How to Make Dishwasher Soap

In an effort to save money some people choose to make their own automatic dishwasher soap. Knowing how to make your own dishwasher soap is also a good idea in case you run out of soap and want to get your dishes clean.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Mix together 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of baking soda. Store the mixture in a plastic container with a tight fitting lid. Shake it before each use to mix it back up. Use 1 to 2 tsp. for each load of dishes you wash.

2. Consider adding 1 to 2 tsp. of citric acid to your homemade dishwasher soap if you want a lemony smell. The citric acid also helps to prevent spotting. One of the more popular brands is Fresh Fruit.

3. Try mixing your homemade dishwasher soap with store bought dishwasher soap in a 50/50 mixture if you find that the homemade soap leaves a white film on your dishes after they are washed.

4. Add 1 tsp. of cornstarch or white vinegar to the rinse cycle if you have a problem with spotting. You can put the cornstarch or vinegar in the reservoir of your dishwasher that is used for Jet Dry and similar rinse-agent products.

Tips & Warnings

• In a pinch, you can also use regular dish soap in your dishwasher, but be sure to use only a couple of drops and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Regular dish soap foams too much when used in and automatic dishwasher. The baking soda helps to neutralize the foaming action of the soap.
• Some people suggest using bleach in your dishwasher to clean your dishes. Although bleach works fine for getting the dishes clean, over time the bleach corrodes the gaskets on the dishwasher and causes it to leak.