Making your own homemade dishwasher detergent is a great way to keep your dishes sparkling while saving a lot of money. Instead of buying detergent every few weeks, there are some recipes that can be made at home that will create the perfect detergent. These recipes are easy to make and will yield enough detergent to last a long time.
Basic Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
What You Will Need:
- 2 cups Borax
- 1 cup baking soda
- White vinegar
Directions:
Combine 2 cups of Borax and 1 cup of baking soda. Mix the two dry ingredients and store in an air tight container. This mixture is added to the detergent dispenser in the machine. In the rinse dispenser, add some white vinegar. A little over a tablespoon should be more than enough. This homemade detergent will last for a few months.
Super Cleaning Power Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
What You Will Need:
- ½ cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
- ½ cup Borax
- ¼ cup citric acid
- ¼ cup salt
- White vinegar
Directions:
In a large container, combine Borax, washing Soda, citric acid and salt. Make sure to mix these ingredients well. They should be kept in a cool, dry location. When it is time to do a load of dishes, simply fill the compartment with the mixture. Fill the rinse dispenser with the white vinegar. The vinegar is a great rinse aid that will help eliminate odors in the machine and keep glasses and plates spot-free.
Benefits of Homemade Detergent
By making your own detergent, you will save money. Each of these recipes will make enough detergent to last a long time, much longer than buying a box or bottle of brand-name detergent. You will also have the benefit of knowing that there are no harsh chemicals in the detergent. There are also no overpowering smells when using these recipes. Dishes come out perfectly clean every time.
Resources
“Homemade Non-Toxic Household Cleaners.” Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Utah State University, n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. <extension.usu.edu/washington/files/uploads/Financial%20Management/Homemade%20Non%20Toxic%20Household%20Cleaners.pdf>.
“Making a House a Home: Clean and Organized.” Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Utah State University, n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. <extension.usu.edu/files/publications/clean03.pdf>.
