How to Make Your Own Oxygen Bleach Dishwasher Detergent
Oxygen bleach releases oxygen when it is added to water, bleaching and removing stains and dirt on the items being cleaned. Unlike toxic chlorine bleach, the by-products of oxygen bleach are soda ash and borax. Soda ash and borax are nontoxic to humans and animals, making them safer for your family and the environment. Making your own cleaning products, such as dishwasher detergent with added oxygen bleach, is an easy way to be more environmentally friendly, save some money and provide a less-toxic home for your family. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring cup
- Washing soda
- Glass storage container with lid
- Borax
- Powdered oxygen bleach
- Kosher salt
- Citric acid
Instructions
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Gather the necessary ingredients and materials to make your homemade dishwasher detergent.
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Measure 1 cup of washing soda and add it to a clean glass storage container.
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Add 1 cup of borax to the storage container.
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Measure and add 3/4 cup powdered oxygen bleach to the mixture in the storage container.
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Pour 1/2 cup each kosher salt and citric acid to the glass storage container.
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Place the lid onto the storage container, making sure that the lid is secure.
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Hold the storage container in your hands with your fingers beneath the container and your thumbs on top of the lid, helping to hold the lid on more securely.
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Shake the container (gently) to mix all of the detergent ingredients. Gently shake the container for 30 seconds to 1 minute to combine all of the ingredients thoroughly.
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Use 2 to 3 tbsp. of your homemade dishwasher detergent for each load of dishes you wash.
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Store the homemade dishwasher detergent in the glass storage container with the lid on to keep the detergent fresh.
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Tips & Warnings
Citric acid may not be readily available in all grocery stores. If you are unable to find citric acid for your recipe, simply purchase a few packets of sugar-free lemonade mix and use enough packets to make up 1/2 cup. Make sure to only buy sugar free (to avoid a sticky mess) and only buy regular lemonade, not pink lemonade or other colors of drink mix, as the colors may make a mess in the dishwasher and dye the dishwasher (and your dishes) whatever color the drink mix is.
For a nontoxic and inexpensive spot-free rinse aid, simply fill your rinse aid dispenser with distilled white vinegar.
References
- Photo Credit Kraig Scarbinsky/Digital Vision/Getty Images
