Mix all ingredients together and store in a lidded container. This will last a LONG time!
For light loads, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled loads, use 2 tablespoons.
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
I use 1 box baking soda, 1 box cheap powder dish washer soap and 1 box borax mix it all together and put in a covered container works great!
Carole from Maine
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
I've tried the baking soda/borax mix with no success, I always have residue. I've tried vinegar in the Jet Dri cup, vinegar in the tub, vinegar in the rinse cyle, less detergent, etc. and no luck. Does anyone have ideas for getting rid of the residue? The strange thing is that it is selective--a few random things get the residue each time. I'd like to continue using this cheaper, safer alternative, but unless I can solve the residue problem it's back to Cascade.
By Fratze
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
I found this simple recipe for dishwasher soap at frugal living msn group:
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
"Use 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons borax per load."
truleelee (10/11/2004)
By ThriftyFun
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
Hi Fratze, maybe your hot water needs to be set at a higher setting? That may help the residue. I don't use my dishwasher much, but if I do, I go down the basement and turn my hot water tank up a few notches. Then when they are done, I turn it back down. Saves on my gas bill. (03/04/2006)
By Mary.
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
Drat! I still have the residue problem. I'm right there and stuck with Fratze!
This is a terrible blow, just recently cleaned out the motor andreplaced the drain motor, so everything is working mechanically.
Please help! (01/18/2009)
By ExtremeFrugalist
Automatic Dishwasher Powder
AHA! I think I know why our dishes turn out cloudy and with a powdery film all over when we use the Borax and Washing Soda Dishwasher Detergent Recipe.
Well, try this now: Use that 1 Tbsp. of Borax and 1 Tbsp. Washing Soda. This time, mix it with a little water before you put it into the detergent reservoir. Like, in a little cup or something. Try not to get any of this slush on the rim of the door.
No matter what we did, everything came out covered in a stubborn with "powdery looking" residue. I think this is caused by the fact that you are putting dry powder in the reservoir.
The reservoir is not waterproof, so water gets in before the door is opened. In fact, the door can't open easily because powder has become a paste, a lump glued onto the walls of the reservoir." The door opens MUCH LATER than it should. Hence the un-rinsed off residue.
If this doesn't work for you, please make the "gel" recipe and I'm sure that will do the trick! (01/22/2009)
By ExtremeFrugalist
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Request: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Archived on 09/21/2009
How do you make homemade dishwasher powder?
Pam from Australia
Feedback:
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Just a note about the bleach as detergent suggestion: If you are on a septic system like we are, the bleach can actually kill all of the beneficial bacteria. Use it sparingly. (02/01/2009)
By Jessica
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Just FYI: "Fruit Fresh" is ascorbic acid (vitamin C), not citric acid. It should still work similarly, though it is less acidic than the citric, and so more would be required to get the same effect. (02/02/2009)
By Dave
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I use only bi carb of soda in dishwasher, works well. Use bi carb also in my washing machine for my clothes then use the grey water for my trees. Stubborn stains may need to be pre soaked first. (02/03/2009)
By mango
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I'm running my first load with my homemade mix:
- 1/2 cup borax (20 mule team)
- 1/2 cup washing soda (by Arm and Hammer)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Fruit Fresh.
I put some in my first dispenser and some in the closed one. (some = about 1 tablespoon). I'm exited about the thought of saving $$. We've been using Everyday Living products from Fry's grocery (Kroger) and really like them. I like saving even bigger, though! I'll post my results after the dishwasher is done. Oh, BTW, my rinse dispenser still had some store brand jet-dry in it, so no vinegar today. (02/08/2009)
By TeresaR
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I too, am interested in becoming more green;however, instead of "jumping right in," I wish to research first. My husband bought me a couple of books about Natural Cleaning. One book appears to liberally use Borax, the other book actually complains that we should not use too much borax.
I do not have an "automatic dishwasher."; I am the dishwasher, and I do not have my own dishcleaner yet; however, I would like to share with all of you, from this book, why Borax should be used sparingly. (Thriftyfun, if I've misquoted, or "done it wrong," please let me know so I can "make it right.")
