Make your own Dishwasher Detergent

This is so easy.  I can make this in about 3 minutes.  Luckily I have a baby, who creates empty formula cans and they have a scoop with them that measures roughly 1 tablespoon.  Basically you'll want to head to the store and your computer for the ingredients.

1. 20 Mule Borax (grocery store)
2. Washing Soda (grocery store)
3. Kosher Salt  (grocery store)
4. Citric Acid (I got mine from Ebay - 2 lbs for $10, you can buy more for less money per pound)

I have only bought 1 of each of the above and am in my 4th batch of dishwasher detergent and I've also made a batch of laundry detergent (different recipe but it uses Washing Soda and Borax).  I still have over a pound of the citric acid left.

 

You'll want to add 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of Washing Soda.  Then add 1/2 cup of Kosher Salt and 1/2 cup of Citric Acid.  Easy Peasy!  Put them in a container or storage bag and shake, shake, shake!  You'll want to shake it up twice a day for about 2 days (maybe 3).  The citric acid will make it clump and harden if you don't.  After several shakes it should be good.  I made the mistake of not shaking it up for a few days the first time I made it and I had to take a chisel to it. 

You'll want to use 1 tablespoon per load.  If you are a mama or dad who bottle feeds then you should have some empty formula containers.  This is what I use to and I use the scoop to measure out my detergent.  The scoop is just about a tablespoon. 

If you find that you are getting spots on your dishes and you haven't refilled the rinse agent try using white vinegar.  You'll smell it when you fill it but you won't smell it on your clean dishes.   Just a few tricks to save some money and it's so easy.  We haven't bought dishwasher detergent or a rinse agent in 6 - 8 months.