Is it just me, or is dishwasher detergent stupidly expensive? The worst part is that it’s one of those things we go through like crazy around here. I’ve been kind of toying with the idea of making my own lately.
Have you tried making your own? Are you happy with the results? I’ve done a ton of research and found that with dishwasher detergent, in particular, there are definitely mixed reviews. I basically don’t want it to leave my dishes cloudy. A big thanks to Kendra for telling me about this one:
Ingredients
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid {this is supposed to help with that cloudy problem I’m trying to avoid}
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
Mix all of the ingredients together and use 1 tbsp. per load. It is supposed to be even more effective if you use vinegar in the rinse aid part of your dishwasher.
I’ll keep you posted on the results. Let me know what you think if you try it!
~Mavis
Veronica says
LOL, I JUST made some of this yesterday! How did you know?
Mavis Butterfield says
All the cool people are doing it I guess. 😉
Elise says
I can’t wait to hear how this works, with the powdered citric acid. I made a half-batch of your earlier lemon juice version, and had to give up on it after 4-5 loads because the glasses and plasticware were cloudy. I even added vinegar to the rinse compartment and that didn’t help enough. I’ve seen one that uses a product called “Lemonshine” or something like that, but I didn’t feel like buying that too.
Kamiko says
Actually, the Lemonshine is what’s missing from your formula. i have been on many boards, and that is the product that solves the cloudy glasses every time.
Laura says
Actually, Lemishine (brand name) is citric acid, so Mavis does have it in her recipe, just in a less costly form.
Rosaleen says
I am using your tablet version with vinegar as the rinse agent. Without it, the glasses are cloudy. I do find that I have to scrub off the dishes before they go into the dishwasher, so the homemade tablets are more degreasing and sanitizing the dishes.
Do you have an inexpesive source of citric acid? Unless it is cheap, this solution may not be a big money saver VS the store house brnads.
Cecily says
You can also sub 10-15 packets of lemon flavored kool-ade for the citric acid if you can’t find it.
Barbara says
That was exactly what I was going to ask.. where to get that Citric Acid… thanks Cecily….
Kelly says
I think this recipe only works if you don’t have hard water. I made a batch very similar to this, along with vinegar in the rinse also. Worked okay at first, but over time it stopped cleaning well at all. Our water is pretty hard and the only “natural” dishwasher detergent I’ve found that works is Grab Green, http://www.amazon.com/Grab-Green-Automatic-Dishwashing-Lemongrass/dp/B003GWF3R4, which has natural water softeners added. If you have hard water, I wouldn’t even bother trying do it your self recipes.
Megan says
I’ve been using homemade detergent for a while now and I think I finally found the trick to using it and not ending up with cloudy dishes. I keep a bag full of washing soda and a separate bag of borax under my sink. I add half a tablespoon of each to the compartment and then add a gluge of vinegar to it before I close it, and that’s it. I also use vinegar in the rinse compartment. Since I started doing this I’ve never had a problem with cloudiness like I did before.
Kayla says
For the Citric Acid: look in the canning section with the boxed pectin. It comes in a jar that is green and shouldn’t be that expensive. One jar makes this recipe about three times. Here is the Amazon link if you need a visual: http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Jar-Citric-Acid-7-5-Ounce/dp/B007CRHD4U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384201442&sr=8-4&keywords=citric+acid
I have used this recipe for several months and found it works –if — you use the vinegar and 2-5 drops of dish soap. I have tried replacing the citric acid with lemon Kool-Aid and found it was better. It leaves your dishes smelling lemony-fresh and doesn’t go hard.
One thing to note about this recipe: It goes solid over time. Don’t make too big of a batch or it will be like scrapping through really hard dirt. If you use the Kool-Aid, it doesn’t go hard over time. I have opted to use the Kool-Aid because it still washes my dishes and I can make a huge batch and not worry about it for a long time.
If you want to be really cool, you can pre-measure a single load worth in mini muffin paper cups and put a 2-5 drops of dish soap in each cup to make the hard tabs-like the Finish tabs that cost a fortune. Just measure out 1 Tbsp recipe above, plus 2-5 drops of dish soap and let it sit on the counter for a day or two. Once they are hard, I move them into a container (with the paper muffin liners still attached) and pull one out whenever I am doing a load of dishes. Even my 6 year old son can do this. Don’t wash the paper muffin liner though.
Karen says
Citric Acid is readily available in the Canning section of your store.
I recently bought it in a plastic bottle– 7.5 ounces for $2.97 in a big box store, OR you can order it online in bulk.
Might find it at the health food store, or similar place– in bulk as well.
🙂
Jamie says
I tried the first homemade detergent you posted, and unfortunately it did not work well for me. Food was still left on my dishes and the shine on my stainless steal pots and silverware was gone. They looked horrible. I would really love if those of you who try this recipe would share your results with the rest of us! Still love Mavis!
Gretchen says
I agree. I was inspired and excited to try the first DIY detergent recipie and it was terrible. Terrible. But, it was fun to make 😉 and of course, it has no bearing on how much I love Mavis!
