Homemade Dishwasher Detergent That Really Works!

I am very big on getting the best deal on my everyday items my family uses, but sometimes it just doesn't seem to pan out.  Especially here in Alaska.  Those who know me well, also know I will figure out a way to make it myself, BETTER and CHEAPER; and Dishwasher Detergent is no exception.

When I first started making my Dishwasher Detergent, I was bitterly disappointed.  After even the first wash, I had a horrible film all over everything!  Even adding vinegar to the rinse cycle didn't help.  I was doomed to give up.  That was until I found Lemi-Shine.  The white film I was finding was actually hard water attatching itself to my beloved dishes, glasses and cookware.  But adding just a tad bit of Lemi-Shine to my mix, solved my problem in a snap. 

Since moving to Alaska, I was having to using it in all of my dishwasher loads anyways even with my regular store bought detergent, so I thought I needed to give it one more try.  AND it was an absolute SUCCESS!

And don't forget to use white distilled vinegar as your rinse aid, to give you that sparkling shine!

Use just 1-2 Tablespoons per load.

NOTE:
If you don't have hard water, you may not need to add Lemi-Shine to your detergent mix. 
If you have already tried making your own dishwasher detergent just to be disappointed like me, give it a shot, you have nothing to lose and money to save!

Dishwasher Detergent Recipe #1
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
1/4 cup LemiShine or 8 packages Lemonade Cool-Aid

Dishwasher Detergent Recipe #2
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Borax
1/4 cup LemiShine or 8 packages Lemonade Cook-Aid

NOTE:
The amount of Lemi-Shine needed will vary according to your water hardness.  You may need to "play around" with the amount until you find the right amount.  If you choose to mix it into you batch and find you didn't add enough, you can sprinkle a bit extra straight into your dispenser.


Don't have Lemi-Shine or Cool Aid Lemonade?  Try adding 1/4 cup citric acid to your mix!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent