Comments on: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent and Rinse Agent http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/ Save money... Increase Freedom Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:15:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Vickie http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-966 Vickie Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:36:08 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-966 I forgot to say that I used the pickling salt rather than the Kosher salt as I got twice as much or more for less money, and it's only salt...the Kosher one I saw had something to keep it from clumping. Maybe not a big deal, but the price was! I'm hoping, after I've washed everything in this, that I no longer need to use the Lemi-clean...it seems rather expensive considering how much you use...if it was an every time thing. The ingredients mentioned on it didn't 'sound' bad, just hoping it's not necessary forever! I forgot to say that I used the pickling salt rather than the Kosher salt as I got twice as much or more for less money, and it’s only salt…the Kosher one I saw had something to keep it from clumping. Maybe not a big deal, but the price was! I’m hoping, after I’ve washed everything in this, that I no longer need to use the Lemi-clean…it seems rather expensive considering how much you use…if it was an every time thing. The ingredients mentioned on it didn’t ‘sound’ bad, just hoping it’s not necessary forever!

]]> By: Vickie http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-965 Vickie Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:28:05 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-965 Hi, a few months ago we purchased a new dishwasher as it seemed our old one, which we received used, was no longer cleaning the dishes. Well, when we got the new one I was all excited that now I could finally have clean dishes again. I was a little leery because of a review I had read about this particular dishwasher, but we had gotten such a good deal there really wasn't an option or choice if I actually wanted a new dishwasher. I mean, when you get a still-in-the-box, top-of-the-line machine for $199, and if the $100 energy rebate kicks in too....you don't complain! :) But...as I continued to use it I was becoming more and more disappointed. It seemed really no better than the old one. We still had a white film, even though I'd followed the salesman's suggestions to use much less detergent and rinse things with TANG because of the citric acid. The TANG did help...for a bit. I was in search of a new detergent because I sometimes had little 'grains' of white and a constant white film as well. I could only think that maybe it was the detergent....really things just didn't come clean. So, I looked online about making my own. I had just a month or so ago learned here about laundry detergent & really like that...had great results getting grease & things out with a short pre-scrub...so thought I'd look. I'd forgotten the name of the site I was looking for (this one) so this was not the first place I found. In reading on the other site I found people were anxious to try that recipe but seldom reported back with great results. When I found this recipe it had the salt in it which the other one did not. Most of the people here were pleased with the results. I figured all I need to do is get the salt & some Kool-Aid as I had the other ingredients, live in a small town and couldn't get the citric acid immediately. I could not believe how clean and sparkling things were. I used extra Kool-aid in my mix--figured it couldn't hurt. (Actually it was Wal-Mart's brand & I used 22 of them!) Because my things were so bad I also purchased some of the Lemi-Clean (at Wal-Mart). My clear glass bowls, that were basically white when I put them in, came out crystal clear and shining! My stainless bowls I had not seen so clean in a LONG time! I immediately emptied my silverware drawer and washed it ALL in the next load as it had all come to have that same white film on it. I am elated! I have decided that when our community recently changed to the newly built/completed water system something drastically changed. It may have been the hardness or softness, I don't know...but things had been OK & now they were anything but. (My old dishwasher may have done just as well with this new recipe!) Your recipe has made it OK to eat on my dishes again! Thank you so much! Hi, a few months ago we purchased a new dishwasher as it seemed our old one, which we received used, was no longer cleaning the dishes. Well, when we got the new one I was all excited that now I could finally have clean dishes again. I was a little leery because of a review I had read about this particular dishwasher, but we had gotten such a good deal there really wasn’t an option or choice if I actually wanted a new dishwasher. I mean, when you get a still-in-the-box, top-of-the-line machine for $199, and if the $100 energy rebate kicks in too….you don’t complain! :) But…as I continued to use it I was becoming more and more disappointed. It seemed really no better than the old one. We still had a white film, even though I’d followed the salesman’s suggestions to use much less detergent and rinse things with TANG because of the citric acid. The TANG did help…for a bit. I was in search of a new detergent because I sometimes had little ‘grains’ of white and a constant white film as well. I could only think that maybe it was the detergent….really things just didn’t come clean. So, I looked online about making my own. I had just a month or so ago learned here about laundry detergent & really like that…had great results getting grease & things out with a short pre-scrub…so thought I’d look. I’d forgotten the name of the site I was looking for (this one) so this was not the first place I found. In reading on the other site I found people were anxious to try that recipe but seldom reported back with great results. When I found this recipe it had the salt in it which the other one did not. Most of the people here were pleased with the results. I figured all I need to do is get the salt & some Kool-Aid as I had the other ingredients, live in a small town and couldn’t get the citric acid immediately.

