Even if I was filthy rich I would still resort to the following frugal tip....come to think of it I would probably do most of them because it's fun. This one would especially follow me into my new mansion (I can dream can't I?) homemade dishwashing detergent.
I admit I was a skeptic. After reading many tips and recipes on this subject I found mostly negative results and reviews. Because of this I stuck to my trusty homemade laundry soap and dared not to venture where Borax should not go. All the while I silently cursed every time I squeezed the final drop of Palmolive and had to run to the store because my house came to a screeching halt when the dishwasher was silent. I know what you are thinking, I could always resort to washing by hand but I have done that for many years and I did not want to go back there.
I finally ran across this wonderful article on the "Amazing Dishwasher" by Amy of Mom Advice where she mentioned a recipe that she personally uses and endorses. Since I had tonnes of Borax and Arm and hammer wash soap I thought I had nothing to lose and went for it. A total of 5 seconds later I had a batch whipped up and proceeded to run the load through. Keep in mind this load had been sitting there for nearly 2 days due to my sheer determination to not do them by hand. Upon completion, I sheepishly opened the door fully expecting there to be a heavy film over everything not to mention part of the meatloaf consumed two nights earlier. Much to my surprise everything was sparkling clean....wow. I wanted to test this out a couple of times before signing its praises, so after three more loads without my families knowledge the dishes were radiant.
Be
cause Borax and Arm and hammer wash soda are septic safe I am assuming they are somewhat environmentally friendly. I am all 
for going green but with a family of 6 and a neverending stream of caked on dirty dishes I needed something more than a little earth friendly rose water and a prayer. I needed the big guns and I think this is a decent compromise.
So here is the recipe, give it a try and let me know what you think.
1 cup Borax
1 cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer)
1/4 cup salt
I mix all together and fill my dispensers before starting. She also suggests keeping the rinse agent area filed with vinegar.
For more great tips visit www.bliblicalwomanhoodonline.com
20 comments:
Thankyou so much. I have been searching for a dishwasher recipe that really works. I have tried another that I was less than thrilled with.
With 6 children I need one that really works well.
I already make my own laundry soap, so of course I have all ingredients on hand. I will be trying this tomorrow, thanks!
I want to try this out but also wondered, you mentioned your homemade laundry soap...would you mind sharing the recipe to that too?
I can't believe you posted about this- I actually wondered about this very thing the other day: Isn't there SOMEWAY to cut down on this cost? (That's me talking to myself). I've actually tried using regular dish soap- talk about suds-city, LoL.
This I gotta try!
I can't find washing soda anywhere around here in TN....
I want to try this as soon as I can find that soda!
-Donna-
I have used this now for several months and only had a couple of pans that had a small amount of stuff on it. I mean these were really bad cooked on casserole dishes that only had to have a quick wipe and they were cooked on. The added bonus the vinegar rinse seems to dry them better. I never use the dryer setting but just the heat dries them better this way.
Stacey here is the best tutorial for laundry soap. I don't use fels naptha because I can't find it but I use another bar laundry soap and use the whole bar. It works great but there are no bubbles so don't be surprised. Also no smell so great for allergies. Let me know what you think guys.
I too have been hesitating at trying this just because of the reviews I've heard. And I started buying Second Generation (gulp at the price)because they chemicals left on my sons sippy cup grossed me out.
I also have started using the vinegar rinse agent. Works like a charm! And uber cheap too.
Thanks so much for the post, now I'm off to find some borax and washing soda!
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm
it would help if I actually left the link for the laundry soap
I've been using Amy's recipe for some time now. I did find after some time I did get a build up on the dishes. Maybe it is my water? Anyhow I mix in a little powdered dish detergent (about the same amount as the salt) and that does the trick. Still a lot cheaper. Just thought I'd share in case anyone comes across the same issue.
I can not believe you hit this right on the nail with this post. I too have tried a lot of homemade recipes and have resorted to the electrsol tabs with jet dry ball, or the cascade packs as we have very hard well water.
I was sick of the dishes having either a film, or not getting clean which in turn wasted my money with wasting product then having to go out to buy the usually standbys that really worked well.