In the book, "HOME HINTS AND TIPS: The New Guide to Natural, Safe, and Healthy Living" by Rosamond Richardson, published by DK Publishing, Copyright circa 2003, American Edition, Dorling Kindersley Limited Text copyright circa 2003 Rosamind Richardson
Page 47 BORAX "a naturally occurring mineral and may be used in small quantities for treating stains and mildew, and removing odors. However, it contains the element boron, which cannot biodegrade, and consequently should only be used sparingly."
Also, in this same book, in the Glossary,page 187, under BORON, "Boron is an essential mineral for plants but not animals. In fact, it can be toxic in excess." In the same book, on page 186, BORAX, "widely and diversely used , for example, as a mild antiseptic, a cleansing agent, a water softener, and in the manufacture of enamels, shellacs, heat-resistent glass, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. It contains the element boron" And again, the same book, on page 186 under BORON& "A mineral element that is a necessary food supplement for some living creatures, but can be damaging at high levels."
What is a low, safe level of Borax? I don't know. From the book I quoted out of, Borax contains Boron, a mineral that cannot biodegrade, so the more it's used, the more it builds up in the septic, etc. The book also says Boron is toxic in high amounts. What is a high amount? I don't know, but I would think if I were washing dishes on an everyday basis with it, it would definitely build up, and probably become toxic.
I really want to be "green" but I also want to be smart about it. I am really proud to say that in my community, I can recycle plastics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. I can also recycle cans without having to remove the labels (no food stuck to them, of course), and I don't have to crush the cans. I can also recycle, (and this excites me), newspapers with inserts, magazines, books, catalogs, phone books, and junkmail, along with glass. cardboard, and food boxes that don't have any food stuck to them. I can also recycle aluminum foil as long as there isn't any food stuck to it.
I have a type of septic system, and I don't want Borax building up on the property. Borax is nonbiodegradable, and can be toxic in "large amounts," I don't know the math.
I did see a couple of dishwasher recipes that looked safer than the ones with Borax. Because of what I read in the above book, I would be afraid to use Borax on a daily basis in a dishwasher, because I'm afraid it could build up on the dishes, pots and pans. Borax could build up in septic or septic type systems, and not only that, even in a city, Borax could build up in water supplies.
I've heard the scare stories about Los Angeles, and how anti-depressants and such are showing up in the water, is Borax or nonbiodegradable Boron next? (02/08/2009)
By Carol L.
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
The dishwasher is done and it is amazing! No more $$ at the grocery store for the liquid dishwasher detergent! Way cool! (02/09/2009)
By TeresaR
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I just wanted to add what I found this am: ";Now, none of these risks mean that you shouldn't use borax. If you do a bit of research, you will find risks associated with all cleaning products, natural or man-made. However, you do need to be aware of product risks so that you can use those products properly. Don't use borax around food, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and make sure you rinse borax out of clothes and off of surfaces before use."
