How frustrating is it to run a load in the dishwasher only to see your dishes foggy and still not clean? With all the changes in product guidelines over the past few years, it is hard to find a product that works and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Cascade ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent (60 ct) will cost around $15.25, and in some households, that just seems like too much for an everyday problem. Here is the secret recipe to save you money and get your dishes clean the first time.
This recipe will cost $.07 per load compared to the Cascade option of $.25 per load.
Homemade Dishwashing Detergent
: DIY
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Baking Soda
- 1 Cup of Borax
- ¼ Cup of Kosher Salt
- ¼ Cup of Citric Acid (available on Amazon.com)
- 1 Bottle of Dish Soap
- 1 Bottle of White Vinegar
Instructions
- Mix Baking Soda, Borax, Kosher Salt, and Citric Acid and store in a dry container
- Add 1-2 T per load of dishes
- Add 2-3 drops of dish soap (do NOT use more than 3 drops) to the detergent
- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher
- Close and start
Thanks to the One Good Thing blog for this idea!
I have heard that it’s smart to add the Citric Acid separately to the dishwasher, otherwise it clumps like crazy, and makes it nearly impossible to get the stuff out of the jar you make it in!
Alternatively, you can leave it on the counter and mix it like mad the first couple of days before covering and storing.
I haven’t made this yet, but am about to run out of last box of commercial detergent I have, and was looking at recipes for just this yesterday!
I haven’t had much luck with homemade dishwasher detergent. What I tried was much different from this recipe, so I’m going to give it another whirl. Thanks for sharing.
Check your dishwasher warranty before using this. using any amount of dish soap in the dishwasher may void the warranty.
I use fruit fresh in place of the citric acid. It can be found with all of the canning things.
do you use the same amount of fruit fresh?
What size bottle of dish soap? What size bottle of vinegar?
Oops, sorry! Should have read recipe all the way through!
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I’ve always used white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Hard water, old dishwasher, whatever the reason, virtually spotless every time, even plastics. Fresh smell, eliminates the odor of the detergent which some, like myself, may not like.
I wouldn’t even use the dish soap, since hand dish soap is mostly Borax and washing soda or baking soda… dishes would be just as clean and no extra bubbles to contend with.