Dishwasher detergent powder

Course DIY

Keyword borax, citric acid, dishwasher powder, diy cleaning

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 4 cups

Baking soda, washing soda, borax, kosher salt and citric acid. Use one tablespoon per load.

What You’ll Need

2 cups baking soda
1/2 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1/4 cup kosher salt (coarse salt)
1/4 cup citric acid (or 2 envelopes unsweetened lemonade-flavored drink mix)
15 drops lemon essential oil

Directions

Put all the ingredients into an airtight container.
Stir or shake to blend well.
Keep airtight; in humid climates, tuck in a silica gel packet to stop clumping.

Notes

1-2 tablespoons in the detergent cup; set a shallow dish of white vinegar on the top rack to help prevent spots; run as usual. Adjust for water hardness (with very hard water, add the citric acid separately or use vinegar). A mason jar with a pour spout works well.

Safety: wear gloves; keep away from kids and pets and label it — borax, washing soda and citric acid are harmful if swallowed and irritate eyes and skin. Keep silica packets away from kids. Homemade powders can etch glassware or void some dishwasher warranties; test first.