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Monday, September 8, 2008

Homemade Dishwashing Powder


Since a few people have asked about it, I thought I'd post the recipe I use for our dishwashing machine powder. Just like making your own laundry powder, the recipe is variable depending on where you live and what your water is like. So even though I don't have the powder exactly the way I want, doesn't mean you can't give it a shot!

First off, I found the base recipe on this blog. Go over and look around- it's a great blog!




Dishwasher Powder

1 cup Borax
1 cup baking soda
1 packet lemon Kool-Aid

Use 1-2 Tablespoons per load.

Now, I just realized that I threw in WASHING soda, not baking soda. Preggo brain strikes again. We'll see how it does. Also, I intend to start filling my "rinse aid" cup with vinegar. My recipe doubles the Kool-Aid called for, and I'm hoping that the double citric acid combined with the vinegar will be enough to stop the film that's formed on my dishes. Also, this doesn't cut grease especially well. But for right now, the lack of harsh detergents and great price is trumping out the work involved in rinsing the peanut butter off my knives.

And finally, a house-keeping note. No, I am not feverishly posting every day. On Friday I wrote up a few posts as I worked on last-minute projects before the baby's imminent arrival. It may be a while before I get back to these household chores and crafting moments!

5 comments:

Casey said...

If I had a dishwasher I'd totally give it a shot! I love the little jars you have it stored in. :)

Kat said...

I will deff try this. Just minus the cool-aid ;)

Simone said...

And this is today's daily Twitter How-To. Thanks a bunch

Kala said...

I love this idea and I tried it myself at home. I'm having a problem with the dishes not getting completely rinsed off. there is a little white residue on some of the dishes. We use jet dry but I am wondering if there is anything else i can use to help with this? Thanks

Myrnie said...

Hi Kala- So much depends on your local water. Try adding white vinegar to your rinse aid cup, try using less powder, try a different ratio of baking soda to borax, try no citric acid, etc. White vinegar really helps a lot, but I do find that my glasses get a little cloudy too.