Kendra says
I’ve been using this for over a year and haven’t had any issues with it clouding (I’m also terrible about rinsing off my dishes before the dishwasher). I just have to shake the box every so often because it does like to clump.
Not sure if it makes a difference but I do have dish drawers (http://www.fisherpaykel.com/us/kitchen/dishwashing/dishdrawer) instead of a normal dish washer.
Maggie says
Well, I tried the lemon “cubes” dishwasher detergent that you posted and it worked great for me! I don’t put my stainless steel pots and pans in the dishwasher so I wouldn’t know about that. The stainless steel flatware seemed fine. I’ll be making it again
and trying the vinegar in the rinse. I love the idea’s and recipes you share with us. Thanks!
Nina says
You can buy citric acid in bulk from myspicesage.com. I add 1 tbs. to my dw detergent because we have such hard water here.
I’m going to try your recipe, Mavis, and see if that works for me.
I buy in bulk to save $$ and to avoid buying small amounts in multiple packaging. Lemonshine and lemon kool-aid are citric acid, but so expensive with additives and packaging, not to mention advertising.
Cecily says
I found myspicesage.com to be more expensive than the stores in my area. Walmart in Tacoma, WA sells a 7.5 ounce bottle of citric acid for less than $3 and Winco has kool-ade packets for 10 cents each. I don’t like having all the packaging either but unfortunately, I don’t have the room to store 5 pounds of citric acid (thats how much I would have to buy to save money). I’m sure they have good prices for other parts of the U.S. based on what other readers had commented about on a previous post about food costs in other states.
Becka says
I found citric acid very inexpensively at a local middle eastern market that sells bulk spices. You might also find it at bulk Amish markets if you have one in your area.
Heather says
Mavis…I am down to my last box of Finish (from a killer sale last year…), so inquiring minds wanna know: powder or tablets? I saw your tablets recipe and was going to try, but do you think this works better? 😉
Mavis Butterfield says
I think I like the tablets better. 🙂
Heather says
🙂 Tablet making on the list of to-dos this week then. Thanks a bunch!
Jenn says
I have been making my own dish washer detergent for about a year now and I love it. My version is similar to Mavis’ but I don’t use the Borax. I do use vinegar as a rinse aid and I also add a few “glugs” from the bottle in the bottom of my dishwasher. Most of all, I like that I am doing something for my family, by knowing what chemicals I am using, and I am also helping the environment as well.
Patty says
I use this recipe and really have no complaints except that the detergent hardens up while I am waiting to use it. I have tried storing it in a plastic tub, a glass jar, and a plastic baggie. The plastic baggie works the best because I can whack it on the counter to get it to break apart….I’m not sure why it hardens up! This is the only thing that I don’t like about this formula!
Christina says
Have you tried storing in actual Tupperware? It’s probably getting moisture inside from a none airtight container… Especially if stored somewhere a little humid.
Amy says
I may try this. However, one of the things that may be affecting why things work for some and not all is the type of water we are using. Hard, soft, well and even then, depending on the level of chlorine (if on city water) or other trace minerals found in your water. Just a thought.
kate says
I made this before and was not happy with the results. My dishes and glasses came out cloudy. I even put vinegar in the rinse compartment. Could be the heavy lime in our water so I really can not blame the detergent It also turned into one solid mass even though it was in a plastic container. Because I can not waste anything, I broke it apart and I use it as a scrub for anything baked onto my pans and casserole dishes. I hate using brillo pads and I hate soaking things overnight and this is a better alternative. Just a little shake into the dish or pan and a rub with the dish cloth and everything is sparkly clean. And it is not harsh on my hands. This is the only thing that I have tried from Mavis and was not happy with but it ended up becoming an awesome baked on casserole/pot scrub. I always keep it under the sink. Now my mom makes it after she came to visit and tried it. Moral of the story is even though it did not work for me as a dish washer detergent I discovered an awesome scrub agent. Thanks Mavis!
Molly Armstrong says
Agree with Jenn! I’ve been using this for a year–without the salt. Just 1:1 Borax and washing soda. I also add white vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar in the compartment for “rinsing liquid.” No cloudiness, unless the vinegar runs out–then I know. And no vinegar-y smell. Just clean dishes.
I use the same mix (1:1 Borax and washing soda) plus a bar of soap (that I grate up and stir/shake in) for my laundry soap. Saving a bundle, and I can control the scent (of my favorite natural soap–or no scent at all), and am doing better by the environment than if I was buying container after container of laundry and dish soap! Yipppeee!
(My newest favorite DIY; face powder–from argile green clay powder and organic corn starch–a tiny pinch of organic cocoa for tint if needed. I have sensitive skin, and this has not only not caused breakouts, I think it’s done my skin good!). Hoooraaay for modern homesteading!
