Dishwasher Detergent (and a Rinse Aid)

There's not much to say as an introduction to this one. It's dishwasher detergent. Just about everyone uses it, and it's cheap and easy to make your own.

What You Need:

• 1 cup of Borax
• 1 cup of washing soda
• 2 packets of unsweetened lemon or orange drink mix (aka Kool-Aid)*
• 1/4 cup of coarse salt (Kosher salt or blended ice cream salt)
• 10 drops of lemon or orange essential oil

*:Unsweetened lemon(ade) and orange drink packets are basically 99% citric acid, which is the necessary ingredient here. You could also just use about a tablespoon of actual citric acid powder instead, but drink mixes tend to be much cheaper and easier to get.

Step 1:

Mix all of the dry ingredients together.

Step 2:

Add the essential oil. Mix with a fork, breaking up any clumps that form, until the oil has been thoroughly incorporated into the powder.

Step 3:

Add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mix to your dishwasher for a standard load, adding or subtracting 1/2 tablespoon for smaller or heavier loads. Store in a resealable plastic container.

The Borax and washing soda are the primary ingredients that act as a detergent, while the drink mix helps dissolve mineral build-ups in the dishwasher and the coarse salt acts as a water softener. The citrus oil provides some disinfecting qualities, and couples with the drink mix to give a fresh citrus scent.

Rinse Aid

While the above recipe works great for cleaning, it can leave some water spots on dishes (as most powdered mixes tend to). So it's best to also use a rinse aid in conjunction with the detergent. Store-bought solutions are fine, but much pricier than the DIY solution.

What You Need:

• 1 cup Hydrogen Peroxide (a 32 oz. bottle is usually less than $1)
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Step 1:

Add the ingredients together in a glass cup or dish and mix well.

Step 2:

Fill the rinsing aid compartment in your dishwasher with the mix* and run your dishwasher normally.

*: If you have leftover mix, you can use it to clean your kitchen sink. Plug your sink and fill about 1" deep with hot soapy water. Add the leftover rinse aid and let sit for about 10 minutes. Drain and wipe down the sink with a sponge or washcloth.

Note: Vinegar is often suggested as a cheap substitute for retail dishwasher rinse aids. While vinegar does indeed do a great job in the dishwasher, with repeated use it can deteriorate some of the rubber seals inside of the dishwasher's rinse aid compartment. The hydrogen peroxide mix does not harm any of the dishwasher's components.