I could not believe how clean and sparkling things were. I used extra Kool-aid in my mix–figured it couldn’t hurt. (Actually it was Wal-Mart’s brand & I used 22 of them!) Because my things were so bad I also purchased some of the Lemi-Clean (at Wal-Mart). My clear glass bowls, that were basically white when I put them in, came out crystal clear and shining! My stainless bowls I had not seen so clean in a LONG time! I immediately emptied my silverware drawer and washed it ALL in the next load as it had all come to have that same white film on it. I am elated!

I have decided that when our community recently changed to the newly built/completed water system something drastically changed. It may have been the hardness or softness, I don’t know…but things had been OK & now they were anything but. (My old dishwasher may have done just as well with this new recipe!) Your recipe has made it OK to eat on my dishes again! Thank you so much!

]]> By: Golden http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-961 Golden Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:12:51 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-961 You're going way overboard with what you're using. Try this: 2 Tablespoons of bleach in the soap dispenser, and half a teaspoon of normal Ajax liquid soap. Then, 1 drop (yes drop) about the size of a dime on the inside door of the machine (where it will be used in the prewash cycle.) This cost about $0.01 per load and works perfectly and sterilizes as well. Scientifically, bleach in tiny quantities makes the water, "wetter," and improves it's cleaning power by an order of magnitude. The small improved water will strip grease off of anything. Because of the tiny amount of ajax is a surfactant and a solvent that combined with the amount of soap, foaming will not be an issue. If you have foaming, you're using too much. The drawback being that it has to be mixed fresh, and some people fear bleach as it can spill and damage fabrics, etc. I'm very careful with it, but one accident and all the cost savings will be gone. You’re going way overboard with what you’re using. Try this: 2 Tablespoons of bleach in the soap dispenser, and half a teaspoon of normal Ajax liquid soap. Then, 1 drop (yes drop) about the size of a dime on the inside door of the machine (where it will be used in the prewash cycle.) This cost about $0.01 per load and works perfectly and sterilizes as well. Scientifically, bleach in tiny quantities makes the water, “wetter,” and improves it’s cleaning power by an order of magnitude. The small improved water will strip grease off of anything. Because of the tiny amount of ajax is a surfactant and a solvent that combined with the amount of soap, foaming will not be an issue. If you have foaming, you’re using too much. The drawback being that it has to be mixed fresh, and some people fear bleach as it can spill and damage fabrics, etc. I’m very careful with it, but one accident and all the cost savings will be gone.

]]> By: Jennifer http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-958 Jennifer Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:09:17 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-958 I would love your "gatorade" recipe! I would love your “gatorade” recipe!

]]> By: Jennifer http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-957 Jennifer Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:04:02 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-957 I have tried the laundry detergent in the dishwasher when we ran out and had no problem with suds - I use Felsnaptha soap though, not Ivory. Glad to have this recipe! I will go get the citric acid tomorrow and make some - I am almost out of our current dishwasher detergent. I have tried the laundry detergent in the dishwasher when we ran out and had no problem with suds – I use Felsnaptha soap though, not Ivory. Glad to have this recipe! I will go get the citric acid tomorrow and make some – I am almost out of our current dishwasher detergent.

]]> By: diyNatural http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-947 diyNatural Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:43:04 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-947 It clumps... it's the citric acid. The best way to combat it is to stir it up really well a few times a day right after making it... this will improve your results. It clumps… it’s the citric acid. The best way to combat it is to stir it up really well a few times a day right after making it… this will improve your results.

]]> By: Molly http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-944 Molly Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:48:37 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-944 Can I substitute pure ascorbic acid powder for the citric acid? I noticed on the Fruit Fresh label the main ingredient after dextrose was ascorbic acid powder. I am patiently experimenting with homemade dishwasher soaps, and am on my 3rd or 4th recipe right now. Still having problems with the cloudiness left behind on the glasses. Thanks~keep up the great web-site! Can I substitute pure ascorbic acid powder for the citric acid? I noticed on the Fruit Fresh label the main ingredient after dextrose was ascorbic acid powder. I am patiently experimenting with homemade dishwasher soaps, and am on my 3rd or 4th recipe right now. Still having problems with the cloudiness left behind on the glasses. Thanks~keep up the great web-site!

