Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Recently, I became curious about making my own dishwasher detergent.  Dishwasher tablets (or whichever form of dishwasher detergent you choose) can get really expensive!  I found two websites that were helpful in giving me a general idea of which items to mix to make my own detergent.  I used the homemade dishwasher detergent, and was VERY pleased with how shiny and clean my dishes were afterwards!  I chose to use vinegar as rinse aid also, and think it was helpful!  My husband (the accountant!) figured out that making dishwasher detergent this way would save our family at least $50 a year!!  If you look for other ways to save in your weekly shopping, these amounts can really add up!

These are the items I used, plus citric acid.  The Borax and Super Washing Soda can be found on the detergent aisle at most stores.  (I purchased mine at Walmart)  The Epsom Salt was in the Pharmacy section, near bandages and things of that sort.  The citric acid was on the canning aisle, near the kitchen items. (pots and pans, utensils, etc.)

You will need to mix it in a very large bowl...it makes a lot!  Of course, you can always scale the amounts down if you would like!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

1 box Borax

1 box Super Washing soda

3 cups Epsom Salt

1/2 cup Citric Acid

Mix all ingredients together, and store in an air-tight container.  This will make approximately 4.5-5 quarts.  You only need to use 1 tablespoon of detergent each time you run your dishwasher, so this will last a long time!