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Dishwasher tabs

Course DIY
Keyword citric acid, dishwasher tablets, diy cleaning, zero waste
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Washing soda, citric acid, castile soap and essential oils pressed into molds. Dry them hard and drop one in per load.

What You’ll Need

  • Washing soda: a cup
  • ¼ cup of plain or regular salt
  • Citric acid powder: half a cup
  • About 45 drops citrus essential oil (orange, tangerine, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit and/or lime)
  • Two to three tablespoons water sprayed in
  • Glass bowl wooden spoon, spray bottle, silicone mold

Directions

  • Put the washing soda in a glass bowl and mix in the salt and citric acid.
  • Stir in the essential oil, pressing out lumps with the back of a wooden spoon.
  • Spritz in the water a little at a time while stirring (adding it too fast makes it fizz), until the mix feels like slightly damp sand.
  • Pack it into a silicone mold.
  • Leave it to harden and dry overnight.
  • Pop the tabs out and keep them in an airtight container with a label.

Notes

Use one tab in the detergent cup per load.
Safety: dishwasher tabs are not candy, though they look like it. Store high, closed and labeled, away from kids and pets; don't use a mold or container that looks like a treat tin. Wear gloves when pressing.