Make your own Dishwasher Detergent

You may know that you can make your own laundry soap, but did you know you can make your own dish washing soap too? For pennies you can wash your dishes and get them clean while doing your part to protect the earth from harsh chemical additives. This simple detergent is safe for your dishwasher, safe for your dishes and will not give off any toxic fumes while your dish washer is running. Add vinegar to your rinse compartment and you will have sparkling clean dishes in no time for a fraction of the cost of commercial products.

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 vinegar to the rinse dispenser for the best results.

Your environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent is going to have four main ingredients.

• Washing Soda—This 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 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. You can find it by the laundry detergent most commonly under the brand 20 Mule Team. Borax has no toxic fumes and is safe for the environment. Borax can irritate skin and should not be ingested. Keep out of reach of children.
  


• Kosher Salt—Kosher salt is a pure salt.


• Citric acid—You can buy food grade citric acid like Fruit Fresh or just use unsweetened lemonade packets.