Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Do you have one of those machines my brother-in-law calls 'the other cupboard'?  Other wise known as a dishwasher.   If you do, then your also familiar with buying dishwasher detergent to clean your dishes.

But did you know that you can make your own?  And it's quite simple, and easy to do.  

But first I'd like to give a word of warning.   When our dishwasher was less than a year old we started having problems with it, and then it wouldn't work.  So we had to call the repair man out, luckily it was still under warranty with Sears.   But prior to that I had been using the gel dishwasher detergent.  And this repair man told me that that was the worst thing possible, because it leaves 'gunk' in the lines and will clog the draining system.   Which is what happened to our dishwasher.   And he advised us never to use the liquid gel stuff again.    His other bit of advice was not to use the cheap powder forms of dishwasher detergent because they contain “filler” and that isn't good for your dishwasher either.   He didn't name brands but this is what he told me.   So do your dishwasher a favor and don't buy the gel, or the cheap powder forms.

He also said if your hot water heater is far from your dishwasher and it takes a minute or two to get hot water in your kitchen taps then you should also run your kitchen sink tap till you get hot water.  This way it's easier on your dishwasher and it will last longer if it doesn't have to work so hard heating up that cold water to the temperature that is required.

There are two popular recipes available on the Internet.

The first recipe is to mix in a container equal parts borax and baking soda.  Mix well, and use as you normally would in your dishwasher.

The second recipe is actually the one that I use myself.  
In a large bowl, I mix equal parts borax, baking soda AND Cascade Dishwasher Detergent.   Mix well, and put it into a container of choice and use as you normally would use in your dishwasher.

In the rinse aid spot use straight white vinegar from the bottle.    This will help keep your dishes cloud free and without water spots.

Now go ahead and try this, and save a little money on the side.