]]> By: Josefa http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-934 Josefa Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:57:11 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-934 I love the way you have this laid out. Simple and to the point. Thanks! I love the way you have this laid out. Simple and to the point. Thanks!

]]> By: Maggie http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-933 Maggie Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:07:08 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-933 Anyone else have trouble with the homemade dishwasher detergent clumping up? Mine has solidified to brick form, and I have to scrape quite hard to get a tbsp worth of stuff. It works well, just have a hard time getting it unclumped. Anyone else have trouble with the homemade dishwasher detergent clumping up? Mine has solidified to brick form, and I have to scrape quite hard to get a tbsp worth of stuff. It works well, just have a hard time getting it unclumped.

]]> By: Kamila http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-932 Kamila Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:56:31 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-932 Hi Rachel, this is word for word from the 20 Mule Team Borax box: (the new white one, not the green box) "Dishwasher: Boost the cleaning power of your dishwashing detergent by removing hard water minerals and residues from the wash water. Add 1/4 cup 20 Mule Team Borax in the bottom of the dishwasher to reduce spots and film from dishes and glasses." Where did you get your information from? Can you quote your source. Tnx. Kamila Hi Rachel, this is word for word from the 20 Mule Team Borax box: (the new white one, not the green box)

“Dishwasher: Boost the cleaning power of your dishwashing detergent by removing hard water minerals and residues from the wash water. Add 1/4 cup 20 Mule Team Borax in the bottom of the dishwasher to reduce spots and film from dishes and glasses.”

Where did you get your information from? Can you quote your source.
Tnx. Kamila

]]> By: Julie http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-914 Julie Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:57:11 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-914 I have been using ho'made dish detergent for several weeks and have had no problem so far. I'm a little concerned about the comment saying not to use borax in the dishwasher though! Anyway, my recipe is slightly simpler - 2 parts baking soda and one part borax. I was making it up each time I ran the machine (2 T of the soda and 1 T of borax), but I have now mixed a larger batch and am storing it in a mason jar. No clumping problems at all. I have been using ho’made dish detergent for several weeks and have had no problem so far. I’m a little concerned about the comment saying not to use borax in the dishwasher though! Anyway, my recipe is slightly simpler – 2 parts baking soda and one part borax. I was making it up each time I ran the machine (2 T of the soda and 1 T of borax), but I have now mixed a larger batch and am storing it in a mason jar. No clumping problems at all.

]]> By: diyNatural http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-906 diyNatural Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:02:39 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-906 Yes, the fruit juice would make it very hard. Citric acid makes it hard too. To combat this, be sure to use the kosher salt... that seems to help. Also, just stir it up the first few times it hardens (it's not rock hard if you use citric acid) and it will be fine after that. Yes, the fruit juice would make it very hard. Citric acid makes it hard too. To combat this, be sure to use the kosher salt… that seems to help. Also, just stir it up the first few times it hardens (it’s not rock hard if you use citric acid) and it will be fine after that.

]]> By: Sherry http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-892 Sherry Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:03:32 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-892 I made a batch and used it twice with good results, then realized my dishwasher needed repaired, my homemade soap with in two weeks went rock hard. Is there a way to soften it up or do I have to chiesel it off or throw it out? I used fruit fresh as citric acid here is very expensive, could that be what turned it rock hard? There was only 2 mentions of the product going hard and only 2 responses to put it in the fridge to keep it from hardening in the more than 50 comments I read. Someone please advise me. I made a batch and used it twice with good results, then realized my dishwasher needed repaired, my homemade soap with in two weeks went rock hard. Is there a way to soften it up or do I have to chiesel it off or throw it out? I used fruit fresh as citric acid here is very expensive, could that be what turned it rock hard? There was only 2 mentions of the product going hard and only 2 responses to put it in the fridge to keep it from hardening in the more than 50 comments I read. Someone please advise me.

