Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Making your own dishwasher detergent is simple, inexpensive and good for the environment.

These days, more and more people are looking for ways to clean up the environment by adding some green to their lives. One way to do so is to be more environmentally conscious in your own home and use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, such as dishwasher detergent. Environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent releases fewer harsh chemicals into the waste water, and the environment in general. You can even make your own out of simple, inexpensive ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Washing soda
• Borax
• Kosher salt
• Citric acid

Instructions

1. Clean out a lidded glass jar.

2. Measure 1 cup of washing soda and pour it into the jar.

3. Measure 1 cup of borax and pour it into the jar.

4. Measure 1/2 cup kosher salt, pouring it into the jar.

5. Measure and add 1/2 cup citric acid to the jar.

6. Place the lid securely onto the jar.

7. Gently shake the jar to combine all of the ingredients to make your detergent.

8. Use 1 to 2 tbsp. detergent per load of dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Citric acid is available for purchase in most grocery stores. However, if you cannot find it, you can replace the citric acid in your recipe with enough packets of lemonade equal to 1/4 cup (2 oz. total). Use plain unsweetened lemonade, not colored drink mixes (they dye your dishes and dishwasher strange colors).

• Add distilled white vinegar to your rinse aid dispenser for an inexpensive rinse aid alternative.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organic Living"; Eliza Sarasohn and Sonia Weiss; 2009
• Planet Green: Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent