DIY Dish Detergent w/o Borax

I have been experimenting with DIY products for a few months now.

With each new product I try I learn something new.  Some of the most important lessons I have learned are:

1.  Make a small batch to begin with and try it a few times

2.  Store powder mixtures in airtight containers

3.  Once you open the ingredients used to make the products put the reminder in airtight containers

I made and tried a different DIY dishwasher detergent, but for my dishwasher it did not withstand the test of time.  It did a great job of cleaning my dishes to being with, but after about a week the mixture became hard.  So I broke it up and remixed it.  When I used it after that my glasses and plastic dishes came out with a film on them.  I do not think that the container I kept the detergent in was airtight and the mixture became hard when air got to it.

I decided to try a different approach to the whole DIY dishwasher detergent.  I have been using the following recipe for several months and it has continued to work well for me.

What you will need:

1 1/2 cups of Lemi Shine (found near the dishwasher detergents)

1 1/2 cups of washing soda (found near the laundry detergents)

1/2 cup of baking soda (found in the baking aisle)

1/2 cup of Epsom salt (found near the first aid products)

Mix all of these items together and store them in an airtight container.

I used 1 table spoon with each load.

I have also started using vinegar as a rinse agent rather than Jet dry.  When my dishwasher indicates that the rinse agent is low I simply pour some vinegar into the rinse agent slot. 

Cost Break Down:

Lemi Shine = $3.99 12 oz (12 oz used = $3.99)

Washing Soda = $3.29 for 55 oz (12 oz used = .72)

Baking Soda = $1.35 for 2 lbs (1/2 cup used = .17)

Epsom Salt = $4.87 for 6 lbs (1/2 cup used = .61)

1 batch costs $5.49 and washes 64 loads which costs .09 per load.

I used to use Finish Dish tabs.  A box of 60 costs $14.31.  That breaks down .24 to per load.

I'm saving .15 per load!

Check out my other DIY projects:

DIY Foam Soap

DIY Laundry Detergent

DIY Fabric Softener

DIY Baby Wipes

DIY Fabric Refresher

DIY Counter Top Spray

DIY Soap Scum Remover

DIY Glass Cleaner