Retrieved fromhttp://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/a/howboraxworks.htm
I don't know, but I'm going to do more research! thanks to Carol for the added information. (02/09/2009)
By TeresaR
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Just to let everyone know. I still am using regular detergent in my dishwasher ( although I'm currently trying to find a good recipe for homemade stuff). However, my kids were frequently getting strep throat when they were little and the Doctor told me to use bleach in the dishwasher since strep can live on anything plastic for 24 hours or more. It worked and since bleach naturally dissolves after drying, it is safe for the kids to eat on after washing. I don't use it in the dishwasher all of the time now, but I will put some in the dispenser with the other soap, if someone at home has been sick. Another tip is to put toothbrushes in the dishwasher with bleach after someone in the house has been sick. (02/13/2009)
By Tara
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I have tried the equal parts of Washing soda and Borax (1 tablespoon of each) to each load in my dishwasher for a month now. I've read all these comments raving about how great it does. I'm going back to regular dishwasher detergent, my dishes look terrible! They don't get clean, and my glasses and silverware have a white yucky film on them that I had to scrub off with dish soap and vinegar. What could I be doing wrong? (02/18/2009)
By Diane
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
To make sure the dishes come out sparkling clean, you have to add salt to the mixture. I mix 1 cup Borax, 1 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup sea salt in a margarine container and mix it well. Works great! (03/02/2009)
By EJDCJ
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Re: bleach as an antiseptic; more environmentally friendly is hydrogen peroxide which can be bought in gallon size bottles at most grocery stores. We keep our toothbrushes soaking in it and have had no plaque buildup on our teeth since. Use it to disinfect counter tops, bleach stains, and probably could be used in the dishwasher as well. Re: borax, I'm not concerned about using it. 20 Mule Team has been around as long as I can remember. I'd much prefer that to toxic household cleaners. Re: washing soda, I called Alicia at Arm and Hammer and ordered my two and got the free shipping. Awesome deal. (03/12/2009)
By maleesh
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I made a mixture of 20 mule team borax, washing soda, fruit fresh, and glycerin yesterday and it took forever to cook! It was worth it as three loads have gone through the dishwasher and the glassware looks great. I allowed the finished product to cool in a glass gallon jar and kept mixing it as it cooled. It did settle, but a good shake is all it take to have a liquid dishwasher detergent for pennies! I didn't measure as I mixed, but I did use much less washing soda than borax. Worth the effort to use my dishwasher for pennies rather than the store bought product! (03/15/2009)
By TeresaR
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Tip: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Archived on 07/01/2007
A while back, I asked if anyone had a tip on making homemade dishwasher detergent. I got the reply to use 1/8 cup bleach, to dissolve the grease, using no soap at all and 1/8 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle to alleviate the lime deposits and get streak free dishes and glasses. WOW, WOW, WOW, did it ever work. I will forever use this recipe. Thanks ever so much.
By Jamish from Ransom, Kansas
Editor's Note: Make sure you add the vinegar at the rinse cycle, as described in the tip, and not when you add the bleach or it will create a horrible gas.
Feedback:
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I had trouble finding washing soda too until I went out to make some adjustments to my swimming pool water and read the label on the ph increase I got from litehouse pools, sodium carbonate 100%, same as the name brand washing soda!
By Tammy
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I used to add bleach to the dishwasher. My daughter worked at whirpool in customer relations. She said the bleach ruins the gasket eventualy and causes leakage. just a heads up.
By Ariela
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Please don't use bleach in your dishwasher if you or anyone in your family has breathing problems like asthma or heart conditions. The fumes from bleach will trigger both of these problems. And the hot steam from the dishwasher (or washing machine) will make the fumes spread even more than if you were just using it in the sink.
By Karen
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I simply use a very tiny bit of liquid dish soap ( not a dishwasher kind) and then add about 1/2 - 1 cup of vinegar at the beginning of each cycle. I set the dishwasher as usual and forget it. The dishes come out every bit as clean as they did buying commercial dishwasher detergants, which are very toxic according to a news broadcast that I heard. I am trying to go more natural in many areas of life.
By cathy
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Just a heads up... mixing ANY kind of acid based product (including vinegar), or ammonia, with bleach can create extremely toxic chloride fumes.
By Kat63
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I tried the borax and baking soda recipe with vinegar as a rinse aid but my dishes came out horribly filmy, so I let vinegar soak in the dishwasher overnight and ran it empty, then I tried the recipe at the top of the page for a little normal dish soap and 1/2 C vinegar and my dishes came out beautiful. I'm not sure which one did the trick but it works.
By niboki07But
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I just got my dishwasher 2007 model which I installed myself saving $200 bucks and pickup $3.00 part at Home Depot just to get the hot water connected. Don't need to spend $15 bucks on a kit if you 'already had a dishwasher hookup. Anyway the unit came with a sample of Cascade Complete and Cascade Glass Spotter. I had Jet Dry Costco Jumbo Size already to last me a very long time. I also had Costco Krikland Sigtinure Series Automatic Dishwashing Detergent. I've tested that in my new one by itself. I it didn't clean the stainless steel pots and fooks, spoons and knifes so well.
