Homemade Dishwasher Detergent – A Failure

I got inspired to try out a homemade dishwasher detergent. Every recipe I looked at on the Internet recommended Borax and Baking Soda 1:1. Okay, no problem. I’ve had Borax downstairs on top of my freezer for about 5 years now, waiting for some use I’ve quite forgotten. Of course, baking Soda was in my cupboards as well.

My first attempt was unsatisfactory. Dishes had some particles of food, smudges and a fine film covering the surface.

Second attempt adding vinegar as a rinse aid was unsatisfactory. Same problem. Dishes had particles of food, smudges and a fine film. Now I’ve used vinegar plenty in the past as a rinse aid for hard water and it works excellently but in this case it did not.

The next time my son put liquid dish soap in unbeknownst to me. Too much. I’m sure you’ve read about what happens right? Soap and water was coming out on to the floor as well as rust from who knows where. It was a surprise to me; I didn’t know my dishwasher had rust!

Result – floor was clean, dishwasher purged itself of any nasty things hidden in its dark spots and dishes were shiny but had to go through another wash cycle to get any extra soap that might have dried on. In the meantime, the dishes are piling up on the counter waiting for their turn in the dishwasher and their chance to shine.

My advice – don’t bother with this common recipe of Borax and Baking Soda.