Kim says
I use equal amounts of Borax and the Arm & Hammer Washing Soda for the wash. For those of you who use salt and/or kosher salt according to my plumber it ruins pipes within the house. For the copper it creates the aged look (the green patina) and it eventually will clog those pipes because it creates layers, the lead pipes just isn’t good and there are so many issues with lead. The salt will also eat at the hoses and gaskets in the dishwasher!
I just made my own body wash . . 3 gallons for $3.00! Does it get any better than that . . I don’t think so!
I have also made my own troothpaste which I got 2 thumbs up from my dentist last week! It whitens and is better than any product he’s seen on the market! I got raving results and no cavities!!
Megan says
Kim, I would love your recipes for the body wash and toothpaste!!!
Kim says
Megan! No trouble . . I remember these recipes because they are so simple!
TOOTHPASTE
3 TBSP BAKING SODA
3 TBSP COCONUT OIL
2 TSP GLYCERINE
1 DROP HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
20 DROPS OF PEPPERMINT
Mix well . . now the peppermint that is a personal thing. I like it strong so try a few and go from there. I make a double batch for us (2) lasts for a month and we both brush 2x a day. You could make more but I like it when it’s fresh. Just my preference. I put mine in a little Lock n Lock type container.
BODY WASH
8 OZ OF GRATED BAR SOAP (ZEST, PHILOSOPHY, DOVE AND IT’S USUALLY 2 BARS OF SOAP) you can make a special scent for men too!
2 TBSP GLYCERINE
1/2 GALLON WATER
HEAT IN STOCK POT AFTER SOAP IS MELTED TRANSFER TO A BUCKET THAT CAN HOLD 2 GALLONS. THEN ADD ANOTHER 1/2 GALLON HOT WATER (TAP WORKS)
STIR/MIX ***be careful not to splash on yourself it’s hot!
THEN I DIVIDE MINE INTO 3 GALLON MILK JUGS ABOUT 2/3 OF THE WAY.
AGAIN THIS WILL DEPEND ON WHAT CONSISTENCY YOU LIKE BUT AFTER IT SITS FOR A WEEK IT GETS THICKER. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT WANT TO ADD MORE WATER. AFTER YOU DECIDE JUST PLACE YOUR BODY WASH INTO YOUR SHOWER CONTAINER. YES IT LOOKS LIKE SNOT . . NO OTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE IT! DIFFERENT SOAPS GIVE A DIFFERENT CONSISTENCY AS WELL. WE USE ZEST BECAUSE IT’S A GREAT SOAP AND IT’S INEXPENSIVE.
*ADDITIONAL NOTE SOME SOAPS LATHER MORE THAN OTHERS. SUDS ISN’T WHAT CLEANS US AND MANY COMPANIES, LEVER BROS., P&G ADD LATHERING AGENTS INTO THEIR BODY WASHES.
I BUY MY SOAPS ON SALE AND THAT HELPS WITH THE SAVINGS.
I have used these for 2 years now and no cavities for either of us and yes we’re clean as well!!
Good luck!
Kathryn says
We have been making our own dishwasher detergent and clothes washing detergent for almost a year now. What a savings! We do use the vinegar rinse in the dishwasher. For our clothes, at first we didn’t add any essential oils, but we are so conditioned to scent that our clothes did not smell clean to us until I started adding the few drops (about 10) for an entire batch of detergent. Now, it smells good in our laundry room, too.
ROBIN BAUMGARTEL says
You can use either this recipe or the tablets in your load of whites. It helps with grease, sweat stains, and makes them brighter.
Sheila says
I haven’t tried the homemade dish detergents yet, but I did get a box of kosher salt at a surplus outlet for $1, and I got a cheap store-brand dishwasher detergent. Dumped the dishwasher detergent out, mixed it 50-50 with the salt, and voila! 2 boxes of dishwasher detergent for a less money.
I also cut my cost on dishwasher detergent by simply using less.
How much do you think you save by making it yourself? I’ve looked into it, but have wondered just how much it is worth it, since washing soda really isn’t all that cheap.
Carolyn says
I make my own dishwasher detergent and my own washing soda (by baking – baking soda, usually when something else is in the oven). But CAUTION! I was told that vinegar can corrode the rubber seals of the rinse compartment, so I just put the vinegar in a small cup on the top shelf. Some of the dishes still don’t look perfectly shiny… oh well, it’s a lot cheaper.
Jessica kiefer says
Mavis,
I use unsweetened lemon koolaide packets instead of lemon juice(I like my mixture dry)…..I wait for Kroger to put their generic version on sale and I stock up on the packets……ten packets makes about a half cup….works for me and my dishes are shiny……You’ll need to adjust the amount of packets you use depending on if your water is hard or soft (If your dishes are cloudy…add more until they aren’t)………..my mom is a chemist and told me Koolaide has the type of acid needed (Ewwwww!…) Anyway……If you want to make pellets…..just add vinegar and go to town….lol Hope this helps….that Lemonshine stuff is expensive! This way is a lot cheaper for me……
Pam says
I’ve been using this recipe for months. Love it. So cheap to make.
Terry says
Does it clump up like other homemade dishwasher detergents?