I became concerned some time ago that my dishes always have a film of soap/residue on them when I unload the dishwasher. Not sure I want to be eating that?
I am using this recipe to make my own and I like it 200% better. The dishes come out squeaky clean and it costs much less than buying Cascade.
Ingredients in Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Your environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent is going to have four main ingredients.
– Washing Soda—This stuff has been around forever. It is a natural substance, made from salt and limestone. Scientifically it is known as sodium carbonate. It cuts grease on anything and can be used for many (if not most) of the cleaning projects in your home. Arm and Hammer puts it out in the United States. If you can’t find it at your grocers you can find it on Amazon and other places online.
– Borax—Borax occurs naturally in the environment and can be mined as well as created in a lab. It is toxic in concentrated amounts, and you should keep it out of the reach of children. You can find it by the laundry detergent; Borateem is one brand.
– Kosher Salt—Kosher salt is a pure salt. I use it for cooking because the food tastes cleaner. I have also used regular salt, when I was out of the kosher salt.
– Citric acid—You can buy food grade citric acid like Fruit Fresh. You can also use unsweetened lemonade packets (like Crystal Light); the main ingredient is citric acid.
– 1 T rice (prevents clumping)
Recipe for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
– 1 cup Washing soda
– 1 cup Borax
– ½ cup salt
– ½ cup citric acid
Mix together and store tightly covered in a Mason Jar. Use one tablespoon per load. Add white vinegar to the rinse dispenser as a substitute for rinse agent.
life as it should be 