Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

For a while now, I have been looking for a good homemade dishwasher detergent that I could make.  I was so sick of buying it when I knew I could make it cheaper.  I did a little research and this is what I came up with...

Dishwasher Detergent

What you need:

1 cup of Borax
1 cup of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Lemi-Shine
1/4 cup salt

Just mix them all together and use 1 tablespoon per load.  Be sure to store it in an airtight container so that it doesn't clump.



I used distilled white vinegar as a rinse agent.  I don't know if I actually needed that because I don't normally use anything but since there were a lot of recommendations for it, I thought I would do it.  What would it hurt...

The first time that I ran a load, I couldn't see a difference from the store bought but the second load I saw a difference.  It made the plastic storage containers a little cloudy.  So, since I really wanted to use the stuff I decided to turn my water temperature back up on my water heater (I just turned it down last week).  I am pretty sure that did the trick because the next load of dishes that I ran didn't have the cloudiness on the plastic.  It might cost a little more for the extra heat but it saves a ton by not buying the store bought kind.

Just a note:  Some recipes called for you to use lemon drink packets instead of the Lemi-shine but they mentioned that the drink mix, over time, would stain the inside of the dishwasher detergent slot.  I don't know if that matters to some of you but I decided against it.

Now I just need to find a good recipe for disposable cleaning wipes.  I hate buying those too.  I usually have coupons but it still can get pricey when you have these many boys in the house.  I wish they would just aim...