Save money and the planet: Make your own dishwasher powder
The dishwasher is an appliance that is hard to imagine a modern kitchen without. It eliminates the dilemma of who should wash the dishes, making cleaning up after a meal much easier. I decided to make my own dishwashing powder to use it more economically.
Homemade dishwashing powder is the perfect solution for those who want to save on detergents and care for the environment. Instead of buying expensive tablets labeled "eco," you can make your own. Just a few readily available and affordable ingredients are enough to achieve perfectly clean, spot-free dishes.
How to make homemade dishwasher tablets?
Homemade powder is much more economical than store-bought products. The ingredients are natural, decompose easily, and have no negative environmental impact. Most importantly, it effectively cleans dishes, eliminating even tough stains.
Create your own eco-friendly powder in the comfort of your home! You only need a few easily accessible ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of borax
- 1/2 cup of citric acid powder
- 1 cup of salt
All you need to do is combine the ingredients, mix thoroughly, and store them in an airtight container in a dry place. Before each use, pour two tablespoons of powder into the dishwasher dispenser and select the appropriate program.
Baking soda and salt act as abrasives and eliminate unpleasant odors, borax effectively removes greasy stains and softens the water, while citric acid adds shine and scent.
Detergents not to use in the dishwasher
Remember to never pour dish soap into the dishwasher, as it can cause the kitchen to flood with foam and damage the appliance. Although it may seem entertaining in movies, it is better not to take the risk in real life.
What should not be washed in the dishwasher?
Although the dishwasher is an extremely useful appliance, not every item can be washed in it.
- Silver and silver-plated items: They can lose their luster and develop a patina.
- Nonstick cookware: High temperatures can damage them.
- Cast iron and aluminum dishes: They can rust and change color.
- Enamel and copper dishes: They might fade and lose their shine.
- Wooden items: They can crack or warp.
- Plastic dishes: Not all can withstand high temperatures; make sure they are properly labeled.
- Hand-painted dishes: The decorations may wash off or get damaged.
- Crystal and delicate porcelain: They are prone to cracking.
Additionally, avoid washing in the dishwasher stainless steel cutlery with wooden handles, wooden dishes, copper, tin, aluminum, hand-decorated porcelain, nonstick pots, and certain plastic items that cannot withstand high temperatures.
