How to Make Dishwasher Detergent

We are bombarded daily with ads showcasing cleaning products. These ads boast about the stain fighting power and often fresh scent of commercial cleaning products. What the ad executives responsible for these ads do not want you to know is that you do not have to purchase expensive, additive-laden commercial products to clean your house. It is possible to make a wide variety of cleaning supplies that will save you money and reduce the amount of toxins you add to the environment. Dishwasher detergent is one such cleaning supply that is easy to make and will also save you money while reducing the damage you do to the environment.

This recipe is not difficult to make because it calls for inexpensive and readily available ingredients. The recipe requires only mixing so you won't need to heat it or use any special tools.

You will need the following containers and implements to make this recipe: a medium size mixing bowl; large wooden or plastic spoon and a large mason jar (preferably wide mouth to make transferring the finished detergent easier) with a screw on lid. You can also use a large Rubbermaid container instead of a mason jar so long as the container has a tight fitting lid.

You will also need the following ingredients to make this recipe: 1 1/2 cups Borax (you can find it in the laundry section of grocery and discount stores); 1 1/2 cups baking soda (generic baking soda will work just as well as the name brands); 1/2 cup of salt (plain table salt or sea salt will work) and 1/2 cup of citric acid. You can find citric acid in health food stores and stores that provide supplies for brewing. If you have difficulty finding it you can use 3 packets of unsweetened Lemon Kool-Aid instead. Only use lemon or invisible (clear) Kool-Aid for this purpose. When I first developed this recipe I unthinkingly used packets of cherry Kool-Aid because I had run out of citric acid. the inside of my dishwasher was pink for a month! The plastic containers I had inside the dishwasher were also stained.

Begin making the recipe by adding all of the ingredients to the mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is dry as any water that contacts the citric acid will cause it to fizz. Use the large spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together.

If you would like you can use about 40 drops of essential oil such as lemon, orange or grapefruit to scent your detergent. This really isn't necessary though as fragrance isn't something most people want their dishes to have. Also if you choose to use essential oil, make sure to add it to the detergent last and slowly stir the blend. The oil will react with the citric acid present in the detergent causing it to fizz a little.

Once you have blended all of the ingredients pour your finished dishwasher detergent into your storage container of choice and place the lid on the container securely. To use your dishwasher detergent, fill the soap dispenser on your dishwasher with the same amount of detergent you would use with commercial products then run your dishwasher as you normally would.