]]> By: RACHEL http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-839 RACHEL Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:56:22 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-839 HELLO~ Just for everyone's safety... I thought that I'd note that the manufacturer of Borax does not recommend using the product in the dishwasher. Not sure why- but ever since I read that... I no longer use it! (even though it's natural- it doesn't necessarily mean safe for All uses!) I've been looking for a safer recipe that doesn't require Borax. (even though I love Borax for other stuff!) So far- I haven't come up with much... except Dr.Bronner's Sal's Suds. (naturally suponified hemp, olive and coconut oils) I also make my own detergent- I use Dr. Bronners's soap for that as well! HELLO~ Just for everyone’s safety… I thought that I’d note that the manufacturer of Borax does not recommend using the product in the dishwasher. Not sure why- but ever since I read that… I no longer use it!
(even though it’s natural- it doesn’t necessarily mean safe for All uses!)

I’ve been looking for a safer recipe that doesn’t require Borax. (even though I love Borax for other stuff!) So far- I haven’t come up with much… except Dr.Bronner’s Sal’s Suds. (naturally suponified hemp, olive and coconut oils)

I also make my own detergent- I use Dr. Bronners’s soap for that as well!

]]> By: Linda F http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-837 Linda F Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:11:35 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-837 We live on septic, tho, most or our neighbors were able to get sewer installed over the past 20 years. One reason I want to try these homemade detergents/soaps/cleanser, is to: no longer dump harmful chemicals down in the septic which ends out in our local waterways; save money; save my family's health. My husband has issues with his skin, so the most natural way to clean is better for both of us and the environment. We live on septic, tho, most or our neighbors were able to get sewer installed over the past 20 years. One reason I want to try these homemade detergents/soaps/cleanser, is to: no longer dump harmful chemicals down in the septic which ends out in our local waterways; save money; save my family’s health. My husband has issues with his skin, so the most natural way to clean is better for both of us and the environment.

]]> By: Desiree http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-833 Desiree Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:10:16 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-833 I just use a vinegar and water mixture in a spray bottle for my window and glass cleaning. It has always worked great for me. My mum owned her own cleaning business and that is what she used as well. I just use a vinegar and water mixture in a spray bottle for my window and glass cleaning. It has always worked great for me. My mum owned her own cleaning business and that is what she used as well.

]]> By: diyNatural http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-787 diyNatural Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:27:55 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-787 Double the amount of citric acid and try again. Finding the right mixture for your water is a process. Double the amount of citric acid and try again. Finding the right mixture for your water is a process.

]]> By: Mary http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-780 Mary Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:18:46 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-780 I tried this recipe too - all the ingredients were easily available (we have a beer-making supply store in town so I got the citric acid there). The results were disappointing - the glassware and cutlery are coated with a filmy residue, and some plastic things are as well. I did SO want it to work! I tried this recipe too – all the ingredients were easily available (we have a beer-making supply store in town so I got the citric acid there). The results were disappointing – the glassware and cutlery are coated with a filmy residue, and some plastic things are as well. I did SO want it to work!

]]> By: Michelle http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-773 Michelle Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:45:00 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-773 Just a heads up for folks having a hard time finding washing soda. Ace Hardware online ( www.acehardware.com ) carries it. If you have them ship to your local Ace Harware, shipping is free. There current price is 3.75, so a pretty good deal. Thanks for posting these recipes! We just mixed together a batch of laundry soap... dishwasher soap is next! Just a heads up for folks having a hard time finding washing soda. Ace Hardware online ( http://www.acehardware.com ) carries it. If you have them ship to your local Ace Harware, shipping is free. There current price is 3.75, so a pretty good deal.

Thanks for posting these recipes! We just mixed together a batch of laundry soap… dishwasher soap is next!

]]> By: Alexis http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/#comment-755 Alexis Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:59:02 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1241#comment-755 Wow! I made the dishwasher detergent a few days ago, right before I ran out of my regular detergent packets. I started using it yeserday and I couldn't be more impressed. I have been using the all in one detergent packets, so I haven't used a rinse aid. The vinegar worked wonders. My dishes look better than I can remember and this was so easy to make. I made the laundry detergent last night. It was a little more labor intensive with grating the soap, but I can't wait to try it. The only question now is, can I wait until I run out of my regular liquid detergent before I try it out? :) Wow! I made the dishwasher detergent a few days ago, right before I ran out of my regular detergent packets. I started using it yeserday and I couldn’t be more impressed. I have been using the all in one detergent packets, so I haven’t used a rinse aid. The vinegar worked wonders. My dishes look better than I can remember and this was so easy to make. I made the laundry detergent last night. It was a little more labor intensive with grating the soap, but I can’t wait to try it. The only question now is, can I wait until I run out of my regular liquid detergent before I try it out? :)

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