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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

post #1 of 32
9/16/11 at 4:35pm
Thread Starter 



1 cup Borax
1 cup Baking Soda ******changed to washing soda and have better results
1/2 cup Coarse Salt
1/2 cup citric acid (I actually used 15 packets of unsweetened lemon kool-aid- it was easier to find!)

Mix all ingredients in a container. Use 1 tbs per load.

It is also recommended to add vinegar to your rinse aid dispenser to alleviate cloudiness. I only use vinegar in my rinse dispenser anyway so I figured I was 1 step ahead of the game.

We figure there are about 48 uses in that jar.


I already had the Borax but that runs about $4.29 a box for a 4lb 12 oz box (the last time I bought it at Target anyway)
Already had the baking soda and that is less than $1 a box
Coarse Kosher Salt: $1.48 for 1lb
Citric Acid would have prob cost less than the kool-aid, but that was what we could find: $3.00 for 15 packets

It works out to under $4.00 for 48 loads of dishwasher detergent (including the vinegar as a rinse aid).

That's less than 8 cents per load!
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post #2 of 32
9/16/11 at 5:42pm
Wow! I'm impressed. Let us know how it works.
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post #3 of 32
9/16/11 at 5:46pm
Yes, do keep us updated on the performance. Vinegar for rinse aid works well??? WHY didn't you tell me before lol I hate spending the money for rinse aid....
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post #4 of 32
9/16/11 at 7:21pm
Thanks! I am excited to try a new dishwasher recipe. I usually use in equal parts:
Borax
Baking Soda
Dishwashing Powder (i usually buy generic Cascade).

It works pretty good but there is always room for improvement.
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post #5 of 32
9/17/11 at 4:53am
Thanks I will try this!
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post #6 of 32
9/17/11 at 6:36am
I don't put nearly as much kool aid in mine, just 4 packets. Let me know how it works, I might need to make an improvement. I also mix orange and lemon flavor. I have not found that the orange dyes anything. I also had a drop or two of regular handwashing dish soap to the dispenser as well. The vinegar as a rinse aid works good, all though it discolored my cheap cheap cheap metal grater.
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post #7 of 32
9/17/11 at 6:57am
Thread Starter 
First load done and dishes came out just as well as they did when I was using Finish!

15 packets was equal to 1/2 cup of citric acid and that is what breaks up the food particles and grease so I wanted to follow the directions for it- Misty yours may even itself out b/c you also used the dish soap, I didn't. So it may very well be the same thing- I might have to give that a try down the line.

Momof2boys.. I thought you knew!!!! I have been using vinegar in my rinse aid for years and have said it on here many times! Yes, yes, yes...DO NOT BUY anymore rinse aid! Just use vinegar!!
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post #8 of 32
9/17/11 at 9:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2bearsmom View Post

First load done and dishes came out just as well as they did when I was using Finish!

15 packets was equal to 1/2 cup of citric acid and that is what breaks up the food particles and grease so I wanted to follow the directions for it- Misty yours may even itself out b/c you also used the dish soap, I didn't. So it may very well be the same thing- I might have to give that a try down the line.

Momof2boys.. I thought you knew!!!! I have been using vinegar in my rinse aid for years and have said it on here many times! Yes, yes, yes...DO NOT BUY anymore rinse aid! Just use vinegar!!

Apparently I have missed because I never ever remember trying it lol
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post #9 of 32
9/17/11 at 9:35am
Hmm I may have to try some of this since I just made my first batch of homemade laundry soap and have lots of borax left. I'm low on rinse aid so I will be trying the vinegar too!
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post #10 of 32
9/17/11 at 10:19am
i've tried the vinegar in my rinse aid and it RUSTED it out and i've had problems with my dishwasher ever since! i have to use regular rinse aid!
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