Homemade Dishwasher Detergent and More

Make Your Own Dishwasher Soap & More

Posted on May 30, 2008
Filed Under frugal living |

My unfrugal present to myself was to have a cleaning lady come and clean my house. This is definitely a luxury item but I had gotten some money for my birthday. I look around the house now and I think it is money well spent. The whole house just glows.

It did however bring to mind the money that I spend every month on cleaning products. Dishwasher detergent always ends up being one of the more expensive cleaners. The others seem to last longer and I can find less expensive alternatives. The cheap dishwasher detergents just seem to end up a gelatinous clump in the dispenser so I decided to make my own. I finally settled on this recipe as it has few ingredients and they can be easily found at Walmart. Look for essential oil in the craft section or check out Michael’s in the candle section. I have put links to Washing Soda and borax just so you can see the boxes.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

1 Cup Washing Soda

1 Cup Borax

2-3 drops of essential oil

Add all ingredients to food processor bowl or blender and process until they are powder. Store in a cannister or coffee can which is airtight. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load depending on the hardness of your water. If you are getting spots or residue try using a little less. The first time I used it I put too much in and it did leave a residue. You can also substitute white vinegar for Rinse Aide.

I used an apple pie fragrance oil that I had used for making candles and when the dishwasher runs, the whole kitchen smells like apple pie. It is so much nicer than the acrid smell of commercial dishwasher powder.

Other Uses for Washing Soda and Borax

If you are wondering what to do with the rest of the borax and washing soda, here are some additional uses.

For the remainder of the washing soda you can also try The Simple Dollar’s recipe for Homemade Laundry detergent.

Carpet Cleaner/Pesticide

2 Cups Cornmeal

1 Cup Borax

2-3 drops of essential oil

Add all ingredients to food processor or blender and grind to a powder. Sprinkle on carpet and let sit for an hour or so before vacuuming. Store remainder in air tight container. The borax will kill fleas and other pests but it can also hurt your pets if they walk in it and lick their feet. Be sure to keep kids and pets off until it is vacuumed up.

Drain Cleaner

1/2 cup Washing Soda

2 Cups boiling Water

Put washing soda directly into the drain and pour in boiling water. Leave for 10-15 minutes and then flush with more hot water.

General Housecleaning

Floors:

2 Tb Washing Soda in a gallon of water. Wash as usual.

General Purpose Cleaning Spray

1 tsp Washing Soda per gallon of water. Add to spray bottle and clean away.

You can add a drop of essential oil to any of these recipes. It leaves a nice clean fresh scent and gets the job done. For additional homemade cleaning products, check out the article at Being Frugal.

Do you make any of your own cleaning products? How have they worked for you?