I will have to try this recipe. Do you remember what bar soap you used? Also do your clothes come clean, I mean stain wise? And also have you had problems with dingeness with whites?
I had to chuckle at the going out on the whim for more dishwasher soap...been there done that. How pety I act like my life ends when the dishwasher comes to a halt, but easier means more time with my children, and dh.
Thanks so much!
Renee- Mama to four
13,5,4,and 25 months
This is great. I am going to give it a try. I love the tip about the vinegar in the rinse agent. I have hard water and my dishes are looking rather dingy. Perhaps this will help. Jet dry didn't do it and that stuff is expensive! Thanks you for sharing!
Is there a diff. between baking soda and soda wash?
Amy does say you can use baking soda but there is a product by Arm and hammer that is wash soda. You can find it in the laundry aisle next to the borax. It is a large 2 or 3 kg box and it is around $4. It will last forever with the amount you use vs what is in the box.
I'll have to try this. I've tried the half borax, half baking soda mix and it did horrid. I would be really happy if this works!
Hi!
Great post but be careful with borax. Although it is a natural substance, it is toxic and NOT environmentally friendly. It is toxic to humans (if injested), especially infants, to plants and animals.
You may be alright in using it in the laundry and in a dishwasher as they both have very good rinse cycles.
Please keep Borax out of reach of children and label your homemade products carefully! Borax is a chemical and should be treated as such!
Babsi
wonderful reminder Babsi, we often times forget that these products are still a chimical and have to be treated as such. As soon as they come up with an environmentally friendly product that actually works and does not just smell good and is a little easier on my pocket book (very expensive and rare here in Atlantic Canada) I will be first in line to switch. That is the unfortunate thing with those products great in theory but far to costly.
Here is a link to AMy's site with a great deal of comments and suggestions. I think the big thing comes down to water type as to how they come out (film or no film) I am stumped though and would love clarification. The Borax says it is a natural product, still cannot be ingested or given to kids but it does say it is not toxic to the enviroment. I would love someone to explain what this product is exactly and how bad for the environment it really is. Very confusing but really it doesn't take much these days.
MIN -MOM,
HOPE YOU DON'T MIND, I PUT A LINK TO THIS POST ON MY SITE!
THANKS AGAIN FOR THIS GREAT formula!
-DONNA- MOMSFRUGAL.BLOGSPOT.COM
I wanted to post this reply from Babsi who had a hard time replying.
I tried several times to repost my comment but I can't seem to make it work.
I wanted to clarify my post about borax. Borax is a chemical/ mineral that is mined from deep in the earth. It is toxic if injested... even a small amount in infants. It needs to be handled like the chemical that it is even though it's found naturally.
On the flip side, it is said to be septic tank safe (although so are other commercial detergents).
I believe you are on to something really good and I'm going to try it. Your formula doesn't have chlorine, phosphates, petrochemicals or perfumes & dyes. All these are definately more toxic!
My preference is to use Ecover tablets but as you know they can be pricey. I buy them through our food co-op when they are on sale (about $4.75/box). I then stretch them as much as possible by filling the washer completely and not taking up a ton of space with larger bowls or pots... I hand wash those.
Thanks again for your post, I wish I could have reposted this comment on your site. I love saving money and being as natural as possible.
Babsi
P.S. You asked about cleaning floors. You probably get sticky floors when you use vinegar? Perhaps you need to dilute it more and use a slightly damp mop instead of a wet one?
I use Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. I get it through our co-op and one bottle lasts me a year or more. It is my all purpose cleaner and is completely non-toxic and safe to use. It is VERY concentrated and inexpensive. If your health food store doesn't carry it, you might be able to get it through mail order? It's been around for decades!
I wish you the best of luck... thanks again!
I have been making my own laundry soap for quite awhile (tutorial on the subject is posted on my blog) but have had no luck with homemade dishwasher soap. I have tried soda/Borax without the salt. It did not work well for me and now my dishwasher doesn't even wash well at all. I really think it has more to do with the water not getting hot enough or possibly the water pressure is less. I have a portable dishwasher if that makes a difference.
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