DIY Dishwasher Detergent Success! [View all]

[violetpastille]

There was a time (not so long ago) when I was heedless and bought dishwasher "pacs".
They cost a lot of money and they worked..okay.
I had no idea what was in them and I never gave it much thought.
The man who installed the dishwasher recommended them and I assented.

Now I have a little more time than money and a LOT more concern for what I am putting in our water.

This is what I'm doing now and it works great. No film or grit or residue on the dishes or in the dishwasher.

1/4 teaspoon citric acid
3/4 teaspoon washing soda
measured into the detergent dispenser.

I fill the "rinse aid" reservoir with vinegar and splash a little vinegar on the bottom of the dishwasher and start it up.

Everything sparkles!

(For now, with the volume of dirty dishes I have -using the dishwasher is the greener choice https://www.treehugger.com/kitchen-design/built-in-dishwashers-vs-hand-washing-which-is-greener.html rather than doing them by hand. But If I had fewer dishes I would hand wash.)