Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

[QuilterMom]

http://www.tristatecouncil.org/pages/phos.htm

Mix 250 ml (1 cup) of borax with 125 ml (1/2 cup) of baking soda. Fill the machine's detergent dispenser as usual. (Borax, or sodium borate, is a mineral salt. It is used as a degreaser, deodorizer, mild antiseptic and water softener. Look for it in the laundry section of the grocery store.) For best results, rinse dishes — especially mugs and cups — with cold water before stacking in the dishwasher.

I tried this today and it worked wonderfully! I used 1 T. of the mixture in my dishwasher (I have soft water plus a new dishwasher with a small detergent cup). Much cheaper for me than buying Cascade and such.

[guest2]

Thanks!

[tbs727]

Does anyone have a Dishwasher detergent recipe that is tried and true?

[QuilterMom]

Here's one........... http://frugalvillage.com/forums/show...threadid=49721


It worked great for me for a while and then started leaving a thin 'film' on my dishes (only dishes, not silverware, cups, etc.). Dh thinks it may have something to do with our water (well water that is high in sulfur and iron so it has to go through a chlorinator/softener system to be usable).

[tbs727]

Great! Thanks!!!

[cheapgeek]

Not sure if I should have replied here or the other thread, but... I tried this mixture and was a tad disappointed. My coffee cups were dull and stained, and avocado and peanut butter were stuck to my spoons. So I suppose I'll just use it if I know I've rinsed the coffee cups well, and I've eaten nothing that sticks to spoons.

[forestdale]

Kim, are you still using this? and if so, is it effective?

[QuilterMom]

No, we had to stop because it started leaving a chalky film on the dishes (only dishes). Dh thinks it is because of our well water. It's awful here on the coast - very high in iron and sulfur so we absolutely have to have a chlorination and softener system to make it usable. He thinks because of that system that the homemade detergent doesn't work properly.

[Rachel Barratt]

This was recommend by a lady on an English website www.moneysavingexpert.com Her brother is a dishwasher engineer and he recommended using value biological washing powder instead of expensive dishwasher tablets/powder. I've tried it with vinegar as a rinse aid and it works as well as any leading brand of dishwasher tablet. Others have also used the biological washing powder and found it works a treat. Though they said to use one that doesn't have such a strong smell. I most admit I haven't been brave enough to try it on my polished glass blender jug. I use the branded tablets with glass protection for that. My dishwasher is for a family of 4 and I live in a hard water area so I add about 2 teaspoons to the dispensing draw and I fill the rinse aid compartment with cheap vinegar.
Rachel

[miss_thrifty]

I use to use to electrosol, powder or cream, with the rinse aid from Walmart. I,ve also tried nn of 4 differn't kind and I have hard water too, twon water, yucky with lots of chlorine. I use vinegar too to clean out the dishwasher and the bathtub every evening after someone takes a bath.
I tried cascade and it doesnt too bad of ajob, that was for years in the old house with well water. But i find it exspensive. The powder or cream with the seperate rinse aid bottle.
Now i use the cascade 2in 1 too. easy and dishes are pretty clean here.

[YankeeMom]

What is biological washing powder?

I use Electrosol tabs w/ the rinsing aid in it. I've tried the cheaper liquid/powder ones and they don't work worth a darn.

[VindiPlum]

I guess a biological washing powder would contain enzymes that break down blood/soil??
I also use vinegar in my dishwasher. I love the shine when I am using an economical dish washing solution/powder.

[schellie69]

I have used the powder and tablets that I got at the everything's a dollar store, it works just as good as the other stuff, I also, have thought about putting vinegar in my dishwasher, but have enough samples of jet dry to hold me over for a awhile,

[Rachel Barratt]

Biological washing powder is the one that contains enzymes. I use my local stores economy brand. It works out at 50p a kilo. Lasts ages.

[mom2hancj]

Anyone make it? Anyone use it with good success? I saw a recipe for it and would like to give it a go if it is worth the money.