So I gone back with Cascade 2-in-1 Pacs with Dawn did try that with one pad, but found out the hard way you need to use two of those. That did a very good job, but I did add Cascade Complete to the pre-rinse even though that product tells you you don't need to do it. Yeah, yeah. Pots and pans and everything else came out super duper clean. I ran out of the 2-in-1 pads they seem expensive to keep on adding them in. Costco has them for $12 for 90 pads, Wal-Mart 80 pads for $12, 50 pads for $8. I just got the biggest box of Cascade Complete at Costco for $7 bucks..
That cleans everything I put in the dishwasher even cast iron with oil. If it can't clean that then forget it. Which id did clean it so well maybe too well but hey just have to oil the iron and I back in business.
I use the Cascade Complete in both places also add a pre-wash. Just to play it safe. I'll stick with this product I did see the Bleach version but don't know if that's a good idea to smell bleach flumes during the drying cycle..
Good luck, making your own still cheaper to buy the ready made product.
By tipstir
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I use 1/2 cup borax (can find at walmart, foodlion or publix) and 1/2 cup washing soda (can find at publix or kroger),and vinegar in the rinse.
By tanya
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Tip: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Archived on 10/31/2006
I tried making my own laundry detergent with Zote Laundry soap and Borax. I did not have any washing soda and was dying to make the detergent, so I experimented.
I used 1/3 bar Zote and 1 cup borax powder. I covered the Zote with water and melted it in the microwave until smooth then added the borax to almost 2 gallons of water. I split this between two ice cream buckets (5 quart size). Next, I divided the Zote soap liquid between the buckets and stirred well.
After the stuff gelled up, I tried it for laundry and it worked pretty well, I did have some things that needed stain treated after washing once, but it worked pretty well for a pretreat gel.
Since the Borax and Zote are both recommended for dishes and the detergent is non-sudsing, I tried it in my dishwasher, and it worked well, but be sure to use a rinse agent or vinegar in the rinse because of possible residue.
Cost = 48 Cents Per 2 Gallons
Even if you use 1 cup per load for laundry, this is a lot cheaper than anything else!!
Just as good for dishwasher and easier to store:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
2-3 tablespoons citric acid (I used Fruit Fresh)
Use about 2 tablespoons per wash, this left no residue.
Cost = Around a penny per load
I bought my fruit fresh after season and got a mark-down. It will last more than 10 loads. I was buying detergent on sale that was 10 cents per load.
Feedback:
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I am debating on making some dishwasher detergent for us to use. Why the fruit fresh (the citric acid)? With the borax, baking soda and fruit fresh do you need to use a rinsing agent, like vinegar? (10/19/2004)
By valleyrimgirl
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Honestly, it's kinda funny. After having it sitting around for a long time and then reading about cleaning out your dishwasher by using Tang because it has citric acid, I figured it might be a good addition.
I figured it may cut out the rinse agent, but I filled my rinse agent well just a few days before my *big idea*, so I'll have to wait and see. So far, there is no residue,
Also, I was using way too much (filling the compartment) and it was leaving white dusty residue behind... use ONLY a tablespoon or two at most!! I have hard water, and two is sufficient for me.
(10/20/2004)
By breezeetew
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Rethinking the Fruit fresh idea. It's causing my detergent to get kinda moist and clumpy. It is ok for me, but wanted to warn you that my *big idea* is not working out like I had hoped! (10/21/2004)
By breezeetew
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I use the 2 TBSP baking soda/borax mix and vinegar in the JetDri cup and am still getting residue.
How about putting the vinegar straight in the tub with the detergent? or adding it directly to the rinse cycle? how much vinegar? (11/26/2004)
By fratze
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Several years ago I discovered a tip for when you run out of automatic dishwashing soap. In the dishwasher dispenser - mine was in the door of the dishwasher - make a thick paste of 2 parts baking soda to one part liquid dish soap (Joy, Dawn, etc.). Run your dishwasher as normal.
