a recipe recently for homemade dishwasher detergent. You mix equal parts Borax and Arm and Hammer Washing Soda. You add 2 Tbsp of this mixture to your dishwasher.
Vinegar can be put in the rinse-aid compartment instead of a store bought rinse-aid like Jet Dry.
I read another recipe that said you could use equal parts Borax, Washing Soda and water to make a liquid detergent for your dishwasher.
The verdict: I made the powdered option this week when we ran out of dishwasher detergent and I didn't want to go to the store to buy more. I also put the vinegar in as a rinse-aid. I felt the vinegar worked well but the detergent was just so-so. My dishes really weren't as clean as usual.
The good thing, however, is that if I ever run out again and don't want to go to the store to buy more, or it's the end of the monthly budget and I don't want to spend on more - I have another option. I do have the ingredients on hand to make this (they are the same ingredients that went into the homemade laundry soap). I should also mention that my dishwasher is really, really old. I have a friend who tried the homemade liquid variety in her 4 month old dishwasher and loved it. So, that could be what I'm lacking. You can also add a drop of lemon or orange essential oil to add a fresh scent.
I'm curious to hear if anyone else tries this and likes it.
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4 comments :
Question about the vinegar...Do your dishes smell like vinegar afterward? Do you dilute it or do anything else to it? I love your tips! Keep em coming!
Good question, Bethany. I always hear of people cleaning with vinegar and I really don't like the smell of it. It doesn't "smell" clean to me. I did smell a faint vinegar smell when the dishwasher was running, but once they dried I really didn't notice it. I'd just give it a shot with your dishwasher and see what you think. I'd imagine it varies depending on the dishwasher. Try just putting in a little at first instead of filling it up. Post what you think of it!
I have to admit that we don't even rinse our dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. (Depending on who clears the table, we are lucky if the big chunks get dumped off.) Anyway, beacause of that, I still use cheap detergent from SAM's. But, I use the vinegar in the rinse container. I think it does a better job than the expensive rinse aids. I now even use vinegar in the softener dispenser in my clothes washer. It has been like a miracle! No more stinky washer!!!! And the clothes don't smell like vinegar at all.
Laura, you are right. I filled my dishwasher dispenser with the vinegar today and it works like a charm. I had another friend today tell me about the vinegar in the washer. She says she uses 1/4 cup. I tried it and love it!! I was so surprised! Thank you. I will blog about it soon as I was surprised at how great it works and the clothes really don't smell like vinegar! How cool!
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