Homemade Dishwasher Tablets

We were running low on dishwasher tablets and as I am slowly changing to a more natural home, this was the perfect time to try our own homemade dishwasher tablets. I have made a couple of batches now and found they work really well and are a fraction of the price of the ones you can buy.

To make your own homemade dishwasher tablets, you will need:

• Washing Soda – I found this in the laundry aisle. It is a wonderful all purpose cleaner, that is great at cutting grease. It also reduces the effects of hard water, which helps avoid the mineral deposits that can make glass appear cloudy.
• Citric Acid – This also helps reduce the effects of hard water, helps remove build up and scale and is also antibacterial and antiseptic. It can also help remove stains made from things such as tea and coffee.
• Salt – Reduces the effects of hard water.
• Essential Oils – They are a natural, non-toxic fragrance. Depending on which oils you use they can also help with cleaning and many have antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

You could add borax if you wish. This naturally occurring mineral can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested in high amounts, though the changes of ingesting from dishwasher detergent is very low, I would rather be safe with all the health problems certain members of our family have.

To make your dishwasher tablets:

1. Add 1 cup of washing soda (about 300g) to a large glass bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of citric acid (about 250g) to the bowl.
3. Add ½ cup of salt (about 140g).
4. Add your Essential Oils if using. I added 10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil and 10 drops of Lime Essential Oil.
5. Place some distilled water in a small spray bottle and spray the mixture lightly before stirring. You need to add the water slowly as you don’t want the mixture to start fizzing too much.
6. Keep spraying and stirring until the mixture just starts to clump together in your hands.
7. Press the mixture into your moulds, silicon work best. 
8. Let the mixture dry for about 24 hours before popping out.
9. Place in an airtight container.
10. Use one tablet per load.

Rinse Aid 

I use white vinegar in my rinse dispenser, though if you are worried about this damaging the plastic/rubber parts in your dishwasher, you could add a small dish of white vinegar, just under ¼ cup, on the top rack of your dishwasher. 

Also, make sure you are keeping your dishwasher clean. Ideally, I try to do this once a month. The steps I take are quite easy, though it may depend on the dishwasher that you own.

1. Clear the drain – Remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher and take out any gunk or food that is caught in the drain.
2. Put vinegar in the dishwasher – With an empty dishwasher, place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container  on the upper rack. Run the dishwasher through a hot-water cycle. This will help wash away all the grease and grime.
3. Baking soda rinse – Sprinkle one cup of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, but hot water cycle. The dishwasher should be smelling fresh and have a brighter interior.
4.  

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