Dishwashers clean via a combination of hot water, spray, and a cleaning agent (detergent).
Even with a makeshift detergent, those first two cleaning properties will still be at full force.
Here are the household products you’re able to use individually as a detergent alternative.
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Or try our recipe for a DIY dishwasher detergent.
A substitute detergent works better when used in a less crowded dishwasher.
Fill the detergent cup with baking soda, and spin up the cleaning cycle as usual.
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Fill a bowl with 1/2 cup of vinegar, and place it on the top rack.
The force of the water will distribute the vinegar during the wash cycle to the other dishes.
Simply fill the detergent cup with the borax powder.
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Fill the detergent cup with the powder, and use a regular wash cycle.
Use 1/2 cup of the juice just as you would vinegar.
Citrus Drink Powder
Powdered lemonade mix can also be used.
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Fill the detergent cup with the powder, and run a regular cycle.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipes
Keep a DIY dishwasher detergent on hand for daily use or emergencies.
It will have a bit more cleaning power than using just a single product in an emergency.
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Label the finished product and include instructions for use on the label.
This will help remove any residue that can cause spotting.
Store in an airtight plastic container.
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Use 1 tablespoon of the detergent per dishwasher load.
Add the lemon juice, and stir well to verify that all of the ingredients are equally moist.
Allow the molded tablets to dry completely and harden.
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Remove from the molds, and store in an airtight container.
Use one tablet per dishwasher load.
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The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