The baking soda prevents the sudsing over that happens when you use liquid soap by itself. It also aids in getting your dishes really clean. You might like it well enough to use all the time! (03/06/2005)
By Elizabeth
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
For those of you who are Costco members, they are offering "buy one-get-one free" Electrasol 2 in 1 Tabs with Jet dry powerball. (This week only coupon item). Thats 150 days worth of dishwashing (why mess with making detergent?). Also I put vinegar in my rinse cycle instead of Jet dry. (great savings!) and no water marks. (03/07/2005)
By pbcml
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I always use 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of washing soda (not baking soda) and mix in a jar and use 1 or 2 tablespoons for each load of dishes. I also use vinegar in the rinse cycle. (03/18/2005)
By smathis123
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I have tried Borax & baking soda and vinegar in the rinse cyle, my dishes come out with this film on them. Then I tried Borax & Washing Soda with the vinegar in the rinse, and still the same! There is still lipstick prints on the glasses when they come out! (05/15/2005)
By Tresses
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I use white vinegar as a laundry rinse after using my homemade laundry liquid (made with little scraps of soap grated, washing soda and borax), but I put herb sprigs into the vinegar first to make it smell nicer. I like to stuff sprigs of lavender into the vinegar, but mint is also nice, or rosemary. (08/25/2005)
By ecoangel
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
HI all. Just reading over these posts and I see a common "filmy residue" theme occurring.
First, only a rinse agent or pure white vinegar (nothing else) should ever go in your rinse agent dispenser. Baking soda will leave a film if used in quantity as will Borax as a rinse agent.
These ingredients listed seem fine for washing. The citric acid simply helps with dissolving calcium and lime (hard water!) during washing and drying cycles.
A better alternative to actual citric acid, which is caustic, than fruit fresh is a packet of unsweetened lemonade powder. Walmart sells them for less than 10 cents apiece. Put one of these in your powder if you like.
Also, use 3 packets of lemonade powder (unsweetned) into your dishwashing dispenser and run and empty cycle. This cleans your dishwasher and heating element of deposits and grime and costs less than 30 cents vs. other expensive "dishwasher cleaners". It's also cheaper than Tang.
Finally, if you are using homemade detergent and a vinegar or rinse agent (again, never use any soda or borax, etc in your rinse dispenser), you may simply have a hard water or dirty dish problem.
Check your water softener or simply that you are rinsing dishes well before loading (I dont' care how well dishwashers promise to work, I have never been able to load a dish that is not well rinsed haha). Lipstick is full of waxes and oils and fats and a quick rinse and rub may elminate this residue problem.
I made my own dishwashing gel before but wasn't happy with the results. It didn't gel just right, then when it did gel, it wouldn't mix with the water and was clumpy. I may try your suggestion, but so far I find the electrasol tabs most convenient. I always use vinegar in my rinse dispenser and our dishes are always sparkling. No need to buy Jet Dri or other expensive agents.
(09/10/2005)
By Missy
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I am still filmy. I used all the above recipes and one that was liquid 1/2 c castile soap. 1/2 c water and a little lemon juice and tea tree oil, just a drop and still filmy yes there is vinager in the rinse compartment. Any ideas? Otherwise it back to 7th generation brand (09/12/2005)
By jsjamr
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Try this: 1/8 cup bleach for the wash cycle, nothing else - no soaps, borax or anything. Just bleach. Then, 1/8 cup white vinegar for the rinse, nothing else. The bleach is alkaline and disintegrates grease. The vinegar is acid and disintegrates lime deposits. You should end up with clean, grease free, disinfected dishes without water spots and film. Glass will become permanently filmed over when using most commercial dishwasher products, and soda, too, because of the "grit". Soda is gritty. I use it to clean marks on my linoleum just as I might use powdered cleanser like Ajax or Comet. Soda actually etches fine lines into glass. Castille soap can be used only in very soft water, so if you want to use it you'll need a water softener, not a softener that is added at the time of washing. (12/08/2005)
By Kathleen Rounds
RE: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Does the bleach hurt stainless steel/copper? Sometimes I throw my pot/pans in to save time (i know!) (01/29/2006)
By camo_angels
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